The Salt House in Antiparos, Greece, never happened, at least the vision held in my mind.
Maria, a humble hostess, managed a quaint B&B by the serene shores of Agios Giorgios, an unassuming greek house that I aspired to transform into the boutique hotel of my dreams. Enthusiastically, I charted plans, designed logos, and crafted business strategies. To my delight, a local Greek bank shared my enthusiasm and agreed to fund half of the endeavor. The prospect of running this establishment consumed my thoughts.
However, fate had another script ready. Another woman moved quicker, a scenario often encountered in New York real estate, yet less common in the laid-back Greek context. I gracefully relinquished my pursuit and hoped that the woman who beat me to the punch would infuse the place with as much passion as I held for boutique hotels. Indeed, she did not disappoint, bringing to life the most charming boutique hotel on the island, named the Kameo.
Although the hotel slipped through my grasp, the essence of my dream remained intact. Evident in the logo of the Salt House adorning my imported Fiat 500 convertible, shipped all the way from New York. And as we converse, I continue to cruise the roads in this emblematic vehicle.
Curiosity arose from my wife on multiple occasions, questioning how I would respond when people inquired about the Salt House’s location.
My answer was steadfast: it resides deep within my heart, a dream that could have manifested in an alternate form. I held a conviction that the emotional investment I poured into this dream would guide me towards something meaningful.
As time unfolded, I seized the subsequent year to establish a beach house on a neighboring Antiparos island. Discovering a captivating property, swift renovation turned it into the epitome of a seaside haven.
Life doesn’t always align with our exact desires; instead, events unfold as the universe deems fit.
The universe doesn’t give you what you want, gives you who you are.
