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Greece: A Place Where Everyone is Welcome

8/27/2015

There’s a reason why my soul was attracted to Greece (besides the abundance of lemons). After surviving eight months of German order, Greece was the “Down Under” experience that breaks every methodical approach. The sun-soaked sea drowned my soul into a euphoric ecstasy while seaside wildflowers blossomed my spirit to the heavens. A true sea-woman, I love the ocean, but I love carefree living possibly even more. Somehow I knew I was a Greek Goddess in my past life.

I booked our apartment-hotel because the reviews claimed the owner, Demetrius, is a one-of-a-kind dude. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a Grecian smile as he carried our suitcases up the narrow stairs in flip-flops. We arrived at night and made way to Stalis Beach town to find dinner – well Greek Salads. We’ve been craving traditional Greek salads ever since we booked this trip back in March.

We ate dinner at a seaside restaurant and watched the last bit of the sun set behind the mountains. Ready to bathe in the moonlit sea, we asked for our check. Instead of the bill, the waiter brought us a free dessert and two shots of Ouki. Free dessert? Free liquor? What is this place? I downed Ouki with a puckered taste and this poison-tasting liquor reminded me of binge drinking in college.

Josh ate breakfast at the hotel and the lady who worked mornings told him to pay the owner later in the day. We joked, “Now we can see why Greece is in the financial crisis.” Offering free dessert and alcohol would never fly in Germany or the States when analyzing profit margins.

But there was something unique and different about Greece. It took 24-hours to figure out the Grecian lifestyle – laidback, carefree and a “no worries” attitude. Most coastal hotels and resorts around the world only allow guests to use their facilities. In Greece, even the smallest of guesthouses have a pool and bar. Every place welcomes everybody at any time of day. Entry is free and all you need to do is buy some drinks or food. How wonderful, how amazing, how Grecian.

It’s an underlining sense instilled from the Greek Gods that everyone and everything is connected. Why separate when we can unite under one blistering hot sun? The Greek lifestyle and mentality brings your dramatic, selfie-obsessed, egotistic mind back to the basics. Stop overthinking and start living. When you see the power of the ocean and lemon trees and grapes growing a block from the seashore, you see life in a different perspective. I’ve always admired the island lifestyle and mentality. Australia, Fiji, Ibiza, Hawaii, Dominican Republic, New Zealand, Greece – these places know the secret of life that you must discover yourself.

And well, if now only the four-seasons in the Maldives will let me “hang out” at their pool for the price of a drink…

And to that, I thank you Greece.

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Reiki in Ibiza: A Perfect Place to Get Grounded

8/25/2015

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It’s been six-months since I’ve had a reiki session. For a decade, I dreamed and desired to come to the magical island called Ibiza. I believed that experiencing Reiki on this island would be the perfect spiritual tune-up. My soul knew this Ibizan experience would be spiritual combining my love for electronic music and spiritual endeavors.

Cat, a British Reiki healer, came to Ibiza and basically never left. Now I knew why. The vibe and essence of Ibiza is unique. Besides some drugged-up EDM lovers, Ibiza’s dichotomy is unique. Maybe it’s all this quartz crystal that lies beneath the surface of Ibiza?

The morning of my appointment, I rented a car and headed to Cat’s place. I kept calm focusing on the road since this was my first time driving in Europe. The Spanish automatic car differed from American where neutral did not exist and the car rolled backwards when switching my foot from break to accelerator.

I arrived early with intentions on hanging out in my car until my appointment time. I felt a tap on the window and Cat arrived mentioning, “for some reason my intuition told me you’d arrive early.” Funny how things like that “work.” I walked into her home and healing room, which was an energetic oasis and attached my soul to my guides.

Part of the reason I saw Cat was to give me the strength and confidence of publishing my book. Throughout the years of my spiritual development, I’ve been judged and put-down many times for my spiritual endeavors. I’ve been labeled everything from “weird to fucking crazy.” Now, not only am I more confident in my beliefs and myself, but I needed some extra “life force juice” to overcome negative comments about my book.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a writer is that people will love and hate your work. Telling the world about your inner-world and mistakes is nerve-wracking. Cat reminded me that as a Reiki Master that I have the power within me and to connect to my guides when I need help. She said, “the energy is out there, you just need to use it. Guide your energy to the people who need to read about your story.” I completely forgot that we humans have this magical power to guide our energy as we see fits.

