For 30 years from 1978, Irene and I travelled, as much as work would permit, throughout Greece and the islands. In 2009, I lost my life partner, my travel companion and the desire to journey anymore to Greece.

Over the next few years, the magnetic draw grew stronger and I decided that I would return, not to places we’d been, nor to reminisce, but to re-ignite my love affair with the land that had been such a special part of our lives and where we’d shared so many adventures.

The plan was to fly to Athens, get down to Piraeus and jump on the first boat that was going somewhere we’d never visited. Before I left home, I thought I’d do some research on which islands I might head for. That was when I first discovered Theodore Bent’s enchanting and enthralling account of his travels throughout the Cyclades.

Theodore’s book became my itinerary. For the next 3 years, spring into summer, and in the autumn, I followed him and Mabel from island to island and village to village, having my own adventures along the way.

I made many friends en-route – fellow travellers in both the physical and emotional spheres – and discovered the magic of Greece was still there for me.

It’s a great itinerary for anybody who has a love for Greece and the islands. It’s taken me to places I would never have dreamed of visiting and taught me so much more about the country I’d thought I already knew quite well. My journeys proved to be a catharsis for me – an appropriately Greek word – as Theodore and Mabel drew me back to places I’d never wished to return to. The personal odyssey will continue as I revisit the islands to do more research into their travels.

Who knows whether sentiments are capable of time travel? But, just in case, my message to Theodore and Mabel is “Ευχαριστώ πολύ”.

Alan King

October, 2015

Για όμορφη Ειρήνη μου