We moved into my parents house with them for what turned out to be 7 months before we sorted ourselves out with jobs and rented accommodation in Cardiff.

Jane and I returned to Alonissos 3 years later and stayed in our old house as well as looking after Alice and Andy’s place (and Banc-heurs the cat) for a week or two. Yes, they are still there as are Monty and Claudette who have extended their house which is really stunning. In fact many people we met are still living happily on the island. It was great to return and we will always feel welcome among our good friends in the old town of Alonissos.

Alonissos became a huge part of our lives and getting my old diaries typed up (thanks Mum and Sian and Karen) has brought back all the great memories we have of that summer and the wonderful, colourful people we met.

Jane wasn’t sure I should make my diary available for anyone and everyone to read as she feels a diary is meant to be a private thing. But though it was nothing ground breaking or earth shattering our time in Alonissos was hugely important for us and we still feed off the positive feelings we gained there. I am happy to share that feeling with anyone who is interested. But it is worth pointing out that this is diary is my personal view and it is only my perception of everything that we got up to.

I have changed some of the names in an attempt not to upset anyone though I hope there is nothing in here that would embarrass anyone more than I embarrass myself when I read some of the dopey things I recorded.

We didn’t really run away to Alonissos but we were lucky enough that our circumstances allowed us to take the chance to dip out of "normal" life and concentrate on simpler aspects of our needs. We had to do it for ourselves. But we had to come home as well. We had a great time and I completely recommend doing something similar at some point in your life if you get half a chance, before it all disappears.