There are but a few images left in my collection of ‘What I did in my holidays,’ because, after New Year’s Day, I was laid up in bed, or rather, on sofa. I’ve never been much of a one for taking to my bed when unwell; there’s so much else going on in the rest of the house I’d rather watch and listen to. Better than lying in a dark room. The only time I’ve been able to ‘take to me bed’ since the age of about 18 was when I went down with a bout of labyrinthitis. I was living on the edge of the Lake District, and had driven over to Morecombe to visit a friend for the night. We went out with some of her mates, I had one beer because I was driving, went home and all was well. Then, around 3.30 in the morning, I woke up with the room spinning like it does/did when you were a teen and had too much Pomagne, or, if it was after choir practice, too much whisky. Having staggered to the bathroom on all fours and been vociferous at both ends, I crawled back to bed with a bucket, there to remain for two days without moving. It wasn’t until the doctor appeared and gave me medicine ‘nil by mouth’ that I started to improve. Another day of lying prone, unable to move to even drink water and I’d have been in hospital, the doc said. As soon as I could though, I was on the sofa where at least I could stare at schools’ programmes (there was no daytime TV in those days, and wasn’t the world a better place for it?). It took me two weeks before I could drive home, and another two months before I could walk without a stick.
But that’s man flu for you. The last two days in Athens weren’t that bad, though I got through t-shirts like no-one’s business, daren’t cough for fear of ripping out my insides, and wasn’t able to eat much. I managed some chicken soup with added chilli from a takeaway. During that meal we were treated to the full force of the teen letting off steam after trying the chilli chicken (which was even too hot for Neil). Don’t you love it when someone tries something, doesn’t like it, and blames everyone else around them for their failure to enjoy? Give him his dues, the effing and blinding were justified as it was 100% chilli and 0% chicken, but what was more impressive was the projection. Hearing it gave me the idea that at our next Thursday music lesson, we would turn our attention to voice work for the next month, and try some singing. If he can swear at fortissimo and keep a good tone, he can certainly try signing.
On the second sofa day, I ordered Neil to go out with the others as there was no point both of us staying home, watching old films on TV and shivering. They had a good time, did my shopping for me, took it all up Lycabettus Hill to see the views, came home, dressed up and went to the Nutcracker at the GNO while I stayed in with Angelina Jollie and other choice films. I was able to get my packing done, and the next morning, was awake early to get dry and warm, and shove things in a bag or two, later, to head to the ferry.
Here’s another Athens tip: there are places to leave luggage, so if you’re not at a hotel and you have a few hours to explore before heading to the airport or docks, you can find a left luggage place just off Syntagma Square (and other places), and for a few Euros, leave your bags there – which is what we did, until it was time to take a taxi to Piraeus. And there’s another tip or two. The dock for the Blue Star to Symi, usually E1, is a 45-minute walk from the main gates, and I know, because I have done it in August. There is a free bus, but I’ve only ever taken it the other way. The train from the centre of town to the port is quick and it’s only a few stops, but the stroll at the other end is not advised, especially if you’re in a hurry. So, I always take a taxi to the boat. If you want another tip, there’s a café/bakery right by E1 so you can stock up on snacks before boarding and you’ll find them cheaper and there’s more variety.
Another good tip is to book a cabin, something I was unable to do. When they finally put the Symi connection on the route, I dashed to secure two cabins, and there were two left, but by the time I’d booked one for J and the teen, the other had gone. Not to worry; I only use them for a couple of hours’ kip anyway, and normally that wouldn’t be a problem. This time, I alternated between an airline seat and the sofa out the back where Neil slept for four hours, and I paced for most of the 16.5 it takes from Athens to Symi, until we finally arrived home at 7.30 last Friday.
There, that’s my ‘What I did in my Holidays’ update and how thrilling was that? (Inserts yawn emoji.)
Next week might bring different news, I’ve already got some shots of the grey and damp weather for you to look forward to, and there will be some other less interesting things to talk about too, particularly as it’s now modelling season. On which note… the Teen is coming for his extra music lesson later (must remember to get the singing underway), and we’re following that with a model-building session in the kitchen during which we will discuss manly things like barbers and ballet, before making waffles. And that’s enough waffling from me… Have a good weekend.
