illustration by Marjorie van Heerden

The island of Hydra has played the role of Muse to a generation of international writers and artists since the 1950's, among them Henry Miller and Laurence Durrell. It's hard not to be inspired by this gem of an island. The town itself climbs amphitheater-like from the sea giving residents and visitors views of the sunset which seem specially staged to get those creative juices flowing. On the narrow flower-lined streets are stately 200 year-old stone mansions next to whitewashed fisherman's homes, their doors and shutters painted shades of blue, teal green, red, and gold. The horseshoe-shaped port, lively with cafes, shops and restaurants, faces boats and yachts of all sizes gently bobbing in the blue waters. With no cars allowed on Hydra, the clip clop of donkeys' hooves on the cobblestone lanes provides the only possible intrusion on your artistic concentration. So come with the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators this spring and let magical Hydra play the Muse for you.