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Port of Call |
LAST UPDATE April 25, 2007
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| April 5, 2007 |
Piraeus, Greece – Sunshine House: Health and Healing Through Organic Living |
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| Peace Boat participants gather at Sunshine House |
On April 5 Peace Boat called into Piraeus, the main port of Athens, the capital of Greece since 1834, a dynamic city of historical importance that perfectly juxtaposes the modern and ancient. Anticipating a day of rest and relaxation 24 participants visited Sunshine House, an organic farm in Lamia, 2 hours out of the metropolis. |
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| Kerys Williams, Panagiotis Oikonomou and Gaia greet participants and give an introduction of Sunshine House |
Kerys Williams and Panagiotis Oikonomou run Sunshine House as part of the Sunshine Thai Yoga Massage Network conducting full courses in massage therapy on an organic farm. In addition to training courses there are a myriad of other activities offered on site such as yoga classes, organic farming, cooking and other Eastern medicine practices which participants were able to sample throughout the day. |
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| A cooking demonstration of Greek cuisine |
Firstly, participants enjoyed a traditional Greek cooking demonstration incorporating many vegetables from the organic farm. As each dish was prepared participants scribbled down recipes while avidly asking questions about the fresh produce, for some it was their first time to eat Greek food. There were comprehensive explanations of the ingredients and how it affects health. |
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| Participants plant vegetables and flowers at the organic farm |
After preparing lunch, participants went into the garden and learned about organic farming and had a chance to plant basil, tomatoes and cucumbers. Daily upkeep and maintenance is required on an organic farm and for additional support Sunshine House belongs to the Willing Workers On Organic Farms programme, (WWOOF). This programme enables travelers interested in organic farming to live and work on a farm in exchange for room and board, it is a way for them to experience a different lifestyle as well as learning new skills while traveling. |
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| A yoga session in the studio |
In the afternoon there was a yoga session in the studio where experienced teachers instructed participants on effective breathing techniques and basic yoga positions. This was followed by either a massage or a sauna in a steam room where an inhalant concoction of Thai herbs were added to the healing effect. A luxurious 9 course lunch, that was prepared earlier in the day, complete with organic wine from a local vineyard followed. “I want this life!” said a 29 year old office worker from Japan, “When I go back home I will make changes in my life so I live a slower but more meaningful life.” |
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| Greek dancing together in the courtyard |
Some Greek dancers were invited to Sunshine House and entertained participants while they ate lunch and everyone joined in dancing towards the end. Next, Peace Boat wanted to share some traditional Okinawan songs, singing and playing the sanshin, a three stringed guitar from Okinawa. The overall day was calming and yet uplifting, a school teacher participant commented “I am inspired by this lifestyle and it’s great to see people living like this, living their dream.” This sentiment was shared by all.
For more information please see the following website: www.thaimassage.gr |
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