On our final evening in Atlantis, Basio, Zyndal and I made our final visit to one of the most beautiful places of the ancient world. The Gardens, part of the northern hillside overlooking the great city, were a gift of Penander, a royal official, to his lovely wife, Antilla.

At her command, the finest artisans of the day created a world of incredible beauty in marble, gold, silver and orichalcum. Splashing fountains, hidden alcoves and statues of white marble dotted the landscape, while exotic fruit-bearing trees and fragrant flowers added striking color to this enchanted world.

I still have, pressed within the pages of my journal, one of the rare blue roses from this garden. Open to rich and poor alike, this haven of beauty was a welcome respite from the noise and heat of the city. The sounds of cool, rippling water and the laughter of children filled the air with happiness.

Hard indeed was our leave taking, but though the world may have forgotten this jewel of that ancient continent, I remember, in music.......Davutus