Guest Post by: Sally Jane Smith
When Sally sets out for Europe with her mother’s 1978 travel diary in her pocket, she is searching for the wanderlust she lost in a devastating overseas road accident.
As she ventures into the heart of the Mediterranean – wandering volatile landscapes, exploring historical sites, pairing books with places and savouring the tastes of Greece – she finds it is possible for a clumsy, out-of-shape woman on a budget to experience a life-changing journey.
In a story told with warmth, humour and a fascination with Greece’s natural and cultural heritage, Sally connects with her past, overcomes her fears and falls in love with life again, one olive at a time.
Book One in the 'Packing for Greece' series travels to Athens and Meteora on the mainland; Monemvasia, Sparta and Methana on the Peloponnese Peninsula; and the islands of Santorini and Rhodes.
About Sally Jane Smith
Sally Jane Smith has lived on five continents and visited thirty-three countries, but she gives credit to Greece for turning her into a writer. She has worked in museums, universities, a language institute, a residence for people with disabilities, an art gallery, a primary school and a wildlife park. She also co-hosts two book clubs and assists the organisers of a biennial book-themed convention. She is currently based in Australia.
Sally’s bylines include Gulf News, JourneyWoman, TripFiction, Women’s Ink! and Brevity Blog. Her exploration of travel and grief is included in the Newcastle Short Story Award Anthology 2022, and she has authored two travel memoirs: Unpacking for Greece and Repacking for Greece.
In July 2023, Unpacking for Greece was selected as Reading Greece Book of the Month by Greek News Agenda, a Greek government website.