Richard Brown
I've enjoyed walking all my working life and having taken early retirement to pursue a dream to live in Greece it seems rather spooky that I was asked to join the Walking Rhodes team and once again enjoy walking as a job. Well can you describe it as a job, there is no alarm clock, the sun doesn't stop shining from mid May till the end of November, my work uniform consists of t-shirt and shorts and a pair of sunglasses and at the end of the working day, I cool down by having a swim in the pool and enjoy a cold beer from the fridge. This walking business seems to my cup of tea.
My work site consists of the mountains, the beach and the forests. While my paperwork consists of the history of Rhodes (including Greece), it's architecture, it's agriculture and the history of the people. All of these things have been bringing me to Greece and it's islands for over 22 years and these are just a few of the reasons why I love Greece and why I now live here on the island of Rhodes.
How did you get involved with Walking Rhodes?:
One sunny day during March 2009, while Stephen Williams was in Rhodes, he asked me to join him on a walk up the tallest mountain, Mount Attavyros (1215 mts tall) I had the feeling I was going to be asked to join the team as a walking leader assistant, you know the person at the end of the tail to make sure all the people in front didn't get lost or fall by the way side. Well did I get a surprise when we got back down from the top.
What are you involved in?:
I am the Operations Manager here on Rhodes and look after the staff during the walking sessions. I make sure they have accommodation, food, transportation, a daily walking schedule and that they get paid. I also make sure they have enough information at hand to answer those awkward questions from the customer. I also liaise with the customers to make sure they are happy, dressed appropriately and are aware of all there travel arrangements for each of the walks.
Name three things you always take with you walking in Rhodes?:
When I get to walk on Rhodes, I make sure the walking leaders are in control of the walk and I just follow on behind as a spare pair of hands, if required, but I always have with me a fully charged mobile phone with a complete contacts list stored, a flask of cold water, with a back up bottle and lastly a back up first aid kit.
What the most important thing you have learnt about walking in Rhodes?:
The most important lesson to learn about walking, not only in Rhodes but anywhere, is to respect the weather. Not only the sun and the heat but the rain and the cold and everything in between. It constantly changes and so can your walking conditions, so be aware of your situation and act accordingly. Never underestimate the power of the weather.
Is there anything you miss most when working in Rhodes?:
What could you miss while working in Rhodes, I've not got an alarm clock, the suns out all the time, I go to work with t-shirt and shorts, the people I work with are great fun, and after a hard day at the office I jump in the pool and cool down with a cold beer from the fridge. What do I miss while working on Rhodes, let me think about that one!!!!!!
Whats you favourite Greek meal?:
I really don't know if there is enough space in this section but you have to start somewhere. Not in any particular order, Pastisio (A macaroni "pie" baked with minced meat), Youvetsi ( A casserole of baked meat and pasta), Papoutsakia or Little Shoes (Aubergines stuffed with meat and a bechamel sauce topping) This will do to start as I'm getting hungry with just the thought of it, all these can be followed by a lovely glass of Ouzo. Ones to miss are squid and Octopus (Yuk)
What is your favourite snack?:
Gyros Pitta (Pitta bread rolled into a funnel, with tomatoes, chips, lamb strips, herbs and Tzatziki )
What other interests do you have aside from walking?:
I've just returned to photography with a new digital SLR and am enjoy taking photo's again. Discovering a new castle and trying to find out about it's history. And just the Greek thing really, sitting around enjoying good company, nice food, nice drink and having a good laugh.