less than a week to go :-)

---

---

So, less than a week to go and it's time for the final preparations. After last year, getting the breakdown cover sorted is kind of top of the list on Monday and I'm pretty sure I forgot a Swedish campsite...... Other than that we're pretty much ready to get in the van and head to Harwich- just the packing to go. Oh and buying essentials such as Beer and wine to make sure that Scandinavia doesn't bankrupt us before the second week.

Leaving Bulgaria last year took us to Greece. It was hot. Very very hot. We arrived at a beach campsite, handed over our passports and asked what time we had to leave 'You may never leave' was the slightly sinister response from the campsite guy. Unperturbed we parked up in the potentially 60 degree heat and headed for the beach. Stopping off at the toilets was an unexpected 'treat of local customs' hole in the ground toilets. Scary times. Heading to the beach we found ourselves a lounger or two and up popped the campsite guy. Scared he was there to ensure we 'never left' I ordered a drink (purely to placate him) and can safely say it was the best G and T that has ever been drunk. An evening of Greek food and drinks on the beach was followed by a night spent not sleeping and generally being boiling ridiculously hot which was followed by a drive to paradise. Actual paradise. Kato Gatzea the most amazing beach I've ever seen. Swimming in the sea, barbecue underneath the olive trees with the sound of crickets and to top it all, Venus hanging in the sunset over the sea. If I could have stayed forever I would have done.

The next day was time for a marathon (no pun intended) drive to Athens. En route I decided to check the hotel booking and thank god. WHen the only review I could find for the 'Hotel Midas' was one focusing on the 'screams from other rooms giving a clue as to it's real purpose' and 'no food is served in a communal area for obvious reasons - no one stays for breakfast' I realised I'd booked a two night stay in a bloody knocking shop. Great. Thank god for booking.com and the internet. A hasty stay at the Radisson Blu Park Hotel was booked and what an amazing stay that was. A rooftop pool overlooking the Parthenon, which converted into a restaurant at night, an upgrade to a business room with a view of he actual Parthenon. Wow. Just before we arrived we stopped for fuel, went to head off and nothing. A dead engine. heart in mouth moment as the garage guys helped us push start it and all was fine (for now) . The hotel was amazing. the food was glorious and the view from everywhere possibly the best of my life.

Things I learnt.1) Greece is amazing

2) Greece is amazing

3) Greek beaches are amazing

4) Greek food is amazing

5) Greece is hot - bring fans

---