KALIMNOS YEAR...

 

…you don’t need to be a millionaire to live like the “New Rich”!

 

I returned to Kalimnos in 2010. Previously I had been based there when working as an island manager and representative for a specialist Greek island tour operator. This time, however, I was enjoying a “gap” year after retiring from teaching.

 

I had decided to take my leave of teaching a few years early in order, as Timothy Ferris says, “to live the here and now instead of postponing the pleasure!” As can be seen in my article “WHY GREECE?” elsewhere on this site, if you are a Grecophile, it does not take much to coax one to Greece!

 

Even Ferris concurs. Although his book, The 4-hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere and join the New Rich”, has become a best-seller, it still remains a slightly uneven read.   Notwithstanding, certain parts have a special resonance. In fact..... I am pleased to add that I had been doing much of what he writes about even before he wrote about it!

 

The gist of this how-to-enjoy-life book distinguishes between actually being a millionaire, and simply enjoying some of the ‘luxuries’ people think require millions. Ferris actually cites life in Greece with its abundant wines and waters as an attainable dream. Kathryn Coutsocostas commenting on the book says, “While dining on fresh fish alongside Homer’s wine-dark sea, I oft murmered to my husband, ‘What more does a millionaire have?’” Freelance writer Bob McDonald says, “Since coming to Greece, I feel like I’ve won the lottery. The people, weather and outdoor activities make life here worth a million to me”. 

Seda Han Doukas a Turkish-born telecom engineer expresses similar sentiments. She feels she could have a high salary at an international corporation back in Istanbul, but looks instead to what Greece has to offer. She feels that Turkey and Greece share several lush perks: ancient histories to explore, gorgeous beaches and islands, more than half a year of sunshine, freshly-picked produce and hospitable populaces.

Des Theodorou has this take…..“It might just be a little bit of an exaggeration to say we [who live in Greece] experience ‘luxurious millionaire’ moments”; but she concedes that sunbathing at stylish beach hotels, sailing with friends and imbibing at posh restaurants or bars does put across-the-board "decadence" within reach!

 

I don’t need even that much to feel like a millionaire! In my little corner of Greek island paradise, a picturesque cove, a simple fishing boat, and lunch at a rustic waterside taverna are able to tick all the boxes. Oh, and I am a sucker for sunsets! Relaxing in Massouri on Kalimnos watching the sun dip behind Telendos Island is one of life’s great pleasures. And it costs tipota!

 

Financially I am in the “Vauxhall Conference”, but when it comes to enjoying life’s simple pleasures in the here and now, I am in the Premier League! You just need to know how and where to “invest” in these experiences. It really doesn’t take all that much to make you feel like a millionaire! Honestly! Just go for it, and enjoy being the "New Rich"!

 

Oh…and by the way, Kalimnos has the best, as well as the second best sunset in Greece!