If there is any downsize to the marvelous trip we just took, it’s the fact that we had to come back. That’s how magical our experience was. Thank goodness I took the pictures that I did. It’s such a wonderful reminder of the highlights of our time there. I loved both Athens and Ikaria but for completely different reasons. It’s one dimensional seeing the Parthenon on a post card or a website, climbing the hill upon which the Acropolis and its magnificent structures rests gave us a 360 degree view of the ancient Greek’s way of life and culture. I won’t soon forget stepping out of my room at Thea’s Inn first thing in the morning and listening to the sounds of the island: a dog barking up on a hill, an elderly man commanding his sheep and goats in Greek to move to a new pasture to graze and waves from the Aegean Sea pounding the rocky beach.
I’ve been asked numerous times since my return what’s the secret to long life? Upon reflection I have come to the conclusion that while there are many factors which can contribute to a long, healthy life I believe the number one factor is having a reason to get up and out of the home each day. The centenarian whom I interviewed prior to our trip spent on average six hours per day sewing outfits for orphan girls and boys in Africa. The Ikarian elderly were up every morning tending to their livestock and walking up and down steep hills foraging for their greens. They all have a purpose. We learned there is no formal word in Greek for ‘retirement.’ The Ikarians aren’t waiting for that time when they’ll get the gold watch and head to Florida; they’ve already found their version of paradise.
Since our trip I have found myself eating more Greek yogurt and honey, staying active every day and gently nudging my 88 year old mother to take on family research projects to keep her engaged in life. I plan on staying engaged as well, long after my retirement.
Naomi Bechtold
