Mykonos - My Last Day

I've had a lovely last day today. Pretty much the same as most of them here ... the beach of the day, was Paradise and as I said, I really quite enjoyed it - especially as it is a pebble sand beach. The wind the last couple of days has been quite extraordinary - there's been almost a coolness in the air which has been lovely. And I'm grateful for it as otherwise, I was told, it would be about 40+ degrees.

Then dinner tonight at the Dublin ... where else? A final Greek Salad for the road - I think I've had one everyday for the last two weeks ... and a beer while I upload my blog.

After these 10 days, I am getting to know people - I have a regular table at the cafe and the conversation with the woman in the little store is going beyond just how was your day. At my hotel, I'm starting to feel like part of the family. It's been really, really lovely.

And at the same time, I'm ready to move on - I'm looking forward to getting more active in Rome and seeing something new. What will I miss most? Likely, the easy, relaxed quality of the life here. What am I looking forward to the most? Other than just the experience of Rome, I have to say, a Caprese salad will be a good change of pace, laundry will be wonderful, I'm stopping for the first pedicure I can find, a lovely chilled glass of white wine in a piazza and after having less success with the ouzo here, maybe try a little grappa :-)

I will be back to Greece - sometime in the winter to see Athens when it is cool - there is a new Parthenon Museum which is meant to be spectacular - and anytime, to the Greek Islands. While Santorini was my my favourite, I don't think you can go wrong with any of them and they are all there to be explored!

Efharisto Greece - it's been so very, very good :-)

Mykonos - Exploring the Island

About half the days here, I've headed off and explored part of the island – or more accurately one of the 24 beaches on the island. It's been a great, relaxed way to see the island and continue my rest and relaxation theme!

Though the first day, was so windy that when I was exploring Mykonos town, I found a pool to sit by – free with lunch. I was lucky as I sat beside a Portuguese mother and daughter – her daughter is half Greek so they spend the summer here each year – lovely people, who shared with me some good advice on places to eat in town and beaches to visit. Armed with her advice, I headed out!

Mykonos has a great bus service that runs from the station near the center of town and goes to a number of the popular beaches. So I hope the bus from Ag. Stefanos to the Port and then find my way through town to the bus to the beach. I've been to the upscale Platys Gialos, the smaller scale Ornos and then finally Paradise Beach - figured I had to at least see it! It actually was fun - lots of people and amenities (cafeteria, gift shop, ice cream shop, full meal take away - everything) and a really fun atmosphere - the party was just getting going as I left about 6pm - more people getting off the bus than on ...

With my success in Santorini behind me, I rented an ATV for a day in the hope of getting to some of the more remote beaches – it turned into the “3 beaches in one day” tour - stunning Fokos in the north, the secluded Ag. Sostis on an inlet and then Super Paradise ... at the start of the day, I thought I'd stop at two beaches but the wind was so incredible at Ag. Sostis, I had to leave as it was a fine sand beach and I was starting to eat it! Driving through the island was also beautiful - saw the small local communities, ran into a herd of goats and saw many, many little churches - a little of the real life on Mykonos. I had a great day exploring and realize just how much I love having the independence of my own wheels - I really love the feeling of freedom.

So out of 24 beaches, I managed to see 7 in 9 days, not too bad. They were all beautiful but with the wind, the ones with more pebble like sand where the clear winners!

Mykonos - The Town & the Nightlife

The main town of Mykonos is quite a charming, traditional island village – lots of narrow streets, just a maze. A 5 minute bus ride away, I explored it on my second day and while I enjoyed the energy, I quickly realized I was happy to stay where I was as there was no good beach to speak of right in town. (Santorini made me realize just how much being near a good beach matters to me – I love being able to easily wonder down for a swim and back. One day I will live on the water - that is a dream.)

A few days later, I decided to head into the town for dinner – after all, it was why I'd chosen the island, so I should explore the nightlife. Friday night, here I come ... and about 30 minutes later, there I go ... ah, there were just too many people for me, in too tight spaces and I was pretty quickly overwhelmed. And hey, for a place that looks at you oddly when you're eating alone, I just couldn't do it at a busy restaurant on a Friday night ...

So back I headed to my little town, ending up at the Dublin for dinner - I was hoping the band that was there in the afternoon would still be playing, but alas not. It was still good – and very relaxed.

