M.I.A. in Greece

So as you will have probably gathered from the lack of mad musings last week, I was on holiday.  I did create a little post about what I was packing but in reality, it would have been of no use to man or mouse. 

Also, can I just apologise for disappearing off on holiday just like that (do Tommy Cooper hands when you read the "just like that" bit).  In this case, I have to blame the tools of the trade - our dodgy router meant I had no internet connection to say something as simple as "Off on hols - see you when I get back". And thank you to everyone who was kind enough to leave a comment on my last couple of blog posts whilst I was way.  I took an active decision to be internet free for a week and it has been good for me but I will get back on track soon ...... after the mounds of laundry.

Oh hang the laundry (no pun intended), let's do a holiday post!

George's first time for flying - we didn't dare before now

We've all been nervous about our first flight with George.  Ben's been on a plane several times and has been impeccably behaved and that's including long haul at the age of 11 months and 3 years to Hong Kong.  However, George is the proverbial cheeky chappy and can be quite vocal whether expressing his pleasure or displeasure at whatever is amusing or displeasing him at that moment but phew! he was good as gold (all hail the IPad!).  So after a successful and quiet flight, we arrived at our hotel in Iixa in Rhodes early afternoon to scorching temperatures, scantily clad people in bikinis around the pool and a thumping disco beat in the background - we were in Family Club Med!  I had a lovely time people watching and there were lots of itsy bitsy bikinis to take in and "review".  I confess to chickening out of wearing my bikini at the last minute as my bagel belly was becoming a jelly belly and I didn't want to lie there everyday looking at it and more to the point, I didn't want the Grumps wobbling it for fun as he would have done given half the chance.  However, having had my eyes opened to the body & swimwear bazaar in front of me, the next time I go on a holiday where swimwear is the outfit de jour, I may try again.  Whatever you think about yourself, there is always someone bigger, smaller, firmer or wobblier than you and ...... no one gives a damn.  I also found myself strangely drawn to watching the "entertainment crew" perform their daily show by the poolside to some Euro disco number where everybody is supposed to join in - think "Macarena" style.  If I'd been there another week, the force would have been great and I would have been compelled to join in.  Thank goodness, I was only there for one.

My view most days!

And this one too! I'm walking behind as usual.

On one of the days that we decided not to be poolbound, we managed a trip to Rhodes Old Town which I'd been to previously 10 years ago on a day trip from Marmaris in Turkey. Amongst all the traditional leather goods, there is a "market" for cough cough "branded" goods.  This year Longchamp, Rayban and Converse seem to have a strong presence.

Bags Galore!

George took a shine to this pink pair!

A veritable Greek Aladdin's Cave

Stray cats are always around and the one below looked well fed and content enough. It does  break my heart when I see little stray kittens though.

Looking good for a stray!

So cute.

Being in Rhodes Old Town did bring back memories for me.  The Grumps and I had only been married a year then and children were not part of the picture as yet.  Fast forward a number of years and how things have changed.  See!

Double Trouble!

Ben & I, Hot & Sweaty in Rhodes Old Town

Having children means a visit to the Falaraki Water Park which was a good day out actually despite my general dislike of water.

Unfortunately, this wristband does not entitle you to endless ice cream.

Floating down the lazy river.

This apparently is fun!

Happy chappy!

We forewent the culture in favour of ease and lack of grumping from small people - so no pictures of the Acropolis here this time.  They wouldn't thank us for it and we wouldn't have liked them by the end of it.

Evenings were spent in the hotel restaurant - we went with friends (George's God Parents and their children (our God children)) which always make for a jolly atmosphere and most evenings, there was the obligatory fashion shoot for my 15 year old God daughter - who looks good in everything.  Do not stand next to her unless you want to feel really old and really fat.

Kirstie - my God Daughter.  The bloom of youth.

And then it was my turn.

Awkward camera pose - it's definitely easier to be holding the camera.

And having seen that I am wearing black in all the pictures (blending in with the Greek widows look), I have included a colour combo :

H&M combo & grey tatty bag

We like trilbys!

And did I buy anything on my jollies?  I bought some ornamental cows and a donkey!

They clash terribly with the decor at home!  Should have bought them for Grandma!

No I didn't .... I bought another trilby and a bracelet.

Perfect for the September school run.

So I'm feeling almost human again after a couple of days at home and sleeping in my own bed with no air con blasting away in the background.  The toes are repainted. I'm moisturised and I'm settling back in to my own routine.  I'm a little bit browner but not too much - there was a lot of suntan lotion being applied as I didn't want a tan.  Unfortunately, I don't go a delicious golden brown like my Ben, instead I just go mucky coloured which is not that good a look so I do my best to avoid the sun (says the woman who just holidayed in sun soaked Greece).  The stripes are back on along with the comfy jeans as somehow, I managed to put on 5lb and am now officially a heffa-moose! But still it's good to be back in Blighty with it's temperamental weather and all. 

So I'm looking forward to catching up on everyone's blogs - it's like all the magazines have landed on your doormat all at once!  Kettle on and Earl Grey at the ready, blogs away!