Surfing The Hydra Mind: Travel & Lifestyle
Viewpoint by Andrew Scharf, Head of the WCW Group
We are at mid-summer and everyone is either on holiday, patiently waiting for his or her holiday, or at least enjoying a holiday “State of Mind”. Gershwin once wrote that in “summertime the living is easy”. There is a languid calmness about the heat, the white bleached light, and the long evenings. Sipping cocktails on your porch, stoop, deck, or portside adds to the charm. Some indulge in Mojitos, Long Island Ice Tea, Sex on the Beach, Manhattans, or even a cup of chai.
We are currently ensconced on an island in the Saronic Gulf, which lies in Homer’s “wine dark sea” off the East coast of the Peloponnese across the “road” from Epidaurus. Although the island is named after water, the land is parched in summer. Once inhabited by Driopian shepherds it is now home to native islanders, refugees from Athens, designers, artists, writers and musicians.
Leonard Cohen once lived here for many years and wrote “Bird On The Wire” among other excellent songs. The Pirate Bar still sports its 1960s Rock ‘n Roll tradition to all night revellers although the Stones, Eric Clapton and others can only be heard now via records there. Perhaps with a keen eye you could see the Glimmer Twins or other celebrities. Just last week was a VIP wedding whose names I will not divulge. Suffice to say it was a three day affair of including a 30 minute firework display and a party worthy of Hollywood films.
There are also many great designers in residence such as Elena Votsi and the painter, Michael Lawrence. Up in the village of Kamini you will discover the fabulous taverna, Pirofani, which is run by Theo whose eclectic establishment serves nourishing and creative Greek cuisine in all its splendour and honest simplicity. It is a positively delightful way to spend an evening sipping retsina and singing the “song of life”.
If you do come for a short stay you will find abundant and discreet accommodations. “The Bratsera” is our favourite when we do not rent a cottage and stay for longer periods of time. The hotel is spread out in a tight knit complex, which was once an old sponge factory lovingly restored. It is a two-minute walk to the port and has a charming garden, is tastefully decorated in a simple and refreshingly Greek island style with a small swimming pool to take a dip when you are feeling lazy.
Unlike other Greek islands there are no hordes here. One of the reasons is the lack of sand beaches. However, there are plenty of delightful coves, which are accessible by small boats or by foot for the adventurous. In summer, the temperature easily touches 40 degrees centigrade; so extended hiking in mid-day is not recommended. The island is also honey combed with chapels and several mountain top monasteries.
The church bells are rung in the early morning and evening in the breeze like divine music. The rhythm of sun and sea quenches the soul. I feel when I arrive like a mobile phone that is red on the screen. By the time I leave my battery is fully recharged. Of course, there is the fantasy we all entertain no matter where we go on holiday.
“What if I stay?
What would it be like to really live this dream like state all year round?”
I spoke to many people over the years that have actually done this from different backgrounds and even Greeks from other parts of the country. All are in unison in saying that you must have something to do to keep you occupied with a sense of purpose. Just to stay would be pointless. You need a reason. Many reasons are valid, but you need a purpose to fire your imagination and being with work whether you are a doctor, designer, or entrepreneur.
There is a strong sense of entrepreneurship on this island. I discussed this subject with the owner, manager, and staff of the Four Seasons Hotel who runs a charming place on Plakes Beach. One of the staff is a philosopher poet, who is a musician by passion among other talents. His name is Garo, and he is a classic member of the “Gypset”.
This is a term he would not use to describe himself. However, the term “Gypset” is the current word slowly filtering its way around the world to describe this time frame’s “hippies”. “Gypsetters” is a term coined by Julia Chaplin an American woman to describe a type of alternative and nomadic gypsy lifestyle.
They can be financially well off or not. It is not about the money; it is an attitude of freedom, of spirit, and perception. Gypsetters have always existed across cultures. Take Lord Byron for example. He was always on the look out for the next “new” scene. In today’s lexicon they are referred to as the children and grandchildren of the “Woodstock” generation. It is seen as a reaction against Google and the Facebook culture.
It is “vintage” in attitude. Think Ray Ban sunglasses, vinyl records, Polaroid and manual Leica cameras. The current zeitgeist taps past trends and reflects elements that would have brought smiles to the faces of Bruce Chatwin or the original groups who frequented Marrakesh or Saint Tropez before they became vulgar and crass.
Perhaps, you feel your own heart beat?
As an attitude, particularly on holiday, it will give you the mental release to unwind in the surf of your own mind.
About the Author
Andrew Scharf is a regular contributor to WCW inSIGHT on culture, fashion, and lifestyle. He is also the head of the MBA Coaching & Career Development division of Whitefield Consulting Worldwide, whose unique coaching methodologies have helped countless professionals harmonise their professional aspirations with their developmental needs.
Visit:http://www.whitefieldconsulting.com
