The calm Greek island, Corfu

A small island full of adventure and freedom with the most caring, kind souls the world could offer. I began my journey here lost and alone as I struggled to find my correct bus stop. This was the first time I had vacated England after losing my passport, so I was a little on edge to ensure I didn’t repeat the same mistake.

As I leaped out of the airport in a hurried manner to catch my bus, I felt the sunshine greet my face with a bright glow. I suddenly felt relieved. I managed to bump into a British couple backpacking, who helped me find my way. All three of us found ourselves walking to the big bus terminal. They were a fascinating couple who had decided to hike from the south of the island all the way to the north. They educated me on how it would take them eight days in the beautiful sun to venture across the island.

As we approached the bus terminal, they ran off to catch their correct bus, and I waved them good luck in the hope that maybe that could be me one day, exploring the world with my other half. As I queued up to collect my own bus ticket, I paced myself to the correct bay to wait for my coach. As it finally arrived, we were herded onto the bus. After an hour of admiring the views from my seat and listening to all the elder Greek ladies conversate, I finally reached my accommodation with joy.

I turned the key to enter and couldn’t believe the beauty of the view and the privacy I had just claimed for the next few nights. This holiday was all about locking myself away in order to complete part of my book. Before I isolated myself from the outside world, I had to discover a supermarket, as I hadn’t eaten all day. I took a swift walk to the white-pebbled beach in the hope of finding what I was looking for. It was a ghost town; I loved it, but I also felt slightly concerned as I didn’t equip myself with a moped or car.

I finally spoke to a few people relaxing by the sea and soon discovered I was screwed. A couple recommended that I walk up the road to a small roadside shop. This was where I found a small Greek man selling newspapers and cigarettes—the small necessities in life, of course. He suggested that I catch a bus to the nearest town five kilometres away, but I insisted on walking. I found myself walking around windy, narrow roads with incredible views, not regretting my decision one bit.

I finally discovered a small bar bustling with locals. As I turned to enter the bar, they were so amused by me. I ordered a beer and a spinach pastry in so much excitement to finally have something to drink and eat. I turned around to cheer them on, but they already beat me to it, wishing me well with my beer. They welcomed me with open arms here in Corfu. I find that so difficult to discover as a tourist nowadays, as a lot of locals despise outsiders.

After accommodating myself to have a drink with them, it was finally time to move on to locate the grocery store. I found this adorable small shop with everything I needed, from fresh bread to red wine. I was sorted for the next few days. After having a great conversation with the couple who owned the supermarket and telling them my story, they were kind enough to offer me a lift back to my accommodation and a bottle of red from their winery.

I granted the motion, and away we went in his white work van. He told me all about his family, his friends, and his businesses as a winemaker, olive grower, grocery store owner, and builder. He fascinated me with how much he had created in his life and how much he adored it. He began to tell me stories and how I should return in September. I was over the moon to have met people like this who opened their arms to me. As he waved me goodbye, I finally locked myself away, and the writing began.

Lots of food, one bottle of red, and a packet of cigarettes; I was all set.