Anastasia

Free Time is a Luxury These Days

Here I am relaxing at home after a hectic week at work. It's that time of year again when esl exams are round the corner in addition to preparing school exams and organising the new school-year 2012-2013. I was a bit under the weather today and please pray I don't get that nasty virus which has been around recently. The weather has been playing up again! We had some warm, sunny days end of April which gave way to a cloudy and rainy early May while today temps went up to 26C! Honestly, I don't know what to wear! See why I hate spring? Wearing jeans and T-shirts plus a jacket seems to be the best  option while looking forward to our long, hot summer. My summer break starts on June 23 - not that far - so I can dream of my summer holiday in July and plan it with Alkis. I dream of unspoilt beaches and lazy days in the sun, secluded coves and ....astakomakaronada  (lobster pasta) by the sea. But right now,  I'll love you and leave you and go back to marking my students' IGCSE Mock Examination.

 

How To Treat Sunburn

Maybe you skipped the sunscreen because you didn’t think you’d be outside for very long, or perhaps you forgot to reapply after a dip in the pool. Whatever the reason, your skin is red-hot to the touch and seriously painful. Now what? You can pop an aspirin and apply a standard drugstore treatment that contains a numbing agent like Lidocaine, or you can try one of the following natural remedies.

Photo Credit - © Shutterstock

To Stop the Pain:

1. Slather on aloe. If you’re going to buy it in a bottle, the best choice is one that contains no added colors or fragrances. (A good option is Aubrey Organics Pure Aloe Vera.) But aloe straight from the plant may be even better and possibly more effective, says Lynne C. David, ND, a naturopathic doctor at the Center for Integrative Medicine at the George Washington University Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Purchase a plant at a garden store or florist, and then just split open a spear and rub the gel on your skin.

2. Milk it. Soak a clean cloth in cool milk and apply it to the burned area for 20 minutes, says Hadley C. King, MD, a clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. Make sure you use whole milk; the fat content is what’s soothing. Reapply every two to four hours.

3. Soothe with baking soda. You use it to deodorize your fridge, clean your house and bake bread…but did you know that you can use baking soda to treat sunburns, too? Just dissolve a spoonful in water to make a cooling compress, or add 1/2-cup to a tepid bath that you can soak in, says Dr. King.

4. Try vinegar. According to Dr. King, a popular folk remedy is to use white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar to relieve sunburn pain. She admits there’s no science proving it works, but says that it can’t hurt to try it. Just soak a cloth or towel in a solution of half vinegar, half water and apply it to the affected area.

5. Heal with herbs. The herbs comfrey and calendula promote tissue healing and have anti-inflammatory properties, says Dr. David. Ask at your local health foods store for a cream that contains this combo, or try Country Comfort Herbal Savvy, which contains both of these herbs as well as aloe vera. Or you can buy calendula tea bags, wet them and apply them to sensitive areas of your skin, leaving them on until you feel better. Mint tea bags are also a good pick, as mint has cooling, pain-relieving properties. If you don’t want to apply tea bags directly to the skin, you can brew the tea, let it cool and then dip cotton balls into it to dab onto the affected area.

For more on healing with herbs, click here.

To Help Repair the Damage:

 

6. Drink up. “Dehydration is a serious side effect of sunburn,” says Andrea Donsky, co-founder of NaturallySavvy.com, a website for natural, organic and green living. She recommends drinking plenty of water (your healthiest option) and other fluids to help re-hydrate the skin and fight dryness.
7. Let honey help. A thin layer of raw honey (the unprocessed kind; it should say “raw” on the label) spread on the affected area can reduce inflammation and help fight free radical damage incurred by the burn, says Donsky.

8. Lock in moisture. Dr. David recommends:

Burt’s Bees Aloe & Linden After Sun Soother, a creamy lotion containing bee pollen, coconut oil, aloe and linden extract to calm and moisturize inflamed skin. Dr. King is a fan of Bach Rescue Cream, a homeopathic moisturizer with flower essences that hydrates and soothes the skin while fighting inflammation. She recommends applying the lotion right after a cool to lukewarm shower, when your skin is still a little damp.

9. Get more vitamins. It won’t dull the sting of a sunburn, but an extra helping of antioxidants can help your body repair itself faster, says Dr. King. For a few days after getting sunburned, she recommends taking 1,000 mg of vitamin C, 400 IU vitamin E, 15 mg beta carotene and one to two tablespoons (or three to six capsules) of liquid flaxseed oil. Donsky also recommends loading up on vitamins, but she prefers to get extra A, C and E from food. “Carrots, spinach and red bell peppers are rich in vitamin A; citrus fruits and dark leafy greens offer plenty of vitamin C; and avocado, almonds and wheat germ are packed with vitamin E,” she says.

10. Go fish. Donsky says omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in salmon, sardines, herring and anchovies, can help reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing from the inside out. Not a fish fan? You can also get these healthy fatty acids from walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, chia seeds and hemp seeds.

 

via shine.yahoo.com

These last few days, I've been suffering from minor sunburn as a result of  my desperate effort to get a decent tan this summer! I did some online reading seeking advice which would help me soothe my pain and I came across these great tips which do wonders-especially aloe vera and omega-3 fatty acids! I 've been eating sardines and fresh salmon for the last 6 days and  I'm feeling much better now. I'm still as red as a lobster but the itching is gone. I'll be away for the next 8 days, spending time with friends and family, travelling again and hoping that I'll go ...brown by the end of this holiday! 

