What a joy it is going away again

In the end we decided to avoid sleeping as we needed to leave home at 2am to drive the forty-five miles to Bristol airport.  We were both rather late in preparing and packing but got there in the end, as one does. Having both had long trips over Christmas I'd have thought we'd be seasoned travellers again, but it was rather last minute.

When we finally prepared to board our plane we found we had to be bussed onto the tarmac apron and then walk to the steps and climb aboard just like the 'old days' of travel. The weather gods decided to send down a light shower of rain to accompany us which I hadn't expected. Otherwise all went well as my first attempt at a package holiday began. The flight was exemplary on a virtually brand new Airbus, contrary to my expectations of a knackered old fifth hand Dakota which had been commandeered from the Berlin airlift.

Passing over Germany and the Alps the low clouds receded and a cloudless sky revealed the attractive Dalmatian coast with its network of islands, signalling the way to Kefalonia. We again needed to use our feet to reach the terminal, but this time without a bus which didn't really suit my injured leg.  As a result I was the last person in the line and took advantage of the extra time I had to snap a few views from the tarmac. I have added a couple as 'Extra photos'.

Our tour guide met us and like everything else the coach connection to our hotel and his commentary were exemplary. The island looked gorgeous in the mid-morning light, with bougainvilleas in profusion to remind us of the new climate we had reached. The thirty-five kilometres  along the coast and over hills and down into valleys gave us a good sense of the island's appeal, and was pleasingly uncrowded.

Helena chose our hotel and has done us proud. It has a fabulous location on the sandy beachfront of Skala with its own large pool, a pretty garden and a taverna providing very good tasty food. The wine is very drinkable as Helena found out during supper, and has provided another 'Extra' picture. All in all we are going to have a good time here.