What starts as a search for a missing husband soon develops into an unbelievable story of treachery, lies, and incredible riches.
…
It was meant to remain buried long enough for the dust to settle on what was once an unpalatable truth, when enough time had passed, and those who had been willing to wait could reap the rewards.
The problem was, no one knew where that treasure was hidden or the location of the logbook that held the secret.
At stake, billions of dollars’ worth of stolen Nazi loot brought to the United States in an anonymous tramp steamer and hidden in a specially constructed vault under a specifically owned plot of land on the once docklands of New York.
It may have remained hidden and unknown to only a few, if it had not been for a mere obscure detail being overheard …
… by our intrepid, newly minted private detective, Harry Walthenson …
… and it would have remained buried.
Now, through a series of unrelated events, or are they, that well-kept secret is out there, and Harry will not stop until the whole truth is uncovered.
All stories require some form of research, quite often to place a character in a place at a particular time, especially if it is in a historical context. This series will take you through what it was like in 1914 through 1916.
1. Trench Warfare Conditioning at Mena Camp, Egypt
The British and Dominion troops (primarily ANZACs) stationed at Mena Camp near the Pyramids from December 1914 through early 1915 received extensive military training, but it was generally considered inadequate for the complex, industrialised nature of Western Front trench warfare.
A. The Focus of Training
The curriculum was heavily influenced by traditional pre-war British doctrine and the immediate need to defend the Suez Canal, resulting in conditioning focused primarily on:
Discipline and Drill: Intense route marches in full kit across the deep desert sand to build stamina and discipline. The aim was to “harden” the men for active service.
Musketry and Field Tactics: Extensive rifle practice and training in basic field formations and manoeuvres, adapted for the open terrain of the desert.
Rudimentary Trenches: While they did dig and occupy practice trenches, these were often created for the purpose of defending the linear positions of the Suez Canal against a Turkish attack (which did occur in February 1915). This training lacked the crucial elements that defined the Western Front:
No Bombing/Grenades: Many troops arrived without even seeing a modern hand grenade (a “bomb”) or knowing how to use one.
No Periscopes or Wire Tactics: They lacked training in the use of periscopes for observation or tactics for cutting and navigating dense barbed wire defenses.
No Gas Warfare: The chemical attacks that defined the Western Front had not yet become standard, so this conditioning was absent.
In short, the training was excellent for physical fitness and basic soldiering but poorly prepared the men for the static, subterranean, machine-gun-dominated battles of Europe.
B. The Missing “Western Front” Element
Training staff at Mena relied on textbooks and older doctrine. There was very little intelligence or doctrine flowing directly from the horrific realities of the trenches in France and Belgium (where the stalemate was already in full swing). As such, the conditioning was for a war of movement that had already ceased to exist on the main European front.
2. Deployment Destinations
For the troops training in Egypt in April 1915, the overwhelming majority of British, Australian, and New Zealand forces were not sent to the Western Front.
A. Immediate Destination: The Gallipoli Campaign
The primary and immediate destination for almost all troops (British territorial divisions, ANZACs, and other reinforcements) mobilised from Egypt in April 1915 was the Gallipoli Peninsula (The Dardanelles).
The Mediterranean Expeditionary Force (MEF), commanded by General Sir Ian Hamilton, was assembling in Egypt to launch the amphibious assault designed to capture Constantinople and knock the Ottoman Empire out of the war.
In the weeks leading up to April 25, 1915, forces were moved from Egypt to staging posts like the Greek island of Lemnos for final preparations before the famous landings at Anzac Cove and Cape Helles.
Your enlisted Englishman, arriving in April 1915, would almost certainly have been deployed to Gallipoli if his special orders related to infantry service or staff work supporting the MEF.
B. The Western Front Deployment (Later in the War)
The large-scale movement of these forces to the Western Front only occurred after the failure and eventual evacuation of Gallipoli (late 1915 and early 1916).
1916: In early 1916, the surviving ANZAC divisions were expanded and reorganised in Egypt before being transferred to France and Belgium. They entered the trenches of the Western Front and suffered massive casualties at battles like Pozières and Fromelles (part of the Battle of the Somme in 1916).
British Divisions: Several British divisions (such as the 31st and 54th) that had been brought to Egypt to protect the Suez Canal or support the MEF were also transferred to France in early 1916.
