Tammy becomes "Shirley Valentine" in Greece 2012

From the classic "Shirley Valentine" movie. Shirley's a middle-aged Liverpool housewife, who finds herself talking to the wall while she prepares her husband's chip'n'egg, wondering what happened to her life. She compares scenes in her current life with what she used to be like and feels she's stagnated and in a rut. But when her best friend wins an all-expenses-paid vacation to Greece for two, Shirley begins to see the world, and herself, in a different light. Written by Kathy Li

I also had a friend invite me on a fabulous journey to Greece. One that I could never convey well enough its effect in me. I was in a rut of a marriage which recently ended in divorce. I was stagnated. In Greece I was rejuvenated. More importantly, I found that I am excited about what my future holds.

I left Detroit Michigan (DTW) 7:08pm arrived in Amsterdam 9:10am. 3 hour layover allowed me to exchange my dollars to euros. That in itself was exciting to me. So you can only imagine how bright eyed I was about landing in Athens at 5:35pm.

I was greeted by my friend as he had promised. Patiently waiting for this jet lagged lady. I arrived with two bags. One clothes, the other camera equipment. Yes, I was the obvious tourist. We walked over to the metro train in Athens and waited for it. And waited for it! It was hot and humid on August 17, 2012. 94 degrees. Excited about where I was headed we boarded the metro. One and a half hours later we exited the train. Headed to a car and drove to his village. On the way, in every direction you looked you saw grape vines and olive trees. Mountains, blue skies and a crystal clear sparkling sea.

I entered the home. The warmth of the family was immediate.  A buffet of food and wine that night and every night after was served.

I was taken to the most wonderful locations. From ancient ruins (Acropolis) to scenic out looks. The most vivid of colors blast through my sunglasses. Crisp, clean and endless.

At the end of this journey I have found new friendships and a feeling of belonging and love. Thankful for being on the road that day. The day when a phone call came to me at a stop sign near home. "hey do you want to go to Greece?"