An astrologer friend of mine, Signe Quinn Taff, suggested I spend my 52nd birthday in Santorini in contemplation for an auspicious year to come (first two photographs).  Which I did...and the contemplation portion was easy since it was off-season on the Greek Isle.  I had been to Santorini the summer before, creating  a radically different experience.  It was beautiful in its starkness and its absence of others.  I read, and meditated, and worked on some overdue projects, and hiked, and basically hung out with the local cats and dogs.  I was their hero, being inclined to feed those who would wag a tail or purr my way.

I flew to Crete for the second part of my Birthday trip (remaining photos).  I love Crete and look forward to returning some day.  I stayed at the most lovely stone house at the Kalimera Archanes Village (www.archanes-village.com) in the town of Archanes, a 2,000 year old village.  It is the perfect base to experience the island.  I became a Gyros expert in days, so very different then what is called Gyros in New York. 

I made several real estate connections on both islands.  So if you are interested in Greek property, just let me know.