Remaining Forces: Other British and Empire forces remained in Egypt to form the Egyptian Expeditionary Force (EEF), which was tasked with defending the Canal and launching the later successful campaigns into Palestine and Syria against the Ottoman Turks.
From First Draft to Focused Masterpiece: How to Narrow Your Writing Target
Introduction: The Freedom of the First Draft Crossing the finish line of your first draft is a triumph. The blank page is no more, and your ideas are finally spilling out. Yet, beneath that satisfaction often lingers an unspoken truth: the work isn’t done. Now comes the equally critical (and often underrated) task: narrowing the target. This phase transforms an amorphous draft into a sharp, impactful piece that resonates deeply with its audience. Think of it as sculpting the raw marble of your thoughts into a statue with purpose. Let’s explore how to do this with intention and clarity.
The Power of the First Draft
Before diving into refinement, it’s important to honour the messy beauty of your first draft. It’s a “get it out” stage—where creativity flows unfiltered, and every idea, no matter how half-baked, is welcomed. But here’s the thing: first drafts are not meant to be final products. They’re blueprints, prototypes, or even “vessels of possibility.” The magic happens next, when you take a step back and ask, “What is this really trying to say?”
Step 1: Identify Your Core Message
The first step in narrowing your target is distilling your work down to its essence. Ask yourself:
What is the single most important takeaway?
What changes do I want the reader to experience?
Write this down in a single sentence. If your draft aims to persuade, what’s the one action you want your reader to take? If it’s a story, what’s the central theme or emotion you want to evoke? This core message becomes your compass during the editing phase.
Example:
Vague: “Climate change is a problem that affects us all, and we need to do something about it.”
Narrowed: “Rising ocean temperatures are accelerating coastal erosion—here’s how you can advocate for immediate policy change in your community.”
The narrowed version focuses on a specific cause (ocean temperatures), effect (coastal erosion), and a clear call to action (advocacy and policy).
Step 2: Cut What Doesn’t Serve the Core
Once you have clarity on your message, ruthlessly edit out anything that doesn’t amplify it. This includes:
Tangential anecdotes: A personal story might have been fun to write, but if it doesn’t tie back to your point, it’s a detour.
Jargon or fluff: Replace vague phrases like “a lot of people” with specific data or terms.
Redundant sections: Are two paragraphs exploring the same idea? Consolidate.
Pro Tip: Use the “kill your darlings” mantra, but with a twist. If a line makes you cringe but still feels essential, it might belong. The goal isn’t to erase creativity—it’s to eliminate clutter.
Step 3: Refine Your Audience Focus
Know your reader’s face. The more specific you are about your audience’s needs, the sharper your focus. Ask:
Who is most likely to engage with this?
What do they need to know, feel, or do?
If your draft is for a niche audience (e.g., organic farmers, tech startups, grieving parents), tailor your language, examples, and structure to speak directly to them. Narrowing your audience isn’t about exclusion—it’s about connection.
Example: A post about healthy eating for adolescent athletes versus busy working parents will require fundamentally different angles, even if the topic is the same.
Step 4: Use Feedback to Sharpen the Edge
Once you’ve narrowed your draft, seek feedback. Ask your beta readers or editors:
“Is the main point clear?”
“Did anything feel off-topic or confusing?”
“Where did I lose you?”
Their honest responses will highlight where your focus is strong and areas that need tightening.
Conclusion: From Broad to Bold
Narrowing your target isn’t about stifling creativity—it’s about amplifying it. By focusing on one core message, one audience, and one action, you create writing that’s not just heard but felt. So, after your first draft, give yourself permission to dig deeper. Prune, polish, and focus until your work becomes a beacon of clarity.
Your Turn: Grab a pen and write your core message in one sentence. If you can’t sum up your draft in a tweet, keep refining.
Final Thought: A narrow target may seem limiting, but it’s the very thing that turns a sea of words into a sea change.
Corsica, known as the “Isle of Beauty,” has many stunning areas that are often overlooked by the crowds heading to the main coastal resorts.
Here are five of the next best places or activities to do on a less-travelled road in Corsica:
1. The Désert des Agriates
Why it’s “less travelled”: This vast, uninhabited area in the north-west is a protected coastal wilderness with no main roads. The beaches are often only accessible by boat, a long hike, or a rough, dusty 4×4 track.