After a brief consultation, I took a deep breath and lay on the table. After Cat opened the session, I felt tears stream from my eyes. I did not know exactly where my emotions came from, but my mind raced at the speed of light while simultaneously calm and thoughtless.

The night before I attended Destino’s Opening Party. I met a group of 60 and 30-year old British guys who were on a stag party and we danced, laughed and joked in the VIP section behind the Luciano. I had one drink that night and the guy put Red Bull in my drink, which is like a poisonous speed to my sensitive body. Even with the small amount, I felt the jitters leave my body with the tears as Cat replaced the anxious with light and love.

When I was 20 I moved to Australia and that experience changed my life. I talk more about the trip in Finding Om, but it was the only place on the planet where I was accepted without judgment. I cried as I found a “home” in Ibiza being free with the universe, beach and techno music. A place where people unite to have a good time and dance. Not one person looked sad, depressed or stressed. The only worry on this island was how to catch a cab home from the nightclub.

I then thought about living in Europe. I became very thankful for the experience and also proud. Before I met my husband, I planned on moving to Europe. When my husband entered my life, we both had the same goal, but he wanted to live in Germany. I told him to never give up on that dream. I did not know how or when, but I knew one day I would live in Europe.

And like Australia and India, I cried wondering how I am so lucky to have this experience? I found peace and love on the table knowing the universe would take care of me. At this point, I lived in Germany for eight months and through this time I developed more spiritually. I’ve seen and analyzed cultural lifestyles and my viewpoints about health, exercise and wellness were changing. And some of it goes against the education we learn in America. How the hell am I going to survive a life in America and compete against a male-driven egotistic industry that obsesses over protein and lifting weights? Somehow the time to voice this stuff would come as needed.

I find Reiki as a powerful tool to help me release and trash the negative stuff. To me, reiki is nature’s juice that revs my mind and body. At the conclusion of my session, Cat wanted me to pull from the angel cards. Two cards fell from her deck. The first encouraged me to move forward with something I wanted to study. She said, “Have you been thinking about studying something?”

I laughed while wiping my face, “I actually wanted to take DJ lessons. Becoming a DJ in Germany is like learning how to scuba dive in Australia.” Unfortunately, my German is “nicht gut” and they don’t respond to my emails. But, somewhere and some day I will learn how to DJ. I saw myself entering a creative stage of life and this type of music moves my spirit to another dimension.

The second card that came up was in regards to someone who tragically passed and the card assured the soul was okay in the heavens. I connected that to my uncle who committed suicide around June 3, 2012. My reiki appointment was May 30, 2015.

The backstory on my Uncle’s death set the stage for the type of work I wanted to pursue. I’ve often had visitation dreams from my uncle and his message assured me to remain strong during his “anniversary” where I would think of him often.

After the appointment, Cat led me outside where I drank the warm Ibizan air. I felt grounded, lifted, powerful and ready for the Las Dalias Hippie Market.

Cat is an amazing healer and gifted in many intuitive realms of Reiki. For a reiki healing appointment, contact Cat through her website: http://www.reikiinibiza.com

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Shopping in Ibiza: A Myriad of Choices

8/22/2015

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Watch your pocketbook ladies, ‘cause you’re gonna spend a lot of money in Ibiza. Anyone who fits the Bohemian-Island Goddess stereotype will want to spend her life savings in Ibiza. Ibiza is a shopaholic's paradise. The shopping in Ibiza ranges from the downright trashy to the upright classy. It’s an eclectic array of choices to cater to the eccentric mix of people who visit the island. From backpackers to back-pocket ballers, Ibiza has everything and anything. There are a few suggestions I highly recommend, but here is an overview of what to expect in Ibiza.

Cheap Souvenir Store Club Wear
This is the neon-colored, Miami stripper meets the Jersey-Shore-inspired club wear that makes you look as trashy as Snookie. It’s the type of fashion and style I despise as it’s underlying message is “haha we got you.” What do I mean? It’s the brainwash bullshit messaging sent to young twenty-year olds (who can afford the clothing) to make them feel good about themselves because they “fit into society” and “did something epic.” Some of it I think is worn as a funny joke, which I agree is hilarious, but some girls had handfuls of this trashy treasure-shit to take back to England. It’s the type of clothing that rips knock off lines from Vegas such as, “What happens in Ibiza, Stays in Ibiza,” and shirts, thongs, boxers and shorts that proudly state the word, “fuck” on everything. I see this type of clothing on the same level of lowness as the dipshit who created the bloodstained Urban Outfitter Kent State University shooting sweatshirt. What about any of this is funny or remotely cool? But, what the hell do I know? I’m an independent hippie at heart who gets angry when people try to insult my intelligence. And this type of clothing I find is an insult to the beauty of one’s mind, body and soul.

