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Cultural Connections


An Author's Retreat: Experiencing The Leigh Fermor House in Kardamyli
This house was designed by Patrick and Joan Leigh-Fermor together with Nikos Hadjimichalis as their home, in the Mani region of the Peleponnese.
21 hours ago4 min read


How Mungo Came to Hydra
Charmian Clift and George Johnston developed a considerable reputation on Hydra for their hospitality. As a result newcomers to the island—whether they were passing through or looking for a place to stay—were often directed to the established Australian couple. This could be tiring and distracting, but as Clift later conceded she and Johnston nonetheless felt the need “to preserve a reputation for hospitality of which we were proud”.
Oct 16, 20253 min read


Half the Perfect World: Classical Greek Theatre at Epidaurus
Charmian Clift and George Johnston became devotees of the Epidaurus Festival soon after arriving on Hydra in 1955.
Mar 16, 20254 min read


Half the Perfect World: Tourism and Expatriation
The desire for a life lived authentically in an ‘unspoilt’ Mediterranean pocket is ingrained in contemporary travel literature and dreams.
Mar 3, 20255 min read


Half the Perfect World: Socialising at Katsikas
There was no shortage of venues for Hydra’s expatriates to gather for socialising, drinking, gossiping, arguing and flirting...
Feb 14, 20255 min read


Leonard Cohen on Hydra
When Leonard Cohen recalled his Greek Island home of Hydra it was with a sense of its romantic and erotic promise ...
Jan 23, 20255 min read


The Charismatic, Enigmatic Charmian Clift: A Writer Who Lived the Dream and Suffered its Consequences
The Charismatic, Enigmatic Charmian Clift: A Writer Who Lived the Dream and Suffered its Consequences
Jan 19, 20256 min read
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