I headed back to my room about 11am - as I'm walking up the hill, everyone is heading out - clearly it's a late night party scene ... I got the scoop from 2 Irish girls still in Uni – Paradise beach for a wild but expensive party starting about 5pm or the clubs in town starting about midnight, though again, expensive e.g. 40 or 50 euro just to get in … CRAZY money ... while they kindly invited me to join them, I just couldn't ... instead, I heard the scooters as people returned from any where between 3 and 6 am ...

The real net net, is that I am just not much of a 'partier' – hardly a surprise to those who know me and really very ok by me. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good cocktail or two and also a good dance – just with people I know in a place I'm comfortable in. What is a little ironic is that I've actually managed to find the quiet island part of Mykonos to hang out in – just proves I create my environment ... it's been a good lesson – I am who I am and I'm perfectly happy with it!

Having said all that, I did make it into the main town for dinner on a calm Tuesday night – just me, a few other tourists staying on the island and the hordes that came off the cruiseship ... mayhem, but I stayed – and sat beside a lovely father and son who were here for a few days – though they were heading back to Athens so the son could get to the good parties! Side note - in case it ever comes up in trivia, it is true, cruiseships still play the Copa Cabana ... before i said, maybe when I was 80 I'd cruise, now it will be when I'm 80 and deaf ... :-)

Mykonos - My Lovely, Lovely Days

I've settled into a really lovely routine here.

My first couple of days here were a little unsettled, I'll admit, that nervous feeling in my stomach – was I going to stay put or find different accommodation, how long did I want to stay, when did I want to go to Rome, where would I stay … you get the idea. I then would spend way too much time on the internet googling away, checking in with travel agents, asking room rates of nearby hotels – again, etc. etc. It did make me realize that i needed to sort out my next stop, so I could relax and enjoy where I was - good lesson. By the third day, I'd sorted Rome and made my decision about staying put, I was able to get into the life here.

Part of why I'd decided to stay on Mykonos for the full 9 days was because I wanted some time just to breath and to reflect and get caught up on some things – my blog for one and also some very long overdue correspondence. It was time I thought I would appreciate once back in the noise of touristing travel e.g. once I got to Italy!

So, my day, I wake up – not too early, about 8am – though it's been slipping later as I stay up later ... I have a lovely slow morning with breakfast on the patio and then maybe a walk, reading or writing my blog or emails. Keeps me going until about mid day. The morning is when, if I'm going to feel at all anxious I do – so I've been trying to explore what helps ease it – I've found the walks good – a chance to talk to myself a little and regroup.

I've also found I've been able to get a little yoga in – I've been struggling with the 'self-practice' part of yoga for a long time now – and all of a sudden one day I decided, I just needed to do some – however, little it was. Ironically, I decided the same day I moved into the new room – but even with less space, I've been able to do some sitting, breathing, hip openers, uttanasana and headstand, with a little shavasana at the end – does it count when it's on the bed? It also has helped with the nervous pit in my stomach - I breath better after. Very nice to get back to.

The afternoons have been either discovering other beaches or just hanging out at my local beach – about 50/50. My local beach – when not too windy – is lovely with great swimming. I definitely go for the extortionate beach chairs (an advantage of not traveling on a true shoestring ...). About mid afternoon I head to the Dublin Cafe on the beach for a late lunch and a little internet time – best connection in town. Then it is back to the beach for another couple hours of the lovely early evening sun. I start to head back about 7pm.

I haven't read so much in a long time and that has been great as well. I brought with me 3 Vanity Fairs, two old Newsweeks and an old Mcleans and a book. I'm determined to get through as much as possible if only to manage the weight of my backpack for the next leg. So after it taking me a week to read the first Vanity Fair on Santorini (I read them cover to cover), the 2nd was 3 days and the 3rd was two. (PS the Sarah Palin article in the July edition is priceless!) One Newsweek is down and the other currently has me completely engrossed – it is the special edition 2009 issue from the beginning of the year with 36 articles on everything from foreign affairs to energy, the environment and the arts from leading international scholars, world organization leaders, CEOs and heads of state titled 'How to Fix the World – A Guide for the Next President' – it is a fascinating summary of the key issues in the world today and their prescriptions for the future. I'm not sure I'm going to be able to leave this one behind ...

