Tuesday, September 11, 2018
It’s fair to say that it has been a interesting first few days here in Zante. Returning to the same resort every year has both its pros and cons, and knowing lots of people you’ve met over previous years will be here is probably both...
Anyway, let’s start at the beginning...
There is apparently a leak from the plane, delaying take off for an hour as we have missed our slot. Might as well break out our sarnies then. Of course, no sooner has the wrapper been removed from our WH Smith meal deal BLTs than the pilot announces we’ve been given someone else’s spot and we are taking off immediately. I’ve never eaten a sandwich at a 45 degree angle before whilst simultaneously holding the hand of the nervous flier next door and gripping my decaf soya latte between my knees. I don’t want to repeat the experience anytime soon...
Still, we arrive in Tsilivi only a few minutes later than intended to be greeted by the gang - Scott proudly wearing his #scottheretoo t-shirt we so selflessly produced for his last big birthday - only to be held up by a duck. There are many things you are worry about when staying at a new place (We’re giving the Contessina, our holiday home for the last three years a miss this time) but a psychotic duck being in residence isn’t one of them. I think he’s called Drake...
We’re soon all checked in to our apartment at the Piscina Pool Bar (a name that has already produce hours of schoolboy humour) and three large beers down in the process when Scott makes an announcement: “Right kids, I want you all ready TO GO and 6.30 sharp tonight, no messing you tardy fuckers...”
Sarah, looking slightly aggrieved, states, quite firmly “I was ready in half an hour last night I’ll have you know..”
Scott nails her with a gimlet stare and replies “Looked like 15...”
Along with a new place to stay, we decided to try a new restaurant out for dinner, The Botanic Gardens situated down the other end of town where we’ve previously stayed. So it was a good opportunity for a few bevvies at the Contessina before a heavily anticipated meal (Trip Advisor reviews being excellent).
Well, on entering the restaurant there was immediately a “vibe”. No friendly welcome, bright operating theatre type ambiance, and an extremely snotty clientele. I instantly fucking hate the place. I’m sure once we’ve sat down and ordered the carafes of local brake fluid all will be well. Er...no. They don’t do carafes of local hooch, just an extremely expensive list wines you simply don’t want starting with the cheapest at €20. Fuck that. I just know this is going to be an expensive, and shit night, especially as the waiter now appeared to be ignoring us. An executive decision needs to be made by somebody and it needs to be made now. I raise my hand and ask the rest of the gang “Right, does anyone actually want to stat and eat in this shithole?” No hands are raised and quicker than Hermione getting damp at the brandishing of Harry’s wand we’re all out the back exit. Except for Lisa who made the rookie error of going out the front and therefore having to explain to the restaurant manager why we’re doing a runner.