The Experience: Explore the wild, fragrant maquis (scrubland) and find pristine white-sand beaches like Plage de Saleccia and Plage du Lodu. You can hire a boat-taxi from Saint-Florent for a day trip, or rent a 4×4 to experience the rugged interior track.
2. The Castagniccia Region (Chestnut Country)
Why it’s “less travelled”: Located in the mountainous north-east, this region is a maze of winding, narrow roads that discourage fast travel. Its villages were once wealthy but have been slowly abandoned, giving it an atmosphere of beautiful, forgotten history.
The Experience: Drive through deep chestnut forests (castagna is the Corsican word for chestnut) and discover ancient, isolated stone villages like Piedicroce or La Porta, which features a magnificent baroque church and bell tower. This area is perfect for feeling truly lost in time.
3. Hiking the Western Side of Cap Corse’s Sentier des Douaniers
Why it’s “less travelled”: While the Cap Corse loop road is popular, most tourists stick to the drive and the villages. The full coastal path (Sentier des Douaniers) is long, but the section on the wilder, rockier west coast sees fewer walkers than the northern tip.
The Experience: Start near a village like Centuri or Tollare and walk south along the “customs officers’ path,” an ancient route used to patrol the coast. You’ll be rewarded with dramatic sea views, Genoese watchtowers, and a silence that contrasts with the busy eastern coast.
4. The Alta Rocca Region and the Solenzara Natural Pools
Why it’s “less travelled”: Located in the mountainous south, the focus here is inland scenery, far from the coastal bustle of Porto-Vecchio and Propriano. The villages like Zicavo and Quenza offer an authentic glimpse of mountain life.
The Experience: Go for a freshwater swim in the natural rock pools (piscines naturelles) carved by rivers like the Solenzara, or head toward the spectacular Aiguilles de Bavella (Bavella Needles) for jaw-dropping mountain views and hiking trails.
5. The Niolo Valley and the Col de Vergio
Why it’s “less travelled”: This high-altitude valley is deep in the heart of the Corsican mountains, accessible via a dramatic, narrow road that climbs up to the Col de Vergio (the island’s highest road pass).
The Experience: Enjoy the dramatic scenery and cooler air. From the Col de Vergio, you are close to the famous GR20 hiking trail. A short hike to the Lac de Nino is a popular but quieter option. The valley is also known for its traditional Corsican products and its semi-wild roaming pigs and cows.
That is a fantastic shift! Santorini is world-famous for the caldera view, but if you venture away from the main settlements of Fira and Oia, you’ll find the authentic, Cycladic heart of the island.
Here are five next best places or activities to explore on the road less travelled in Santorini:
1. Pyrgos Kallistis Village
What it is: The highest village on Santorini, offering 360-degree views of the entire island. It was the former capital until 1800.
Why it’s less travelled: While tour buses stop here, they rarely spend the evening, meaning it’s wonderfully quiet outside of midday. Its labyrinthine, uphill streets were built to confuse pirates, and its architecture is a beautiful mix of Cycladic and Venetian styles, culminating in a Venetian castle (Kasteli) at the peak.
Activity: Wander the quiet alleyways in the late afternoon, climb to the top of the Kasteli, and have dinner at a traditional taverna as the sun sets, without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of Oia.
2. Akrotiri Lighthouse
What it is: Located on the southernmost tip of the island, this is one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece, built in 1892.
Why it’s less travelled: It requires a dedicated drive, and most tourists stop short at the famous Akrotiri archeological site or Red Beach. This spot offers a stunning, completely different perspective on the caldera and the Aegean Sea.
Activity: Pack a small picnic and head here for a truly quiet and spectacular sunset view. You’ll be watching the sun sink into the sea from a peaceful, historic spot, rather than looking at it over the main villages.
3. Vlychada Beach and its Volcanic Cliffs
What it is: A beach on the south side of the island famous for its towering, sculpted white cliffs composed of volcanic ash, which have been eroded by wind and sea into incredible, moon-like shapes.
Why it’s less travelled: It’s far from the main villages and has a wilder, more remote feel than the popular black sand beaches (Perissa/Perivolos).