The evenings are nice – I get cleaned up, try and scrub the sand out of my hair and ears (the wind is incredible ...), maybe do a little more internet and then head out to dinner about 8.30 or 9pm. I've solved the eating problem – I go out to dinner every second night – order two dishes to make a real meal out of it and then take home the remainder for dinner the next night … ingenious or what! I've made friends with my two local establishments – the owner of the local taverna thinks I'm just plane odd (he doesn't see a lot of single tourists me thinks ...) where as the folks at the Dublin are fine with me hanging out – if only for a beer – on those nights when I've had leftovers! They also have great music - the owner, an older Greek gentleman (wife is Irish), even has a little DJ station and he'll sit behind there all evening finding the next right tune.

Then, there is a final stop on the way home - to the little market, which is open all hours it seems, to get yogurt and a piece of fruit for breakfast the next morning :-)

So, as you can see, it's quite a lovely life here on Mykonos :-)

Mykonos - The Perfect Pear

My little hotel is in Ag. Stefanos - a small little community right centered around a little beach in a cove. It is family run, simple and lovely – it sits atop a very large hill with amazing views overlooking the beach below and the main town of Mykonos in the distance – and has the most magnificent sunsets. It is a 10 minute walk down, straight down, to the beach - finally, I am getting some cardio that my friend and trainer back home would be proud of ... and walking up a large number of steps on the coast of a Greek Island beats walking lunges on the sidewalk of 8th & Cambie any day of the week :-)

The family works hard on the business, with very long days - before 8am to well after 10pm it seems. They have about 20 rooms of which 6 above the main house all share this wonderful balcony - the rest suites in the back. The majority, especially the ones with the balcony where I am, seem to get rented as needed by one of the two sisters who meet people like me getting off the ferries and then liaise with them during their stay - they both seem run off their feet. (One told me that she and her sister go for a weeks vacation in September - just them, sans kids and husbands - from what I've seen, they earn it!) The busiest it's been was over the weekend – Saturday night was packed – it's also when a lot of Greeks come down from Athens for the weekend. The beaches and parties of Mykonos call – more on that later. The is also a scooter/atv rental business which the brother runs. Having said all this, really it is the parents who run the place – from supervising everything from the cleaning, to maintenance and looking after the garden (which is beautiful). It is their home and you can tell, they remain in charge. There english is not as good but a Kalimera or Kalispera and a smile will get you one in return.

Initially I was in a lovely little room off the balcony. I kept signing on for a 'few more nights' as I realized I had an exceptionally good deal and it really was a lovely place to stay. I was paying 35 euro a night versus the 60 to 70 euro I found at the other places nearby. Then after 4 nights, when I told them I wanted to stay for another 5, I was told there might be a 'reservation' issue – the next day I was moved downstairs ... a much smaller room with less ventilation and access to the patio and clearly hadn't been rented in a while – the grotto you could say. It seems I had been getting a very, very good deal and for a night or two that was ok but 9, they weren't so sure. However, there was one big upside – it was a good few concrete walls away from the motor scooter area which seemed to get most action anywhere between 3 and 6am in the morning and had previously been right outside my window ... there also was a most magnificent view of the ocean – so simple and quiet is just fine with me. I renegotiated it to 30 euro (i'm getting better at this negotiating thing ...) and then found I actually preferred the room - so it was a win win all round :-)

The title for the blog came from my second day here, I was walking in from a day in town and I stopped to speak with the sister who had rented me the room, the mother then gave me a fresh pear from their tree – oh so sweet, both their pear and the life here.

I'm a Backpacker ... Heading to Mykonos

It took me 6 of the 7 days to figure out what I was going to do when my friends left – stay on Santorini, head off to the next island, but which one … I decided it was time to leave – I love Santorini but it was where us girls holidayed and I needed to head off somewhere new to really start my own adventure.

I was surprised at my emotion the day before we were all leaving – all of a sudden it struck me I think – wow, I was really going to do this backpacking, unplanned thing by myself. A little teary, but then ok – I'm still not too sure if it was the unknown aspect or the alone aspect that was driving the emotion but I definitely had a pit in my stomach. I think it was the unknown primarily, but definitely compounded by being on my own.

So, where to? I'd had numerous recommendations for islands – and my usual instincts would have dictated heading to one of quieter islands but I then decided I'm here for new adventures and to do things differently – so Mykonos it is – not the true, true party island of Ios, but bigger, more alive and fun than Paros (the quiet one). It was also an island known for it's great beaches – perfect!

