Arrived at Parikia port on Paros on the Sunday of the Greek Referendum. All televisions on the High Speed 4 were tuned into the referendum, as were the screens in ferry ticket offices, cafes and restaurants. We noticed larger than usual queues at the ATMs and the occasional ‘Oxi’ bill poster but apart from that, island life carried on as normal: boats, beaches and beer.

We visited the lovely old town with its curved, cobbled streets, finding that not much had changed. Levantis, the restaurant where our wedding dinner was held is still there, as is the bar where we had pre-dinner sunset drinks (albeit with a different name and fresh coat of paint). There was something comforting in finding those places still there, as if their existence keeps our memories intact.

In the evening, we strolled along the waterfront, then had dinner at a traditional restaurant just behind the port, which was sheltered from the wind. Rykersaurus was very tired so the dining process was difficult (enough said), however we managed to eat the tasty food without major indigestion. When Jason indicated that we had finished our meal, the hostess brought out some chocolate brownie for Ryker and some fresh cherries for Jason and I; that wonderful Greek hospitality at work again. Unfortunately, the cherries were extremely sour, which made them very difficult to eat. Without Jason having to say anything, I knew it was my turn to do the right thing and consume the rest of the generous offerings, tart or not, given the number of strong digestifs that Jason has had to guzzle on my behalf in similar situations. I managed to eat most of them without grimacing, which was no mean feat! To his credit, Jason had some too.

Picture shows European Union, Paros and Greek flags.