Activity: Take a long walk along the unique shoreline, where the “moonscape” cliffs provide a naturally shaded, artistic backdrop. The beach itself is a mix of black sand and pebbles, offering a dramatic setting for relaxation and photography.
4. Hiking to Ancient Thera
What it is: The ruins of an ancient city built on the steep, rocky Mesa Vouno mountain, which separates the beaches of Perissa and Kamari.
Why it’s less travelled: It requires a rigorous 30-45 minute uphill hike (or a drive up a steep, winding road) to reach, which deters most casual tourists.
Activity: Climb up in the morning before the heat hits, and explore the remains of Hellenistic temples, Roman baths, and Byzantine walls. You’ll be rewarded with incredible panoramic views over the black sand beaches on one side and the eastern coast on the other.
5. Wine Tasting in Mesa Gonia (Ghost Village)
What it is: A collection of traditional wineries located in the inland vineyards, away from the caldera, in a village often referred to as a “ghost village” because many inhabitants left after the 1956 earthquake.
Why it’s less travelled: The island’s wine culture (using the unique kouloura basket-pruning technique) is often overlooked in favour of beach time. The village itself is authentic and unrenovated.
Activity: Visit a local winery like Gavalas or Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum (which is underground) to taste the local Assyrtiko, Nykteri, and Vinsanto wines. This gives you a true appreciation for the island’s unique volcanic soil and agricultural traditions.
From First Draft to Focused Masterpiece: How to Narrow Your Writing Target
Introduction: The Freedom of the First Draft Crossing the finish line of your first draft is a triumph. The blank page is no more, and your ideas are finally spilling out. Yet, beneath that satisfaction often lingers an unspoken truth: the work isn’t done. Now comes the equally critical (and often underrated) task: narrowing the target. This phase transforms an amorphous draft into a sharp, impactful piece that resonates deeply with its audience. Think of it as sculpting the raw marble of your thoughts into a statue with purpose. Let’s explore how to do this with intention and clarity.
The Power of the First Draft
Before diving into refinement, it’s important to honour the messy beauty of your first draft. It’s a “get it out” stage—where creativity flows unfiltered, and every idea, no matter how half-baked, is welcomed. But here’s the thing: first drafts are not meant to be final products. They’re blueprints, prototypes, or even “vessels of possibility.” The magic happens next, when you take a step back and ask, “What is this really trying to say?”
Step 1: Identify Your Core Message
The first step in narrowing your target is distilling your work down to its essence. Ask yourself:
What is the single most important takeaway?
What changes do I want the reader to experience?
Write this down in a single sentence. If your draft aims to persuade, what’s the one action you want your reader to take? If it’s a story, what’s the central theme or emotion you want to evoke? This core message becomes your compass during the editing phase.
Example:
Vague: “Climate change is a problem that affects us all, and we need to do something about it.”
Narrowed: “Rising ocean temperatures are accelerating coastal erosion—here’s how you can advocate for immediate policy change in your community.”
The narrowed version focuses on a specific cause (ocean temperatures), effect (coastal erosion), and a clear call to action (advocacy and policy).
Step 2: Cut What Doesn’t Serve the Core
Once you have clarity on your message, ruthlessly edit out anything that doesn’t amplify it. This includes:
Tangential anecdotes: A personal story might have been fun to write, but if it doesn’t tie back to your point, it’s a detour.
Jargon or fluff: Replace vague phrases like “a lot of people” with specific data or terms.
Redundant sections: Are two paragraphs exploring the same idea? Consolidate.
Pro Tip: Use the “kill your darlings” mantra, but with a twist. If a line makes you cringe but still feels essential, it might belong. The goal isn’t to erase creativity—it’s to eliminate clutter.
Step 3: Refine Your Audience Focus
Know your reader’s face. The more specific you are about your audience’s needs, the sharper your focus. Ask:
Who is most likely to engage with this?
What do they need to know, feel, or do?
If your draft is for a niche audience (e.g., organic farmers, tech startups, grieving parents), tailor your language, examples, and structure to speak directly to them. Narrowing your audience isn’t about exclusion—it’s about connection.
Example: A post about healthy eating for adolescent athletes versus busy working parents will require fundamentally different angles, even if the topic is the same.
Step 4: Use Feedback to Sharpen the Edge
Once you’ve narrowed your draft, seek feedback. Ask your beta readers or editors:
“Is the main point clear?”
