Postcard from the mainland

We are at Athen's main ferry port, about to embark on our first sea voyage to the Cyclades group of islands. Adrian has a great book which tells us that the ferry we are going to take should have been out of service 10 years ago and is the same as some ferry that sank in the 80s. We have consequently made notes of the nearst exit, consumed only a light lunch and practiced romantic Titanic style farewells!!

Last night we stayed outside the acropolis in an old hotel run by two very content cats. The Acropolis is magic and we gazed at it from all angles including from our hotel balcony. This morning we climbed the hill on which it's situated and marvelled at the architecture and the remaining friezes and frescos which aren't off in the British museum.

I made friends with many cats, even those with no ears. Adrian was very patient. We drove through the centre of Athens together - Adrian was less patient. Actually that was probably me too! It was a bit of a challenge for the road rules or lack thereof as well as the signs being only in Greek.

Travelling together is great because you never cease to learn things about each other. For example, only half an hour ago I discovered that Adrian has been washing his ears with anti dandruff shampoo. This is not because his ears have suddenly become hairy but because he remembered in the shower that he had not washed behind his ears for a little while and thought he would use the shampoo to wash them. Why not soap I don't know but I did notice his ears were bright red later. We thought it was an allergic reaction to sunscreen - but he made some remark about shampoo. I thought this would be odd as it's the same brand as at home but later today when I was remarked on how his poor ears were stripped of skin he explained the truth. That the shampoo was called head n shoulders perhaps misled him to think this meant ears as well?!

The weather here has been a strong sunny mid 30s. I've been faltering a little having been in England so long but Adrian is coping well despite his near translucent skin from the English weather.

The food has been great. Sure you wouldn't want to be a vegetarian with all the grilled meat but the salads, feta cheese, yoghurt etc is divine. And very healthy too. Unfortunately this would be one place where I wouldn't mind having the odd bout of constipation I have to say! You can't put toilet paper down the toilet and you have to put it in a bin by the loo. Some of these bins don't even have bin liners and it takes a bit of getting used to I can tell you!