If you’d have said to me…err, ever…that I’d be heading off for a weeks holiday on my own, I’d have probably laughed the whole idea off as completely absurd. But, here I am, five days in to a weeks holiday in Corfu, all on my tod!

I’ve travelled between Australia and the UK many times on my own, or with Patrick in tow, back to see family and I’ve never spared a thought to it being anything other than what it was, flying home. I’ve driven in major cities on my own (getting lost now comes as standard) and I’ve eaten in restaurants alone. I don’t think I’ve ever been to the cinema alone but it’s not something I would shy away from if the situation arose. And I’ve been absolutely fine doing all of these things in my fierce/forced independence in more recent years, but somehow booking and going on a ‘holiday for one’ seems a little different somehow.

A Shirley Valentine-esque style of escape has been suggested more than once by those who have heard of my solo adventure. Others have raised eyebrows, unable to fully comprehend ‘a holiday, on your own?’, but in the main, the news of my getaway has induced a ‘wow, really?! I wish I could join you, how exciting!’ kind of response.

I must admit I felt a little odd when the travel agent asked how many guests the booking was for and I responded with ‘one’, for my Greek getaway. It’s not that people don’t holiday alone, lots of people do it, it’s just not something I ever really thought I’d be doing.

So here I am in Corfu, for a week, just me, myself and I. And you know what? I’m having a really lovely time! Of course I miss Patrick but I would never, could never, begrudge him time with his Daddy, but if I’d have stayed at home for the full three weeks that he’s away, it could have got messy, especially without work to keep my mind busy!!

When I arrived at the accommodation I must admit that I did become a little edgy. We arrived in what seemed like the middle of nowhere, I was shown to my room, which was on the ground floor, with a balcony to the walkway, and for a moment my head was filled with all sorts of less than desirable scenarios. But after I’d unpacked my suitcases, got changed into my sunbathing attire and wandered out to the pool deck, only to be met by Alex, the complex owner and one of the most genuine, kind and caring people I’ve ever met, all of my ‘fears’ were allayed. [He actually appears to have taken me under his wing and made it his mission to look after me – I even got chocolate delivered poolside today!, I must look like I need watching over, I don’t mind in the least if it means I get chocolate!]

In the last five days, I’ve got up when I wanted, got ready in my own time, enjoyed breakfast by the pool and I’ve even spent time doing work on my laptop at the pool bar. I’ve had lunch when I’ve felt like it, dinner too (in some beautiful restaurants watching the sunset) and enjoyed hours and hours of sunbathing and reading. I’ve chatted to people, lots of people, from all walks of life and I’ve also enjoyed not talking to people when my own company was all I needed. I’ve taken in the sights of Corfu Town, exploring places I probably never would if I wasn’t on my own, and I’ve loved my evening strolls (still a bit of a hobble if I’m honest) along the Main Street of St. George South, with nowhere to be and no one to answer to.

I haven’t felt lost, or alone, or like some desperado which maybe I thought I would. I’ve slept well and I’m looking forward to my remaining two days. In fact, I feel relaxed, happy and ready to face the next no doubt, crazy six months. The whole experience has been really quite liberating, and one that I would highly recommend to anyone who has the chance to ‘escape’ on their own for a few days.

I must add that I haven’t been swept off my feet by some Greek Adonis, which is a little disappointing, but I’ve still got two days left! Here’s hoping.

Yamas! 💕