Many people ask how Karin and I came to be living on Paros. This article written a couple years ago is the long answer.
I start it here and finish it on our web site at http://parosparadise.com/NewsMay02.htm
Inside Out or Outside In?
Have you ever walked down a residential street at twilight as people have turned on their lights but not yet closed their curtains? The homes look so warm, cosy and inviting that you envy these strangers their ideal lives. For that is what they appear as you pass by on the outside, looking in. On such an illusion our ex-pat life is based.
Hello,
I have been to Paros many times and I recently wrote a poem about my experiences there. People who have read it say it makes them want to go to Greece immediately, so I thought you might be able to use it on your website. Hopefully, it will help increase your bookings!
The Greek people have always been very kind to me during my visits so I would love to be able to give something back to them.
I have posted the poem below. You can also view it with reader's comments at this page -
http://allpoetry.com/Poem/889027
Thanks and best wishes,
Mark Rickerby
Paros
Raven hair falling across the pillow.
Denim hanging over a wooden chair.
Half-written poems litter the table.
The village is dancing, everywhere.
This frenetic crossroads of the world,
bursting with life, is heaven to me.
So many people I haven't met yet!
So many places I've yet to see!
The wind is cool but the sun is rising.
Bikes are waiting, tickets to anywhere.
We'll ride this morning through the hills
then relax in the sand without a care.
Tropical oils are carried by ancient winds
as life-loving hedonists deepen their tans.
A girl weaves bright threads into your hair.
A radio plays melodies from faraway lands.
I dive from a cliff into the bright blue Aegean
and return to you, fresh as a newborn child.
We lie together on rocks 'til we're golden brown,
then rush back home to heed the call of the wild.
On the way, a smiling man sells us homemade red wine
as a spectacular sunset ends one more perfect day.
The yellow lights of the village flicker and twinkle
inviting everyone to come and eat, dance and play.
What else could we need in life? What else but this?
Reveling in all that it is to be human and young.
How many live lifetimes never knowing this feeling?
How many die with their sweetest songs unsung?
So come with me, now - not tomorrow or "someday".
Right now! Pack your bags. We're leaving tonight.
The wide world is throbbing outside our windows.
It's time to do EVERYTHING we said that we might!
- Mark Rickerby
www.markrickerby.com
Read all about an exciting new program for olive oil without leaving your desktop!
http://www.oliveoilgoesglobal.com/members/paroshep/index.htm
Karin and I just got back from two days of touring Naxos. It was our post season break; we found it enjoyable and relaxing. We spend most of the time winding up and down the mountain roads and found it quite interesting to compare and contrast to Paros and the other islands that we have visited.
I have advised many travelers that Naxos is much like Paros except that the tourist facilities are all in a strip along the West coast. This is true in comparison to the islands of Mykonos, Ios and Santorini which are each distinctly different. But it is not complete in that Naxos does have a unique character in its mountain villages, its extensive agriculture and it's relatively large central city.
We do need to get out more. There is so much to see through out Greece and we have yet to make it Turkey.
The next big event in our island calendar is the olive harvest throughout November.
Greek Olive Oil has been called the Elixir of Life
Now --during November and December-- you can harvest and press your own. . .
On the fantastic isle of Paros, Michael & Karin Shepherd have arranged with local farmers to help harvest their olives in exchange for 25% of the first pressing.
You can share the experience with us and supervise your own olives, your pressing and your bottling--then print your own label!
All while experiencing our village and island in the usually delightful weather of November and maybe early December. We can also arrange cooking classes in how to best use your own Greek olive oil -- or we can point out which local tavernas and restaurants have the best chefs.
Come share our piece of paradise on Paros!
Please email for specifics and visit our web site: www.ParosParadise.com
Yours for fun and health,
Michael & Karin Shepherd
This is a reprint of a two year old article--without updating our web site link at the end. The corect link for more info after you enjoy the article and photos is http://parosparadise.com
The link for the article is: http://gogreece.about.com/b/a/197692.htm
Speaking of our Dutch friends: Eddy Hopprod has perfected a style of cooking using Greek recipes and local ingredients. He has spoiled us for ordinary taverna food. A portion of his web site is in English so look for the British flag, but enjoy the photos on the Dutch site.
A friend of ours on the island, Hans Giesen, is a well known artist in Holland and Greece. He just opened an exhibition at the Netherlands Institute in Athens. See the post below for a link to his web site.
I am trying to learn blogging by doing. So bear with me, please and this should get more interesting. That is if you are interested in the Greek island of Paros or the "living abroad" life.
In trying to decide dates for September 2006 art workshops I have been asking "old timers" about late September weather. They all say that it is always good. Occassional showers don't start until October. Last year, however, October was especially nice.
Hi,
I am not sure how I will be using this blog. Since everyone is interested in the weather I will start by saying it is now quite warm and sunny after starting out clowdy.
Michael
