headergraphic

A little personal stuff

Hi Friends,

Many of you commented on my being away so I decided to write a little about my family trip with my wife Maria and sons Keenan and Noah. I’ve also included some photos to share with you.

In my desire to see the whole world and teach my children about its beautiful people, cultures and history, we decided to go to Greece to explore the Parthenon and to see where the first Olympics were held in Athens. I can share with you that they cleaned up the city a lot in the last 10 years and our visit there was awesome. In one of the pictures on the hotel rooftop in Athens you’ll see the Acropolis in the background. It’s pretty amazing that this was the first real city in Europe where it all started 3000 years ago.

We then went on to Santorini, one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the world (and I have been to MANY). Santorini was created by a massive volcanic eruption and then they built the city on top of the lava rocks 1000 feet above sea level. The Aegean Sea is spectacular and we had two awesome suites with views that will take your breath away. My kids who are 10 and 12 had their own suite and had a ball with their independence. I am not so sure the people in the room next to them appreciated the fact that kids had so much fun. I did. I highly recommend that you make Santorini one of your “must see” places in your lifetime and, if you go with kids, make sure they have their own room so you can enjoy the romantic moments watching the most glorious sunsets while a gentle breeze caresses your face.

From there we flew to Israel where I was born and where my father lives. It was great to see all my aunts and uncles and to introduce my kids and wife to them. I haven’t been back there for 12 years so it was really fun catching up and eating way too much. I came back feeling somewhat bigger than when I left.

Although there is still a lot of tension in the Middle East, our side trips to the Dead Sea (the lowest place on the earth) and the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem were highlights for all of us. The Dead Sea is so full of salt that you actually float in it like sitting in a chair. It’s wild! You can scoop up handfuls of sea salt from the bottom and actually taste the salt, which is extremely strong.

In Jerusalem, we went to the Wailing Wall and the old city. It was like going back 5000 years. The vendors were selling and haggling with buyers and I taught my sons the art of negotiating when they wanted to buy small bracelets for themselves. Even though it was just a few shekels, the art of negotiating was in full force. I got the vendor to my price, but I gave him the money he wanted anyway just for allowing me to teach my sons. The extra dollar I paid was more than worth the lesson they learned. The fact that his son was also watching him and learning made it even more fun.

King Solomon built the original city and the West Wall of the Temple Mount is said to be what was left of his original temple after its destruction. (see photos)

All in all it was a great few weeks and I am sparing you the 162 pictures we took.

One of the reasons I want to teach as many people in the world how to Have It All is so that they can create life-long memories for themselves and the ones they treasure.

All my best,

John

45 Responses to “A little personal stuff”

  1. Dana Detrick-Clark
    1

    So inspirational, and the photos are amazing! Thank you so much for sharing.

  2. Nan
    2

    Sounds like a warm, wonderful trip!

  3. Belkis
    3

    So wonderful, John! I wish you and your lovely family my blessings. You are a great teacher, but a very special spiritual teacher. Thank you for show us the way to a wonderful life.

    Belkis

  4. theresa
    4

    Wow, looks like you and your family had an amazing trip. Thanks so much for sharing, and for sharing the pictures.

    A nice reminder of what all can be :)

    love
    t

  5. Chris Felts
    5

    Oh, John, after your blog on Greese and Israel, they will be on my vision board for travel this weekend. Thank you for taking me on your journey!

  6. Ellann
    6

    Thank you so much for sharing these photos with us. You have the most beautiful family. Greece has always been on my wish list as a must see and now I shall add Santorini as a special place to go.
    Namaste
    Ellann

  7. Chris Felts
    7

    Thanks for taking me on the journey to Greece, John!

  8. john assaraf
    8

    Glad you liked this entry. I sometimes am weary of sharing too much family stuff with people I do not know, however, next to God and my health, family is right up with oxygen for me.
    All my very best!

  9. Doris
    9

    Beautiful and since I will never be in that part of the world, I was looking forward to all of the photos. I am 75 yrs old and on social security, but I thoroughly enjoy reading your emails and blog and learn much from them. Dori

  10. Linda Mann
    10

    John, those were great pictures and now I am sure I am going to Greece. That and Italy are two of my life-long dreams. Thank You so much for all you do for us. Linda

  11. Margaret E. Clark
    11

    I just joined your blog spot. The pictures are beautiful and your family is beautiful. you were born in Israel? Wow. Did you grow up there?

  12. karenbarski
    12

    You have a beautiful family. Your happiness shows in your eyes. karen Barski

  13. Lisa Hollingberry
    13

    Thank-you so much for sharing your wonderful holiday, experiences and photos with us!! I’m so happy you and your family could have such a rich and beautiful experience. Many Blessings!!!

  14. Nancy Norgaard
    14

    Sounds like a magnificent trip. You have a beautiful family. Thank you for sharing.
    Nancy

  15. Heirloom
    15

    Sounds like a great trip! I have been on many trips myself lately, and I really love being able to see the world and experience the different local cultures, even just in the US. My trips have been magical, as it sounds like yours was. Thanks for sharing.
    Dave

  16. Anne Krone
    16

    Thanks for a glimpse into your family holiday. Although I haven’t been to Santorini I have always admired their architecture and my dream home is one styled in the Santorini architecture. I have a picture of a Santorini home on my dream board.

  17. PAULINE HARKINS
    17

    You are a breathe of fresh air whenever I receive and e-mail form you and thanks for sharing your joy with your family with us readers.

