A Magic Carpet Ride is a travel book about family travels and personal journeys.

“It was hard to comprehend how blue the ocean was on these Rodos beaches. We parked our rental car on the side of a village road to take photos. Outside of a restaurant called Panorama Cafe, we stood there in disbelief to absorb the panoramic view. It was at that moment that I first realized that the ocean water in Greece has layers to its hues. Closest to the shore, the water is clear, then green, then Mediterranean blue, then navy blue and then, miraculously, purple. Together they make that Grecian blue but if you look closely, it’s layers of blue except on the island of Lefkada, where it is solidly the most turquoise blue the eye can absorb. It was opaque, thick, sensuous and shockingly turquoise blue.

On the boat cruises through the Ionian islets off Lefkada, all I can remember feeling is ecstasy of physical feelings of happiness and peace. The body was totally consumed with the feeling of happiness, separate and together with the mind and soul. Every fiber of my being was out there in that sea of turquoise, lapping up every breeze, every wave crashing, every beam and ray of sun shining on us.”

Click here to order book on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/069271393X/ref=cm_sw_su_dp 

or buy one at the Tulsa Greek Festival book signing and other Greek festivals.

Click on link to order.  You can read the first chapter as well the back cover. Profits go to various charities.

In writing this book, I learned even more historic facts about the various countries we visited. There are recommended hotels, restaurants, excursions and recipes  included as well as cultural nuances and historic factoids.…for those who are interested! There’s also a lesson plan for children illustrating how to implement itinerary building collaborations.

Click here to order the book : https://www.amazon.com/dp/069271393X/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

The book has been available in the following Tulsa stores and festivals:

• Ribbons
• Dwelling Spaces
• Tulsa Artery
• Decopolis

© Gina Michalopulos Kingsley

follow us on Instagram: gypsyfamilytravel

With every destination on this blog (international or domestic), you can apply this lesson plan to build trip itineraries with your family. The menu tab on the far left “About Gypsy Family Travel” has all the educational blogs and the far right tab “Quizzes” has both quizzes and answer keys.

Travel Lesson Plan: Integrate the Concepts

Remember Bjork’s lyrics ,”Big Time Sensuality…?” My trip to Iceland was the first time the words intimate and intimacy revealed themselves to me in relevance to a country’s vibe. Possibly, because that is how Iceland is—always revealing itself, a geological exhibitionist with erupting, thundering, boiling, steaming, floating, undulating, illuminating, glowing, colliding, calving, flowing, receding, and hissing phenomena. It is the largest untamed wilderness of Europe. I say “of” because it’s an island, of course, and not on the continental landmass of Europe.

The interplay of those words presents an intimacy of geology which really mimics the intimacy of human nature, in my perspective.

I wonder, “was the Icelandic artist (Bjork) influenced by the powerfully engaged senses of living in Iceland when she wrote her song?” If so, I can understand why. The surrealistic landscape of Iceland with its varied terrain of red hills, snowy mountaintops, black  beaches, and rippling and billowing lava fields formed this country’s extremities.

Devoid of music in some places, (until nighttime in the taverns) the stillness of this remote northernmost capital of the world, (Reykjavik) felt as if Mother Earth hit the pause button—the day was delayed. Silent, still, dark, veiled and benighted. With sunrise not occurring until 11:15 a.m., the tenebrous “mornings” were the ultimate snug and tranquil figurative embrace that the cosmos could offer me.  I absolutely loved the Icelandic day’s rhythm. (Of course, it was only for a few days…who knows if I’d feel the same after several weeks?) The unique Reykjavik mornings will be described in another blog. Having 5 hours or so of daylight a day makes you productive in sightseeing! Our New Year’s Eve celebration, an authentic local tradition with the people of Reykjavik, was another example of the intimacy there. It far surpassed my expectations and deserves its own upcoming blog article, too. (New Year’s Eve Traditions in Iceland). And naturally, the Blue Lagoon would provide the most sultry of experiences as we bobbed in the 800 year old geothermal spa.

But perhaps the most intimate experience for me was the Golden Circle day. Leaving before sunrise in a large coach bus, we traveled in the emergent daypeep hours to gaze upon the landmarks which best represent this geologically young and still volcanically active country. Excitedly arriving at Pingvellir National Park (also called Thingvellir) timed succinctly with sunrise, we observed the rift valley and absorbed the fact that we were on two tectonic plates (North American and Eurasian). Cracks or faults show the continental drift clearly and the volcanic environment’s magma is what makes this island country still growing today. Being a windy day and wearing two layers that day only, I quickly shot photos, bought a coffee and retreated to the bus for warmth and time to awaken. The hues and layers of the sunrise were so perfect and vivid, you only needed a few photos to capture it. This subarctic landmass of Iceland is a floating strip of Atlantic Ocean –remote and isolated. I kept comparing it to being on the moon’s surface. Coincendentally, I read later that the Apollo astronauts of the 1960’s trained in Iceland because of its similarity to the moon. Of course!