“Did anything feel off-topic or confusing?”
“Where did I lose you?”
Their honest responses will highlight where your focus is strong and areas that need tightening.
Conclusion: From Broad to Bold
Narrowing your target isn’t about stifling creativity—it’s about amplifying it. By focusing on one core message, one audience, and one action, you create writing that’s not just heard but felt. So, after your first draft, give yourself permission to dig deeper. Prune, polish, and focus until your work becomes a beacon of clarity.
Your Turn: Grab a pen and write your core message in one sentence. If you can’t sum up your draft in a tweet, keep refining.
Final Thought: A narrow target may seem limiting, but it’s the very thing that turns a sea of words into a sea change.
All stories require some form of research, quite often to place a character in a place at a particular time, especially if it is in a historical context. This series will take you through what it was like in 1914 through 1916.
…
The camps of the British Army in Egypt during 1915 were sprawling, temporary cities carved out of the desert, defined by immense logistical activity, culture shock, and preparations for the Gallipoli campaign.
Location and Appearance of the Camps
The primary military staging grounds were concentrated around Cairo and the Suez Canal, serving different functions:
Mena Camp (Cairo): This was the most famous and largest training facility, accommodating approximately 25,000 soldiers at its peak.1 It was chosen for its vast space, situated about 16 kilometres (10 miles) from central Cairo, with the Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx forming a striking backdrop.2 In the earliest days (late 1914), space and facilities were rudimentary; some troops slept in bivouacs until sufficient tents arrived two weeks after their initial landing.3 The site, divided into large training areas, was quickly filled with the “hum, bustle, the dust, smell, sounds and lights of a busy city”.4
Moascar and Canal Camps: Other areas included Moascar, near Ismailia and the Suez Canal, which also served as a training area.5 For forces tasked with canal defence, like Indian and Territorial troops, their presence was defined by military works along the waterway. Troops were “under canvas” and lived within defensive redoubts constructed of sandbags and barbed wire.6 Other facilities, like the Egyptian Army Barracks at The Citadel, Cairo, and Artillery training grounds at Zahariah Camp, Alexandria, were also utilised.5
The Daily Expectation: Training and Climate
The soldiers, particularly the ANZAC Corps, which was the main training contingent in early 1915, faced demanding conditions that directly contrasted with the trench environment of the Western Front:
Rigorous Training: Training was held six days a week.3 It primarily consisted of marching maneuvers across the deserts and sand dunes in full marching order.2 This physical exposure was deliberate preparation for operations in the Middle Eastern theatre, like Gallipoli, requiring specific skills for arid conditions.3
Climate Extremes: The climate was a constant challenge. The Egyptian winter brought bitterly cold nights, followed by blistering hot days.3 The heat could be intense, regularly topping 30°C (90°F) in the summer. Sergeant S. F. Hatton recalled temperaments becoming “very ragged” during a khamsin, a hot blast of wind from the Sahara that could send temperatures soaring over 50°C (120°F) for days. Men commonly suffered from heat stroke and pneumonia during their training.3
Canal Defence Duties: Troops guarding the Suez Canal were engaged in constant defensive and logistical work. This included patrolling the banks at night and continually extending infrastructure like light railways and communication cables.6 They often found brief reprieve by using the nearby sea or canal facilities for swimming.6
Down Time and Culture Shock
For many soldiers, especially those from the Dominions and UK Territorial Forces who had never travelled abroad, Egypt presented an overwhelming cultural shock.
Boredom and Cairo: Once the initial novelty of being in a foreign country faded, boredom became widespread among the ranks who had been training for months.3 Many troops would travel into Cairo, which was notorious for its bazaars, cafés, and places of vice.1
Guidebooks and Friction: The perceived difference in culture and the sense among soldiers that locals were trying to extort them led to tension and sometimes physical confrontation.1 To manage this, guides like What to Know in Egypt: A Guide for Australian Soldiers were published, which advised against “familiarity with native women,” explained common sicknesses, and even provided Arabic phrases like “go away”.1
Medical Infrastructure and Casualty Planning
Egypt was crucial not only as a training ground but also as the primary receiving station for casualties from the Gallipoli campaign, requiring extensive medical infrastructure:
General Hospitals: The large size and location of the staging base meant extensive hospitals were necessary. The palatial Heliopolis Palace Hotel in a Cairo suburb was quickly requisitioned to become the 1st Australian General Hospital (1 AGH), opening for patients on January 24, 1915. Other key facilities included the 2nd Australian General Hospital (2 AGH), established at the Mena House hotel near the Pyramids.5
British and Indian Hospitals: British hospitals were also established, such as the No. 19 British General Hospital at Alexandria, through which thousands of soldiers passed during the Gallipoli campaign. Additional facilities included Indian General Hospitals at Alexandria and the Citadel Bijou Palace, and the conversion of the Egyptian Government Primary School (Nasrieh School) into a 584-bed British Military Hospital.