The next challenge was what to take. I knew I'd overpacked a little when I left London, but thought I was ok as my friends could take some stuff back with them ... then I got serious about it thanks to their advice and own backpacking experiences – did I really want to carry all this? Well, the nice shoes were going after the first night when I discovered they were a little tight with heat swollen feet ... as were the Vancouver appropriate t-shirts, the long pants, an extra pair of shoes ... in the end, more than half the clothes I brought went back and my pack was so empty I could fit my yoga mat inside with space to spare ... (done after the picture was taken) and it was about, if not less, than 10 kgs. The lightest I have ever packed in my life!!

I had a ticket for the fast ferry to Mykonos which left a little after my friends were leaving for their flight home. After learning that I really should have booked my taxi the night before (there are only 39 on the island apparently), the hotel was able to find someone to drive me to the port on time. Then on the ferry. As I'd booked late, I was in business class … what a way to get this trip off the ground! The ride was initially quite smooth, the occasional crash on the waves but nothing too bad – I got out my PC and started working on my blog ... then about an hour in, things changed. It was so rough, it was like being on an out of control rollercoaster. I like my adrenaline but for what ever reason, this was not sitting with me at all well ... I've never been so sick ... (I always thought I had a strong stomach but per my Mom, I was in similar shape crossing from Spain to Morocco when I was 5 ...) At least I wasn't alone – the steward was handing out bags like candy canes followed up by the garbage ... there was significant relief when we were within 5 minutes of port and the majority were moving a little gingerly as we got off the boat. What I learned afterwards was that it was an extreme wind – close to the level where the boats don't travel. All I know is next time, a nice large slow boat for me.

I didn't have any accommodations booked for the night – more of my go spontaneous strategy – I knew there would be plenty of offers right off the boat. But I have to say, the way I was feeling, the first one which seemed even remotely ok was going to be it ... I could find something else after if needed. I lucked out. Within an hour I had been to the place, unpacked and was down at the beach – a lovely little bay with a couple of restaurants along the water and plenty of sun chairs. I was much happier actually in the water than I had been riding on top of it :-)

Santorini - Ah ... the Food & Drinks ...

A prime mission on our arrival was to find good food and a place with good drinks. Traveling with these girls was going to be fun!

We lucked out on day 1 when in search for lunch, we found a great little taverna on the water. Really, really good food and reasonable. We stumbled out, found our way back to the beach and happily slept off a Greek salad, Santorini salad (featuring local Santorini tomatoes with wonderful flavor),tzatziki, bread and grilled octopus … life in Greece was going to be good. (It took us a few meals, but we finally figured out how little we actually needed to order.) By the end of the week, we'd been back 4 times and the family recognized us as we approached. The best meal was our final lunch of the most amazing lamb (vegetarian, who me? where?) and wonderful saganaki (fried cheese – a favourite of mine that I'd remembered from my last time in Greece) and the unforgettable Santorini salad. mmmm good.

Then there was the question of predinner drinks – we initially stuck with our hotel bar – 3 for 2, a good deal, until it became clear there was a reason they were cheap. So onto the Navy bar – the draw initially was free wireless, but we kept coming back – cute waiters didn't hurt but the real draw were the very good (and strong) cocktails and what became 'our' seats - right on the front where we could watch people stroll by to our hearts content. We had some good conversations and a lot of laughs ... in fact, our last night there, we just stayed - after our lunch there was no need for dinner beyond the drinks and a few appies. It was very good fun.

In between these two haunts, we found other good spots as well as some good bakeries – the 1.50 euro spanokopita is hard to beat for lunch and the pastries made excellent late afternoon snacks. And of course a little fresh gelato was found – somehow required to finish an evening.

With all this eating and food appreciation, I learned a few things about myself. My Uncle had actually first pointed it out when I was visiting him in Montreal - over breakfast and my appreciation for a very good fresh croissant, my Uncle started to chuckle ... he said that my entire family all made mmmm noises as we ate good food. Quite audible appreciation really. He thought my father was the instigator (certainly couldn't have been his sister, my mother) and he'd noticed it with all of us. I shared this with the girls and I have to say, they concurred - that along with my pretty consistent 'very good' comments made them chuckle - and me much more aware ... ah well, at least you know if I like it right? :-)

I was really going to miss the girls when they left - particularly at meal times. Their great companionship of course but compounded by the fact that eating in Greece is such a communal event - you don't order your dish but rather a few to share - after all, who could eat an entire plate of grilled octopus for a meal - but a little, with some salad, some saganaki and tzatziki with bread - now that was a meal! I really wasn't sure how I was going to do that on my own ...