The drives between the landmarks exposed us to pastures, farmhouses, horses and calmness. They seemed brief although they were approximately an hour apart. The colossal, roaring Gullfoss waterfall (the largest in Europe) with its plummeting sprays merge into the earth in sheets of water that are both silky and staccato-ed. You could capture both types of streaming water at once. The rainwater and the glaciers’ meltwater crash into the canyon of the Hvita River. Gullfoss is similar to our Niagara Falls and the view of this spectacle bonded the crowds together. It was a wonderful sense of humanity gathering around the thundering waterfall–its beauty and resounding massiveness captivated us all. While crampons were recommended everywhere, careful and heavy-footed steps got us around the plank ways. (Although one spectator did fall on the slippery ground. Other people went outside the barrier to pose for a picture and got reprimanded. Quite daring and dangerous.)  Adjacent to this natural beauty was an incandescent glacier, regally situated, awaiting our gaze and admiration.

“I can sense it
Something important
Is about to happen
It’s coming up

It takes courage to enjoy it
The hardcore and the gentle

Big time sensuality
We just met
And I know I’m a bit too intimate
But something huge is coming up
And we’re both included”  

(Songwriters: BJORK GUDMUNDSDOTTIR,NELLEE HOOPER) lyrics of the song, Big Time Sensuality

We drove some more and reached Geysir, the earliest known geyser of Europe. The word “geyser” is named after this hot spring. Before I found it, I was transfixed by the bubbling mud pots of geothermal pools. Green moss and reddish and russeted grasses blanketed around the sultry, steamy pools of gaseous, sulphuric cauldrons. The streaked sky of orange and pink was the vivid backdrop. As if they were teasing the earth, the taunting pools and their haunting mist danced for us. Not knowing the geology facts precisely, I had my own poetic interpretation of  what was occurring. The hot vents coexisting with icy, snowcapped mountains were the “fire and ice” phrase which labels Iceland. Just around the corner of these heated vents, I knew there must be Geysir. Suddenly, it erupted. Rocketing up 210 feet in the air, reportedly, the geyser discharged and flared. I photographed the last few seconds and waited six minutes for the next eruption. They seemed to work in tandem; the hot, steamy pools low to the earth and the ejecting geyser seemed like the yin yang of fertility; female and male. Like a nervous breakdown of nature. The “hardcore and the gentle “ (as Bjork sang). Earth was never more personified for me.

Lastly, we drove to Faxi waterfall and passed vegetation greenhouses. There were  horses and ponies and the natural borders of tall trees between properties. My friend pointed out that Icelanders use the natural border of trees to blend into the landscape rather than fences and walls. It was a perfect day. Being the wife and mother of Geo-Physics trained men, I crave returning to Iceland with them one day so I can enjoy it through their perspective and knowledge. What amazing tour guides they’ll be! This was a new experience for me in such  wintery, weather-proof clothing .  My friend and I facetiously planned ahead of time to bring some glamorous fur hats as our one girly accessory. Even if we hadn’t, I can honestly say this trip had me feeling a lot of feminine energy despite the Arctic attire. Ironic and inspiring.

The next day’s excursion to the Blue Lagoon would be the finale. Now, we’d immerse into the 800 year old geothermal water surrounded by lava…

all photos by Gina Kingsley

Contact me at greekmuse@cox.net for trip itinerary suggestions and consultations

 

 

 

 

 

Is Iceland on your bucket list? …It is for many people, mostly for the wilderness of it all. It certainly had been on my list for a while and exhilarated my senses. Its capital city of Reykjavik had not really registered to me up until I departed for the trip. I started to hear a little bit more about this northernmost capital city in the world but not that much. It was fortuitous to have that happen, actually, because when the unknown impresses you, it’s actually powerful and magical. It was like the legendary fairies and elves of Iceland sprinkling their fairy dust on us!

Since our hotel was in Reykjavik and one or two of our activities on our itinerary, we were eager to see what this capital was all about. Scandinavian, chic, clean and posh…..the capital city of Iceland was an impressive home base from which to spring from on our way to the geological excursions. Is it a perfect balance or an incongruous structure juxtaposed or reflected between wilderness and urban life and architecture? It depends on the eye of the beholder, perhaps. Maybe it’s both. Personally, I like the upward sloping of excitement that happens between the stunning coast and the climax of the church.

The centerpiece of this cosmopolitan city is the massive Hallgrimskirkja Church cresting on top of the hilly streets. Reportedly, the church is visible for over 12 miles. The foreboding tower emerges celestially to mimic a concrete geyser (also an incorporation of Icelandic geographical phenomena.) We strolled in and out of shops, bakeries, coffeehouses, bookstores and then visited the church.Amidst the flurries of snow, a crowd milled about while we took photos of the Leif Erikson statue and then filed into the church. The austerity of the interior balanced the architectural intricacy of the exterior. A few simple Christmas lights and trees were inside, a  stark statue of Jesus, and a magnificent pipe organ suspended from the ceiling. The background on this church is fascinating. Samuelsson, the architect, designed the church in 1937 based on his inspiration of the textures and shapes that are created when lava cools into basalt. What an appropriate reflection of Icelandic geography. While the construction began in 1945, it was not completed until 1986. Complimenting the entrance to the church is a statue of Leif Erikson who was the first European to discover America some 500 years before Columbus! Apparently, the United States gifted this statue to mark the 1,000th anniversary of the conception of Iceland’s parliament at Pingvellir in 930 A.D.

