Santorini I Love You

Santorini, Greece is one of the most romantic places on Earth. Suffice it to say I have been there four times with four different lovers. Okay, so I'm dreaming, but it did put a smile on your face, didn't it.

Santorini, or Thera, or Thira—why does every Greek word have three spellings?—is a favourite location for European honeymooners, no matter what your age. If you're my age you'd better get those legs in shape for all those steps on the side of the caldera.

The definition of 'caldera' is a large crater formed by volcanic explosion or by collapse of a volcanic cone. But to me, caldera means one friggin steep mountain side. Santorini is reported to be a section of the sunken, mythological Atlantis, thus the resemblance to the sides of a volcano. [Visit Akrotiri's archeological dig.]

I used to be able to romp down the steps to the bottom of the caldera, swim across to the little island off the coast of Oia (Ia), climb up to the little chapel and ring the bell. Then go all the way back, swimming across, huffing and puffing up the steps to the top. There is absolutely no way I would try that now. Only in my dreams as I sit on the hotel's deck overlooking an amazing turquoise sea, grateful to breathe in the winds off the volcano.

My friend Flora and her family own The Flower Hotel in Oia (Finikia) at the northern tip of Santorini. The website says: "The Flower is located in the beautiful village of Ia, with a splendid view of the Aegean Sea and the islands of Ios, Sikinos and Folegandros. The Flower is a family oriented establishment with a warm, peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, surrounded by a wonderful garden."

I agree. It's a wonderful hotel with clean rooms, a swimming pool, and breakfast included. It's only a five minute walk into the little town of Oia/Ia with its artistic shops, jewellery stores, restaurants and bars, blue-dome churches, marble streets, and white cave homes. I love to walk along the sundrenched streets toward the windmill just before sunset. Buses from all over the island come to Oia to watch sunset. Tourists scramble over the flat roofs of people's cave homes to find their special spot—the Greek owners don't seem to mind and if they do you never hear about it. You see, its tourist season and tourists are their main income. No one wants to rock the boat.

Every year the Greek business taxes go up. Every year I hear how the Greek store owners have to work longer hours, now 24/7 to make ends meet; from May until the end of November when the last of the cruise ships stop arriving. So by the time the autumn winds blows in off the ocean my friends at The Flower Hotel are exhausted, and yet, they will always smile and welcome old friends who return annually.

October is cooler but less touristy. My favourite time of year to visit Santorini or any of the Greek Islands is May-June, springtime. Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines fly all over Greece; or take one of the many ferries and island-hop. But stop long enough in one place to hear the cicadas singing in the evening and watch the sunsets turn brilliant pinks over the turquoise sea.

INFORMATION: The Flower Hotel, Oia, Santorini Island, GREECE - Tel. & Fax +30 2286071130 - Mobile: +30 6944976016 - info@flower-santorini.com; www.flower-santorini.com

—M. J. Milne

(Photo of Santorini by M. J. Milne; Copyright © 2011 M. J. Milne)

TO GO OR LET GO

Traveling is an adventure where the destination is not the journey. It's all about enjoying the journey. But how do we choose our travel destinations? Is it because there's a flight sale, or a particular tour; perhaps it holds a special meaning for us, or you have a preference for a certain area of the world? Or does the place choose us?  

A friend has decided that she wants to travel to all the Wonders of the World. What are they? To my friend's way of thinking they include The Great Pyramid of Giza; Temple of Artemis (Ephesus, Turkey); Leaning Tower of Pisa (Italy); Eiffel Tower (France); Taj Mahal (India); ruins of Petra (Jordan); Alhambra (Spain); stone sculptures of Easter Island; Michelangelo's David (Italy); Mont-Saint-Michel (France); Mayan pyramids (Mexico & Guatemala); and Machu Picchu (Peru). Of course, there are many more.…

Which Wonders of the World are on your Bucket List?

My friend has been to five on her list already. But this year she decided on the Egyptian Pyramids and the Jordanian ruins at Petra, both are World Heritage Sites. So she booked a tour to Egypt/Jordan for September through Peregrine Adventures. And then the country started a revolution! [The two are not related ;o)]

So what should she do? Wait and see what will happen by September and still go? Or cancel her trip altogether? The revolution and riots are in full swing and the Canadian government has told tourists to leave the country immediately. What would you do?

I was in a similar predicament; however, I was already in the country! In 1974 Greece erupted in a coup d'état. I was sitting at a café in Syntagma or Constitution Square when the army from the north drove their tanks and jeeps into Athens and, then, walked up the steps of the Parliament Buildings, and peacefully took over the government.

