We had settled on sailing the Cyclades in Greece. This island chain in the Aegean sea had everything we were looking for, from breathtaking beaches with crystal clear water to a rich cultural heritage.
I’d invited my brother’s eldest boy to look after the house for the two weeks that we were to be spending sailing, so before his arrival and for our departure there were a few jobs to sort out. Insurance for the car and bags for us, the list was small, but still it had to be finished and in the right order. So with all the jobs done and the bags packed it was time to pick up the "house keepers" from Lesparre-Médoc station. They were on time; first part of the puzzle had been recovered and placed. The afternoon was spent showing how the house functioned before a walk to the beach for mussels and chips with a sea view and the perfect sunset.
Holiday first mornings are always a fun time, the final checks and little kit changes are always part of the ritual, this morning was no exception, with a quick trip to the local shop to add a few extra treats for the trip to Greece.
After an easy flight from Bordeaux to Athens and a night in a brand new hotel, we at last set foot in the bustling port of Piraeus in Athens, feeling both excited and a little nervous. This was our first time taking a ferry in Greece, and we weren't entirely sure what to expect.
As we made our way through the crowds, the heat (40c+), sounds and smells of the bustling port assailed our senses. The air was thick with the salty tang of the sea, and the shouts of vendors hawking their wares mixed with the sound of ferry foghorns in the distance.
I looked down at my son, who was clutching my hand tightly. He was only twelve years old, and I knew that the chaos of the port could be overwhelming for him. But he was also bouncing with excitement, eager to see the new sights and sounds that awaited us on the island of Milos.
We made our way to the ferry, our bags bumping along behind us, and found our seats. The ferry was packed with people, and the noise level was high. But as we settled in and the ferry pulled away from the dock, a sense of calm settled over me.
The Aegean Sea stretched out before us, its surface rippling in the breeze. I watched as the island of Salamis slid by, its rugged cliffs and azure waters a stark contrast to the busy port we had just left.
As we sailed on, crossing from Serifos to Sifnos and onwards to Milos I felt a sense of freedom that I hadn't experienced in a long time. This trip was a chance to break away from the routine of everyday life, to explore new places and make new memories with my son.
And as we approached the island of Milos and the town of Adamantas, the excitement that had been building inside reached a new level. We were about to embark on a 10 day / 10 island sailing adventure with a dear friend, and I couldn't wait to see what was in store.
written : 2022
