Friday 17^th August, 2018 1215 Ermoupoli

Sadly our only full day on this jewel in the Aegean.

Last night I really wanted to show Alice pita bread, not something you get in China and this trip has really been all about new and magical experiences for her.

I seriously wanted pita pockets a la doner kebab but stuffed with chicken, olives, salad etc but sadly they don't appear to serve them the Arabic way. Instead we had them wrapped around chicken and meatballs (and CHIPS! - which did not gel) but at least she's had pita.

So far I have done precisely what I said I would – absolutely nothing. My idea of a holiday these days, sunshine and beer with a little food thrown in on the odd occasion. I think she is starting to lean more towards relaxing instead of haring around everywhere because this morning she expressed doubt as to whether she really wanted to go to the beach for dinner tonight. Secretly I am hoping she opts to stay here and dine at one of the (maybe) fifty restaurants within 200 yards of our hotel.

She has however set off on her own now to visit the iconic church atop the hill (not a mountain, maybe 600 feet high) from where she should get a breathtaking view of the Aegean. Me? Outside a cafe with an ice cold beer and a cigar, watching boats and ships and wallowing in nostalgia.

2330

Yep, we leave on the 1600 ferry tomorrow. I really don't want to. If I could jump ship so to speak it would cross my mind. But then I have a contract and I do not break them.

We have had the battle of the superyachts here, ever larger ones coming in. Tonight a real beauty, The Amore Mio2. I am not a celebrity hunter but as it was flying the red duster I tried to find out who owned it. Security at the gangway “were not at liberty” to tell me who owned it. I only wanted to know whose it was, not go aboard for the party!

Turns out it is a Greek tycoon – register your superyacht in London yet you are Greek?

Final dinner here, Alice had the smaller prawns (5 to a plate but still big buggers) but I couldn't resist trying the Jumbo – one massive prawn for 22 euros.

An error of monumental proportions because it was tough but it made for a good photo.

I am going to be so, so sad to leave here tomorrow, far more than I could ever have imagined.