NOT ANOTHER GREEK SALAD- Ann Rickard

        Photo courtesy of Nick. Scopelos

Ann Rickard is a Noosa based writer with six travel books under her belt. All have quirky names: "Three in a Bed in the Med;" "Flash and Brash with Fries on the Side" and "The Last Book about Italy." She has won the Australian Society of Travel Writers Australian Travel Writer of the Year (2005,) Travel Book of the Year (2007) and is the life editor of the Noosa News. 

Ann sets off to Greece with her life partner Geoffrey in search of wine, adventure, inspiration and lesbians. The lesbians are found on the island of Lesbos, chosen to visit not only because of the remarks heard about gay women visiting there but also because it appeared to be one of the least commercial of the Greek islands with petrified forest, ancient ruins, a thriving agricultural industry, unspoilt culturally enlightening museums, etc. etc. 

This was not the first time Ann and Geoffrey had visited Greece so they wanted check out some sights to see if they had changed at all. Naturally they had and this met with some disappointment. But they also take on new adventures. Ann casually describes the hike up the mountain to the Agios Simeon monastery by way of a goat track recommended by Stavros (of course.) 

                                                           Agios Simeon Monastery

They take off at one o'clock - the hottest part of the day when everyone is thinking about closed blinds and cool siestas. There is no sign of cars but plenty of donkey droppings and the air becomes still and hotter as they climb. "It's pleasant, despite the heat," but even horses think they are nuts.

Ann's book is filled with anecdotes such as these and is easy reading. It is also dotted with a bit of whining about lack of money and villages that have too many tourists (just like them.)

Is it a book that you could use to plan out your once in a lifetime trip to Greece? Not really. There are some useful facts but I feel it is more a memoir of ramblings through life and relationships. There are a few spelling and grammar mistakes that are distracting but don't let that put you off. It is entertaining and light-hearted; something that often missed in a 'real' travel book. 

Fortress of Mytilini, Lesvos

  

      

2017 will be called "Slim 17."

If you have followed my advice, you will not have written resolutions for the New Year. If the conversations I have had with friends in the last few weeks are any indication, most don't believe that they would carry them out if they actually make them. 

I have however, decided to call the year of 2017, "Slim 17." My intention is to slim down my life so that I enjoy it more and get less hung up on things that don't matter or are too complex to manage everyday. There is not a set of resolutions, actions or goals attached to this; just make life simpler by slimming down the chunky bits. 

Some examples. I am sure you can relate to at least one of these.

• Get rid of all the little, weedy pot plants and keep just a few that with love and care will grow to be big and beautiful.
  
• Take the neglected plant out of the second bathroom. You only notice it when it is need of serious resuscitation. A plant is not necessary in a bathroom. 
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• Don't buy another hat. One 'wear anywhere' hat that you feel comfortable and attractive in is enough.
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• Keep your phone charger in one place. There is enough time in your life to allow your phone to charge in private and it will save time looking every time your phone needs charging.
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• Declutter. Even one drawer or shelf will give you more space to think.
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• Write down the good stuff so that your brain has less time to think about the difficult stuff. Every day, write a good thought or something good that happened on a little piece of paper and put it in a jar. Empty the jar at the end of 2017 and read what a wonderful year it has been.   
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• Read one book at a time. Unless you are one of those lucky readers who can keep up with the plot of several books at once.
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• Say 'no.' Think about whether or not you are able to do what is asked and then if you are willing before you say 'yes.' 
  
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• Take time to enjoy your world. Spend 10 minutes a day looking at the plants, flowers, clouds and moon. There are magnificent sights to be seen every day. This is what the world looks like if you open your eyes.
  
• Courtesy of Nora's nature walk
• Move! Anything is great. My current exercise is watering the garden. 

Thank you Malathar for the dragon.

• Check out other's ideas for 10 Simple Ways to Live Happy, Wild and Free
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• Connect with friends in real life rather than clicking an emoji on their Facebook posts. My great friend Di, meets with one friend each month that she doesn't see regularly. I am Miss January and I am really looking forward to catching up with her. 
  
  Best wishes for 2017. It can be great. Try something different. Believe in yourself. 

This groovy flower is from animatedimages.org. Free for use.