Nurture your
​art of practice

28 June to 4 July 2023
A retreat for Alexander Technique teachers
Staying in the village of Palaipoli
on the Greek island of Andros
Hosted & guided by Susanne Feld & David Young

Palaiopoli - We love this ancient, powerful place, nestled in a valley between pristine beach and soaring mountain. 2500 years ago this now-hidden, tiny village was the capital of Andros and it is still soaked in archaeology and timelessness, undiscovered by tourists, and governed by the god-twins Artemis and Apollo. 

When we are in this valley, we feel well, connected to history, myth and myself, aware and content and empowered. All the elements present themselves so clearly: the hardened rock, salty water, mercurial air and fiery sun. The seasons cycle in full view, with olives then oranges then pomegranates then mulberries then capers then figs and more figs each taking their turn on the stage that is this place of terraces and steps (yes, there are a lot of steps).

We are excited to offer you invitations and various doorways, which come from our own ongoing explorations and experiences in the areas of meditation, therapy, vision questing, the arts - and the depth of life. All of these areas we are connected with and that we live and breathe - are in our experience deeply linked to the Alexander Technique.

Together with the island and nature, we will co-create the space within which you can listen and hear that which calls to be nurtured. Perhaps you want to become as crystal clear as the Aegean Sea about your own approach. Or maybe you want to explore how you are applying this work in your relationships or other areas of your life. These are only two examples of so many possibilities to journey through during this week. 

​We would like to share this experience with you, exchanging Alexander Technique, meditation, being in nature, walking, swimming, cooking, eating, resting and being. The group will be small so that each person can find their own Andros. While we will offer a prepared program, it is designed for you to come and go as you need and wish, giving space to just be, and explore what calls you, fascinates you, nurtures you.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss some aspect of the retreat, including accommodation, travel and catering, please do not hesitate to reach out here or email
​Susanne: kontakt AT susannefeld.de
​or David: mail AT davidyoung.online
a week in a very special, beautiful and powerful place combining Alexander Technique exchange, being in nature, meditation, walking, swimming, cooking, eating, resting and being
Some practical information:

The valley is literally an archaeological site and there are signs of antiquity to be found in many places here. The beach is a 15-20 minute walk down, sand at one end, rocks at the other, with a multitude of impossibly variegated pebbles and stones between. The water in June is fresh but most certainly swimmable, free of sharks but full of fish. There really are a ​lot of steps, so expect to increase fitness after just a couple of days. ​Unfortunately there is no wheelchair access. There is one cafe and a tiny shop in the village. The nearest supermarket is 10 minutes away by car.

​Costs
Retreat fee €580 / $850 (Australian dollars)
Food €120 / $150 plus 1 lunch and 2 dinners in restaurants (to be paid individually at the time).
Accommodation: various options ranging from €50-75 / $75-120 per night x 6 nights = total €300-450 / $450-720
Total retreat cost €1000-1150 / $1,450-1,720
Travel on Andros included.
​Travel to and from the island not included.

Deposit of €250 / $400 payable on booking.
Balance due one month before (28 June 2023).
Payment can be made into either an Australian or German bank account. Cancellation policy: once paid, both the deposit and balance are non-refundable due to the need to book, plan and prepare accommodation, catering, transport and logistics for the retreat. We are committed to making our work as accessible as possible. If money is a barrier, please contact us to discuss.

Catering:
​Andros is replete with delicious, healthy, local, organic produce, and early summer is a great time to experience the seasonal bounty of the island. To fully experience the splendour and delight of the food on Andros and to keep costs down, the idea for catering is that we all participate in preparing, serving and cleaning up our meals. All the shopping and menu planning will be done in advance, and you can get involved to the level that suits you each day. And of course your dietary requirements can be catered for. Please note that alcohol is not included, but there will be opportunities to purchase your own drinks and other supplies should you wish to. For one lunch and two evening meals, we will go out to restaurants in order to also sample some of the gastronomic offerings available. For the restaurant meals, we will each individually order and pay à la carte (usally €15-25 including drinks. These costs are not included in the overall retreat catering). 

Getting there:
The easiest way to get to the island is from Athens.
If you arrive at Athens airport, take a taxi (or there is a public bus) to the port of Rafina. From there, the ferry takes two hours to Andros (approx. €25 each way). The ferry also takes cars if you decide to hire one. There is also a ferry from Mykonos. You can check the ferry timetable and prices here.

Dates & times:
The retreat begins on Andros at 19:30 Wednesday 28 June 2023
The ferry from Rafina departs at 17:30 arriving on Andros at 19:30.
The retreat ends at 10:15 Tuesday 4 July 2023.
The ferry departs Andros at 10:15, arriving at Rafina at 12:10, or 16:00 from Andros, arriving at Rafina at 18:00.
​Please ensure that your flights coordinate with the ferries, allowing time for delays.

Travel on Andros:
We will meet you at the port of Gavrio on Andros, and organise transport to your accommodation. Transport for our outings away from Palaiopoli are also included. Any additional travel you may wish to undertake on the island is your responsibility (there is a limited bus service and car hire available although these are not required during the retreat).

Accommodation options:
There is a limited range of places to stay in the village of Palaiopoli, including simple, beautiful apartments with single or shared bedrooms. We will coordinate the various accommodation options. Prices vary, and you can choose which accommodation suits you depending on availability, or you are welcome to book your own stay through Airbnb or similar. Booking early is recommended.
Example accommodation here. Please note that the retreat's group activities including meals will be based at a beautiful house which has 2-3 bedrooms, and this is one option for you to stay in.

Extending your stay:
You may wish to arrive before the retreat or stay on afterwards to explore the island more fully. We can assist with planning your extra stay, however all costs are your responsibility outside of the retreat timeframe.

Once again, if you have any questions or would like to discuss some aspect of the retreat, including accommodation, travel and catering, please do not hesitate to reach out here 
or email Susanne: kontakt AT susannefeld.de
​or David: mail AT davidyoung.online​
​
Susanne Feld is an Alexander Technique teacher, Gestalt Therapist and Vision Quest guide. She has a background as a musician and with her different approaches, she accompanies people into their own art of being themselves.
susannefeld.com

David Young (he/him) is an Alexander Technique teacher and meditator living and working on Wurundjeri Country in Naarm (Melbourne, Australia) with a background in the performing arts, mental health and sport. 
davidyoung.online
​