This Lutheran church is a modern aesthetic of religious art with an exterior that represents the cooling lava that cascades down a volcano. What a visual to combine the intensity of  both spiritual and natural forces. Although the church’s interior is purposely austere, the glorious pipe organ is the brightest beacon to be showcased within this house of worship.Sadly, the architect died before completion as it took 41 years to complete this iconic architectural treasure. To best summarize the Icelandic essence of such an edifice is the story of the bell tower clock. It is said that this most visible clock in the entire capital city often tells the incorrect time due to the gusty wind which can push the hands of the clock off the correct position. It lends to the quizzical, quirkiness and whimsy of this modern landmark. Celebrate it all by taking the elevator to the bell tower to a look out onto stylish and somber Reykjavik. Be it a snowy day like we experienced or a sunny day, it will be your moment at the concrete geyser. photos by Gina Kingsley

Regally situated in the Cyclades island clusters is the crescent-shaped and legendary Santorini. Get over the label of “touristy” or else you’ll miss the magic. A fellow Greek-American friend recently told me in his wisdom, “We ARE tourists, after all!” And that is so true. What makes something a tourist attraction, anyway?  Beauty, excursions, good reputation, sensational sunsets, boat rides to an active volcano, swimming in sulphuric springs, amazing restaurants? Why, yes! So what if crowds and cruise ships sail or fly into this sublime and celestial island? They all share one trait in common—-good taste.I was thrilled to see Santorini in the 1980’s, 1990’s and then 2000’s. The island is basically one large volcanic rock and reportedly the most destructive volcanic eruption ever. From winery tours to boat excursions to hiking an active volcano and posing next to fumaroles, Santorini provides such an array. A shopping frenzy in 2007 exposed me to the latest of fashions which I always appreciate about chic Greece. On our 1990 honeymoon, my husband and I took a long ferry boat ride there as we island hopped. Another time, I’ve flown there from Athens and later with our sons, we took a high speed ferry from Crete.

We still laugh at the memory of the boat excursion crew ordering us all to jump out of the boat and swim in the hot springs water of the volcano. No problem. Until it was time to swim back…..with no floats or lifejackets. We were only in our early twenties so in good, athletic shape but not Olympic swimmers by any means. I remember not panicking but floating on my back to regain my breath. Greeks in Greece are brave that way. Perhaps they thought the gods of the sea were there to protect us. Anyway, we made it back to the boat. Somehow. Spent and a little shocked at this challenge. When we returned 17 years later in 2007, we made sure our young sons had floats and life jackets for this swim. Back to our honeymoon reverie, I can still taste the cafe frappe in the chic coffeehouses (so ahead of America’s time to embrace the concept of the coffeehouse). Card games in every cafe or seaside taverna occupied some of our daylight hours, as well as reading novels on the beach, parasailing, sightseeing, riding mopeds, and finding clubs at night.Shopping in Santorini is an art form. Ascending the labyrinthine roads of Fira’s (or Thira) port town, I would find my favorite jewelry stores based on connections. I was mesmerized and hypnotized into the fashion stores with their alluring window displays and mannequins. The clothing labels and collections far surpassed the uniformity of American shopping malls. This was trance-like for me. My patient husband cheered me on. We were in our twenties, after all. Fashion was a priority.

The only clothing item he bought the entire 3 week honeymoon in Greece was a leather belt. That’s right. He only wanted a leather belt. Who can resist the smell of the leather hide stores in every shopping square? Greek leather purses are extraordinary. Their leather ages well and takes on that soft, loved, lived-in look and feel.  Moped rides to Oia village for the spellbinding sunset, winery excursions and archaeological tours of Akrotiri’s buried settlement enraptured us in the history and geology of Santorini. Strolls through the white-washed architectural perfection stimulated our senses until the lull and quell of late night dinnertime soothed us into our appetite fantasy of all the rich Greek flavors of cuisine.1985, 1990, 2007, 2009. Teenager, newlywed honeymooner, parent, travel writer and itinerary guide…..soon an empty nester; I have seen Santorini through all these stages. Sightseer but also befriender of local villagers who our sons bonded with while I translated, Santorini has provided all these experiences. You just need to know were to look; to get off the beaten path. We sampled the wine in the winery excursions but we were also gifted the local wine made by our villager friend, an 87 year old sweetheart who cleaned green beans outside next to our villa.

