A Leap of Faith Across the Aegean: Karen Habian’s Grand Greek Adventure
At 66 years old, Karen Habian of North Royalton, Ohio did something she had never done before—she traveled internationally. For someone who had never left the country, the decision was filled with uncertainty and fear. But it was also an act of courage. This journey to Greece was not just a vacation; it was a leap of faith, a response to personal loss, and a powerful reminder that life is precious and there is no time to wait for “someday.”
Karen has been part of the FCSU family since 2000 and currently serves as Recording Secretary for Branch 855. Since September 2024, she has also worked part-time at the FCSU Home Office, assisting with scanning, organizing documents and helping with events. Her dedication to fraternalism is shared by her family—her son and daughter-in-law are members, along with her twin grandchildren. Together, they enjoy participating in Branch 855 gatherings, national picnics, and regional FCSU activities.
Karen found her inspiration through reflection. The recent passing of friends prompted her to take a hard look at her own life, her passions, and the experiences she had always postponed. Traveling overseas had long felt intimidating, but Greece had captured her imagination through photos and stories of its islands and history. Knowing that many Greeks speak fluent English offered some comfort, but Karen still pushed herself further, learning a few Greek words and phrases—including “Yamas,” meaning “Cheers.”
In June 2025, Karen and her younger sister, Barb, boarded a plane for Athens, Greece. The 10-hour flight was exhausting and, at times, nerve-wracking. But the moment they arrived, the fear that had built up over months of anticipation gave way to excitement. They stayed in the historic Plaka neighborhood, ideally located for exploring the heart of the ancient city.
Their first day in Athens was spent easing into this new world. They wandered the streets, visited Monastiraki Square—one of the city’s oldest and most vibrant districts—and Syntagma Square, the bustling central hub of Athens. Along the way, they admired centuries-old churches and enjoyed their first authentic Greek meal: gyros, crusted bread topped with fried feta, fresh tomatoes, and a drizzle of truffle oil. Gelato was plentiful, and a stroll down Ermou Street completed a day filled with simple but unforgettable discoveries.
The following day, they joined a guided tour of Athens’ most iconic landmarks. The Acropolis and Parthenon stood as powerful symbols of history and endurance. The tour also included the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896 and the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble, the Parliament with its famous changing of the guards, the Temple of Apollo, the Theatre of Dionysus, and sweeping views from Lycabettus Hill.
On the third day, nerves returned as the sisters boarded the Celebrity Infinity to begin a seven-night cruise of the Greek islands and beyond. For Karen, the idea of navigating ports, excursions, and life aboard a large ship felt overwhelming—but it quickly became part of the adventure. Cruise Day 1 brought them to Mykonos, where they were tendered ashore to an island known for its turquoise waters and iconic white windmills. Lunch in Little Venice, right along the water, delivered postcard-perfect views and a sense that this bold decision was already paying off.
Cruise Day 2 brought one of the most physically demanding—and personally meaningful—experiences of the trip. On the island of Rhodes, Karen kayaked six miles along the Aegean Sea, weaving in and out of caves under the 85-degree sun. With two brief stops along the way, the excursion tested her endurance and resolve. “I was thrilled I did it and survived,” Karen said, proud of herself for confronting fear head-on and proving she was capable of far more than she had imagined.
Cruise Day 3 offered a chance to catch her breath with a day at sea, but even then, Karen chose curiosity over comfort. She signed up for the Inside Access: Behind the Scenes Ship Tour, which included visits to the incinerator room, engine control room, laundromat, the ship’s bridge, and the galley where thousands of meals are prepared during a seven-night cruise.
On Cruise Day 4, the ship docked in Kusadasi, Turkey. The sisters took part in a guided archaeological tour of Ephesus, walking among ancient ruins that once formed one of the most important cities of the ancient world. The day concluded with a traditional carpet-making demonstration, adding cultural depth to an already unforgettable journey.
Cruise Day 5 delivered one of the most breathtaking views of the entire trip: Santorini. Traveling by bus to the top of the caldera, Karen took in dramatic cliff-side views overlooking the sea. The island’s whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and legendary sunsets exceeded every expectation. The day included a tour of the Akrotiri archaeological site, a wine tasting, lunch in Oia with Greek dancing, and time spent exploring the city of Fira.
The final port of call was the island of Hydra. Reached by water taxi, Hydra is known for preserving its cobblestone streets by prohibiting cars. Supplies are still transported by donkey, giving the island a timeless charm and offering a peaceful conclusion to a whirlwind adventure.
Looking back, Karen describes the experience as a trip of a lifetime. What began with fear and hesitation ended with confidence, gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose. By saying yes to something that scared her, she discovered not only the beauty of Greece, but also her own strength.
“If I get the opportunity,” Karen says, “I would definitely travel overseas again.”
Her story is a reminder to all of us that it’s never too late to chase a dream, face our fears, and say Yamas to life.
