By Alexandra Paucescu
Margarita Cordova de Velissarouli is the type of person who brings color, warmth and resilience to the world of diplomacy. Born in Peru, her journey began with a passion for art that blossomed into a career. ‘I was just finding my way’, she reflects, remembering the early days in Lima, when she balanced multiple projects: teaching drawing and Latin American art history, illustrating children’s books and restoring colonial artwork.
‘I was also in the first year of a master’s in Cultural Management and Development’, she recalls with a laugh, clearly marveling at her own ambition. But life had other plans. When she met her husband—a Greek diplomat stationed in Santiago at the time—everything shifted. What began as monthly visits between Santiago and Lima evolved into a lifelong commitment. ‘It’s a story that may sound familiar to many diplomatic couples’, she shares, ‘one partner chooses love over a career, hoping to find a balance somewhere down the road. It’s a leap of faith—a risky one—but the rewards are worth it.’
This leap of faith launched Margarita into the world of diplomacy. From Chile to Croatia to China, and now Brussels, her story reads like a love letter to adventure and adaptability. ‘We started our life abroad in 2009’ she tells me. ‘In Chile, we welcomed our first child and in Croatia, our second came along’.
Every destination holds dear memories and Margarita has a way of finding beauty in each. ‘China was a revelation’, she explains, describing it as both an ultra-modern world and an ancient one, shaped by its own challenges, including the pandemic.
Now settled in Brussels, Margarita is soaking up the new experience. ‘Yes, they warned us about the cold and rainy weather, but Brussels has so much charm! Its parks, beautiful architecture and even the buses that can take you anywhere.’ She beams when describing it, seeing her new city with fresh, appreciative eyes.
One of Margarita’s passions is food. She is equally enchanted by Peruvian and Greek cuisines, seeing them as powerful tools in cultural diplomacy. ‘I might not be a chef’, she admits modestly, ‘but I’ve learned to cook food that heals, comforts and brings people together.’ For her, food is about more than the taste; it’s a way of creating memories and fostering goodwill. ‘People remember our dinners, and that’s a talent and a blessing’, she says, proud that her table has become a place where guests feel welcomed and at ease. Food, she believes, bridges cultural divides and brings out the best in people, setting the stage for shared laughter and meaningful conversations.
Margarita holds a deep love for her homeland, Peru, as well as for her adopted Greece. Both countries, she says, are connected by their rich histories and vibrant cultures, even if they occupy different corners of the world. ‘Peru and Greece are both lands of incredible archaeology, with ancient civilizations that have left a lasting impact’ she explains with a scholar’s passion. She is as proud of Peru’s pre-Columbian art and architecture as she is of Greece’s classical heritage.
Her love for history means she has endless stories to tell, both about Peru’s majestic landscapes and Greece’s impressive ruins. ‘When I first met my husband’ she recalls, ‘we visited the Larco Museum in Lima. There, I shared everything I knew about my country’s art and history, and I think that’s where we clicked.’ Now, she finds herself equally captivated by Greek history, something she first studied in her fine arts program but has come to appreciate more deeply as she’s made Greece her second home. ‘It’s a pleasure to speak about both countries,’ she tells me, and I feel fortunate to share them with my children.’
In Margarita’s beautiful eyes, the diplomatic community is a kind of extended family, filled with people who understand the complexities of her life. ‘I’ve been incredibly lucky’ she says, ‘but I don’t think it’s all luck. The diplomatic community feels like a brotherhood or sisterhood, where everyone remembers what it’s like to be the newcomer.’ This sense of belonging has made a world of difference for her, especially as her birth family is far away. ‘Here in Brussels, I know I can reach out to friends who will be there for me, and I try to be that same source of support for others.’
When it comes to the role we play, as diplomatic spouses, Margarita says that is one of resilience and quiet strength. ‘We are the anchor’ she says, describing how she helps her family navigate each transition. ‘When we arrive somewhere new, I leave my own fears behind, so that my children and husband can settle in.’ Her adaptability and optimism are vital, especially as she balances her own dreams with the realities of diplomatic life. ‘I admire spouses who manage to continue their careers’, she confides. ‘It’s not easy, especially with moves every few years, often across continents and time zones.’ Margarita’s own career has had to shift, but she approaches this life with grace, choosing to see each move as an opportunity to grow.
Margarita believes adaptability is her greatest strength—a ‘superpower’, as she calls it. ‘I’ve learned to make any place feel like home quickly’, she laughs, proud of her ability to create a sense of stability wherever they go. For her children, she hopes to instill the same resilience, encouraging them to see each change as an adventure. ‘I try to show them that every new place has something to offer. We look for solutions rather than dwelling on the challenges.’ Margarita’s dedication to making each house feel like a home is part of her charm. ‘It’s something I take pride in, because it reminds me that I am indispensable to this journey.’
‘Sometimes you win, other times you learn’, says Margarita. She first heard it in China, and it has since become a mantra for embracing diplomatic life’s ups and downs.
We definitely learned something while reading her story. Thank you, Margarita!
About the author:
Alexandra Paucescu- Author of “Just a Diplomatic Spouse” Romanian, management graduate with a Master in business, cultural diplomacy and international relations studies.
She speaks Romanian, English, French, German and Italian, gives lectures on intercultural communication and is an active NGO volunteer.