Our experiences there in 2007 and 2009 with our three sons were adventurous and more intrepid with scuba diving struggles, car troubles, wild dogs chasing my husband, etc. but our honeymoon reverie is what I recall at this moment. Looking out onto the caldera view from our villa rooftop, I specifically remember thinking this is what heaven will feel like. Years later, I heard a celebrity on TV express the same sentiment about Santorini. Its beauty is the great equalizer.

© Gina Michalopulos Kingsley

The expressions, content, and material in my blogs are original and book material copyrighted.

contact me at: greekmuse@cox.net for consultations on Greece itineraries and recommendations

More stories like this can be found in the book, A Magic Carpet Ride. Click on link to order. Proceeds go to charity.

https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Carpet-Ride-Michalopulos-Kingsley/dp/069271393X

 

Tulsa’s oldest ethnic festival is one of our city’s  favorite weekend experiences. What a way to celebrate the culmination of summer while ushering in fall… all in the same weekend! (Sept. 19-22) Church tours, cuisine, shopping, and entertainment information is on our website (see link below).  While our festival traditions are always the cornerstone of our brand, we also bring new features to introduce to our Tulsans and visitors from all over the state.

New Additions to the Tulsa Greek Festival…

Get Your Kicks at Greek 66-  Best Lil Stop in OPAHOMA- Tulsa’s Greek Festival is located on Route 66 under our big tent and on our church and community center’s grounds. As the oldest ethnic festival in Tulsa, how nostalgic is it that our festival is located on such a historic route! Our marketing team likes to freshen up our brand with iconic state themes as a nod to our loyal Oklahoma customers who attend from far and wide within the state. Get your dance kicks at Greek 66!

The “new-ish” logo ,“OPAHOMA”,  combines Greek pride with state pride. “OPA!” is a term which expresses passionate spirit, similar to “yahoo!” The term “opahoma” is designed in the shape of our state. It’s also a way to thank Oklahomans for the more than half-century of support for our festival.

In 2019, we are featuring a new Temple of Fire which is our Saganaki (Fried Cheese) booth. Like our Squid Shack, we now have a Saganaki Shack.

Every food area will have drinks and we’ll also have a stand alone frozen drinks area.

Another new feature in 2019 is our pre-packaged cheese, meatball and loukaniko for purchase at the Marketa. Loukaniko (sausage), keftedes (meatballs) and saganaki (fried cheese) are new food items since 2018.

Admission is $5 for adults after 6 p.m. and kids are free all weekend.

Corporate lunches and catered lunches – information on website.

“We’re bringing KEFI back!”- the street party vibe of decades past—we’re bringing it back this year and want you to help us! Plan to stay late or arrive late for this night party atmosphere : 8:00 p.m. on. We have adult dancers again this year who will perform and then invite the customers to join us in easy Greek dances.

Tulsa Greek Festival History…

In the beginning there was no marketa, no loukoumathes, no formal entertainment….just dinner and baklava.  Eventually, through the years, Tulsa’s Greek Festival added special touches. Wine tricks, honey puffs, church tours, non-stop dancing on stage, bakery items, delicious Greek food and much more can all be found every September at 12th Guthrie in Tulsa. Tulsa’s oldest ethnic festival originated approximately 57 years ago in 1961.  Ideas evolved from several parishioners with an innovative spirt.

Reportedly, in 1960, parishioners discussed a dinner idea with a fellow Greek who was the  manager of Tulsa Hotel.  Giving the church members a room in the hotel and use of the kitchen was the opportunity that became the first Greek Festival (in 1961, approximately). It was a one-night dinner and the customers were Greeks and their close friends. The committee was made up of chairmen, cooks, assistants and volunteers and they gave parishioners ten tickets each to sell.  Everything grew from there!

The original menu was lamb, rice, pastichio, Greek salad, dolmathes…..Pictured here are the original tickets.

The original ticket price was $2 . The outcome was a good start for the church members. At that time, the community was building a new church hall. They had two festivals a year with about 1,000 customers attending. They gaged this from the 1,000 kabobs (souvlakia) they served. The original festival was accomplished on one refrigerator, one sink, and one oven. The neophyte team was strong and full of energy and they continued to hold the festival  every year after 1962.

At that time, several female volunteers dressed up like Greek goddesses and served the dinners. Years later, some volunteers wore regional Greek costumes and accessories as their attire.  Two young boys, dressed as Greek Evzone soldiers, were the entertainers dancing every hour.  The sight of the cooks in their aprons coming out to dance for the crowd is a favorite memory for many. This has remained a tradition  through the years, usually on the last night of the festival weekend.

The menu developed through the years, as well.  Kalamari (squid) and souvlakia  (kabobs) became favorite additions and one of the  most progressive developments to the festival was lamb. The cooks presented the idea and eventually it became accepted. It has been a tradition now for ten years or so. In 2016, a new item was introduced: “Greek fries” which is an appetizer topped with a  special seasoning, feta cheese and oregano.