Looking back, it was a fabulous week - relaxing times on the beach, wonderful swimming/splashing about, enough exploration to keep us entertained and some great meals and a lot of really good laughs. We've said we'll be back in 10 years and I'm definitely in! C&S, it was an absolute blast and a great way to kick off my adventures - thank you!

Santorini - The Dress Made it Out

For those of you who read the earlier post of the Amish dress … well, one of my traveling companions was one of those who had a very good laugh at the Amish dress and told me in no uncertain terms, it had to go. So I trust her fashion sense. Well, unfortunately, I was not to be immune this vacation either … as we were out on our boat doing a lot of swimming, my bikini bottoms were unfortunately critiqued – yes they might have been a little old and maybe even a little big … but still, 'nanny knickers' hardly seemed fair ... that's what you get for traveling with two blunt Aussies ... needless to say, they were ceremoniously disposed of that night (after drinks) and a new more figure flattering bikini was purchased the next day ...

Then there is the story of the Dress – the one that I was told explicitly should be worn. Well we decided to head out to Fira on one of our last nights, the main town on Santorini, a cliff top town known for it's magical sunsets. The girls were going out and the pretty dresses were being worn! We looked good, if I do say so myself - and you'd be able to see if I can fix this damn picture thing ...

We headed first for a 'sunset' bar - one of the many, many patios that line the top of the hill and provide a wonderful view of both the town and the sunset. (When you look across and down, you can see all the buildings that go up the cliff - mostly hotels with magical looking pools and rooms that must go right into the cliff.) After our one, very "view" priced drink and many photos snapped, we headed off to explore the town - very busy with everyone out wandering, shopping and eating. One of my friends had been here twice before - 10 and 16 years ago if I get it right - and both times had been to this one particular restaurant, so we were off memory hunting. We managed to find it and had a lovely dinner - it was one of many rooftop places away from the cliff, family run and friendly - the best places are - with good food and a little ouzo to boot.

At a certain point, we decided to head back to Kamari and continue from there - we needed to say we'd been to at least one club on the trip ... there was one we'd walked by many times and the gentleman out front seemed just that, a gentleman - so we tried it out. Well, we can say we've been - not sure if it was the fact that it was a Sunday night, or we were just tired from our exhausting vacation but, by one drink, we were done.

All in all, it was a very fun night out and I can at least now say, the Dress has been worn!

Santorini - Touring the Island ... With Bessie

By about day 2 we were getting a little restless – time to explore!

Our first excursion was a package – go out in a boat and explore 3 of the more remote beaches. It was great – one of those boats where they drop anchor off the beach, you jump in and swim ashore – the horn sounds and you swim back in time to head off to the next beach. The two highlights were the Red Beach and the White Beach – both just stunning – though the Red was very busy – I'll take the more remote, little less spectacular any day. It also became clear quite quickly that I am not the world's most proficient swimmer to say the least … the head above water thing certainly doesn't help but the crazy fish kick that goes with my breast stroke is also more than a little weak. If the pacific ever warms up enough to get me in regularly, I might just need to invest in some swimming lessons – now that will make my family chuckle ...

The next day, we struck out on our own – the idea was to rent 3 scooters and tour the island ... however, once the guy realized that I had never driven one before, I got given the nanny mobile – an ATV ... seriously, I had a grandmother who in her 80's could have and would have driven it. I felt like a child and was more than a little frustrated – as I said to the guy repeatedly in a fairly petulant tone, so how do I learn? How do I learn? I didn't get an answer - the Dad, proud owner and mechanic of said fleet said no, and no it would be.

I worked hard to be positive but what finally did the trick was when I tried to drive one of my friend's scooters, and after an initial good go, I proceeded to almost drive off the road down a path and in my effort to regain control, slightly scratched the scooter (I was absolutely fine). My romanticized memories of riding a scooter when last in Greece (all be that as a passenger sitting behind a cute guy) that I was trying to recapture, succumbed to realizing I really don't have that good hand brake/accelerator control - though if asked, I blame short legs. Maybe my ATV wasn't so bad after all … we became friends and I named her Bessie. (Our karma was good as we didn't end up having to pay for the scratches on either scooter – after the way I behaved at the outset, I'm sure there's a lesson in there for me … one I just need to remember in the moment next time.)

