Very long time ago I did my qualification in becoming a hotel manager in a luxury hotel in Germany – at that time, working and running a hotel gave me the possibility to move and work in different countries, which was fascinating for me. Not even a year after I received my degree, I went to South Africa for my first experiences abroad. But after my mother visited me there and told me to come back to be closer to my family, I returned, though with a heavy heart. But the wanderlust did not leave me, and so I left again, this time to France, Kenya and onto a cruise ship, before I decided to immigrate to New Zealand.
Since 24 years I live now in this beautiful country, which became my adopted home. I love the easy going way of live and the friendliness of the locals. The Maori culture has always fascinated me, and today most of my close friends are Maori. The nature is so diverse, you almost forget that you are on an island. New Zealand is also an El Dorado for sports addicts. To combine sports and nature is so easy here, I myself love to kayak and hike. Even after so many years in this country, I still find new places and new possibilities, always reminding me, how special this country really is.
I discovered Canada a bit later. The people and the "outdoor“ culture are very close to New Zealand. What is different are the dramatic landscapes, everything is bigger, the trees, lakes, the mountains and the seemingly endless vastness. It is so fascinating to discover the wide cultures of the „ First Nations“. What a beautiful big country!
Throughout the years here in New Zealand, I had a lot of opportunities to visit and discover the islands of the South Pacific. I am very close to the traditional cultures and customs how you can find it on Samoa.
I am dedicated with my heart to get our visitors close to the breathtaking nature as well to the fascinating ingenious cultures of "my“ countries.
I got the “travel-bug”, my passion for travelling and getting to know other cultures already when being a student at school. During my studies, I got the opportunity to pass on this passion to my guests when working as a guide in several countries worldwide. I lived in France and Spain as well as in New Zealand, where I work in an Incoming Agency. I travelled the seas working as a Cruise Director on the biggest sailing ship and the Swiss Mountains when working as a guide during the summer months. Before joining te Ra Tours, I worked as a product manager and created trips to the most beautiful places in the world. Every destination holds a surprise for us and every travel becomes an adventure. I just love the nature, culture, the cuisine and the hospitality of each country, and I am happy to share the pure joy of travel with my guests.
I am Samantha James. Originally from South Africa I ventured off to Europe.
I now have been living in Greece 26 years – living the Mediterranean Dream of Island hopping, wonderful sunsets and enjoying the flavors of Greek Cuisines.
I’ve followed a career in customer care service and sales in the Tourism Industry. Finally I based myself in Athens - the capital of Greece - the heart of Ancient Greece, a city full of history, flavors and contemporary cool. This has allowed me to show my passion for the tourism industry and give travelers a local great experience - creating wonderful memories of Greece.