The Greek dance groups are enjoyed not only  by the parishioners but also by the spectators who appreciate that the tradition of regional dancing is being preserved and passed down to the church youth. Lately, a live band and emcee have become worthwhile and engaging additions.

VIP NIGHT- The theme of “Santorini Night” beckons the customer to wear casual or dressy white attire and enjoy gourmet food, auctions and entertainment. Reservations must be made in advance for this event. – information also on website. (This event takes place on alternate years so check the website from year to year..)

Greek week–For the first time ever, in 2016, we offered almost an entire week of events with the festival itself being the finale.

Tulsans ask every year “when is the Greek Festival?”, “Did I miss it?”, etc.. so we came up with a poem to help you memorize the date….(except for the year of 2017 when we moved it to October due to new hall construction)…

“Never forget; always remember, it’s the third week of every September.”

www.tulsagreekfestival.com http://www.tulsagreekfestival.com

---

 

Our youngest son just returned from a 3 week co-ed camp in Greece. He is not typically effusive unless he’s really impressed by things. When he returned, he was enthusiastic and articulate in his details and impressions to us. For the sake of brevity in the interview, he kept his answers direct and to the point. He took all the photos except for the ones he’s in. Although he had been to Greece many times before as a child with his family, this was his first time to go with peers and not with us.

What was your favorite thing about the trip?

Seeing all the churches and holy sites. Also, meeting so many campers from all over.

Why?

It was fascinating to see all the incorruptible bodies of the saints and relics of the church, icons and architecture.

How was it different from the previous time that you’ve been to some of those churches in Greece? Also, you’ve seen incorruptible saints bodies in many churches, duomos , cathedrals and basilicas..?

It had been many years since I’d seen them and now I’m older.

What was your impression when you arrived after a long day of traveling?

Loud. A lot of people,…. the camp was really clean. I was surprised at how WHITE everything was…it reminded me of Santorini. It was night when we arrived so I didn’t really see everything.

What were your favorite impressions of the facilities because those facilities are gorgeous. Were you expecting that?

It was way better than I expected. A really big kitchen and eating area, 12 cabins, private beach, volleyball and basketball court, baseball pit, an amphitheater, soccer field, Olympic sized pool.

There is a petting zoo I saw in your photos.

Yes. Goats, sheep, chickens, peacock, quail, pheasant, bunnies, donkey, a show horse. You couldn’t pet the birds though.

What was the structure of the day?

7:15 wake up, Orthros (church service), breakfast. Then, flextivities, stretch and wake up. 1st and 2nd activities, Orthodox Life session or organized arts and crafts, lunch, siesta, 1.5 hour nap. Wake up, free swim at pool or beach depending on the day, 3rd activities, cabin prep time for 1.5 hours, shower and dress for evening activities or theme, shower, vespers, dinner, evening activity, nightly devotional as a cabin where we answered a prompt.

Did people actually take a siesta? Did you nap?

Oh yeah, everybody did.

Tell us about the theme parties. Those were fun for you to pack for, I noticed.

Black Out party, White Out party, Olympics Night….

Which was your favorite?

White Out.

Was it because everyone looked so Grecian and chic? 

Yes, everyone looked nice plus I had a lot of white shirts.

Tell us about your excursions away from camp? How did that work? Did you go every other day?

Normally, they were two days back to back and  that started after 3-4 days of camp. We went to Zakynthos, Bartholomeio, Kefalonia, Olympia (islands and other sites) etc. We’d leave early in the morning and take a bus or ferry boat. (the excursions also included: Patras (the church of Saint Andrew and his skull), Kastro Chlemoutsi, Kalavrita, Osios Loukas, Athens, Syntagma Square, Monasteraki and Plaka and Aegina (the church of St. Nectarios)

Name the islands you went to:

Zakynthos, Aegina, Kefalonia,

You said you liked seeing all of the little yiayias (grandmothers) everywhere….

We’d drive through villages on the bus or walk through the towns and they’d all wave to us or they’d be sitting on their porches drinking frappe or looking out their windows.

What was Ancient Olympia like as a camper (you’ve been there before as a child). That looked fun on the video….everyone racing.

There were dogs everywhere and they’d play with us or be sleeping. We had a tour guide.

Did you win a race?

Yeah. It was kind of like a tie.

Describe the food.

The food was really good….all really fresh. At camp, the eggs came from the farm and the feta from the goats, probably.

Where was the 5 course meal?

By the suspension bridge–Rio Antirio. (the world’s longest cable suspension bridge)

Tell us about the Corinth Canal restaurant.

They had really good souvlaki, psomi, and feta. They had a little gift shop and it was the first place where we didn’t see any toilet seats. (We continued to see many places without toilet seats.)

What souvenirs did you buy?

Komboskinis, Holy Water, Holy Oil (which was gifted by the nuns, ), Papadopoulos cookies and Ion chocolate for you. (Komboskinis are prayer bracelets on a string of small knots. You say a prayer as you touch each knot).