Actual Souvenir Store Club Wear
The main clubs in Ibiza are not just eat, drink and dance venues. They are a brand and brands sell clothing. Inside some of the clubs (such as Space) you’ll find a souvenir store open during the parties. However, some clubs have street side stores such as Ushuaia and Pacha. Here you’ll find every piece of clothing slapped with a brand or party-theme insignia. For example, one of Ushuaia’s parties in ANTS. You can bring home your party memory with Ant-themed t-shirts and thongs. Café del Mar sells everything from bathing suits, CD’s and logoed shorts. Don’t worry if you’re too hung over to shop during the day. The airport has several club stores such as Pacha and Ushuaia.

Hippie Market meets Modern Trend Wear
The hippie markets sell everything from Buddha bags to bracelets. The modern Bohemian theme is popular now on the island. What does this mean? Fashion uses modern cuts, styles and trends while using “hippie-inspired” fabric with bold colors and vibrant designs. You can find everything from bathing suit cover ups to fashion scarves. A common trend is to take something traditional from Ibiza such as a semi-precious (or faux) stone and create a bracelet dangled with a feather. Hippies find traditional “energy” goods such as crystals, stones and angel-shaped statues.

Upscale Beach-Inspired Wear
Similar to what I mentioned above, select stores throughout the island cater to those who can afford a 200-Euro chiffon beach sarong. The jewelry uses real stones and gold and there is nothing faux about it. Designer swimwear can cost up to several hundred euros for both men and women and all goods cater to the classy.

Music
If you come to Ibiza for the music, you’ll most likely go home with some CD’s. I found the average price of the CD’s cost 30-euro for a two-disc pack. You’ll find everything from Hed Kandi, deep house to Café del Mar-ambient beats. If you love Ibiza music, you’ll find every type of house, EDM, techno and Balearic beat throughout the island.

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Vegan in Ibiza: Don’t Panic Its Organic

8/18/2015

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When looking for food for the soul, look no further than Don’t Panic It’s Organic. The café opened in 2015 and ran by an attractive Dutch couple. She a Bohemian Goddess and he a brown-hair bearded hipster sporting a man bun screams locally sourced produce.

The cute and quaint corner café sits in Evissa (Ibiza) town and a short walk to the Ses Figueretes shoreline. I stumbled upon this urban oasis while trying to figure out the bus schedule and trying to find Old Town. Hot from meandering around I decided to cool off with yet another Ibizan smoothie. The café serves everything from salads, sandwiches, raw dessert and energy balls. It is a place to heal thy soul with healthy eating.

I stared at the menu pondering what to eat. I thought, “Should I get a sandwich? No, you need a smoothie. But what if you get hungry later? The sandwich is more filling. It’s only four Euro more.”

Being used to German prices where I can buy a kilo of kale of 2.99 Euro or a cucumber for 0.55-cent Euro still blows my mind. Thanks to the German stubbornness apparently prices have stayed so low because people refuse to pay high prices for produce. (But yet they’ll buy a 30 thousand Euro Audi?) Anyways, pretty much anything healthy in Ibiza comes with a price tag.

I ordered a green smoothie infused with almond butter, kale, and coconut topped with goji berries. This café presents food that should be photographed on the front cover of an organic food snob magazine. The Dutch couple works hard preparing food with love and care while shining their friendly Dutch smiles with the Ibizan sun.

The café features indoor and outdoor seating. The front contains a Buddha-setup, which has Moroccan-style pillows situated underneath a colorful umbrella. It pretty much is every hippie-at-heart’s dream to sit, sip and chat away with friends. But don’t think for a moment the customer base is just a bunch of free-spirited hippies. Many European cultures have a priority on health, so you’ll see average and chic people who want to consume healthy foods while supporting a small business. At times in the States, this type of culture stereotypes a certain category of people – either patchouli-smelling dreadlock hippies or Anthropologie-wanna-bes. Anyways, the place is a cool place to chill, grab some delicious grub or drink some locally-made Kombucha.

