Emmanuella suggested a cruise on her cousin’s boat. I wasn’t sure exactly where we would be going but neither was she. With the Meltemi still blowing all things could change. In fact we received an updated plan from Emmanuella and it would be The Blue Lagoon, Despotica and Antiparos. We were to be at the harbour for a 9am departure for an eight hour cruise. All food and drinks were provided.

It was fabulous. Captain Adonis (pronounced Ah tho ees) introduced himself and welcomed us aboard. He really was delightful. Of course the Europeans all congregated to the sunny spots while John and I grabbed a seat at the table in the centre considering that we would always be shaded.

The first stop was the Blue Lagoon situated between Paros and Antiparos where the water was the most sensational colour.

It wasn’t long before we had struck up a conversation with the Parisians, Astrid and Fred, Brudna and Victor and Noaimi and Vienni. Some of them had been friends from school and often kept in touch. They had escaped their small children and were making the most of it. We talked about all sorts of things from politics to travel favourites. While the local rose wasn’t fabulous it was very drinkable and with ice…it constantly improved!

While the boat could accommodate 50 there was around 30 on board which made it very comfortable. Of course there were Australians. There are always Australians!! The guy from Adelaide with his wife and three children was a surprise. All buffed up and covered in tats he was the sweetest man and the most over protective dad. His daughter and I connected and began rating the dives. Later I got a bit too adventurous and dived from the bow. It was bit furter up than I thought. Really dumb actually and I’m hoping the chest pain eases before I get home but still, my dive was higly rated. Actually there were quite a few children and everybody got in the water and swam.

The food and drink was ample and good. The company was fabulous and the swimming incredible. It was such an enjoyable day!

John had read about the island of Koufonissi and was determined to go. He found a trip on the Alexander, a big boat, that stopped at Iraklia for an hour and a half and then five hours on Koufonissi. We booked. It was the day after the swimming cruise but this would be a little different. We would be on the beaches on the islands.

Iraklia was very beautiful and we wandered the little lanes grabbed some lunch and headed back to the boat for the short trip to Koufonissi. John was very taken by the clarity of the water. He swam at the main beach while I indulged in a freddo capuccino.

One of the best things about the cruises was that we could walk down the road from our apartment to the pier and pick up the tours. It was marvellous not to have to worry about parking or lugging stuff for ever. It was so convienient. Piso Livadi was wonderful.