The citizens of Athens were ecstatic because for twenty years they had lived under a suppressive dictatorship. The President was ousted and the people rejoiced. Syntagma Square exploded into a wild party. Men took off their shirts in public for the first time in 20 years—it had been illegal. Musicians started to play the Bouzouki in public—it had been illegal to play it for 20 years. Melina Mercouri (Μελίνα Μερκούρη), the famous Greek female actor in such films as 'Never on Sunday,' had been a political exile for ten years. Mercouri returned the following day and waved from the balcony of the Hotel Grande Bretagne. The Greeks were ecstatic. She later became the Greek Minister of Culture. For a few moments in history, these modern day Greeks had experienced freedom.

So will the Egyptian military turn and side with the people and perform a coup d'état? Possibly. 

And will my friend get to see the Pyramids?

"Not this year," she said. I think it's a wise choice, don't you?

Traveling is a pilgrimage within to grow the garden of the soul. It stretches us and teaches us great lessons of life. Only we can decide whether to go or to let go.

—M. J. Milne

(Photo of David by M. J. Milne; Copyright© 2011 M. J. Milne)

Travel Tip: Don't wait on 'HOLD' with a portable phone while booking flights.

I've never used air mile points to book flights before. Have you? What a test in patience! I waited forty minutes on the portable phone for someone to answer. As soon as the service rep finally came on, my phone died. Ha. Is this a message? Am I supposed to go on holidays? Yes, but not that flight I was about to book. Ah, the ways of spirit are endless---my inner guides are protecting me.

Where to go on my holidays? Greece or Italy? Couldn't make up my mind, so I'm going to both. Visiting Greece again after 15 years came as a total surprise to me. So I will go to visit my friend Perry in Greece and give the country my tourist dollars--they can use them, or so I'm told. And then off to Italy for a friend's 50th birthday at a villa. 21 days of travel. 

Stay tuned, I'll be blogging about it here: http://olderwiserladies.blogspot.com/

~MJM ;O)

Author of "12 Golden Keys for a New World" at www.12GoldenKeys.com

KINDS ACTS FROM TRAVELERS

WORLD KINDNESS CONCERT

As you journey along the roads less traveled, remember to do kind acts wherever you go. You will be amazed how your one kind act can affect a small village.  It could be as simple as a smile, helping an elderly persons cross a busy Parisian street, or helping someone dig a well in middle Africa.

The 10^th annual World Kindness Concert in Vancouver is on November 14 & 15, 2010 at the Vancouver East Cultural Centre, Venables Street. It is a musical celebration that opens hearts and touches soul. The concert features talented local artists from a variety of ages and cultures. Last year the raffle brought in over $4,700 to the non-profit Kindness Foundation. To find out more, go to: www.kindnessfoundation.com. The Kindness Foundation was originally developed for schools and youth groups to raise awareness for how kind acts can create positive global change, and to address bullying in schools.

This year Blue Heron Productions has donated a bundle of books with a music CD including, M. J. Milne’s 12 Golden Keys for a New World (www.12GoldenKeys.com); Jeane Manning’s Breakthrough Power (www.jeanemanning.com); and Rae Armour’s Next Move CD (www.raearmourmusic.com). We hope you win this wonderful prize. Enjoy the show!

. . .

Also, Rae Armour, Jeane Manning, and M. J. Milne have added their special Book 'n Cd Bundle to the Silent Auction at the Fashion Show Fundraiser for the Canadian Diabetes Association. November 7^th at Hycroft Manor, 16^th & Granville 2pm – 6pm.  

Ivan Sayers from the Costume Society to host “Ain't She Sweet” Fashion Show. Entertaining historical dialogue of the 20’s and 30’s era. Silent Auction, refreshments of food and wine served. Proceeds to the Canadian Diabetes Association. Tickets $50.00. E-mail: aintshesweet00@gmail.com

[Photo by Zara]

Are you an OWL™. . .

Are you an OWL™ = an Older Wiser Lady?

. . .wwwhooo loves to travel but is a little skittish about traveling alone? Well, here's a blog dedicated to sharing travel information for ladies age 40-to-80-plus. 

Hop aboard, the world is waiting for you!

Share your travel tips & dreams at: OWL - Older Wiser Ladies

Happy travels! ~ from the Grrls at OWL™

[Owl drawing by Judy Rossouw, www.judyrossouw.com]

Start Your Travel Engines

What are your travel plans for next year?

It's never too early to think about where you'd like to travel to next. Besides, that's half the fun---planning, researching, reading books, renting travel DVDs from your local library, spending the winter months dreaming of next Spring or Fall and how to order that gelato in Italian, etc. Of course, why wait until Spring? Half the other part of the planet is having summer while we in North America are in the middle of winter and snow.

