Whilst these are days we never imagined, and times we will never forget, there are moments of sunshine breaking through the clouds of grey. The vast majority of us have been forced to slow down and to make time for ourselves. How many of us have reached for books that have laid gathering dust on our shelves; tried new recipes; discovered new technologies - our daily company webinar initially felt uncomfortable, but now will be fondly missed; or explored streets never previously ventured?
Time is precious and now, more-so than ever, appreciated. It is thanks to this additional time that you have the opportunity to take stock and to plan for the future. In our line of work much of those thoughts are given-over to musing about travel and why we chose to travel. Have you ever wondered where your wanderlust tendancies originate?
My own passport to the world began in the late 1950s when my parents drove from our home in Cyprus to the UK. I vividly recall the ever-changing scenery, the dawn of the new day and my first ever experience of a duvet in an Innsbruck hotel! The trip ignited a sense of wonder and a desire to discover something new.
Of course, over the years, it has become less about the duvet and more about the experiences that I have had and the people I have met along the way. Sunvil's portfolio in the early days was built around these interactions, and still is in many ways. I love to listen to stories and to see places through the eyes of those who live there. I need to know what makes them tick, why they do what they do, and to feel the passion that they exude. Without Christos on Lefkas, Dennis in Athens, Thomas and Effie on Paxos, Albano and Catarina in the Azores and many, many more, our approach to holidays could have been very different.
I am a firm believer in authenticity especially when it comes to travel and building long-term relationships with those with whom we work. I prefer destinations with a sense of being and where my hosts have the time and desire to sit and have a conversation - having spoken to many of you, especially over recent weeks, I know that you share this fondness. One of the first things I will do, once we are permitted to travel again, and after meeting my two new grandchildren - is to return to Greece and reunite with friends face-to-face.
You may not feel ready to book a future holiday, but if you'd like to take time to reflect on your travels the team and I would love to hear from you - you can email us (including pictures) or give us a call. Our holidays for later in the season and in 2021 will be waiting for you - when the time is right.
Where shall I venture next? To the garden for now but later, who knows...