We then spent the next two days exploring the beaches and towns of Santorini – it was great. One of my favorites was a little fishing spot with great rocks to swim off – followed by lunch of the most amazingly fresh calamari – life is good. We also explored the town of Ia – a cliff top town where the all white buildings are built into the side of the cliff and the narrow streets wind there way along the top. It was stunning – and very popular with the tourists – but we managed to get out of the crowd and found a lovely cafe overlooking the ocean – view prices but the best home made chocolate ice cream I've had in a very long time.

By the end of the second day, Bessie and I had become good friends – I fully appreciated her stability and steadfastness – especially when I took her up the hill beside our beach the following morning. Gravel and coblestones on a narrow switchback road that just climbed up, and up and up. At the top was the archeological site of 'Old Fira' (the capital town) as well as the most incredible view of Kamari and the beach. I think I stopped every 500 feet on the way down to take a picture. It was a fitting final adventure with Bessie.

Santorini - Wow, I'm Really Here!!

We've been on the plane for a couple of hours (after a 3.30am taxi pickup to get to the airport on time ...) and all of a sudden I look out the window and see the amazing blue of the Mediterranean and it hits me – I'm really here and this trip is real – wow, I'm excited!

Within 2 hours of landing, we are at the beach and shortly thereafter in the ocean – incredible! We're staying in Kamari (best place on the island I've decided) – it is quite a small town with a main boardwalk beside the beach where the majority of the restaurants and shops are. We're lucky – our hotel is right on the boardwalk and there is a lovely courtyard pool inside or else beach chairs right outside – hard to get more perfect than this!

The first couple of days are spent unwinding by the pool with dips into the ocean – it took us a few days to figure out the 'towel' protocol with the beach chairs but once done, we're right out front by the waters edge. While I am not a water baby (really don't like putting my head under), I do love being in the ocean – when it is warm! We're on a lovely little bay which is quite protected by a side of rock and so swimming – or my version thereof – is just lovely. (I've invented a new stroke – “the chair” - sit upright in the water, kick your legs and use your arms to pull you backwards – not the most efficient I'll grant but very pleasant and effective when going into the wind and surf!)

I think it was by the 2nd day as I was puttering in the water, that I realized, there is really no reason not to come back to Europe and travel more frequently – it's been 11 years since I left, and while I've been back on business, never for vacation. Now granted, it took me about 5 years to vacation at all, but why keep flying to Hawaii or Mexico when there is just so much here. Requires saving of course – but every couple of years seems feasible ... we'll see how I do going forward but that is my thinking at the minute!

All in all, I think this is going to be a most excellent vacation! Or shall I say, very, very nice indeed.

PS - sorry technical issues preventing the uploading of pictures ... but maybe that is better?

London - A Quick Pit Stop

I love London. I lived here for so long and know it so well, it is instantly familiar as soon as I step off the plane. Whether walking through M&S, along the highstreet or waiting for the underground, it is just so very comfortable. It is nice to be back.

I am only here for a day before we fly out to Santorini – just enough time to get over a little jet lag, have dinner in a pub garden (I do love them), do a few errands and repack my bags ... literally everything out and then everything back in ... (when I left Vancouver I had tried to pack for all three trips – Europe, Africa and India and now only take what I needed for Europe – it was a process ...).

I also managed to get to a yoga class at the London Iyengar Yoga Institute – it was good - the first class I had been to in a while and it was perfect for my jet lagged state with lots of stretching, forward bends and twists – I felt re-energized. The institute is lovely – set in the residential Maida Vale neighborhood, it is back from the street in a purpose built building with lots of windows – the light and the greenery outside all make their way in. The teacher was good – though I was surprised by the lack of the hands on corrections – not sure if it is just him or the "institute" (I always wonder a little at places that call themselves that ...). My one key take away from his class was what he called our second knee – right above the real one – it was a good metaphor for the experience of lifting your quad when working to pull up your legs.