For instance, Australia and New Zealand. Then there's always the beaches of Portugal or Hawaii.

Remember, OWLs never travel in July or August. Why? It's too darn hot and too crowded. "Shoulder-seasons" are best: April, May, June, and September, October, November. Or, January to March for hot winter climates. December is nuts--too busy with Snowbirds and Christmas travel.

So where do you want to go next? Start dreaming now. 

Friends of mine are planning a trip to Egypt and Jordan in September 2011. Although it's a professional tour (Peregrine Tours) they are still planning and reading up on a few of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, i.e., the Pyramids. It sounds like a great tour, too.

Another friend experienced the Rick Steves tour to Spain and Morocco this year, and loved it. Traveling with a smaller group, about 25 people, was better than the massive 48 people on other tours. And on Rick Steves tours you stay in friendly-family hotels, either 2 or 3-Stars. Still as clean and nice as the larger (supposed) First Class hotels of such tour companies as Trafalgar.

Having been on a Trafalgar Tour to Italy, I loved it. The mass of people didn't bother me. The bus was air-conditioned, comfortable, meaning roomy, and the tour guide was informative and a lot of fun. I also loved not having to carry my luggage!!! And every hotel had an elevator. So it all depends on your physical activity level. 

So DREAM LOUD and let us know where you're planning on going!

Until next time, happy travels!

The OWL Galz

www.OlderWiserLadies.blogspot.com

Author Signing @ WOTS

Hi there! ~ Any travelers in Vancouver this weekend? Join author M. J. Milne at The Word on the Street SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 at LIBRARY SQUARE (West Georgia & Homer/Hamilton Streets, downtown Vancouver) from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Blue Heron Productions will be at Village Table # V-26 around the exterior of the Vancouver Public Library with M. J. Milne’s new book “12 Golden Keys for a New World.” Along with a few story contributors! A perfect opportunity to have your book signed! Plus Jeane Manning’s book “Breakthrough Power.” WOTS is a wonderful festival and it’s all FREE. See you rain or shine at table V-26.

Books also available at these independent booksellers:

• Banyen Books, 3608 West 4th Ave., Vancouver

• Utopia Books, 1826 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver

• Whitby’s Books, 14833 Marine Drive, White Rock

• Reflections Bookstore, 1111D Austin Ave., Coquitlam

12KEYS book is available at the website. And Amazon.com

To Prague or Not to Prague

A friend has never traveled off the continent. His girlfriend (an OWL) wanted him to attend a family wedding in Prague. The idea of leaving his comfort zone made him nervous. So he asked me to help him because he knew I'd assisted others in the office with their travel plans.

1.) Valid Passport: I made sure he had a passport and it was up to date. To leave the country a passport has to have more than six months remaining until expiry.

2.) Travel Lite: I suggested he travel light, taking a carry-on wheelie suitcase (up to 9x12x22-inches). And then, a daypack for important everyday items such as camera, sunglasses, map and guidebook.
3.) Moneybelt: When I mentioned he needed a moneybelt to wear UNDER his clothes, he balked, saying that he never keeps his wallet in his back pocket. I asked, "Where then?" He said proudly, "I keep it in my front pants pocket!" The pickpockets will love you, I laughed, and then, convinced him to buy a moneybelt. A moneybelt keeps your credit card(s), bank card(s), return ticket, and passpost safe. Treat a moneybelt like a saftey deposit box. Not all hotels have safes to keep these important articles, so a moneybelt comes in handy and it's harder for pickpockets to get at it when it's worn under your clothes.

All very important things to remember. The day he was leaving he popped into the office for one last question. I could see he was both excited and terribly nervous. He asked, "Should I rent a car to drive around? I think I will."

Because he'd never been to Europe before and because buses and trains are easy, I suggested he not rent a car this time. Besides, family members would be there and he needs to relax and let them squire him around. His shoulders dropped, relieved. "Now get out of here and have a good time!" I said, smiling.

He returned home after two weeks and said they had a fabulous time.

Happy travels!

Older Wiser Travelers

One of the reasons I still love to travel, even well into my sixties, is because it allows me to learn and grow. How else can you continue to learn about the world using your own eyes and ears and sixth sense? The senses recall memories. There's the smell of freshly baked chocolate croissants in France, bougainvillea of Costa Rica or Hawaii, the volcanic earth of Thera/Santorini or the red earth of Australia; hearing the cicadas in New Zealand, the drums in Africa, the Greek bouzouki on a balmy evening, the ocean on a wild Mykonos afternoon while plowing the waters to Delos . . . 

I could go on and on, but why rush. Let's slow down. We like to take our time when we travel, especially at our age!

Let us enjoy the world together.

Happy travels!