CHAPTER THREE: ATHENS, GREECE

"Please fasten on your seatbelts as we are about to land in the beautiful city of Athens,Greece. Thank you for flying with us today."

Mouth agape , she watched as the plane land in the city of Athens, Greece. Nafisa clung onto her husband, she was beyond happy.

It has been one of her dreams to visit the country and now she is here. She closed her eyes and inhaled the fresh air outside the airport.

Nafisa watched as Hussain interact with the English tour guide he hired. She couldn't wait to explore the city of Athens, the beaches, bike tour and walk at night.

The drive to The Stanley hotel was longer than they thought. But it was worth it, looking at the city through the car window was fun. They got to see so many fun things.

She scanned the hotel room and It looks like a mini apartment, a scary 3D bathroom, it is the best she could ever wished for. She unzipped their luggage, pulling out her hijab while Hussain laid the praying mat for both of them, she draped over her hijab.

It is the most beautiful thing to do in life with your husband, to pray together.

They found peace in praying, they said their adkhars. She laid her head on his lap , finding a peace of heart. He played with her head, the scent blowing his nose.

"What do want to eat baby"He asked slowly, unknown to him she was fast asleep. He dropped her on the bed and lay close to her. Sleep took over them.

Lukumades, Most European cultures have their version of doughnuts, but Greek loukoumades are arguably one of the tastiest. They're perfectly fluffy fried dough balls topped with Greek honey and cinnamon.

At Lukumades dessert café, lines of locals come to indulge in much more sinful versions. Creative toppings and syrups are drizzled on and they're sometimes accompanied by scoops of creamy ice cream made with mastiha (a resin from the mastic tree).

"καλως ΗΡΘΑΤΕ. ¿Welcome ?" The waitress said as they took a seat.

"sas efcharistó. ¿Thank you?"Hussain replied. Nafisa was left puzzled, she never knew he could speak Greek. "What" He asked chuckling. "Nothing, I didn't know you can speak Greek" She replied.

"Yes . I can "

"tha ithela na parangeilo ntónat me méli.¿i would love to order two box of doughnuts with honey on top?" He informed the waiter fiddling with Nafisa's hand.

"entáxei kýrie . ¿Okay sir?" She turned on her heels to the counter and placed their order. She returned with a cup of coffee for them and later she brought the doughnuts for them.

"Hmm. It is the best I have tasted "Nafisa moaned as she took a bite of her doughnuts. "Thélete kréma kýrie. ¿Do you want cream ? " The waitress asked again holding the cream can. "Say yes babe. Pretty please with a cherry on top" Nafisa begged, she would love to taste it with cream.

"nai parakaló.¿Yes please?" He chuckled.

He payed for the food and they left holding hands in the late hours of the night , taking a stroll .

There's something magical about taking a stroll from Thissio to Plaka along Polignotou at night. The path starts opposite Thissio Open Air cinema where a gate marks the entrance. You walk in near total darkness with the glowing Acropolis as your guide. Walking through a piece of history in relative quiet, they felt as though they been transported back to ancient Athens.

"Babe ,let's stay here and watch please"Nafisa suggested . It will be too early for them to go back to the hotel."okay"

Hussain sat on the bench as she curled close to him.

"Teach me how to speak Greece Language Hun"she requested as he played with her hair under the jibab. "It is not easy as you thought"Hussain replied.

"But I want to" She whined sitting up. "Tomorrow morning please" She added.

"Tomorrow"He sighed, defeated.

***

The wind whispered and the leaves rattled due to the weather. Men trod back and forth, some in their house wear and some in the suit. Nafisa watched through the window as the city was rustling with noises.

A particular girl caught her attention, the girl who was trying to set up the vendor for her mother was struggling with it. The girl looks moody.

"What are you looking at babe" Hussain questioned as he inhaled the scent of her hair. She ducked her head away . "Out it"She whispered out. The butterflies in her stomach are disturbing, it felt like the time she is having them.

"I love it when you pretend to be coy"he confessed . She was about to talk when he continued. " I want us to visit my croft today. It is not that far from here so we will use bikes . " He informed her. He got the croft as a gift from his father when he was getting hitched. And now he wants to share a moment with her there .

"Oh My God"She exclaimed. Hussain has been surprising her with different things since they arrived. "You have a croft? As in a croft farm "She questioned. "Yes"He replied smiling , playing with her hair as she watched through the window.

Getting ready for the picnic was not hard for her. She was happy to the core that she wouldn't stop smiling. She watched her self in the mirror as she draped over her abaya .

She went over to Hussain who was thanking his Lord for blessing him with her. Abaya's makes her beautiful always . She walked slowly to him and say close to him. "Stop looking at me like that . I don't like it" She whined pouting.

"You are my wife, my property so I must look at you" He smirked , pecking her lips. "Let's get going" He announced and picked her bag.

Hussain hired two bicycle for them to ride to the croft. They slowly ride it through the road side leading to the croft. In less than twenty minutes, they've reached, Hussain helped her unmounted the bike as she watched in awe.

This is all she wants.