I'M BACK! Thanks for all the good wishes - and the compliments. (One does one's best, despite the SO saying I should accept I am getting older). His birthday card did say to think of myself as two 25 year olds. Birthday tally so far: one strained foot, a cup of iced coffee tipped (accidentally) on me in a caff by the SO, and a rather nice pearl necklace from the same source. We also ate out at a restaurant that based its food on ancient descriptions of things eaten. Best meal of the weekend.

By the way, the foot didn't come from him: marble pavements don't half get slippery when covered in snow. Anyway, it's about all better now. Given the chaos there had been with the airport and planes iced up, I think 4 hours late leaving Athens yesterday isn't too bad. Even got a free ride on the bus to the airport cos the driver wouldn't take my Euros. I had a big note and I don't think he had any change.

Weirdest thing I heard? A lone busker on an almost empty street near the centre who was sheltering under a shop front and playing the recorder. O'Carolan's Concerto is somewhat out of context in Athens, especially as it hauntingly floats down one of the main shopping streets!

Once again thanks for all the good wishes everyone.

Andrea