Evacuation Chain: The medical planning included more forward units like Casualty Clearing Stations (CCS). The 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Station (1 ACCS) was initially based in Egypt (Port Said in February 1915) before landing at Anzac Cove on the first day of the Gallipoli campaign (April 25, 1915) to provide emergency surgery and treat and evacuate the overwhelming number of wounded. Soldiers deemed unfit during training were also sent to hospitals like the Egyptian Army Hospital at Abassia.3
With Only Six Minutes to Live – What Would Your Story Look Like?
“If you could see the end of your life, would you want to?” A question that feels like a scene ripped straight from a thriller, yet it lives in the quiet corners of our minds every time we glance at a ticking clock. Imagine the timer on your life’s narrative dropping to six minutes. No more coffee breaks, no “later, I’ll finish that project,” and no chance to scroll through one more meme. What would your story look like in that final, frantic, beautiful sprint?
1. The Flash‑Forward: A Rapid‑Fire Montage
When we think of dying, movies often give us a slow‐motion, tear‑stained goodbye. In six minutes, there’s no room for a soundtrack that swells over a long farewell. Instead, your brain would likely fast‑forward through the most vivid moments — a rapid montage that feels both cinematic and intimate.
Minute
What Pops Up
Why It Matters
0–1
The first time you felt truly alive – maybe standing on a mountaintop, your first kiss, or that “aha!” moment at work.
A reminder that life is made of peaks, not just the plateau.
1–2
The faces of people who shaped you – a parent’s smile, a mentor’s steady hand, a friend’s reckless laugh.
They’re the anchors that kept you tethered to humanity.
2–3
The mistakes you regretted – a broken promise, a missed chance, a harsh word.
In the end, we’re rarely defined by perfection; we’re defined by how we learned from the cracks.
3–4
Small joys you rarely mentioned – the smell of rain, a favorite song, the feel of a dog’s head on your lap.
These are the sensory stitches that quilt our daily comfort.
4–5
Your “why” – the purpose that pulled you through the mundane: a child’s hopeful eyes, a cause you championed, a dream you pursued.
Purpose gives the story its spine, the reason we keep turning pages.
5–6
A single, final image: a blank page waiting for the next writer, or perhaps a sunrise you’ll never see.
The ending is both a conclusion and a promise that stories never truly stop.
2. The Tone of a Six‑Minute Story
If a novel can be a slow burn, a six‑minute story is a sprint. The tone shifts from reflective to urgent, from lingering nostalgia to a fierce gratitude. Think of it as a haiku rather than an epic: every word must count, every image must hit.
“In six breaths, I’m whole.” – a line you might whisper to yourself as the seconds slip away.
This rapid cadence forces us to strip away fluff and get to the marrow. It’s less about the how and more about the what that matters most.
3. What We Usually Forget in the Rush
When the clock is ticking, we often overlook the small, uncelebrated moments that actually define a life.
The Quiet Acts: Holding a door, sharing a joke, listening without judgment.
The Unfinished Projects: Not the grand visions, but the half‑drawn doodles, the recipes you never perfected.
The “Almost” Stories: The road not taken, the love that could’ve been.
These are the hidden threads that, when pulled quickly, reveal the texture of who we really are.
4. A Mini‑Exercise: Write Your Six‑Minute Story
Grab a pen, your phone, or whatever medium feels natural. Set a timer for six minutes. Then answer these three prompts as fast as you can:
Who made you feel seen?
What moment made you feel truly alive?
What simple pleasure would you share with the world right now?
