The Greeks were revelling in sporting euphoria. Just a month earlier from underdog status they had triumphed for the first time in the European football championships and now Olympic fever had gripped the nation as the games returned to their birthplace.
It was my first visit to Greece and though the flight was relatively short, the bus journey to my hotel seemed long and arduous despite the pleasant scenery. Winding our way through the rugged hills of the North West mainland, Albania just a little further North and just a short paddle west across the Ionian, lay the island of Corfu.
Travel fatigue well and truly set in, I staggered down the steps of the bus, my legs weak as they were finally able to unfold. Darkness had fallen but the air stifled. Despite the heat, the tiredness, I bathed in the knowledge I was on vacation. Two weeks of relaxed bliss lay in store.
Groggily entering the hotel grounds, eyes bleary, I noticed a sign. Gently lit and in large letters read, "
BEWARE OF THE TURTLES!" Somewhat puzzled, I crashed onto the bed and switched on the air conditioning. My mind suddenly harassed with images of giant man eating turtles! Was this a Greek myth that I had not read about during childhood? Some half man, half beast thing to rival the minotaur?
Throughout my fortnights stay in idyllic surroundings of crystal blue seas, rocky coves and quaint harbour towns, I had kept my eyes constantly peeled for these killer creatures!
Wild goats, fish a plenty and an occasional enormous bumble bee later, still no sighting of the turtle monster.
On the day of my departure as I waited in the hotel gardens for the bus to arrive, I finally spotted it! A very small tortoise crawling in the grass, oblivious to the world and extremely vulnerable. I felt conned yet mildly relieved.
My eyes rested once again on the sign, it read, "
BE AWARE OF THE TURTLES".
