alone.
‘Well, enjoy your holiday then,’ I say as I stand to leave and the mum wishes the same for me.
The encounter with the family gets me thinking about my own childhood as I drive along. Did Mum or Dad think either of us were difficult? I wonder. I don’t remember any fussing at mealtimes but maybe we weren’t given any choice. I probably tested Mum’s patience over clothes though, as I liked to choose my own outfits from an early age, mixing and matching items from my wardrobe. I remember huffing about having to get changed one day when Mum told me there was no way I was going to church wearing a combo of gold hot pants, black tights and a denim jacket at the age of ten.
When I’m ready for another rest I pull into the charming fishing village of Agia Efimia, and park the van in a small car park overlooking the sea.
I stop and take some photographs of the colourful fishing boats lined up along the pretty harbour. Walking around, I’m struck by how it has the feel of the French Riviera. Demi told me on the ferry that French architects were called in to help rebuild the village after an earthquake, so have obviously left their influence there.
I take photographs of the pretty, pastel-painted houses with bougainvillea spilling from the balconies and soak in the atmosphere of the bustling seafront resort. The main beach here is called Myrtos beach and is the one that features in the movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. I snap away, taking as many photographs as I can to maybe one day show my own children pictures of the adventure I went on as a young woman – although, thinking of Liz’s situation, having children is not something I take for granted. I love children and would dearly love my own someday but so far my relationships haven’t felt solid enough to seriously entertain that thought.
The smell of food as I pass the fish restaurants makes me wish I hadn’t stopped and eaten at the café. This region is known for a special meat pie using spiced veal and lamb, so I’m delighted to stumble across a delicatessen selling them and purchase one to take with me.
Arriving back at the car park, I’m relieved to find the van intact and refill the fridge with the pie and two bottles of water. This is such a pretty place; it’s somewhere I would definitely return to and I’m tempted to look for somewhere to stay overnight before remembering I have my very own hotel on wheels, not that I’ve really used it in Greece. Although the van is comfortable enough, nothing beats having a drink on a hotel balcony watching the sun go down.
Demi has sent me a picture message on my phone.
Look at this. What do you think?
The picture shows a large chocolate fountain.
Amazing. Can’t wait! I reply.
I’m so thrilled that Demi’s family are putting together this wonderful birthday for her, especially at such short notice. It’s heart-warming to see everyone pulling together to create something wonderful and keep family ties strong. And I feel optimistic about renewing my bond with my sister back home. I’ve also realised that as my journey continues, I’m thinking less and less about Joel. I was shocked at how instantly I was drawn to Dara, despite telling myself a relationship was the last thing I was looking for, although I don’t think there was ever any real chance of that.
On the approach to Fiskardo I hit a line of slow-moving traffic, but it gives me more time to admire the tall yachts on the chic harbour front. I can see how the resort has fast become a celebrity hangout.
I’ve booked an Airbnb for two nights at a fraction of the cost of a seafront hotel. It’s a ten-minute walk away from the harbour. Smiling to myself, I think that maybe it’s just as well I haven’t booked one of the swanky hotels, as I can imagine the look on the face of the valet parking my van with the outline of the fish logo on the side.
When I arrive, I see the house is a narrow, white-painted terrace with pots of colourful flowers outside. I find the security box hidden behind a tree as my hosts directed, release a key and let myself into a cool, white-walled lounge. There are stone-coloured sofas with blue cushions and bright paintings on the wall, the style a mixture of cosy