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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Greek Island Memories - WWYD

16 replies

CowesTwo · 26/12/2018 20:30

Ok, so way back in the 70s I went to Greece for the first time, to the most magical Greek island. I went with a girlfriend, but loved it so much that the next year I went back with my boyfriend. The following year he and I had split, but I went back on my own.

Since then I have travelled extensively, but that island stayed in my mind. Now I am quite old, and to get to the island from where I live now, is quite an undertaking. It would involved: car to ferry, ferry to mainland, car to airport, plane to mainland Greece, taxi/bus to port, ferry to island - and then all the way back again.

I am in reasonable health for my age, just not a young thing.

AIBU to try and go back to my magical 70s Greek island for one last time, even though it's not quite the walk in the park it was when I was in my 20s?

Husband is ok about it, and happy to make the trek

OP posts:
Loserinlove · 26/12/2018 20:32

Do it!!! Do it whilst you can. Have no regrets.

patientzero · 26/12/2018 20:32

Do it!

Which island?

Greenteandchives · 26/12/2018 20:35

Do it! I suspect I am older than you, and plan adventures all the time. Just back from the Far East and now planning a trip to Antarctica. Providing you are in reasonable health and can travel light, go for it. Bear in mind changes may have occurred and it may not be the place you remember.

Bottomplasters · 26/12/2018 20:35

Do it! You would have to do the initial trek to get anywhere wouldn’t you?!

Nothininmenoggin · 26/12/2018 20:37

You So have to do it. It sounds amazing.

Notreallyhere23 · 26/12/2018 20:37

My concern would not be the journey, which I would probably do if I was you but the fact that the island might have changed so much in 30+ years that your memories might be tarnished in some way. Obviously I don’t know your island but have you had a look at tripadvisor or articles about it to see how it is?

My parents used to love a place abroad and were excited to return, but it had built up so much in the time since they went, it was an entirely different vibe, experience and not nice for them at all really!

In the other hand it might be just as lovely or you might like any changes that have happened in the meantime!

Original poster
CowesTwo · 26/12/2018 20:40

True - to those who have said the initial trek to the airport would be the same.

I guess, it's the - not fear - but the finding that the island is not the one I knew in the 70s.

For those who asked, it's the island of Spetses, and I've been banging on about it to whoever would listen, for the last 40 odd years.

I'm going to research more, thank you all!

OP posts:
bigbluebus · 26/12/2018 20:44

I was going to say the same as PP's - be prepared for the place to have changed and not be how you remember it.

I went to a lovely little fishing village in Corfu in my youth. I was looking at holidays there last year but decided against it as it seemed quite a popular resort now and someone told me they'd been recently and there were a lot of new hotels/apartments. It's 30 years since I was last there! I want to remember it as it was/is in my dreams.

Original poster
CowesTwo · 26/12/2018 20:44

We do do out-of-the-ordinary holidays, including driving holidays all across the USA, including Route 66, all over New England, LA to San Francisco etc etc etc, and also independent travel all over Europe. I just wonder if I 'm being a bit romantic about this long-ago destination.

OP posts:
BlueThesaurusRex · 26/12/2018 20:50

Just googled it- beautiful.

Go, definitely go!

Without sounding too dismal, you never know what’s around the corner in life and if something you wanted to do has been on your mind for so long then go for it Grin

HollaHolla · 26/12/2018 20:52

You will notice a BIG difference in Spetses.
I was first there in about 2000, and there again last year. It’s become very chic and popular with wealthy Athenians for the weekend.
It’s beautiful, but not the rural idyll you may remember..... just as a warning.

pinkmagic1 · 26/12/2018 20:57

I remembered my first ever holiday to Spain so fondly. The drive from the airport with the oh so exotic cacti growing at the side of the road, the sound of the cicadas and the fit Spanish boy I pulled!
I went back a couple of years ago with Dh and the Dc and the magic had gone, the magic of youth I think! I wouldn't go back if I were you, it won't be the same. Treasure the memories.

Liverbird77 · 26/12/2018 22:08

I went to Spetses in 1995. It is my favourite Greek island. Please go back. Even if it has changed, you'll have a wonderful time.

Original poster
CowesTwo · 26/12/2018 22:28

pinkmagic1 but this is just a tiny Greek island, not a big country like Spain.

OP posts:
PaulAnkaDog · 26/12/2018 22:31

Oh I love the Greek islands! Syros is my favourite. Went this year for the first time in two decades and it was as amazing as ever. Do it!!!

Sandsnake · 26/12/2018 22:32

Wow - it looks amazing! Definitely go back. And thanks for the potential tip... Wink

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