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".
Currently studying freelance journalism, Julian is a creative writer and poet and writes both professionally and for pleasure. Professionally, Julian writes articles for an internet marketing company and although he is often restricted by topic, his writing still maintains his own unique style. He has written a series of heartfelt and impartial articles about the success and controversy surrounding the electronic cigarette. He has found the discipline involved with this work to be a great writing exercise and believes it enhances and improves the rest of his writing. Julian's articles at Searchwarp are of a much more personal nature, where he feels he can express his views and interests in the world around him.
» left by Jane Flowers(252) Jane Flowers (1 year 144 days ago.)
A goodf article.Not too long, but sets the scene very well. You have managed to show - not tell - do I detect a budding travel writer? Respond to this comment
» left by Julian Price(3,420) Julian Price (1 year 144 days ago.)
Thank you Jane for the kind comment and indeed for reading. I am new to this arena, so just taking my first baby steps!
» left by Teresa Ortiz(11,204) Teresa Ortiz (1 year 141 days ago.)
Hi Julian, what a wonderful story, I couldn't wait to get to the end! I can just imagine your looking over your shoulder every step of the way....poor little turtles! Love it, I look foward to more stories. Well told! Blessings to you!
» left by Julian Price(3,420) Julian Price (1 year 140 days ago.)
I am glad you enjoyed reading my little turtle adventure, Teresa. Thank you for reading. I hope to return with more articles soon.
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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. 
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