A memory of my seven hours of walking in the dusty roads and hills of Petra, Jordan

Last year, I traded my loved job with a Round the World ticket to claim a new citizenship, a citizen of the world. I spent 12 months travelling, packing only a suitcase to get to my dream destinations. These include the opportunity to see before me ALL the 7 New Wonders of the World. Aside from the travel essentials, I packed along a strong courage and smart endorsement of affordability for a remarkable experience to create a trip-of-a-lifetime filled with amazing memories. The world was my home, my amusement room, my bedroom, my walls and my doors.

To make that ultimate decision, I only had to ask myself one question: “What have I got to lose in a year?” In my head, it was all so clear to me—what have I had to lose when placed in contrast with all that I was to gain. We hear and read things like; “live life as there is no tomorrow”, “life is short,” “you only live once,” “live life to the fullest” and the list goes on. As a solo traveler, courage was all I needed to allow me to plot a plan to warrant my decision. Worry free, self-satisfaction, state a living purpose and invested lifetime experience, are my catalytic powers to have the courage and key reasons just to do it intrepidly.

Then again, all my anticipation for the travel ahead was not without worry and anxiety. The daunting reality of the unknown constantly dogged me but by the time I finally had a solid plan, I knew I made the right decision and I was finally ready for my quest to tick off ALL the boxes from my bucket list. It was a mixed of excitement and sadness, but the endless possibilities radiated beneath me. The thought of taking charge of my life gave me a sense of freedom to know myself and everything about me. I learnt more about the world first-hand and in my way. It was far more beyond travel books, magazines, brochures, travel shows and Internet sites.

After a year, I brought back an excess of a lifetime of experiences packed with remarkable cultural knowledge, ways with clever ways to deal with the four seasons, skills to adapt to different cultures and people’s behaviors, familiarity with unfamiliar food and delicacies, tips to discover remarkable history, new foreign words, an understanding of time zones difference and value of money spent, poignant memories of amazing landscapes, and several relationships with newly made friends. My journey to find the world became a journey to understand who I truly am. I found myself living a minimalistic lifestyle, discovering how I could actually live in the moment free of all inhibitions and personal restraint.

The most rewarding part of my trip was when I signed up for a four-week volunteer program in Peru.

The native locals on their way to the festival, Eugenio Espejo in Ecuador

The pinnacle was the seven hours of walking in the dusty roads and hills of Petra, the day I finally claimed that I had seen it ALL, the new 7 Wonders of the World. The most challenging time was on my fourth month, when I was close to returning following a health advice from a medical practitioner. But with my stubbornness, determination and self-healing, I decided to pursue with my travel plans—and although I do not advise impertinence, I must say it has its occasional rewards.

I experienced White Christmas in New York, which was a fulfillment of my childhood dream; I braved myself by hopping in a car with strangers in Ciego De Avila in Cuba. I stood in the tip of the mysterious and magical Machu Picchu. I went through the agonizing yet fun adventure by crawling through the dirt and rocks to get out of the mines of Cerro Rico in Potosi Bolivia. And how can I forget the Argentinean gastronomical experience and wellness in the picturesque town of Valparaiso? I witnessed a lot of amazing structures and events, which mark the various highlights of my trip. These include the biggest cross underground in the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira in Bogota,

My favourite shot – Galapagos Albatross, caught in action!

the snorkeling experience in the midst of playful sea lions, swimming sea turtles and hundreds of tropical fish during my Galapagos expedition,

Fira in Santorini

the astonishing Santorini, the awe-inspiring wadis of Oman, the glorified, coloured, glamour, music and culture event of the year at the Rio Carnaval and the unimaginable land beneath the Mekong Delta. All these experiences added essence to my journey in the wonder world. Of course, I most enjoyed the time I was reunited with families and long time friends. Truly I can only go on and on. Even these words and this deliberate attempt at an exposition of my journey fail to capture the true measure of its worth and value.

Having returned, I must say that Melbourne is truly incomparable. It is our home after all that won the world’s most livable city. My one year adventure had sadly ended with encrypted memories that will last for a lifetime along with thousands of pictures I have captured. Never did I imagine I would do such a trip, which was once a dream and now turned into reality.

“An adventure is an affair; taking a risk from the norm, lose sight from all familiar comfort, and discover new things and new ways to bring an undeniable pleasure in a unique and rewarding discovery, a new vigor to the mind. It is a wonderful world out there and waiting for you to enjoy and unlock your curiosity. Litter yourself in your chosen destination, make it real, not in digital style.”

To my audience who lived vicariously in my travels, my wonderful friends and loving family, I undoubtedly would have not made it to ‘the final curtain’  without your continued support and motivation to END what I started. Thank you so much.

Through thick and thin, there are two special persons I want to extend my greatest gratitude to, my cousin Mark and my best friend Lisa who has been my rock from day one. Lisa is an extraordinary friend with wonderful patience with my endless change requests to my itineraries resulting to multiple reissues.

