Back from fab holiday!

If you were wondering why I've been so silent recently it's because I was away on the Greek island of Zakynthos for the past week.
It was a fabulous escape... and I am devastated that I am back home and it is all over! I am listening to that Dido song 'Sand in My Shoes' and it is taking on a whole new meaning... and then there's 'Shirley Valentine'... I must go and rent out that movie again soon...
Moving swiftly along.....
The weather was mostly warm and sunny although there was some rain on both Monday and Thursday afternoons. It didn't bother me too much as, realistically, I can't be too much of a sun worshipper... I have that typical Irish skin that simply refuses to tan and instead insists on only pink or red hues and extra freckles! My nose became very visibly pink - sparking some jokes amongst locals (I think their cows are a pink/red colour so I would have fitted in fine grazing in the fields, apparently!)
I was situated in Alikanas, a quiet resort on the Eastern side of the island - and was staying in the Plessas Palace Hotel and Apartments. It's a family run hotel with a really friendly atmosphere and it wasn't long before I was aquainted with both fellow guests and staff. Most evenings ended up in the hotel bar, where I must admit, the "scenery" was quite interesting, if you know what I mean!
Everything was within walking distance and there was even a mini-market on site so everything was so convenient.
Here are a few pics of the hotel....

It's funny how some people want to have everything as it is at home, except with sun... hence, the restaurants advertise English breakfasts; steak, chips and burgers can be found everywhere; and the British tabloids can be found in the shops by the afternoon. Sky Sports is pretty much in every pub and the big soccer matches are advertised as attractions. That is alien to me... when I go away I like to immerse myself in the culture of the place I am in. I want to see the sights, explore new foods and meet the locals. I don't want my routine to be anything like it is at home... but each to their own, I suppose. The Champions League Final was on in Athens and people were wandering around in their Liverpool t-shirts, some having come to Zakynthos first as a means to moving on to Athens for the match (seeing as flights directly to Athens were hard to come by).
For me the only exception was the general election. Being away, I didn't get to exercise my democratic right to vote... but then on Friday evening I got texts from home giving me updates on who was winning and losing... and it was a lot of fun actually... an excuse to celebrate when finding out that a certain politician I dislike had been eliminated!
Anyway the break away was definitely what the doctor ordered.... Although I didn't get quite as much sleep as I thought I would... so I think I need another holiday again soon!
I will post some more pics again soon.... but for the moment here is a serene scene, the view from a restuarant, at which we took a break from a boat trip. Very peaceful looking, don't you think?
Until next time, γιάμας! (Greek for "cheers"!)