Tag Archives: travelling

Travelling

As I have been traveling through three countries for the past two and a half weeks, in my last destination I finally caught a cold 😉 because I worked a lot, slept little, and met throngs of people. It was by far the shortest-lasting cold I have ever experienced.

The resort in Greece had thermal springs, and probably that is why I felt ill and feverish for only one day. Unfortunately, I have lost my voice. That was the major downfall.

It looks like thermal water has worked wonders in this respect too. The hot springs have significantly improved my knees, which have endured severe damage from bike crashes and roller-skating “incidents”. 😉 After cycling a lot and skipping the rope, my knees used to become sore, and I needed to take a break from physical effort. Now, I cycle every day, and there is no pain. I do not advocate the magic of the thermal water, but there is something about it.

PS: In the last photo, there is the Orion constellation captured at approximately 5.30 AM :))


Greek Independence Day

In celebration of the Greek Independence Day*, I post this text, written in 2016, about the magic island of Corfu:

Romania is my country and Corfu is my home island. (I have written these inspired, of course, by Gertrude Stein).
I am caught in the magic of the island of cypresses, millennia-old olive trees and nymphs. The satyrs are not scarce either, they just resumed human form. If my words escape you, I would like to say that Greeks are very handsome and “warm”.
I want to relocate in a very small cottage on a mountain side, overlooking the sea and palm trees rustling merrily in the lazy salty breeze.
My single worry was to get up early (at 6 A.M. or so) to still catch the stars and then, the sun. And later, after happy hours of basking in its mellow warmth, watch it jumping into the waves on the way to the other realm.

October in Corfu is like late beautiful spring in Romania. Balmy air, birds chirping, tons of colors and fragrances heralding another spring. The one starting in November!
“Gradually the magic of the island (Corfu) settled over us as gently and clingingly as pollen.”
Gerald Durrell, My Family and Other Animals

I illustrate with my photos: the waning moon at dawn & later, the waxing moon at dusk; the clearest water that I can look into till my eyes turn blue & one stunning sunset; a romantic ship in the Kerkyra harbour & the highest peak – the Pantokrator.

*Greek Independence Day, national holiday celebrated annually in Greece on March 25, commemorating the start of the War of Greek Independence in 1821. It coincides with the Greek Orthodox Church’s celebration of the Annunciation to the Theotokos, when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her that she would bear the son of God.

Workplace under the eucalyptus tree

My office is where my notebook is.

It is great to work from various locations, since I love traveling.
And the ideas poured in.

I’ve planned out my next three Fragrantica pieces, a cover letter, a presentation, and a pitch for a new customer. In addition, I’m considering starting a new side hustle that will enable me to travel more.

What are the best travel blogs?

Here are some of the best travel blogs to inspire your adventures and provide valuable insights:

The Planet D
This award-winning blog features unique experiences and detailed itineraries from a couple who have traveled to all seven continents since 2008.
Link: The Planet D

The Blonde Abroad
Founded by Kiersten Rich, this blog focuses on empowering female travelers through lifestyle and photography content.
Link: The Blonde Abroad

Nomadic Matt
Matt Kepnes provides practical travel advice and tips for budget travelers, sharing his experiences since 2008.
Link: Nomadic Matt

Wandering Earl
Earl Baron shares his extensive travel experiences and insights from his journeys since 1999, focusing on authentic travel stories.
Link: Wandering Earl

Legal Nomads
Jodi Ettenberg writes about food and culture while sharing her experiences as a former lawyer turned traveler.
Link: Legal Nomads

Uncornered Market
This blog by Audrey and Dan focuses on storytelling and cultural experiences, highlighting sustainable travel practices.
Link: Uncornered Market

Adventurous Kate
Kate McCulley shares her adventures and insights on traveling as a woman, providing tips and inspiration for solo travelers.
Link: Adventurous Kate

Hey Nadine
Topics: Travel tips, vlogs.
Description: Nadine Sykora shares her travel experiences through engaging videos and blog posts, focusing on travel tips and destinations.
Link: Hey Nadine

The Broke Backpacker
Will Hatton provides insights on how to travel on a budget, focusing on backpacking and affordable adventures.
Link: The Broke Backpacker

These blogs cover a range of topics and styles, from budget travel to solo adventures, offering a wealth of information and inspiration for travelers all over the world!

Ready for you next adventure?

Check out this place I found on Expedia!
https://expedia.com/affiliates/bergamo-hotels-starhotels-cristallo-palace.IcKSdY2

This week I recommend a visit to Starhotels Cristallo Palace in Bergamo, Italy, from the 2nd to the 7th of September!

Photo – Pexels.com

Lure of the sea

There are countless lures in our lives or it may be that our lives are made of lures. Mine is the sea. I hear its song all over the year and like Ulysses’ sailors I am not wise enough to deafen my ears. I am trapped into its blue.

The sea knows things and is a cure. For loneliness, grief, unhappiness and love, as Mr. Somerset Maugham wisely put:

“You know, when one’s in love,’ I said, ‘and things go all wrong, one’s terribly unhappy and one thinks one won’t ever get over it. But you’ll be astounded to learn what the sea will do.

Well, love isn’t a good sailor and it languishes on a sea voyage. You’ll be surprised when you have the Atlantic between you and Larry to find how slight the pang is that before you sailed seemed intolerable.”
W. Somerset Maugham, The Razor’s Edge

So when one’s in love, get on a boat… I cannot help but love Somerset’s magic realism.

I illustrate with pictures from my short May holiday in the Ionian.