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Published: November 2nd 2006
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Chapter 31
Prince Phillip’s beginnings and a vision come true!
They were still catching up on sleep and eventually arose at midday, a gentle day was required so they purchased a book on the island and some new socks (The old ones had died and gone to hell), and headed for the harbour area once more. This time they walked right around the bay, though a little overcast, the sea and its islands took on a very serene look but provided a very tranquil walk. Little birds entertained them as they took coffee by the bay before continuing their walk and coming quite unintentionally at the gates of Mon Repos. A wooded peninsula which happened to be the place of birth of Prince Phillip, where he came into the world on a kitchen table.
A jogger told them to have a look round which they naturally did, 5km of woodland tracks, set on a peninsula overlooking the bay. Within the grounds they came across a 7th Century BC Greek temple which provided Maya with a momentary pause to rest. Further along an even more impressive Dorik temple surrounded by greenery was a perfect setting. The whole estate
provided a fabulously chilled stroll. There was even an amphitheatre that was used for musical interludes in the summer.
Further up the hill they reached an old monastery, some church ruins and a graveyard brought them to the end of their walk. Some very curious sheep were bleating and some even stranger chickens clucked as our two walked past minding their own business. They headed back and rested their laurels at the hotel, later returning to “Always Travel” in the evening, where the same bearded man recommended locations for day trips on the island. Evening had fallen upon them very quickly and they eventually found a restaurant, which had been packed the night before. They were beckoned in by a family, given water but no menus were forthcoming. The restaurant was simple but very cosy, with great pictures of Corfu and strange looking musical instruments adorning the walls. The live music was emanating from a very modern sound system, though the music itself must have been several hundred years old, traditional music from Corfu.
Our two were sat for some time, unsure how the restaurant worked, was it self service? They kept looking at the Greeks and the
Greeks kept looking at them but nobody made a move or said a thing. For some fifteen minutes, they were sat staring and smiling at each other. Eventually the Greeks family made a move and waved them over to have a look in the kitchen to have a chat with the wife who spoke a little English. Martin should have realised that in Greek restaurants (like those in Brussels), it was common practice to have to go to the kitchen and pick your meal from the choices available.
They both went for the hot feta cheese with paprika followed by a very spicy ghoulash dish with potatoes and a side salad. It was truly excellent, and the service and friendliness was second to none. Th kilogram of wine (measured in weight rather than volume) helped down the tasty morsels. And all for twenty four euros, bargain! They said their goodbyes and vowed to return the following day.
Before they headed back they came across a very dimly lit pub for a few drinks, with excellent music playing in the background and some delicious apple slices. A very pleasant evening had been enjoyed, even three dogs must have sensed
the happy atmosphere as they started following them. Martin had just crossed the street when he heard Maya call him in a strange agonised voice.
He immediately ran over to her not knowing what had happened, but it soon became apparent that Maya had twisted her ankle and was in sheer agony. It wasn’t just a simple sprain, she was unable to walk and tears were rolling down her pain stricken face. Even the dogs were concerned as they stood guard over her whilst they established their next move. Martin lifted her up and carried her for about 300 yards back to the hotel. Getting up the stairs wasn’t easy as they left the dogs at the bottom and the night porter provided ice and a very large whisky.
Her ankle didn’t seem broken but had swollen to a reasonable size. She slid up the stairs on her bottom to reach the room whilst Martin managed to find the painkillers they had packed. He propped her foot up (his first aid training was proving very useful) and hoped that hospital treatment was not going to be necessary. Maya was in agony, physically and mentally. She had had
a dream about something of this nature happening and now it had happened, which made her angry that this had spoilt the trip (which of course it hadn’t). She then also told Martin of a dream she’s had recently where she saw him being shot on top of a hill (this book has obviously so far proven that not all premonitions come true). She finally managed to find a comfortable position and they decided to see how it was looking in the morning. Highlight: Mon repos & the meal
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