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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To go home early from our holiday

138 replies

Cozytoesandtoast00 · 31/07/2023 23:34

We're currently staying in a beautiful villa in Kefalonia.
We were just relaxing with a cup of tea and heard a banging on the door.
It was the owner of the property who told us the was a large fire nearby and to leave the house immediately. She could not tell us where to go. She could not speak any English.
We left and saw a huge fire nearby. Ash was floating in the air and the area was very smoky. It was all very traumatic. We grabbed our passports and got in our rental car.
The roads were blocked and the only road lead to the sea.
I was terrified and so we're my children.
To cut a long story short, we were eventually advised by locals that the fire has been put out.
Our villa is beautiful but it is next to a small village only and has lots of forest around it.
My husband wanted to stay but I've insisted we get a flight tomorrow as I feel so anxious.
I'm currently sat in the living area, too anxious to sleep.
Am I being over the top? I need some perspective.

OP posts:
FannyFifer · 31/07/2023 23:35

Well the fire is out now so I would stay.

oviraptor21 · 31/07/2023 23:37

Not sure I would.
If you spend the entire holiday being anxious about fires (and the kids being also anxious or at least picking up on the atmosphere) then it's not going to be much of a holiday.

FedUpMumof10YO · 31/07/2023 23:37

I'd stay if it's out

NuffSaidSam · 31/07/2023 23:37

I don't know.

What's the weather like/forecast to be? If it's very hot and dry then presumably it could easily go up again.

Market1 · 31/07/2023 23:37

How can you be sure it is out? Wild fires can smoulder and reignite.

When did you arrive? surely you know what was happening in that part of the world? How much holiday would you miss if you left now?

Original poster
Cozytoesandtoast00 · 31/07/2023 23:39

FannyFifer · 31/07/2023 23:35

Well the fire is out now so I would stay.

Thanks for replying.
The flight is already booked now but I just wanted some reassurance that I wasn't being a idiot.
The fire has been put out but there are very high winds currently and it has been declared a very high risk of fires.
I'm not normally anxious about this kind of thing but just feel scared.

OP posts:
Original poster
Cozytoesandtoast00 · 31/07/2023 23:40

oviraptor21 · 31/07/2023 23:37

Not sure I would.
If you spend the entire holiday being anxious about fires (and the kids being also anxious or at least picking up on the atmosphere) then it's not going to be much of a holiday.

Exactly this.

OP posts:
Original poster
Cozytoesandtoast00 · 31/07/2023 23:42

Market1 · 31/07/2023 23:37

How can you be sure it is out? Wild fires can smoulder and reignite.

When did you arrive? surely you know what was happening in that part of the world? How much holiday would you miss if you left now?

We don't know.
I feel ten times more terrified now.
We came 4 days ago but it is not particularly hot in Kefalonia (30 degrees) so normal temperatures and no reason not to go.

OP posts:
Original poster
Cozytoesandtoast00 · 31/07/2023 23:43

NuffSaidSam · 31/07/2023 23:37

I don't know.

What's the weather like/forecast to be? If it's very hot and dry then presumably it could easily go up again.

It's not too hot (30-32) but very strong winds.

OP posts:
Market1 · 31/07/2023 23:43

also, how much has burned? If a large area around you is already burnt, it won't burn again this year, will it?

tennesseewhiskey1 · 31/07/2023 23:44

i would monitor and see how it goes next few days .

Original poster
Cozytoesandtoast00 · 31/07/2023 23:45

Market1 · 31/07/2023 23:43

also, how much has burned? If a large area around you is already burnt, it won't burn again this year, will it?

It's difficult to see as the area is blocked off.
I supposed it's too late thinking about it as the flights are booked.

OP posts:
Youdoyoubabe · 31/07/2023 23:46

Well there are frequent fires every year in Greece. Usually started deliberately unfortunately. They have a mobile home warning system.

we were just on an island last week that had fires. We weren’t directly at risk though,

I would stay, but have a little bag packed and head the warnings. You do get Faye warning of wild fires. Smoke in the sky etc.

The authorities are usually over rather than under various in evacuating.

Original poster
Cozytoesandtoast00 · 31/07/2023 23:48

Youdoyoubabe · 31/07/2023 23:46

Well there are frequent fires every year in Greece. Usually started deliberately unfortunately. They have a mobile home warning system.

we were just on an island last week that had fires. We weren’t directly at risk though,

I would stay, but have a little bag packed and head the warnings. You do get Faye warning of wild fires. Smoke in the sky etc.

The authorities are usually over rather than under various in evacuating.

Thank you for your advice.
I suppose I must be an anxious person as the flights are booked and we are leaving tomorrow.
It was all very scary and I don't want to be here anymore.

OP posts:
Market1 · 31/07/2023 23:51

I think you are being sensible

greenthumb13 · 31/07/2023 23:53

I'd leave. It's not worth the risk. Leave while you can fly!

99victoria · 31/07/2023 23:53

We go to Kefalonia every year - we were there a couple of weeks ago. There are often small fires there in the summer but they are always straight on it and we have never felt unsafe.
Also, the temperatures are dropping there this week. Personally I think you are massively overreacting.
It's cold, wet and windy here in the UK 😬

neonjumper · 31/07/2023 23:54

Whereabouts in Kefalonia is this ?

Zepherine · 31/07/2023 23:54

I’d probably do the same, OP. I’ve been in Europe when there have been wildfires not far away and it is very unsettling. It’s not conducive to a relaxing holiday.

ilovesooty · 31/07/2023 23:55

If you've already booked flights home there's little point in anyone offering an opinion really. I suppose you feel the way you feel and none of us are there.

I hope you have a safe journey back.

lovemelongtime · 31/07/2023 23:55

I think you're being a bit over there tho personally, but if that's what you want to do and the tickets are booked, well do it.

Not sure what benefit asking mumsnet really bcoz even if 100% said you'd were unreasonable,v you've booked the tickets.

Only you know how you feel.

Original poster
Cozytoesandtoast00 · 31/07/2023 23:56

Thank you for some reassurance.
I feel quite sad about it really.

OP posts:
Circe32 · 31/07/2023 23:56

Just googled Petrichor!

Now going to read wtf...

Original poster
Cozytoesandtoast00 · 01/08/2023 00:00

neonjumper · 31/07/2023 23:54

Whereabouts in Kefalonia is this ?

Near Spartia

OP posts:
MumblesParty · 01/08/2023 00:01

I think you’re being over the top, and it’s very unfair on your family that you’re allowing your anxiety to ruin their holiday too. Sorry if that’s not what you want to hear, but you did ask.

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