What were your impressions of the kids since they were from all over the U.S. Were they different from the Greek Orthodox kids you grew up with?

They weren’t all too  different . They were pretty similar in that they were all Greek and they all grew up with the same people.

Tell me about those Greek dances I saw in the video. Were they from Crete? They looked Kritika. Where were those boys from? Denver and Utah?

Those kids were Salt Lake kids.

How did you cope with not being able to have your phone on you?

Honestly, I loved it. I only missed it for the music or talking to my parents. When I got my phone back at the end of camp in Athens, I didn’t even want to use it. I can understand why Dad doesn’t have or want one.

Those are amazing dances. I’ve heard you can only do them if you’ve grown up around people who dance them….and that you can’t rely on choreography...

If you were going to convince someone to go….what would you tell them? What would be the tipping point?

I’d tell them to go just because of the day trips to the holy sights. You’ll never see churches like that ever…you won’t see the relics and incorruptible bodies of saints that are 500-600 years old. And the camp facilities are beyond what I expected.

What is the story of St. Dionysius, the patron saint of the Ionian Village camp?

He’s the patron saint of forgiveness. He was a clergy of a church where a guy came in running from the authorities and he had killed St.Dionysius’s brother but didn’t know it. He was seeking refuge in the church. Then the authorities came there and told  St. Dionysius that this man had killed his brother and asked if he had seen him. He answered, “No, I haven’t seen him.” We get samples of pieces of his slippers that the priests have to keep replacing because it is believed that he walks the grounds at night. The slippers become worn out. There are three walking saints: St. Gerasimos, St. Dionysius and Saint Spyridon.

You saw Saint Spyridon on the island of Corfu. So now you’ve been to all three churches of those saints.

Tell us about St. Gerasimos’s cave.

He lived in a cave for 19 years and I think the church was built around the cave. He lived in this hole for 19 years and we got to see where he lived for all those years. I think they dropped food down to him in a basket.

You ran into a high school friend/classmate in Athens…twice! What are the odds of that?

Yeah. That was totally unexpected.

How will you keep in contact with everyone until the reunion?

A big group text/group chat until we see each other at other events or visits.

Lastly, you said you had a deeply emotional, visceral reaction when you walked into a church in Bartholomeio? Why?

Because I had reassurance about my faith. I had proof that my religion is real.

————————————————————————————————————–

Here are some of Yianni’s videos showing cultural highlights.

the petting zoo at the camp.

changing of the guard at the palace.

Here is a video from the Camp:

My dear friends moved abroad in 1982-1986 to Saudi Arabia and had quite an adventure! When I was in middle school, I befriended this amazing family in my church and not only got to be a “mother’s helper” babysitter- friend but ended up forging friendships for life with these beautiful and spirited sisters. There are 4 of them total but at the time I first got to know them, there were only three. You’ve heard of the American Girl dolls. Well, along with my little cousins, I also had these real, live, Greek-American girl dolls to play with, mentor, and nurture. Not only were they entertaining and adorable but their parents have always been influential role models to me in so many ways. Their sense of adventure is apparent in this story. I’ve been wanting to interview Athena and Andrea for years. Once we conducted the interview, I realized why they have such wonderful personalities and perspectives….it’s because they are very worldly!

Why did your family move to Saudi Arabia?

My grandparents owned a business which was a trading company. We moved because my dad got a job over there with them.

How old were you?

Athena: I was in Kindergarten.

Andrea: I was four.

How long were you there?

Athena: Until 5th grade.

Andrea: 4.5 years.

This was between the years 1982-1986 which is why you guys didn’t know about The Outsiders movie!

Right. haha…

We talked about your impression of Saudi Arabia…

Andrea: I was a little disappointed in how they treated women. When I say “a little”, I mean “alot.”

You could tell that from 7 years old?

Andrea: Yes. Women couldn’t drive and had to be covered from head to toe.

So you were a feminist at 7 years old?

Andrea: haha…yes.

You had really glowing remarks to say about Saudi the other day, Athena. 

Athena: Yes! I loved it. We had a chauffeur and a  houseboy to clean for us. It was like being pampered. He always made our bed (a Phillipino guy named Ray). He was like our best friend, houseboy and did everything for us.

And you had a driver waiting outside for you?

Athena: Yes!

To take you where?

Athena: Wherever we wanted to go….to the supermarket, the souk, school,  our friends’ compounds where we played.

What do you remember about your school experience, cuisine, culture?

Both sisters: We went to a school with over 60 different countries and we had English teachers from England. The school was a British private school called Continental. Their girl scout troop went on a field trip to Wadi Fatima. (A Wadi is an oasis.)

What is your favorite memory of Saudi Arabia?

Athena: I made a best friend over there from Japan named Jessica. We had a bond and I’m still in contact with some friends.

Favorite memory? Worst memory?

Athena: Worst memory — There was a little boy who I guess liked me but he used to tie my dress to the bike rack and I hated that. My friend Jessica or my sisters untied my dress but I remember thinking, “Get away from me.”