To sign off with some words of wisdom from Don’t Panic It’s Organic just look at the bathroom sign that says:

"Men to the LEFT
because
Women are always RIGHT."

Don’t Panic It’s Organic
Find them on the corner of Carrer de Jacint Verdaguer and Avenida D’ Espana 61 07800 Ibiza Town, Ibiza, Spain
#vegan #dutch #ibiza #vegetarian #vegantraveler #organic #goodfood #smoothies

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Greek Health: 8 Holistic Products You Must Buy from Greece

8/17/2015

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Greece is the mecca for all things healthy. Herbs, spices, olive oil, honey, pumas stone and olive oil-based soap, Greece is a health nut’s paradise. Visitors experience the best products for one’s inner and outer world ranging from organic skin products to rosemary-infused olive oil. It’s no wonder why the planet has an obsession with the “Greek Diet” as products that come from Greece are as pure as Aphrodite’s soul.

The best part about shopping in Greece is that these products are affordable and genuine. Yes, there are some cheaper products such as soap that includes parabens and SLS, but searching for a pure product is easy and does not require hours of reading labels. I spent time in Crete and Santorini and found that Santorini was more expensive compared to Crete. But, overall both islands offer products that are cheaper than the US and EU. Don’t worry about the Euro to Dollar exchange, its near even and these products taste and feel so good that you’ll later cry at the grocery store buying some “thick as tar” olive oil that was processed in a plant in Timbuktu, Texas. Leave plenty of room in your suitcase for these fantastic Greek products.

Olive Oil
Do you like olive oil infused with chili and Greek herbs? Do you need a vat of oil to cook your favorite pasta sauce? If so, you’ll find all kinds of oil in Greece. Greek olive oil differs from most oils I’ve tasted. There are two exceptions – Italy and Croatia – I found the olive oil is similar between these three countries. The oil is thinner, almost a watery substance, that boasts flavor and purity. The oils produced in Greece are the highest quality extra virgin olive oil ever created on the planet. It’s an addicting substance that you know is doing the body good.

Greece has an abundant of olive and grape trees due to its high desert landscape. Every oil differs based on the olive, but most use the traditional silver-green olive. In Crete, I like the Zero Two brand.

Soap
Olive oil soap is the candy of Greece. Everywhere and every shop sells olive oil-based soaps. It is a must try for your sun-kissed (or burnt) skin. Depending on the brand, various scents are available with olive oil as its main ingredient. I recommend reading the labels to distinguish artificial ingredients. The brand I found to love is KNOSSOS. I purchased the aloe vera soap and it contains four ingredients: olive oil, water, salt and aloe vera fragrance.

Spa Products
Once again, olive oil-based skin and spa products are every woman’s fountain of natural youth. Lotion, shampoos, hair treatment cream, sunburn cream and nighttime face lotion – you can find every type of skin and body product in Greece. In fact, I recommend not bringing anything over and just buying everything you need in Greece. The brand I found and fell in love with is Messinian Spa. The aloe vera sun burn cream and olive oil, pomegranate & honey body milk is out of this world amazing. Each time I apply the products it smells as if Zeus massaged my body with ancient herbs while bathing under a trellis of grape leaves. The products are paraben and SLS free.

Himalayan Salt
Oh yes, what’s been a trending topic for the last two years in the States have been part of the ancient Greek diet for Centuries. You can find the pink salt at many of the natural-based gift shops and street side markets. I purchased a 500-gram bag for 1.50 Euros. Seriously, it’s that cheap. Stock up before you have to spend ten dollars for a small shaker at Whole Foods.

Greek Honey
I know, I know. Honey is not vegan. But most people reading this is probably not vegan and may have an interest in honey. Greek honey is a powerful healing tool used to overcome immune issues and maintain weight. It’s an integral ingredient in Grecian desserts. I taste tested several honey products and marveled over the romance my tongue experienced. My favorite included the “Flower Greek Honey” made from Grecian flowers and wild herbs.

Spices
No Greek experience is complete without a bag of spices. Shops sell everything from single spices to mixed herbs suitable for meats, salads and rice dishes. I recommend purchasing the Greek salad or feta spice packets. These consist of four to five herbs used in Greek salads or placed atop of a hunk of feta.

