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Getting to Hydra (Idra) from Athens
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We recommend that you fly in to Athens at least one day before you make your ferry trip to Hydra. If you can arrive a couple of days earlier in Athens visit The Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum and The National Archaeological Museum.
Take an early ferry to Hydra (Idra). The trip from Piraeus/Athens to Hydra takes about one and a half hours and costs about EURO 30. Cick here to view timetable.
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Arriving in Hydra
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Our address in Hydra: Athens School of Fine Art Hydra Annex, known as Tompazi House (Tompazi Mansion) or Art School by the locals. There are no house numbers in Hydra. The town consists of narrow stone lanes and steps, very many steps, which climb the steep slopes. There are quite a few steps up to the Annex, so you may want to hire a donkey to carry your luggage. Cars and motorcycles are prohibited by law, there are only two vehicles on the island- an ambulance and a rubbish truck.
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Places of interest in Hydra
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The first traces of human presence in Hydra date from antiquity, as the island was an important trade centre during the Mycenaean times. A few findings from excavations can be seen in the Museum of Hydra, although most have been moved to the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. The Historical Archives Museum of Hydra is housed in a large stone mansion just above the port of Hydra. It hosts several manuscripts, many very interesting paintings and ship models. Its library has 4,800 books dating from the 18th century till today.
Above the port, in the Church of the Assumption, there is also a small Ecclesiastical Museum with an interesting collection of Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons.
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It is well worth visiting Koundouriotis Mansion. This elegant stone mansion is an outhouse of the National Historical Museum. It includes relics of the Koundouriotis family, such as weaponry, traditional clothes from all over Greece, woodcarvings, paintings and jewellery. Source: www.greeka.com
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Food, rest, and other essentials
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We pay meticulous attention to food sourcing and preparation of breakfasts and morning teas. Gluten free and vegetarian preferences will be catered for.
Time has also been allocated in the programme for participants to explore, rest, journal, or swim. Most beaches in Hydra are pebbled and have picturesque surroundings. If you have mobility issues you could find the steps in Hydra challenging.
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The new myth in Hydra consists of a number of activities which unfold over a dedicated period of time. There are three parts: a mentored online preparation period , the retreat in Hydra and an editing phase to realise the publication. The cost of the project is all inclusive.
What your contribution covers
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Five online sessions requiring a two-hour commitment (approx.). The online sessions are mentored by Horst and Jennifer Kornberger.
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A six day retreat on the Island of Hydra which includes the following:
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Workshop sessions from 9am – 1pm at the Hydra Annex led by Horst Kornberger and Jennifer Kornberger.
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Afternoon presentations with Greek award-winning poets Katerina Iliopoulou and Panagiotis Galanopoulos and artist Fotis Karageorgiou on the topic of the New Myth.
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All breakfasts and morning teas, and one welcome dinner.
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Accommodation at the Athens School of Fine Art Hydra Annex - twin share or single occupancy, or at a hotel on Hydra.
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Editing of written work for publication
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Three copies of the publication
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Total cost of project:
AUD 2,400 (Twin share in Hydra)
AUD 2,900 (Single occupancy in Hydra Annex or hotel accomodation)
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What is not covered in the Hydra retreat
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Airfares and transport to Hydra
Lunches and dinners apart from welcome dinner. There are excellent cafes or tavernas everywhere in Hydra. The kitchen at the annex is available for your use.
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Venue on Hydra
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We have secured The Hydra Annex of the Athens School of Fine Art for our work. The building itself is a three storey mansion that belonged to Admiral Tompazi, first admiral of the fleet of Hydra and one the heroes in the Greek war of independence. We are delighted to be working in a residence that suits the intention of our work - the liberation of the imagination from centuries of foreign occupation! The Athens School of Fine Art took over the building in the 1930's and Marc Chagall lived there when he taught at the School.
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Accommodation
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You can choose to stay at the Annex or in hotel accomodation.
The accommodation at the Annex is very basic. It has all the grandeur of an 18th Century stone mansion, marble floors, high ceilings, historical paintings and glorious views as well as the dilapidated air of a space well-loved by art students. The place is utterly charming but you won’t have any mod cons like air conditioning or room service. Bathrooms are shared in guesthouse style. The Annex is equipped with a kitchen (for your use) and a number of workspaces. The Annex has twin share rooms. We have set aside some rooms for single occupancy and these are available on a first come first serve basis.
You may prefer hotel accommodation with private bathroom, air-conditioning and other facilities. The hotel is a ten minute walk from the Annex.
Please note: If all rooms at the Annex are taken at the time you apply for the project you will be accommodated at a hotel on Hydra at the cost stated for the hotel option.
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Itinerary in brief for Hydra Retreat
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08 July 2018: Arrive at Athens School of Fine Art Hydra Annex
Retreat begins at 4pm with an introductory session followed by a welcome dinner
14 July 2018: Depart from Hydra Annex
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Can I bring my partner?
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Supportive partners can be accommodated with you in a twin share room and participate in the welcome dinner, breakfasts and the sessions with our Greek guest poets and artists for a contribution of AUD 800.
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