For every good storyteller and writer brings a great editor and that’s no one else but my American-based cousin, Mark. In the back and forth online communications in different time zones, together we gave you what I would hoped you found interesting and informative piece to read. Mark tediously worked hours day and night to come up with an enticing piece and fully supported me with storytelling despite of his highly demanding real job. I am sure he will be glad to put an end to my demands, and disagreements in coming up with a perfect teaser.

Lastly, to Anthony Valeriano from eTB. Thank you for your incredible support and continued praises throughout, and to your wonderful editorial team for putting up with so many of multiple changes and submission delays. From courage to anticipation, it created an experience and a memory of a trip-of-a-lifetime, a journey that I call my own.

Let me share one of my favourite travel quotes and ask yourself what you would remember the most in 5 years, 10 years or 20 years time? “

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

We cannot live within the confines of our daily grind forever. Sometimes, we need that ounce of insanity to move us to put down our pens, leave behind our laptops, forget the financial ledgers and just sail away. Start your dream, claim it and own it—the world awaits.

I would like to farewell my journey with my favourite snap shots and a summary of my escapade, inspired by the song ‘My Way’ for such was the journey I had concluded, my own path, my own way.

So now the end is here And as
I face the final curtain
My friends I say it clearI state my case of which I’m certain

I’ve lived my dreams these last 12 months
And seen the world and all its highways
I’ve laughed and cried and seen the lot
And may I say not in a shy way
That through it all that I stood tall
And did it my way!

So now I’m back where it began
A brand new start is what awaits me I
know not where my future lies
I’m ready now for what fate brings me

I’ve had my fun for one whole year
Have travelled many varied pathways
I ate them up, and spat them out
Now might I add but in my own way
Some things may change but through it all
I did it MY WAY

Comments courtesy of etravelblackboard.com

© 2012 by Michelle Riel, retains sole copyright to her contributions to all the contents of this site.

Santorini is my favourite island and is so easy to fall in love with. The island is simply beautiful. The amazing views of the island never fade day or night. The Caldera, one of the natural wonders of the world, is one of Santorini’s magnets to millions of seasoned travelers from all parts of the world.

On Thursday, 19 May, I took a direct flight to Athens from Dubrovnik. At the airport, I hopped on Bus 95, for EUR 5, to bring me to the city of Athens. As we were approaching to the heart of the city, the driver decided to take a new route as protesters were around the Greek Parliament Office and blocking the main thoroughfare of the city. A number of local passengers decided to get off from the bus to find an alternative ways. Thanas, the bus driver, advised me to remain on the bus since Athens Ledra Marriott, my hub for the night, was relatively close-by to the alternative route he was planning to take. But the alternative route didn’t work out well. Instead, he had to drop me off to the nearest local bus station to catch another bus that will eventually bring me to the hotel. Thanas has instructed me to take the bus, as it is safer than taking a taxi. After patiently waited for 15 minutes, I decided to take a cab and finally made it safe and sound to my hotel after two hours since my arrival time at the airport.

I started off my day on Friday, 20 May, by originally planning out a full-day itinerary. So I went through the list of must see places in Athens. Unfortunately, a busy city like Athens did not appeal me that much. By 2 pm, I had booked my ferry ticket for Santorini, which was scheduled to leave at 7 am the following day. As soon as I purchased my ticket, I decided to spend the rest of the afternoon at the Athenian Acropolis, the world famous acropolis in the world. After spending a good hour of admiring the world’s finest surviving historical monuments, I finished the day with a simple early dinner composed of fish/vegetables at Margetis Stathokosto Restaurant.

I was determined and excited to leave Athens that I felt like a child on her first day at school. I prepped and packed at 5:00 am for a 7 am departure. At 6 am, I left the hotel to catch for my ferry ride from the port of Piraeus.

I didn’t make prior lodging arrangements for my trip to Santorini. I left Athens with no worries and only believing in Lao Tzu’s quote that I came across while in Barcelona – ‘A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.’Taking the challenge of a good traveler is to ride on to the adventure of finding my own way and comfort along the way.

I arrived at the port of Santorini at 11:40 am on Saturday, 21 May.  At the port, I was welcomed by the view of the white cubical houses and blue-domed churches proudly sitting on the hillsides of the island. I went directly to Princess Santorini Tourist Office to inquire for potential lodging. Make sure to take down notes on the information provided to you by the Tourist Office. And don’t make a final decision of where to stay until you are able to negotiate the right rates you want for your lodging. In this situation my intuition dictated me to stay at Kafieris Blue Apartments, a typical white/blue apartment that offers a nice pool with Jacuzzi. The hotel is located in Firostefani, 600 meters from the centre of Fira. Most of the apartment rooms are equipped with a kitchenette. My room was in a loft design, generously offering that extra space.

Rafaela, one of the hotel staff, welcomed me. She was kind enough to help me bring my luggage to my room. As we both struggled to go down the stair steps to carry my heavy luggage, I couldn’t help but to be drawn to the spectacular beauty of the island and the phenomenal panoramic views. To no surprise I didn’t even notice that we already made it at the bottom of the stair steps.