Olive Tree
Oh what the hell, why not pick yourself up an olive tree? Local shops sell these tiny trees for a reasonable price. I’m not sure how this would hold up with immigration into the United States, but if in the EU, you can easily transport the plant without border control hassle. Trees are energy, and olive trees are the most authentic forms of Grecian energy (besides lemon trees).

Pumas Stone
Santorini Island is one big pumas stone consisting of white, black and red pumus rock. Rub, scrub and massage your feet and body with an authentic pumas stone made directly in Greece.

When in Stalis Beach, Crete, I recommend these products from Diktamos located at 110 Ag. Ioannou Str. Stalis, Heraklion, Crete. Phone number: 28970 32573. I purchased all products (except the salt) at Diktamos.

Prices
I purchased travel-sized products because I had a carryon bag. Prices based on the products in the picture above:

Honey – 1 Euro

0.1 liter Olive oil and 100 gram Soap combo pack – 2.50 Euro

Messinian Spa lotion 55 ml – 1.60 Euro

Himilayan Salt 500 grams – 1.50 Euro

Greek Salad Spices 40 grams – 1.30 Euro

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The History & Health Benefits of Lemon Trees

8/16/2015

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Barcelona Street Market

The exact origin of lemons trees remains unknown. According to Purdue University, one original source may be in Kashmir, India. They were first grown in Southeast Asia. Ancient documentation suggests that lemon trees have cultivated for over four thousand years. Lemon trees are sensitive to cooler environments; therefore, thrive in warm weather climates.

The BBC states that lemon trees were first introduced to Greece in 300 BC. Persian traders carried lemon trees along trade routes known as the Silk Road that ran between Asia and the Mediterranean. An illustration on a ceramic tile from the Pompeii ruins found after the 79 AD Mount Vesuvius eruption showed the established growth of lemon trees. Other records state lemon trees were introduced to Italy in year 200 and Iraq and Egypt in year 700. China inherited lemon trees after the 8th Century.

Lemons first reached England from Spain in 1289 when 15 lemons, seven oranges, pomegranates and fried fruit were presented to Queen Elenor, a Castile former princess. Lemons were integral during Middle Age well being. Locals knew lemons as “golden apples” and were traded for cloth, metal and artifacts. Many believed lemons had a healing property.

Ancients revered lemons for its health benefits. The Romans knew lemons as the “Median Apple.” Ancient Egyptians believed eating lemons and drinking lemon juice protected the body against various poisons. The writer, Athenaeus, claims that two men bitten by poisonous serpents did not have any adverse health issues because they ate lemons prior to the bite.

In 1493, Christopher Columbus introduced lemon trees to the “New World” with seeds. By 1565, the first lemon trees grew in coastal South Carolina and St. Augustine, Florida. By the 18th Century, California began growing lemon trees.

Today, major commercial growers cultivate lemon trees in Spain, Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Turkey, Lebanon, Australia, South Africa, Chile and Argentina. Streetside café lemon trees are common in Portugal. Lemon trees grow naturally in Spain, Italy and Greece.

A lemon forest exists Greece opposite the port of Poros. The Lemon Forest of Poros is the only one in Greece and sits alongside the Peloponnese shoreline. In May, the town blossoms with the fresh scent of lemon blooms.

A single lemon contains between 40 to 70 percent of one’s daily-recommended Vitamin C intake. According to Gardenguides.com, “The healing properties of a lemon include antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, diuretic, bactericidal, astringent, antiscorbutic, febrifuge, antifungal, antihypertensive, antiviral, insecticide and immune-stimulant properties.”

Lemons are acidic, but when consumed it alkalizes and balances the body’s Ph level. Fresh lemon juice and water in the morning is an effective liver detox drink. For a laxative effect, mix lemon juice with hot water and drink upon waking on an empty stomach. Lemons have 22 anti-cancer compounds and contains iron, calcium, vitamin-B’s, copper, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and fiber.

As you can see lemons have a long history, just like humanity and health. With my interests piqued in health and travel, I present to you the Lemon Tree – a destination for all good things healing and amazing.

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a feel good travel blog

Greece: A Place Where Everyone is Welcome

Reiki in Ibiza: A Perfect Place to Get Grounded

Shopping in Ibiza: A Myriad of Choices

Vegan in Ibiza: Don’t Panic Its Organic

Greek Health: 8 Holistic Products You Must Buy from Greece

The History & Health Benefits of Lemon Trees

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