The friend I am staying with rents from a woman whom I had met when I was last here, a little over a year ago – we were at surprisingly similar places in our lives – same age, both about to leave senior positions in organizations we'd been with for a long time and contemplating what to do with our time off / what next. However, shortly after, she was diagnosed with breast cancer – since then she's been through chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and now more chemotherapy. Clearly our last 12 months, which once might have been quite similar, have been dramatically different. We had some good conversations and I give her huge credit for how she is living – a lot of courage, fortitude and exploration – she's leveraging alternative therapies and has put a lot of focus on her nutrition, which seems to have had a really positive impact on how she's responded to the side effects of her treatment and overall state of well being. I admire her and my fingers are crossed that she'll get an all clear at the end of this course of chemo. I was struck hard with a “but here by the grace of God go I” moment. Life is unpredictable at best – to be treasured and lived to the fullest each day.

The Next Adventure

Before I left on my US trip, I knew I also wanted to do more travel in the summer/fall – to really take advantage of this wonderful opportunity of time that I have.

So, this adventure – where will I go? Since I left work, I have wanted to go and volunteer in Africa. When I was in Bali, and with my interest in yoga, I became more curious to visit India. And I knew that I had to go back to Europe – even having lived there for 8 years in the 1990's, there was still more I want to see. I also realized that while I originally went there to backpack, I ended up working – so maybe now, after 20 years of pretty much all work, it was time to backpack!

I spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out what of all these options, I really wanted to do. Then one day, speaking to a friend, I realized I could do it all – I have the time, so why not - just go! Europe in the summer and Africa and India in the fall using London as a home base.

The plan then started to take concrete shape when I had the invitation to join friends on a weeks vacation on Santorini in Greece in July. I decided to go when I realized that from there I could explore more of the Greek Islands (as I was there …) and then go from there to Italy – which I had never been to and always wanted to visit – Rome, Florence and Sienna where my 3 destinations.

In terms of India – I had purposely gone to a workshop in Denver by an Indian Iyengar yoga teacher, Swati Chanchani as she and her husband run intensive yoga programs in India. I applied and am going to two of their intensives (since I am there) from the end of September to mid November. I realized just how excited I was with my reaction to the confirmation – yippee!!

With regards to Africa – I do still want to go, but have struggled with how and with what organization. Ideally, I would like to just go to Capetown and see where it takes me, but I am not comfortalbe doing that on my own. And from what I've read over the last year, I've become more disillusioned about the bigger aid organizations – including the UN from my visit there in NY. I decided to try and go with Habitat for Hummanity but this hasn't quite come together yet so I am still exploring – hoping to get something nailed down soon given that September is just around the corner.

So – at the minute, after a fabulous week on Santorini, I am in a little hotel on Mykonos in Greece getting this blog thing together and enjoying the easy lifestyle of the Greek Islands – beach or to blog, it's a tough choice! The lovely thing is, for which I'm very grateful, that this is truly my time – to explore, to just hang out and relax – above all, a chance to be present with myself in some pretty amazing places.

Back Blogging - Finally ...

Hello – it has been a while since I've written … as you can tell, I got behind in New York and never caughts up ...

I had a great 6 days in New York followed by 2 wonderful weeks in Ontario for a family wedding and visiting relatives and friends that I hadn't seen in years – a really, really good visit :-) I then headed back home – along the top of the US through some amazing countryside. It was a much faster trip back than the way out, especially once I'd decided to start my next adventure mid July - I knew I needed at least two weeks at home for the turn around … and it was a great, crazy couple of weeks!

I am going to retroactively catch up on my blog – just need to find some time to upload what I've written. As well, I'm starting to blog about this trip (already two weeks in and amazing!). So for those of you subscribed, I apologize in advance for the confused entries that will follow – it will be a bit of a time warp I fear …

One of the things that has surprised me, is just how much I'm enjoying blogging – I've missed it this last month + as I see/experience things and want to comment. I am looking forward to getting caught up and then keeping going – though likely not in such a 'daily' way as before. I hope you're enjoying it … and not throwing too many darts at the PC - I've been told by a few how jealous I'm making them for which, while I feel bad, I just can't quite apologize for …. just know, that I know how truly fortunate I am and how determined I am to make the most of this time and opportunity :-)

Editor's note – about 10 minutes after writing the above para, the ferry I was on really hit rough waters and about 30 minutes later and for the duration of the journey, I was sick like I have very rarely been sick before … karma kick'n me in the ass … :-)