Through sheer determination and teamwork Greek Australian singer Maria Maroulis and Greek laika (pop-folk) singer Christina Koletsa, secured the third place in the finals of Greece’s reality show Asia Express.
“The experience was such an emotional roller coaster. I was surprised we made it to the final, I didn’t think that we would get there, but we did. Christina and I cried it was like a release of everything that we went through. It was unbelievable,” Maroulis, told Neos Kosmos.
The reality show was a life-changing experience for nine couples, who were subjected to a series of demanding situations that pushed their boundaries to new limits – tested their physical and mental endurance- in an the ultimate test for survival.
The program forced them to dig deep and find reserves of power within themselves they never knew they had.
“We made a really good team, which resulted in us making it to the top 3,” said Koletsa. Reaching top 3 was an achievement that according to both singers, was “particularly hard for women.”
“We were the only female contestants to make it to the finals,” Maroulis said.
She underscored the difficulties they faced competing against men in such physically demanding competitions.
“From working together at Kinisi to being stuck together 24/7 for months in very hard situations, like sleeping on the floor in stranger’s house every night was a true test” for the two women Maroulis said. A test that would either strengthen their bond, or break them apart.
“I always say to her, we are like sisters. We were there to support each other during the difficult times that we went through together,” said Maroulis.
The two vocalist have reunited, and Koletsa is currently in Melbourne, sharing “special duet moments,” on stage.
Maroulis said that she is delighted to work with her ex-Asia Express teammate, “all glammed up,” and “under normal conditions,” with access to “a proper house,” and “a bed to sleep in.”
She is glad that they are no longer “crying” daily, due to the intense physical and mental demands they faced during their adventures on the show.
Koletsa’s “adventures” didn’t stop there though.
After arriving in Melbourne, she found herself facing a new and unfamiliar “challenge” when the alarm suddenly went off in the building where she was staying in.
“I have never experienced anything like that,” she described how it all unfolded in half an hour, with seven firefighters rushing to the scene to bring the situation under control.
After surviving all sorts of challenge on the show, the two divas, have a lot to be thankful for.
Maroulis said the experience as “an eye opener,” that provided her with lessons about her own inner strength and helped her gain insights into the social and cultural aspects of day-to-day life in Asia.
“What stood out was how kind the people over, there opened their houses to us when we were begging at night to find somewhere to sleep. We had no food, no money, no accommodation. And yet the people there were lovely – it made me realise that there is still kindness in the world.”
