Travels by others

I have just read an article on BBC News website telling how a plane had to land at Exeter and not Cardiff because it had been on the end of a lightning strike. people were invited to add their thoughts in terms of a complaint at landing short of their destination airport. In fact, the pilot selected Exeter because that is where FlyBe have their depot and the plane can be checked out thoroughly before continuing in service. The passengers were delayed but did continue by plane to Cardiff.
It is pleasing to hear of this sort of decision because the next passengers on the particular plane can travel safely in the knowledge that their plane is as airworthy as can be. Some years ago I travelled to Zakynthos by JAT as the TEA aircraft was marooned in Cyprus due to a fuel strike. The plane was not my first choice and the service on board was rubbish. The landing was rough and there was no reason for this. But we did get to Zakynthos and have a lovely holiday. If things work out safely we should say so and thank those who have taken trouble to get us there safely. Delays might be part of this scene but we get there safely. That is the good news.
I wish people would not moan so much and get on with living fruitfully.n It really is the best way!!!

August in Anghistri

In less than two weeks we shall be travelling to our favourite Greek island, Anghistri. It is a little known island among British travellers and is found in the Saronic Gulf, just 20 miles from Athens. There are about 700 residents but many more in the summer months. Tomorrow's maximum temperature is forecast to be 39 degrees Celsius or 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit! This is the first time we shall be there in August. Our usual visits have been in September.

Our eldest granddaughter, Ellie, is coming with us and we are really looking forward to introducing her to the Greek people we know. Clearly, we have an extra responsibility to keep out of the sun as much as possible, and that is a good thing. We usually take lunch late so that we are indoors during the hottest part of the day.

Once more we are flying with Swiss Airlines from Manchester. We first fly to Zurich and then on to Athens using an Airbus. On arrival at Athens we need to get our luggage as quickly as possible to catch the express bus down to the port of Piraeus in order to board the 6.30pm Flying Dolphin hydrofoil via Aegina to Anghistri. These days we are able to disembark at Megalohori, the village in which we stay each time we go. Our friend and host, Christos, will meet us at the port and drive us and our luggage to Hotel Boulas.

On the island there are only four villages: Megalohori, Skala, Metochi and Limenaria. Megalohori (meaning "the great place") is the island capital, whilst Skala is basically a resort. Metochi and Limenaria are villages which have changed very little over the years. Metochi now has a number of holiday homes for wealthy UK residents, but Limenaria is completely Greek in every way. Most of the island comprises pine trees and is therefore a great fire risk each year. The fire engine can be seen on patrol every day in readiness as is the case on most islands. If the pine trees should catch light it would be necessary to call out the airborne fire fighters with their seaplanes which can scoop out sea water to extinguish the flames. Fire is an ever present fear in Greece. Lunch for the crew of the fire engine is usually taken in the shade of trees by the tiny church of St Barbara on the road to Limenaria.

Our favourite place to take lunch is further along this road at a beauty spot known as Aponisos with its vistas over to the Peloponnese. Here there is just one taverna using diesel power for its equipment as no electricity supply extends this far. With the growth of the port at Megalohori, many rich Greeks now visit the island in their motor yachts so the standard of cuisine has risen at Aponisos. You can buy some excellent seafood and wash it down with classy wines from Greek vineyards.

There are a few tavernas in Megalohori and loads at Skala together with cocktail bars like the Copa Cabana and the Quattro. One taverna in Skala overlooks the port there so you can people watch if a ferry is calling. There are also lovely views over to the larger island of Aegina.

If you take the ferry over there you can get a bus as far as the Temple of Aphaia which is a very well preserved temple with huge Doric columns. Travelling to the terminus would bring you to the resort of Aghia Marina which is a large semi circular bay with a sandy beach. Another small pretty place is Perdika with views of the tiny islet of Moni. Here you can have lunch right where the private yachts moor. One year we witnessed a fight between two Greek young men. You never know how any single day will be so you just take whatever comes. There was also a time when our entertainment was watching a group of young Italians trying to berth their sailing yacht. Eventually they achieved their objective and we all clapped!

All in all our holidays in the Saronic Gulf have been pure pleasure and so laid back as to be horizontal.