  18. Luciana
    18

    John,since i had read The secret my life had change.Thanks God you had a such a beutiful trip,thanks god for your beautiful family,thanks god for theching me how to have it all,thanks god that You exist in this life time !

  19. Ursula Albano
    19

    Just beautiful and inspirational. I took this trip about 12 years ago, and your wonderful pictures brought back great memories. Thank you. Ursula

  20. Kathleen
    20

    I live in Greece. I agree with you. It is beautiful in places. I have recently realized the real beauty of this place is the ying and yang. Greece is the point where western and eastern ideas meet. Doris if you want to come next Oct. 2008 you can stay with me. Your airfare will be about 1400 dollars. I would love to show you around. Kathleen

  21. john
    21

    Thanks for sharing this phenomenal wealth of experience.

  22. Apostolos Alkis Vavourakis
    22

    Greetings,
    I am from Greece and live in Athens. I am an architect. I’ve heard you on The Secret
    and your personal website. I’d love to be in contact with you,
    since you’ll be back in Greece sometime or I’ll be in the States
    since I went to school there. My mobile phone numbers are:
    +306977248505
    +306971788050
    Love and Light to you

  23. Kathleen
    23

    John, I just finished my holocync meditation and I could not stop thinking about you being here recently. This place is crying out for your teachings. If you don’t have someone to translate them into Greek my friend Kiki transtlates the Stephen Presfield books. We really need your help and inspiration here.

  24. George Nonde
    24

    awesome and very inspiring.Thanks a million for wonderful photos .
    George,Zambia

  25. Will
    25

    Hi John thankyou so much for sharing with me your amazing trip with you and your family. You all look so happy, which is great. I checked out your pictures and they look so breath taking. I will definitely put those places on my list of where to travel to.
    Cheers Will

  26. suziqmurray
    26

    Thanks for sharing the info on your trip, the pictures are fantastic. I am planning a trip to Greece next June and can hardly wait!

  27. Krystyna
    27

    Thank you for sharing your thaoughts, private pictures with us. Thank you for showing, that life can be busy, but we should find time for personal, family time to enjoy together. Beautiful pictures, memory, exzample.

  28. JANET
    28

    Thank you for sharing such an inspiration. I feel blessed to be with you now. I am thinking of bringing my grandchildren on a similar educational and fun vacation.

  29. Karen
    29

    Looks like you all had a wonderful time. Thanks for sharing. Family is where it’s at.

  30. Gwen Small
    30

    Beautiful pictures. Everyone should take time for vacation - it is essential. Glad you enjoyed it. Gwen

  31. SSuzi
    31

    Wonderful timing for your travel photos! I just painted the back wall of my walk-in closet blue like the Aegean Sea and rooftops in Santorini!! I’m so glad you took your family over there!

    Kids need to see more places like that, and fewer theme parks.

    Partway up that wall now hangs a set of little white shelves, on which stands a translucent angel. I stand at the doorway and feel I’m in a sacred space. Today I stood there and asked angels to help all Greeks in danger from the forest fires
    there this month.

    Such a unique land! I send it blessings.

  32. owen
    32

    Hi John. You should make a Movie of your trip. Look at obgriffiths.saveyourpics.com thanks for sharing, one day I will trace your steps. Owen

  33. Debbie
    33

    ..it is so wonderful for you to share your family with us; your pictures are fantastic..and like many others I will add Santorini to the hit list ….I wish you continued success, happiness , health and pure joy John for all you give to us…you are a blessing…thankyou..O (hugs!)

  34. Peg Gillard
    34

    I have a son (older than yours) whose name is Keenan! I am glad you all got to see the site of the Olympics before the fires got close. Thank you for sharing your insights.
    Peg

  35. Chris Baek
    35

    John,

    I love your photos. There so personal and you look so happy. Our familly just went to Athens and Santorini this summer and we had a great experience. The experience expanded my mind and helped me to appreciate history and life more.

    Sincerely, Chris

  36. Kimm
    36

    Absolutely beautiful pictures! What a memory maker.

  37. Terri
    37

    John,
    I can only wish to go to Greece. Thank you for sharing a bit of the possible. You have true blessing.

    Sincerely, Terri

  38. Jennifer
    38

    Thankyou for allowing us to share in your happiness John. My husband and myself visited Santorini 10 years ago and seeing your photos bought back some wonderful memories. Many blessings of joy to you and your gorgeous family. Namaste.

  39. Raymond
    39

    The trip story is so inspirational to me, as I read, I picture myself in there with you and your family. It reaffirms my belif, having heard about your early days he Secret movie.
    Thank you
    Kind Regards, Raymond

  40. Raymond
    40

    Reading your letter was great. Reflecting on my vision I belive I am living in the best time this century.
    Thank you for the inspiration.
    Kind regards, Raymond

  41. Lisa
    41

    Good for You ! It’s real kool seeing others actually do it ! thanks for being you…

  42. Stacey
    42

    Thanks for sharing your beautiful family and photos with us! Thanks for the inspiration you give me everyday!

  43. Sudheer
    43

    Thanx so much for sharing the trip and specially the amazing photos.Dont worry about sharing re your family.In my opinion family is ALL.
    You may be interested in visiting India if you havnt already.As you know some of he culture and cities go back to > 5000 years!!!
    Thanx again,Sudheer

  44. Isaura Mashiko
    44

    What a lovely family do you have John, congratulations and God bless all of you always.

  45. john assaraf
    45

    Thanks!

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