Good morning!
Welcome to another edition of The Matt Viera Newsletter.
The newsletter with the goal to inspire you to hop in your car and start driving west.
Did You Know…
There are parts of Africa in all four hemispheres.
I didn’t know that.
But what I can tell you is that I spent quite a bit of time in Africa back in the day, primarily in Zimbabwe.
That life experience was so powerful for me that I once considered moving to Africa permanently.
Airfare Challenge I Am Struggling to Overcome
I’ll be traveling to Europe this summer for Mini-Retirement #6.
Typically, when we fly to Europe, we pick a destination based on how much it costs.
This year, I took a different approach. My goal for this summer was to rent a villa for a month. I was looking for a 4-5 bedroom villa so I could invite friends and family to hang out with us.
That approach turned out to be a bridge too far.
I was unable to find a villa, but I was able to find a pretty cool penthouse apartment in Crete.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t have 4-5 bedrooms.
Now with respect to airfare, the cheapest it's been for us to fly to Europe was ~$600 per person in 2018. The most expensive was ~$1000 in 2025. This summer it may cost us as much as $1500!
And while we do use points to pay for airfare, that’s still a lot of points to use up for airfare.
What AI Suggests to Do in Crete
I am all about AI.
So I recently prompted AI: “I am spending a month on the island of Crete this summer. What are 5 experiences I need to have?”
This is what AI suggested as 5 experiences I need to have (including pictures):
Visit Balos Lagoon
One of the most visually striking beaches in the Mediterranean
Shallow turquoise water and white sand create a natural lagoon
The short hike down to the lagoon offers spectacular panoramic views
Hike the Samaria Gorge
One of the longest gorges in Europe that’s about 10 miles (16 km)
The hike runs through dramatic cliffs and ends at the Libyan Sea
The narrow “Iron Gates” section is particularly memorable
Explore the Palace of Knossos
The most famous archaeological site on the island
Associated with the myth of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth
Center of the ancient Minoan civilization, one of Europe’s earliest cultures
Spend an Evening in Chania’s Venetian Harbor
One of the most beautiful harbor towns in the Mediterranean
Ideal place to linger over dinner and wine late into the evening
Walk to the lighthouse at sunset for incredible views
Enjoy a Traditional Cretan Taverna Experience
Seek out small village tavernas rather than tourist strips
Crete is famous for one of the healthiest diets in the world
Try local dishes like dakos, lamb with herbs, fresh seafood, and local olive oil
I am looking forward to trying all of these experiences.
A Moment Worth Remembering
Lunch in Brunate overlooking Lake Como
Quote that caught my attention…
“All I wanted to do was get back to Africa. We had not left it, yet, but when I would wake in the night I would lie, listening, homesick for it already.”
―Ernest Hemingway
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