EPISODE · May 21, 2026 · 1H 14M
Episode 4: Soraja Hadzalic-Oskarshamn, Sweden
from Kitchen Conversations, Building a Life in Athens · host Jaime Smith
In this episode, Soraja talks about living abroad before eventually moving to Athens, and the social burnout that pushed her toward change. She discusses receiving a job offer in Greece, adapting to Athenian work culture, and her surprise at discovering that Greeks can seem reserved at first-but deeply generous once they truly know you. The conversation explores her eventual love for Athens, discovering the city through basketball, nightlife, dating culture, and meeting her husband Kostas. Soraja also speaks about integration, getting married both at the courthouse and on the beach, navigating the Covid lockdown in Athens, and the exceptional care she received during pregnancy and childbirth compared to Sweden.Jaime and Soraja also discuss naming her boys, small but memorable experiences with racism, the "Antifa" neighbourhood of Exarcheia, an unexpected encounter there involving anarchists, the new metro construction in the area, and advice for anyone dreaming of building a life in Athens.And finally, Soraja turns the tables on Jaime -encouraging her to begin sharing her own story on the podcast.
What this episode covers
In this episode, Soraja talks about living abroad before eventually moving to Athens, and the social burnout that pushed her toward change. She discusses receiving a job offer in Greece, adapting to Athenian work culture, and her surprise at discovering that Greeks can seem reserved at first-but deeply generous once they truly know you. The conversation explores her eventual love for Athens, discovering the city through basketball, nightlife, dating culture, and meeting her husband Kostas. Soraja also speaks about integration, getting married both at the courthouse and on the beach, navigating the Covid lockdown in Athens, and the exceptional care she received during pregnancy and childbirth compared to Sweden.Jaime and Soraja also discuss naming her boys, small but memorable experiences with racism, the "Antifa" neighbourhood of Exarcheia, an unexpected encounter there involving anarchists, the new metro construction in the area, and advice for anyone dreaming of building a life in Athens.And finally, Soraja turns the tables on Jaime -encouraging her to begin sharing her own story on the podcast.
NOW PLAYING
Episode 4: Soraja Hadzalic-Oskarshamn, Sweden
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 26, 2026 ·1m
Mar 19, 2026 ·34m
Feb 18, 2026 ·11m
Feb 11, 2026 ·45m