A Greek Odyssey 6-15 June 2002

Saturday 8 June

We awoke to blue skies and sunshine, and breakfast on the terrace. Steering Michael away from the orange juice, we decided to cut out all sugary foods (especially fruit sugars) and just give him water or milk to drink. He ate some sausage and bacon for breakfast, as did Sophie, and then we made for the beach. The sunbed man put out our loungers and towels and we settled in for a day in the sun.

The beach was lovely with a very shallow stretch of water that went out a long way. We never did reach truly deep water. Sophie was in her element and loved going into the sea and searching for shells. At lunchtime, we decided to go to Naoussa and try and hire a car as we didn't want to rely on taxis and the minibus all the time.

As we were showering, Michael fell asleep so Keith decided to stay with him and watch the football. We took the minibus in and found a lovely taverna overlooking the harbour. It was very hot but wonderful sitting in the shade and watching people coming and going. I chose a delicious Moussaka while Sophie ordered meatballs that she didn't eat... again! They were delicious as well! We did some shopping, buying hats and flip-flops, and generally just mooching about enjoying the sights and sounds of the pretty harbour. Dad couldn't see his old friend who worked in a fish restaurant but hoped to spot him in the evening.

We chose the car hire business that Dad used last year and we each took possession of a Hyundai Atos, both with air-conditioning. They were ready immediately so we drove to a supermarket for essential supplies (whisky) and then back to the hotel. I found this rather daunting as I'd never driven a left-hand drive car before, but I soon got the hang of it and just followed Dad, so it was quite easy!

Keith was pleased about the car and went off to the beach with Sophie while I stayed with Michael until he woke up. We had bought the children buckets and spades, and a little truck for Michael so these toys kept them amused for the rest of the afternoon. The beach was still quiet except for a French family and their babies who were very cute. The little girl kept wandering off and coming to see Michael, who got mad every time she went near his toys!

In the evening we parked near the harbour and enjoyed a pre-dinner drink at one of the bars. There were three yachts moored nearby and we speculated as to who owned them. Two of them were British registered. The children were kept happy with their drinks and the bowls of nuts and crisps that the waiter brought out to us. Michael tore around the square but always stayed within view of us.

After our drink, we strolled leisurely along the narrow winding streets looking for a good place to eat. Mum and Dad suggested a place that was tucked away along a side street, which was run by a woman who loved cats. However, when we found the restaurant it had been taken over by two Frenchmen, but still looked child-friendly, as there was already a family of five sitting at the back.

The restaurant was called Le Sud and was situated in a tiny courtyard down a steep slope. It was French and we discovered that Michael loved "pommes dauphinoise". He had this for his main course followed by a huge portion of Tiramisu!

The wine was delicious and the food very good. Michael played happily with his cars while Sophie ate most of Mum's pork dish. On the way back to the cars we dawdled happily in the shops and stopped to take photographs. One part of the town reminded me of a Moroccan bazaar, with lights dangling from the overhanging roofs. We all felt much more relaxed as Michael had been so good and it certainly made a difference to our mood!