Was he from Saudi?

Athena: No, I think he was from England.

Were you on an American base?

Andrea: No, we lived in a 3 story villa surrounded by a huge metal gate. Each story of the villa was a separate home. (Athena recalled that one of the stories was a flat room they could ride bikes on.)

Why did you go to Greece for 3 months?

Our passports were expired and our grandfather got us through security in Saudi and took us to Greece to renew our passports. It took a while.

Where did you live in Greece?

Andrea: We didn’t really….we traveled all over Europe and lived in hotels .

You weren’t based in Greece?

No!

Do you have a favorite country in Europe while traveling?

Athena: France. I remember the Anne Frank museum we went to. It was scarring and  sad and I remember the pictures on the wall.

Andrea:  I think Greece…..the Acropolis, skiing on Mt. Parnassus….. We were there in the winter.

How many countries have you been to while over there?

I’m not sure. We also got to see Haley’s Comet in the desert of Saudi Arabia. 1986? It was totally black and you could see the comet very clearly.

If you could take away one enriching  thing from your experiencing traveling abroad, what would it be?

Andrea: We traveled all over the world, Asia, Egypt, Europe.

Athena: Going to Continental School in Saudi…with 60 different countries. Being able to appreciate everyone’s difference and nationalities, foods…

Athena reminisced, “Looking back on my years in Saudi Arabia, I realize how lucky we were to have adventurous parents who were willing to take three small children with them traveling the world. It was an experience of a lifetime to live in Saudi Arabia and so enriching to be exposed to so many cultures.”

My cousin recently went to Japan with a group of friends. I was excited to interview him because I admire his interest in Japanese culture and Kendo, a form of martial arts. Years ago, my family watched one of his Kendo classes and I was very intrigued by his hobby as well as my cousin’s knowledge of such an exotic martial arts form and culture.

What inspired you to go to Japan?

A group of us from martial arts class decided to go together. My current instructor had been training with an instructor for 20 years and decided to finally take his chief instructor on a trip to show him appreciation. He invited the rest of us to go with them. I had always wanted to go to Japan. He had lived there for ten months, spoke the language, and knew enough Japanese that he acted as tour guide.

What is the name of your martial arts class? Isn’t it Kendo? Is that based on Japanese sport?

Yes, Kendo but we now call it Ken-Jutsu. It’s our version of calling it to differentiate our style.

Did you use a travel program or agency?

No, the instructor put it together. He planned the whole trip himself.

Where did the itinerary take you?

He gave us a rough draft of what we’d expect to see everyday. Skytree, a district in Tokyo, a shrine, a festival, and whatever people wanted to do…dinner, hanging out, and if you wanted to do something different, you could. On our traveling days, we stayed in Tokyo for three days, Kyoto, then Shirahama.….the relaxing portion of the trip on the beach. It was 11 days altogether but two of those were travel days.

What was your favorite meal?

One meal we had in Kyoto was an all- you- can- eat Yakiniku  bbq buffet but not how we think about bbq. You sit at a table with a hole in it with a burner underneath. You order off the menu all the meats, seafood, and vegetables you want. They bring it out to you for basically an hour and a half, nonstop. It’s up to you what you order and put on the grill.

What surprised you the most about Japan?

Hmmmm….that’s a good question. Not a lot surprised me but I’d have to say in Tokyo at least, it was how densely populated it was and how busy it was on the subway. I kind of knew about it but until you are there, you don’t realize how jam-packed and populated it is. People cram themselves into the subways. They push themselves in early in the morning or right at 4-6 p.m. Then,  you have to be ready to push in before the doors close and people are still cramming in. I didn’t realize how fast paced it was. It’s a whole other thing when you experience it for yourself.

What excursions do you recommend?

In Tokyo, you can take the train everywhere. We saw a sumo match, a shrine, different districts….the one district called Harajuku.

AH!! Harajuku!! That’s the one I am fascinated with. One of my favorite songs is Harajuku Girls by Gwen Stefani. “….where the catwalk got its claws…Ira she mase”

I didn’t see them because it was during the day. They dress up as anime characters; both men and women. They have the electronics district, video games, and karaoke clubs. That was one thing we didn’t get to do was the karaoke.

Did you stay in only Air BnBs?

Yes. It worked out better. It wasn’t necessarily roomier than a hotel, though.

Describe the vibe of the culture.

Not laid back but much closer to America. It’s all about the work, the rush to get to work and the same work ethic. All the men wore suits and you rarely saw men or women wear casual clothes. All the kids wear school uniforms. The women wear nice dresses and clothes; very professional. It’s very much about work and when they get off work, they go wind down at the local restaurant and then they return to work.

Did you observe any customs there?