Don’t edit. Don’t overthink. Let the words flow like a sprint through a hallway you’ve run down a thousand times.
Example (under 60 seconds): “My mother’s laugh, the smell of pine after a winter storm, and the way my cat curls around my ankle when I’m reading.”
You’ll notice that, even in a frantic rush, the core of your narrative shines through.
5. Why This Thought Experiment Matters
a. It Re-Prioritises
By confronting the imminent end, we’re forced to reorder our priorities. The next time you’re stuck in a meeting that could be an email, ask yourself: “Will this be part of my six‑minute montage?”
b. It Sparks Empathy
If we all imagined our own six‑minute finale, we might speak softer, listen harder, and love deeper. Empathy becomes the default setting, not an afterthought.
c. It Fuels Action
A vivid, finite timeline can be a catalyst. You might finally call that friend you’ve been meaning to, start that side project, or simply put your phone down and look at the sky.
6. The Gift of a Blank Page
Six minutes may sound like a cruel limit, but it’s also a gift: the chance to see your story stripped down to its essential narrative arc. It asks you to:
Celebrate the peaks.
Own the valleys.
Embrace the in‑betweens.
And when the timer finally hits zero, the story doesn’t end; it passes – like a baton handed to the next generation, a memory whispered to a child, or an idea that sparks a future conversation.
Closing Thought: The Six‑Minute Challenge
I challenge you: live each day as if you only had six minutes left. Not in a morbid, anxiety‑inducing way, but as a reminder that time is precious, finite, and spectacularly yours.
When you next scroll past a notification, pause. When you hear a stranger’s laugh, linger. When you feel the weight of a deadline, ask: “Will this matter in my six‑minute story?”
Because in the end, the measure of a life isn’t the number of seconds it occupies, but the quality of moments we choose to fill them with.
What would your six‑minute story look like? Share in the comments – I’m eager to read the flash‑forwards that make us all feel a little more alive.
If you had only six minutes left, your story would be a rapid montage of peaks, people, regrets, tiny joys, purpose, and a final image of continuation. This thought experiment helps us re-prioritise, build empathy, and act with intention. Try the six‑minute writing exercise and see what truly matters to you.
That is a fantastic shift! Santorini is world-famous for the caldera view, but if you venture away from the main settlements of Fira and Oia, you’ll find the authentic, Cycladic heart of the island.
Here are five next best places or activities to explore on the road less travelled in Santorini:
1. Pyrgos Kallistis Village
What it is: The highest village on Santorini, offering 360-degree views of the entire island. It was the former capital until 1800.
Why it’s less travelled: While tour buses stop here, they rarely spend the evening, meaning it’s wonderfully quiet outside of midday. Its labyrinthine, uphill streets were built to confuse pirates, and its architecture is a beautiful mix of Cycladic and Venetian styles, culminating in a Venetian castle (Kasteli) at the peak.
Activity: Wander the quiet alleyways in the late afternoon, climb to the top of the Kasteli, and have dinner at a traditional taverna as the sun sets, without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of Oia.
2. Akrotiri Lighthouse
What it is: Located on the southernmost tip of the island, this is one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece, built in 1892.
Why it’s less travelled: It requires a dedicated drive, and most tourists stop short at the famous Akrotiri archeological site or Red Beach. This spot offers a stunning, completely different perspective on the caldera and the Aegean Sea.
Activity: Pack a small picnic and head here for a truly quiet and spectacular sunset view. You’ll be watching the sun sink into the sea from a peaceful, historic spot, rather than looking at it over the main villages.
3. Vlychada Beach and its Volcanic Cliffs
What it is: A beach on the south side of the island famous for its towering, sculpted white cliffs composed of volcanic ash, which have been eroded by wind and sea into incredible, moon-like shapes.
Why it’s less travelled: It’s far from the main villages and has a wilder, more remote feel than the popular black sand beaches (Perissa/Perivolos).
Activity: Take a long walk along the unique shoreline, where the “moonscape” cliffs provide a naturally shaded, artistic backdrop. The beach itself is a mix of black sand and pebbles, offering a dramatic setting for relaxation and photography.
4. Hiking to Ancient Thera
What it is: The ruins of an ancient city built on the steep, rocky Mesa Vouno mountain, which separates the beaches of Perissa and Kamari.
