Minding the Kids

The return ferry ride was as pleasant as the original sail to Santorini with both of us vowing to reduce any further ferry rides in future to the bare minimum. Arriving back in Piraeus we decided that Nick and Sam's hospitality was of sufficient enough quality for them to have us as their company again for two more nights. I'm sure Emmy and I have some more war stories of travel gone bad and culture shock experiences to revolt them with.

That evening we had a barbeque with some of Nick and Sams friends and their children. Nick ceasing an opportunity by the barbeque soon had me downstairs managing the cricket match whilst another amazing meal was forced down our willing gullets. During the evening we found out that the following day was a school holiday given the elections in Greece. Plans were for a small group to visit an adventure park in the woods around Athens.

The next day dawned and the small group turned into an entire school trip. As we waited at Sam's friends Kelly's house I was gulping at the prospect of spending the day with 15 children. Emma trying to enjoy her holiday away from kids was back into it full swing. However the only signs of disorganisation was with the convoy of parents which somehow had the lead car trailing at the back whilst others took off ahead.

We all made it to Malakasa where the kids chomped at the bit to be let loose in the park. The adventure park was set in a grove of pine trees and resembled a series of increasing difficulty confidence courses where you climb and zip line through the trees. Soon I was chomping too and once harnessed up the kids and I tore off to our given levels.

Four hours later and all the courses completed everybody was happy. The kids had a roaring time and even I managed to push through the Fear Factor barrier despite not being asked to eat a plate of maggots. Naturally the kids were disappointed when the home hooter sounded and everybody headed back into Athens pooched. Our time in Athens was excellent and we must thank Nick, Sam and the kids for their hospitality and conversation. And also Jamie Oliver for inspiring the feasts.