This work is dedicated to the local people of Corfu, the island that has been home to me for more than twenty years. I feel grateful to everyone who has shared with me aspects of their personal and family history which all together constitute an important part of the “spirit” of this land.

Looking back to the past, following the traces of whatever has survived from life before tourism in the memories of the people that were children at that time is my way to reconnect with the spirit of the island I feel to be my home, the wisdom of our ancestors, the power to overcome all the financial, political and spiritual challenges of our time by knowing who we are (our strengths and our weaknesses), the joy of living in harmony with nature and our small human community.

That was a hard time but people used to dance and laugh and enjoy a life that felt precious! May we all be inspired to integrate these skills and wisdom into our modern lives, in the way that will best serve each one of us!