We had a great time exploring the Greek Islands in the summer of 2013.  We started in Athens, staying in that amazing hotel.  You, Dan and Maisie absolutely adored the swimming pool.  A great haven after a day traipsing the streets of Athens in the searing heat.  The breakfast buffet was incredible - an array of every type of food you could imagine.  You always had a voracious appetite and I think you just about sampled everything.  But not only that, the rooftop view looking out over the Acropolis - very special.  We got up very early that first day to climb the Acropolis to see the Parthenon before it got too hot and busy.  It certainly was a climb.  I will never forget looking back at you before we got to the top.  Your face like a wet Monday.  I could tell were not very enamoured by our itinerary that day.  I'm sure the pool would have been more appealing.  I remember saying to you, "I know you think you don't want to visit the parthenon today, but one day you will look back and be glad that you have seen it."

Next stop was a ferry across to Sifnos, a beautiful, tranquil island.  You 3 had your own little apartment which you loved.  We spent the days swimming, sunbathing and touring the island in that little car we hired.

Then is was Santorini.  A breathtaking island.  That unique hotel built into the side of the crater with our own little pool and  verandah looking out onto the sea covered volcano.  We sat there every night to watch the sun go down. It was hard not to keep taking photos.  Stunning!!!

The ferry leaving Santorini was an experience.  There were so many people.  We all thought we would never get on.  But we eventually made it to our next stop, Paros.  This was our least favourite island.  The accommodation wasn't great.  Trying to get rid of that massive cockroach in the bathroom tainted our view slightly.  But that's the good stuff, the things we will always remember and laugh about.  We travelled around on the bus and also went to Antiparos, a neighbouring island, a short ferry ride away.  We went to visit the caves of Antiparos, full of amazing stalactites and stalagmites.  That's where we first met 'Smokey Joe!!'  Who then seemed to follow us everywhere, or we thought he did.  I'll never forget Daniel and Maisie's faces when they saw him on the ferry back to Athens!!

I remember you were uncomfortable whenever we sat down at a restaurant in Athens because very small children would always come along to the table and try and beg for money, usually by playing some sort of musical instrument.  It upset you even more when we noticed that they were handing over any money that had earned to unscrupulous looking adults hanging around in the background. Injustice never sat well with you.  You were also often concerned about speaking to people in shops and cafes in case you couldn't understand them or vice versa and you'd be embarrassed.  Wish we could have helped you more with that lack of confidence.  But you rose to the challenge we gave you of ordering some delicious delights from a bakery on your own.  You were understood and got what you wanted.  Small steps!!

A great holiday. Great memories.