Dreaming of the Mediterranean

Stavros made tracks across the ivory-coloured sand as the scent of sizzling sardines tickled our nose hairs. He returned under a sultry sky, briskly – an eager waiter, he offered us a second carafe of wine as the sound of the Bee Gees drifted through the olive trees.

Um, no.

How about: The breeze felt lovely across my knees, near the trees, by the soft blue sea(s).

Hmmm, no.

I can’t seem to visualise this place in the Mediterranean, perhaps because I’ve never been there. It’s either in Greece or Spain, I’m not sure. The thing is, I’m currently planning a year-long trip which will involve six months in each of these countries. I’m trying to get inspired and I was hoping you might have some suggestions for me. But I’ll talk more about that in a few sentences time.

I want to talk a little about the logistics of this adventurous adventure. I want to mark this website with Times font as proof that this trip is going to take place. That IT WILL HAPPEN. So here it is:

The team/the plan (minus the goat)

Myself, my partner Nikki and our three-year-old Olin (who will then be four) plan to leave sunny Byron Bay in MARCH NEXT YEAR (an important affirmation) and fly into Greece for six months. Why Greece? One of Nikki’s best friends lives there, and I’m always dreaming of the Mediterranean. Olives, olive oil, sardines, translucent water, bustling markets, watching the daily life of village folk – behaviour that transcends generations of life in the Mediterranean. And islands, islands…

Why Spain? I’ve been obsessed with the country ever since I lived there for three months. I’ve also spent a bit of time studying and living in Mexico City and backpacking through South America, so I thought it would be about time to brush up on my Spanish, in Seville, which is where I want to base the gang for six months. I’ve never been there, I’ve just heard so many wonderful (and traditionally Spanish) things about the place.

I want to taste the Sevillian chorizo from acorn fed pigs that’s been salted, dried and hung in cellars for years. I want to drink Andalusian sherry from the famous Sherry Triangle. I want to see Nikki dance the flamenco (or try), as she loves to dance. I want to sip coffee and walk, walk with Olin through hundreds of years of history, of Arabic influence.

I want to pretend I’m Tom Cruise speeding after bad guys through town like in Knight and Day (not really).

I’m getting very excited, even though the trip is still a while away. We’re saving furiously and have lots to plan. I have to renew my English passport, Olin is getting the last of his vaccinations, I need a new iPhone…..

Dream Save Do, (no affiliate link) a book by Warren and Betsy of Married With Luggage, has been a good source of inspiration for us this year. We’re currently indulging in Greek/Spanish dream porn (you’ll have to read the book to find out what this means) and in the next few weeks I’ll be watching, then writing about some good Greek films for inspiration on this site.

Anyway, I would love to hear your recommendations on places for us to visit/live in either Greece or Spain.

It’s still a while a way, but time is ticking…..