If the view from uphill was inviting, the view from my balcony room was undeniably the best one. After a sumptuous lunch, I spent the afternoon just relaxing at the balcony of my room, enjoying the spectacular view and the splendid surrounding of the island of Santorini.  The place was a real perfect space to have a glass of wine and enjoy a good read of your favorite book.

In the late afternoon I laid on the sun bed, while being entertained by the chirping birds and the Aegean Sea breeze. At 6 pm, the town church bells joined the symphony. The whole place totally gives you that romantic mood that can naturally blow you away.  During my entire stay, I had my door opened (3 steps away from the balcony equipped with a table and 2 chairs) as I didn’t want to miss the magnificent sunset.

Sunset is the most beautiful thing in Santorini that you will ever get to see. I had to pinch myself to be reminded that all this experience isn’t a dream. I had to enjoy the moment!

Sunday, 22 May, was another glorious day in the island of Santorini. During my stay, I had the opportunity to meet new friends: my next-door neighbor, a young couple from Crete and another couple from Wyoming, Jay and Cynthia, who both joined with me for breakfast by the pool deck. The couple was kind enough to invite and offer me a lift for a day trip in their rented car, which is the best and practical way to do if you plan to explore the island.

While driving through the town of Fira, we had to stop in one of the street corners to ask for direction. We approached, Chris, a solo traveler from Brazil, who was at that time attempting to explore the town by foot. Jay graciously invited her to hop in the car to join us for a drive and a lunch at Perissa Beach, a popular beach known for its black sand. It was indeed an interesting afternoon to spend time with my newly found friends from 3 different continents of the world and of different generations.

I spent the rest of my afternoon with Chris whilst the inspiring couple had to head back to Athens by ferry. Chris and I drove back to Fira from the port via a rental automatic car for EUR 25. While arranging our car rental, I received a very flattering remark from the person staffing the rental office. I was questioned if my ID was that of my mom’s. He had to take a closer look to validate that the picture in the ID was me, as he couldn’t match the face and my real age! What an ego-booster statement!

I was the designated driver (and my first driving experience after 10 months) and Chris was the navigator. After a brief cable ride, we headed towards Oia, a buzzing hot spot for the tourists. Oia boasts a fantastic atmosphere and a special charming beauty. Oia is a highly recommendable place if you want to witness the best sunset.

The must see sunset in Oia

The practical way to get there is by car. The road to Oia was interesting. You have to go through winding steep cliffs, reminding me of my challenging bike ride in the city of Barcelona. As we approached the narrow turns and curves, I noticed that the side streets had no railing protection.  I had to be extra cautious with my eyes focused on the road. During this time of the year, it is advisable to get to Oia before 7pm to give you ample time to explore the place. This charming section of Santroini offers arrays of tavernas, museums, boutiques, art shops, charming bars and cafes, and endless hotels settled on the headland cliffs.

Another good recommendation is to dine at the traditional Greek tavern, Naoussa Restaurant, a traditional Greek tavern located in Fira town. They have the best mousaka in here. Although Mama Thira Taverna, located in Firostefani, Is still my favourite. They serve a mouth-watering grilled fish – cooked to perfection.

How I wish I could stay longer in Santorini.

On Monday, 23 May, I boarded Flying Cat for Mykonos. The port was relatively busy and it was not even summer. If you were the type of traveler who does not like the crowd, latter part of May would be a good time to travel in Greece. When taking the ferry, I recommend traveling in business class section. It offers an upper deck comfort with a working table and privacy for an extra EUR 5. Thank goodness, this was the last ferry ride I had to deal with. Ferry rides can be a performance especially if you are carrying an overweight suitcase. At Mykonos, I stayed at Hotel Petinos, a recommended hotel by Jay and Christine. It is the lowest hotel category of the 3 chains (Petinos Beach Hotel and Nissaki). However, it is located on the popular beach of Platis Yialos,with a mini market opposite the hotel.  From Platis Yialos, you have the option of taking a boat ride to visit the nearby islands such as Paradises, Super Paradise, Agrari and Elia. I decided to spend my entire day in one of the islands, the Super Paradise.

The picturesque Little Venice of Mykonos

The rest of the afternoon, I explored Mykonos’ narrow streets and stretches of restaurants, shops, boutiques, cafes, galleries and churches, all built in ‘kyklades’ architectural style. I must say that Mykonos town was able to preserve well the identity of its traditional Cycladic architectural style and character.  I also stopped by at the picturesque Little Venice, one of the most visited sections of the town and a perfect place to enjoy for a nice afternoon drink and delectable dinner.

I left Mykonos on 25 May with an overcast gray sky. Mykonos Airport is only 10 minutes away from my hotel. Istanbul, my next destination was an hour and 50 minutes from Athens via the Aegean Airlines. Take note that Aegean Airlines strictly follows the listed baggage allowance including hand carry.

Stay tuned to the next article – my trip to Turkey: a land of breathtaking natural beauty and landscapes, a destination full of colors, scents, tastes and rich culture and history.

© 2012 by Michelle Riel, retains sole copyright to her contributions to all the contents of this site.