Slow Down and Just Be
Kardamyli, Messinia, Greece
September 10-25, 2012
Who will love this retreat: writers, artists, photographers and other creative spirits
Olivewood and Laurel's 2012 Slow Down and Just Be retreat is a two-week experiential escape that allows participants to
slow down and immerse in Greek village life, relax, and reset the balance in their lives.
The retreat will take you from the tourist-packed streets of
Athens to a peaceful seaside village in the southern Peloponnese.
You will leave relaxed and
renewed, with new experiences to draw upon in your creative
endeavours.
This retreat is largely unstructured, allowing you plenty of free
time to do your own thing, while eliminating the worries of navigating a new culture and language on your own. We will be a small team of only 12. Bring existing work or start something new. Writing prompts will be provided if you wish them.
We've
done all the planning and organizing. The only thing missing is you!
Retreat I tinerary
Athens (2 days/3 nights)
- Meet your fellow creative adventurers at the welcome evening
- Explore the Acropolis
- Visit the new Acropolis museum
- Wander the narrow streets and shops of the Plaka
- Walk in the footsteps of the ancient Athenians in the ruins of the
ancient agora
- Savour a Greek meal under the stars, accompanied by live traditional
bouzouki music
Kardamyli, Messinia (11 days/12 nights)
In
Kardamyli you are free to explore and take things at your own pace. The
extended stay in one location allows you enough time to immerse in the culture,
and you are very much encouraged to live as a temporary resident of the village.
Engage with your surroundings and visit the local grocery store,
become a regular at a café,
taste
local foods,
meet local people
, wander stone paths,
visit the ruins of the Old Town,
browse
shops, swim
, snorkel, hike, and set your mind
free.
Two day-trips will take you deeper into the heart of the Mani to uncover different aspects of its powerful, stark beauty and unique history.
Dates: September 10-25, 2012
Number of participants: 12
Cost: $2650 CDN
“Suzanne, this was a very special time for me—a great and memorable experience.” Janet, 2011
"There's a certain kind of magic that happens when you get to step out of
your fast-paced and complicated day-to-day life and experience a
totally different cultural reality. Thank you for making that magic
possible for me -- it continues to colour my notion of what's truly
important, and what's not. And it continues to spur my inner muse." Anita, 2011
“We will remember this trip forever—thanks Suzanne!” Lesley, 2011
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The absence of any type of demand on your time frees the spirit and the mind. As strangers in a strange land, the position of 'other' invites creatives to do what they do best: step back, observe, interpret. The village offers something to inspire every muse: warm sea, peaceful hills, abandoned ruins, welcoming locals, gorgeous vistas, quiet cafes, secret treasures and best of all, the freedom to 'just be.' |
What's included
- all accommodation
- breakfasts in Athens
- live music evening in Athens
- all entrance fees
- transportation between Athens and the village
- guided walking tour of Old Kardamyli
- an introduction to the history of the Mani region
- day-trip to the world-class Diros Caves, believed by ancients to be connected to the Underworld
- a second day-trip, to be confirmed closer to the date
- transportation and guide for the two day-trips
You are responsible for
- your air transportation to and from Athens, and transportation between the airport and hotel
- most meals (accommodations in the village are equipped with kitchenettes for self-catering)
- any costs associated with activities you choose to undertake outside of the retreat itinerary
Interested in joining us?
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