Pre-Symposium Adventure Invitation: Athens 2026
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
Before the 2005 GASi Symposium in Molde, Norway, Thor Kristian Island suggested that some of us Americans take part in “Norway in a Nutshell” prior to the meeting. It was a wonderful introduction to the culture—and it sparked what has now become a cherished tradition of pre-Symposium adventures organized by the Group Analytic Practice of Dallas (GAPDallas).
Since then, we've cycled in Ireland before Dublin, hiked in Lisbon, cycled and walked around the Berlin Wall with social dreaming in the mornings and median groups at night, and trekked the mountains outside Belgrade. Melissa Black from the Group Analytic Practice in Dallas has organized the following arrangements and invitation.
Because the GASi Forum is not currently operating, I’m sharing this invitation here—please feel free to pass it along to anyone who might be interested.
Athens 2026 Pre-Symposium Plan
It’s hard to believe, but the Athens Symposium is right around the corner in August 2026. To prepare—physically, emotionally, and communally—we’ve crafted a new kind of pre-Symposium gathering.
We’ve reserved a cluster of beautiful villas on the Aegean Sea to serve as our home base. From there, each day will offer a different physical, intellectual, or spiritual adventure. Options include:
- Kayaking
- Hiking
- Snorkeling
- Exploring the island of Hydra
- Cycling
- And—schedule permitting—theatre at the Epidaurus Festival
We welcome suggestions, and we’ll offer activities for a wide range of abilities and interests. In the shadow of Socrates, we also plan to include social dreaming and median groups.
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Reservation Details
To secure the villas, we’ve placed a large deposit and now need participants to confirm. Spaces are limited, and in Serbia we had to turn people away once capacity was reached—so early commitment is encouraged.
Dates:
Depart Athens: Friday, 21 August 2026
Return to Athens: Tuesday, 25 August 2026
Where:
VIP Beach Villas, ~90 minutes from Athens
Cost:
$800 USD per person (double or family occupancy)
Includes:
- 4 nights’ accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- One additional chef-prepared meal per day
Not included:
Transportation to activities, restaurant meals, alcohol, or extra excursions (e.g., chartered boat to Hydra, theatre tickets).
Deposits & Payments
- $250 per person deposit due now
- Fully refundable through May 2026 (or later if your spot can be filled)
- $250 second payment due 31 December 2025
- $300 final payment due 1 May 2026
Payment Options
Wire Transfer
Recipient: Melissa Black, PhD, PLLC
Account #: 5075309718
SWIFT: CHASUS533 (add XXX if needed)
Recipient address: 6330 LBJ Freeway, Suite 150, Dallas, TX 75240
Chase bank address (if required): 270 Park Ave., New York, NY 10017
Please include the names of all participants covered by the deposit.
Within the U.S.:
- Zelle: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Venmo: @Melissa-BlackPhD
Questions & Contact
For questions, ideas, or concerns, feel free to contact Melissa: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
We’re excited to be planning this adventure—and sincerely hope you’ll join us for what promises to be a meaningful and memorable prelude to Athens 2026.