Aristotle was OMG Amazing
First Hand Accounts of In Search of Homer
Dear Classical Wisdom Reader,
I’ll admit, I was getting pretty teary eyed.
I wrote to our Classical Wisdom Members who recently returned from this year’s In Search of Homer Cruise to see how it went. I was brief, to be honest, and quickly asked: How did it go?
The responses BOWLED me over. They wrote back a beautiful testament to the trip. The glowing remarks were regarding the quality of the trip, the uniqueness of the sites and experiences and the beautiful community fostered on the journey.
Among the top comments were:
How Amazing Aristotle was! Aristotle, who clearly has a fantastic name, was their extremely knowledgeable tour guide. Every single person wrote saying how much they appreciated his deep understanding of the sites, his enthusiasm and companionship... in the words of one guest: “To top it off our tour manager Aristotelis Koskinas (Aristotle) was OMG amazing.”
The special experiences: Top of the list was Chios, Homer’s birthplace, made all the more special with guest lecturer and famed translator of the Odyssey, Emily Wilson. Upon arrival, all guests were given cups of Mastic, often referred to as the “Tears of Chios” or the “White Gold of Greece,” an ancient resin harvested not only for its flavor but its therapeutic value. Also mentioned several times was the Mycenaean site (and entering the beehive tombs) and of course, Troy.
Mastic (Greek: Μαστίχα) is a resin obtained from the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus). It is also known as tears of Chios, being traditionally produced on the island Chios, and, like other natural resins, is produced in "tears" or droplets. How Comfortable the boat was... as well as the deliciousness of the food: We may be in pursuit of the life of the mind, but that doesn’t mean we can’t treat the body from time to time! Everyone mentioned how attentive and helpful the staff was as well as the selection of restaurants and hotels... even the bus drivers apparently got standing ovations!
The Company: One of the special perks of a trip that is sponsored by only a few groups (such as Classical Wisdom) is that you know the other folks on board are going to be interested in the same things as you. So many wrote in saying how interesting their voyage companions were and the fantastic conversations they had...and indeed that they are still in contact afterwards.
I positively love knowing our Classics community is getting together in the real world! And in such a beautiful way... but I’ll let them speak for themselves.
Martha wrote:
“The ship was perfect. Food was the best. (My husband has not adjusted to being home with my cooking!). The other tour members were interesting and sympatica. The hotel in Athens was great. I loved the downtown location. The final dinner location below the Acropolis was perfect and yielded great pictures. I can't think of anything to improve the trip. I can't say enough about how great it was. I miss my little rocking bunk now that I'm off the ship.
“Thanks for sponsoring this tour, Anya. We celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary by taking this tour, and felt that it was a crowning memory of our lives together. I would never have found out about it except for Classical Wisdom.”
Joe wrote:
“I completely read both the Iliad and the Odyssey prior to the trip and it delighted me to be able to make many of their descriptions come alive for me.
“The Homer Cruise was positively beyond my greatest expectations.
“All members of the Calypso crew were unbelievably nice and solicitous of my every whim. There was a gourmet chef, a pastry chef and a dessert chef. The food was outstanding - I think that I gained about 12 pounds. When we didn't eat aboard, the restaurants chosen by Thalassa were top notch and our reserved tables groaned under the weight of most delicious Greek salads and food.
“The lectures given by Emily Wilson and Bill Irvine were spell binding.
“Everything about this trip was first class.”
And Bruce, who wrote to me first:
“We recently went on the cruise you supported – ‘In Search of Homer’. It was an absolutely fabulous time and well put together by Thalassa. Thank you for letting us know about it in your communications.
“Bill Irvine – as you know he is a wealth of information especially on Stoicism. He is a great guy with a wicked sense of humour – a pleasure to be around. Once again, I must also praise our tour guide Aristotle – he really made the trip come alive.”
I’m so thrilled our members enjoyed such a wonderful experience... and I’m also glad that those of you who weren’t able to take part in the Classical Wisdom Voyage, have another opportunity to do so.
In fact, you can join our “Ancient Shores” journey, taking place this upcoming spring.
Departing from Athens on March 25th, 2023, this trip will stop in beautiful, breathtaking and historic locations throughout the Mediterranean. Once again, guests will be in Thalassa Journey’s capable hands... and joining us as guest lecturer will be none other than Donald Robertson.
Please note!!!!! The other group is NOW offering cabins to the March 2023 Voyage: Ancient Shores of Greece, Southern Italy and Sicily... and I have it on very good knowledge that there is a lot of interest in that group.
That means these cabins will be going fast! So if you are interested in a trip of a lifetime, you will have to act.
Learn more about our March 2023 trip HERE.
All the best,
Anya Leonard
Founder and Director
Classical Wisdom
PS: There is limited space on this voyage and cabins are already being snatched up. So please make sure to take advantage of this opportunity and secure your spot... don’t miss out on a trip of a lifetime.