In Kyoto, we saw more women willing to wear kimonos out in public, especially around the shrines. There are rules for example, on the subway and buses, people give up their seat for an elderly person, pregnant woman or blind person. It’s not really told to you but the gentleness is inferred by the pictures. Even if they are in a hurry and bump into you, they always apologize and do that bow. They also know more English than you think but I don’t know why they don’t let on. They are respectful in the temples and holy places they go to and they remove their shoes as well as in the BnB’s. Another custom I observed is that many Japanese people wear surgical masks and that intrigued me. They openly wear them for two reasons; not because they are germaphobes necessarily, but apparently so that they don’t have to talk to you. Not just to foreigners but to each other.

What did you learn about yourself on this trip? How did the trip enrich your life?

Going with a group of friends was great and I was so happy about that.  I just love the old architecture (especially in Kyoto) that has been leftover from WWII bombing.  A lot of places were destroyed by bombs in WWII but I learned that American allies said we should not touch Kyoto at all because it had that old world feel. It was still modern times but old world charm. Of course Tokyo was great, too, but more modern.

I have always been a big fan of the Japanese culture.

Travel is not just something she does for fun but also her vocation and part of her family legacy, so it’s meant to be that she  carries on a legacy of being a third generation travel agent. That’s a unique detail about Diane! My lovely, dynamic, and driven friend and I share  in common a love for travel. We have plans on the horizon that curious travelers will want to look out for so more TBA on that! She recently invited me along on a resort site inspection in the Caribbean. It was interesting to watch her at work, asking all the right questions with professional standards and chatting up our manager tour guide in her interested, personable way.

You have a unique background in travel being a third generation travel agent. Tell me about that legacy.

My grandparents started the third travel agency in Oklahoma. There was already a Johnson Travel so they named their’s World Travel in the early 1960s.

What inspires you to continue this travel agent vocation?

I grew up traveling with my family so around the dinner table that’s what we discussed; travel things. We talked about where clients were going and latest destinations. My dad is a huge golfer so I’ve been to every major golf resort in the U.S. and Caribbean. I love travel and I definitely have travel in my blood.

You told me once you were a Francophile but now consider yourself a “Prague-phile”. Explain that. 

My favorite place in the world is France but when I went to Prague last summer, I fell in love with it. It’s a walkable city and I love the Czech people and the pride they have in their country. The history is fascinating. I love walkable cities!

I also think of you as a Phil-Hellene because of your reaction to your cruise of Greek islands …and your unique ability to handle the intrepid aperitif called Ouzo. What was it about your Greece trip that affected you so emotionally?

I remember when we were on the cruise and we woke up in Santorini. I almost began crying because I couldn’t believe I was there. It was the first time I went out of my comfort zone with my family and went somewhere unfamiliar. I want to show my kids the world….and there we were!

What are your specialties in booking trips? Your strengths?

I’ve done this for years so I’m experienced. My knowledge, background, and extensive travel are my strengths. I only use vetted sources to book things. Instead of looking on the internet for your hotel or Trip Advisor…those are just general opinions and people sometimes give fake reviews. The companies I use go out personally to research hotels and tour guides. They know what they’re talking about. I use them time after time and I trust them. A trend I see now alot is that people book BnBs but you don’t know if it’s a fake advertisement because anyone can post fake photos.

What’s the craziest thing that ever happened to you on a trip?

On our Greece cruise, our ship picked up a sinking sailboat of 130 Syrian refugees. They boarded our luxury cruise ship.

What’s the most fulfilling thing about being a travel agent?

When my clients tell me what a great time they had! My response time is really good and I’m fast. I can expedite things. For example, my clients in Rome had a trip to the Vatican cancel because the Pope was going to be conducting a mass. At 6 p.m., I was able to tell them in advance about the cancellation because I also work out of my house and not just my office.

What’s the best advice you can give your customers or potential customers?

When you go to a city for the first time, wherever you land in Europe, always arrange for transfers ahead of time from airport to hotel because it’s very reassuring when you’re tired. The first day you’re tired but you have to force yourself to get out of your hotel and not sleep. I always recommend taking a Hop Off / Hop On bus because you can see a whole city that way and then you know what you want to go back and look at . (For example, if you have three days to see Paris.)

What are the best improvements that have happened in travel, travel devices, etc.?

Everything is electronic! It makes things easier and paperless. The apps that are out there–use them. Google Translator, Euro conversion, Rick Steves…..

You have been to many countries. What are your bucket list destinations?

Bali! I want to go there someday. My grandparents traveled to over 300 destinations (countries and islands) and Bali was my grandmother’s favorite.

What are  your specialty trips?

Cruises, Europe, Hawaii, Alaska and Caribbean.

Luxury only?

No! I’m good at finding bargains. I had someone call me yesterday and say they wanted to spend around $1,000. I found one for $1025 and it was an inexpensive trip package to Mexico. I find there’s information overload on the internet. People are coming back to travel agents because they want to talk to a real person.

Do you have a favorite travel quote?

“Once a year, go some place you’ve never been before.“- Dalai Lama

 

Subscribe to gypsyfamilytravel.com for more stories, interviews and travel/adventure blogs.