Algorithms. I have absolutely no idea what they are, but apparently, they were the catalyst for my recent Greek island sailing trip. A quick Google search tells me algorithms are “a data-tracking system in which an individual’s internet search history and browsing habits are used to present them with similar or related material on social media or other platforms.”

As a young Greek Australian girl growing up in suburban Brisbane, my childhood was blissfully happy, immersed in traditions and boundaries of a reasonably conventional ethnic community. However, life got in the way of my Greek journey plans. In my mid-teens/early twenties, I was too busy socialising, following fashion and being super-cool to remember my heritage. Late 20s to my 50s saw me take on the most serious job in the world – motherhood, simultaneously to building a career. During my 60s as I was transitioning to retirement and caring for an elderly, ailing mother along with my siblings, I was too time poor to enjoy all the wonderful offerings that our Greek community had created to celebrate our maturation as a vibrant, connected, respected population. And now that I am approaching my seventh decade and the finishing line appears closer, I have come full circle embracing my Hellenism with passion and gratitude.

An online search leads to a sailing trip of a lifetime — and a reconnection with identity. Photo: Supplied

My constant thirst for knowledge on Greek history, language, food, religion, philosophy was picked up by those clever algorithms and they directed me to a Greek language retreat offering a seven-day interactive, fun-filled sailing trip around The Cyclades. Everything beautifully packaged and all the hard work done for me. The program devised by Stefania of ‘Speak Greek to Me’ appealed for many reasons and having returned recently from the September 2025 seven-day retreat, I am able to say, I was definitely not disappointed. I consider myself very fortunate to have been presented with this information and if it were not for the magic of algorithms, I may never have been aware that such an opportunity existed.

Group photo at archaeological site. Photo: Supplied

From the moment I met Stefania at Piraeus where our journey began, I knew immediately the next week was going to be a 2025 personal highlight for me. Along with her skipper, Jonas who provided a safety brief, and the five other participants, within minutes of sailing, there was a feeling of “let’s have fun, let’s enjoy, let’s look out for each other, let’s be responsible, let’s learn and let’s make this trip fabulous” and that we did, together, for the next seven days.

A typical day on the ‘Speak Greek to Me’ sailing trip included an amazing breakfast, laughter, a bit of self-time, laughter, a Greek language lesson with Stefania, laughter, sunbaking, sailing, time ashore, Greek games on board, conversations, friendships and more laughter. Greek language was encouraged every day and Stefania, a gifted polyglot ensured everything was explained thoroughly and that our vocabulary increased daily, steadily and naturally. The cultural mix of our participants worked perfectly – two Bulgarian sisters, an English lady, a Czechoslovakian male and two Aussies. And did I mention laughter was compulsory.

Church visit. Photo: Supplied

We were even given homework before we arrived. One of the land activities was for each individual to deliver a piece of Greek poetry, prose or philosophy at one of the ancient amphitheatres. Personally, I felt that I was stepping back into history – it was just glorious. On land, we also shopped, danced, had a Greek cooking lesson, visited a pistachio farm, had a wine tasting evening, visited archaeological sites, churches, museums, villages. The real beauty for me was that the islands we visited were not traditional tourist hot spots. Some of the beaches were so remote we had them entirely to ourselves.

Swimming in the Mediterranean. Photo: Supplied

Though I had been to Sounion before, sailing out in the evening was like drifting through a million postcards – each view more breathtaking than the last. On the Greek island of Aegina, I indulged in an ancient Greek massage and as something of a massage aficionado, after the two-hour blissful experience, I thought I had died and gone to Hippocrates Heaven.

Ancient Greek mythology, Nike – the goddess of victory, meets modern technology, algorithms – Just do it!

Cooking class. Photo: Supplied