Why it’s less travelled: It requires a rigorous 30-45 minute uphill hike (or a drive up a steep, winding road) to reach, which deters most casual tourists.
Activity: Climb up in the morning before the heat hits, and explore the remains of Hellenistic temples, Roman baths, and Byzantine walls. You’ll be rewarded with incredible panoramic views over the black sand beaches on one side and the eastern coast on the other.
5. Wine Tasting in Mesa Gonia (Ghost Village)
What it is: A collection of traditional wineries located in the inland vineyards, away from the caldera, in a village often referred to as a “ghost village” because many inhabitants left after the 1956 earthquake.
Why it’s less travelled: The island’s wine culture (using the unique kouloura basket-pruning technique) is often overlooked in favour of beach time. The village itself is authentic and unrenovated.
Activity: Visit a local winery like Gavalas or Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum (which is underground) to taste the local Assyrtiko, Nykteri, and Vinsanto wines. This gives you a true appreciation for the island’s unique volcanic soil and agricultural traditions.
That’s a great question! While Rhodes is famous for its Colossus and the Old Town, the island is large enough to hide numerous quieter corners.
Here are five places or activities to explore on a road less travelled in Rhodes:
1. The Medieval Fortress of Monolithos
What it is: A picturesque, ruined 15th-century castle built by the Knights of St. John, perched atop a massive, isolated rock overlooking the sea on the southwest coast.
Why it’s less travelled: It’s located far from the main resort towns and requires a dedicated drive. The destination itself is just the ruin and a small, functional chapel (Agios Panteleimonas), offering a quiet, reflective experience.
Activity: Climb the stone steps to the top for incredible panoramic views of the rugged coastline, the sea, and the nearby small island of Halki, especially beautiful at sunset.
2. Exploring the South Coast Beaches (e.g., Agathi or Prasonisi)
While the northern beaches are packed, the southern tip of the island offers wilder, quieter, and more remote stretches of sand.
Prasonisi: This is a small peninsula connected to Rhodes by a narrow strip of sand, creating two bays. It’s a spectacular natural spot.
Activity: It’s famous for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to the strong winds, offering an active alternative to sunbathing. One side is calm, and the other is wavy.
Agathi Beach (Golden Sand Beach): Though not completely unknown, it is significantly quieter than Faliraki or Tsambika, featuring fine golden sand and shallow, crystal-clear water.
3. The Seven Springs (Epta Piges) Tunnel Walk
Located inland, this is a cool, forested area offering a unique, slightly adventurous activity away from the beaches.
What it is: A lush oasis where seven natural springs converge to feed a river. The water is channelled through a dark, narrow, man-made tunnel built in 1931.
Activity: Walk the 186-meter-long tunnel! The water is shallow, but it’s pitch black, cold, and narrow, making it an adventurous and refreshing walk (if you prefer to stay dry, there is a path overground). It leads to a small lake where you can relax.
4. The Petaloudes Valley (Valley of the Butterflies)
While it attracts visitors, the Valley of the Butterflies offers a unique natural experience that takes you away from the coastal towns and focuses on nature conservation.
What it is: A unique habitat and one of the only places in Europe where the Panaxia Quadripunctaria (Jersey Tiger Moth) gathers in large numbers during the summer months (usually July and August).
Activity: Follow the gentle hiking path that winds through the cool, shaded valley, crossing small wooden bridges and waterfalls. It’s less about beach time and more about appreciating the island’s biodiversity and unique microclimate.
5. The Kamiros Ruins and Traditional Village of Embona
Kamiros and Embona offer a deep dive into the island’s history and local life, away from the bustling tourist centres.
Kamiros: Located on the west coast, this is one of the three ancient cities of Rhodes (alongside Lindos and Ialysos). It is a quieter, less-visited archaeological site.
Activity: Explore the well-preserved ruins of the Hellenistic city, which was abandoned centuries ago, giving you a sense of a genuine, unearthed ancient town without the crowds of a major landmark.
Embona: A traditional, mountainous village located on the slopes of Mount Attavyros (the island’s highest peak).
Activity: Embona is the centre of the island’s wine production. Visit a local winery, taste the indigenous varieties, and enjoy a traditional Greek lunch far from the tourist tavernas.
Thrills, Spills, and just a dash of Romance 