 Have you ever suffered from sunburn? How did you treat it? Do you easily get a gorgeous tan without getting sunburnt? If you do, please tell me your secret!

Holidays in the Aegean: Kos - Kalymnos - Nissiros, Dodecanese, Greece

Marmari-Kos

For the last 10 years or so, Alkis and I have been spending our summer holidays in Greece, mostly on the Greek Isles.. Having already visited most of the Ionian Islands (Eptanisa), we felt like exploring the Aegean Islands renowned for their unique natural beauties. But then again, is there one single Greek Island which is not noted for its crystal clear waters and amazing sandy beaches? In the Aegean Sea, there are about 115 inhabited islands divided into 3 districts: the Dodecanese, the Cyclades and the Greek Archipelagos. We've alredy been to quite a few of them: Rhodes and Symi in the Dodecanese, Tinos, Syros, Myconos, Paros in the Cyclades, Crete, Skiathos, Skopelos. This summer we went back to the Dodecanese, on the island of Kos. From there, we also visited the islands of Kalymnos and Nissiros.

The Island of Nissiros

We had already got up before the alarm went off at 6:30 am. Everything was ready! As per usual, Alkis started grumbling about "all the excess weight" we'd have to pay for at the airport and went on to wonder why we needed two suitcases and not just one for the two of us! Funny how men can be so naive, at times! I smiled at him sweetly and asked him to carry both suitcases downstairs because by 7:00 am, the taxi had alredy arrived! At luggage check in, Alkis, at last, realised that we had 3 kilos less - the allowance is 23 kilos per person and we only had 44 for the two of us. I thought the luggage allowance was 20 kilos... Had I known I'd have packed my platform sandals I recently got from Amazon, my brand new strapless floral dress, and a few more bikinis! Needless to say that Alkis was very pleased to see that we were below luggage weight limit! He congratulated me on my packing skills but thought it would be more convenient if we had taken only one suitcase! I promised I'd do that next year. I'll only pack one pair of shorts for Alkis, 1 T-shirt. 1 pair of trousers and only one swimming suit for him!

The Town Hall in Kos

We flew Aegean Airlines to Athens. The flight was bumpy due to strong winds but the pilot managed to land at Eleftherios Venizelos Airport. I felt sick on the plane but did not throw up. I did eat the great breakfast, though! Pancakes with feta cheese, yogurt, hot rolls, butter and jam, coffee and ornge juice. I was scared to death before landing. I almost thought we'd crash!

In Athens we had about one hour and a half before boarding Olympic Air  to Kos. We had plenty of time for coffee outside...and a smoke at last!  Olympic Air left on time and safely landed at Hippocrates Airport, Kos at 2:10 pm. By 3:00 pm we we had already arrived at Palazzo Del Mare at the village of Marmari at about 10 km from the airport and 15 km from the town of Kos. We were shown to the veranda and offered a welcome drink during check-in which was fast. Soon afterwards we were shown to our room which had private access to the largest swimming pool I've ever seen in my life! I thought the one at Aenias Beach Hotel, Cyprus was the largest! But I was wrong!  This one was much larger! The greatest surprise ever was a variety of fruit and a bottle of champagne. Alkis and I felt like spending our 28th honeymoon at Palazzo Del Mare.

..and cheeses

We had a short nap and then a swim in the pool before getting ready for dinner. We were on half-board terms and had dinner at the hotel. But just before dinner, we had a long walk on the beaach contemplating the sunset at Marmari, Kos.

 

Marmari Beach , Kos

The following day we visited the town of Kos, situated at about 15 km from the village of Marmari.

An ornamental, imposing building

The Ancient Agora

And a few days before coming back home, we travelled to the nearby islands of Kalymnos and Nissiros. Kalymnos is the island of the sponge divers while Nissiros boasts some of the best fish tavernas ever! Try grilled lobster with ladolemono (olive oil and lemon juice) or astakomakaronada ( lobster spaghetti) at one of the many tavernas by the seafront.

kalymnos

TO BE CONTINUED

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I guess I could have saved this post as Draft and publish it once completed instead of editing, but I know it would take me a long time to finish it. My mind is still filled with so many images and aromas from all the new places I've been to that I couldn't wait to share my experience with you.

Kalymnos is known as the island of the sponge divers. Manolis Neophytos writes in his book Kalymnos - The Island of the Sponge Fishers, the Arts and the Letters: "Kalymnos is the metropolis of the Greek sponge divers. Of course, all islands of the Dodecanese are known worldwide as places of divers and sponge-divers who rank among the best in the world. But Karpathos, Kasos, Nissiros, Megisti, Symi, Chalki and , above all, Kalymnos, are considered the main learning places for these divers, whose activities extend not only to the whole of  Eastern Mediterranean, but as far as Florida in the U.S.A. There, they founded the town of Tarpon Springs where Kalymnians and other Greek-Americans from the Dodecanese live. These people continue the Aegean tradition of the sponge-divers in these far-off places, diving for sponges in the Bay of Mexico. Every year, 40-50 groups of fishing boats with crews that reach 800 to 1000 seamen set off from the islands of Karpathos, Symi,, Kasos, Nissiros, Chalki and particularly from Kalymnos, heading for the shores of Africa, specifically to Tunisia and Libya. In order to bid the sponge-divers farewell, festivities are held in Kalymnos that last two days. These festivities begin by sprinkling the boats with Holy water and end with the Supper of Love. All the inhabitants of the island (16,000) participate in the festivities."

1940 - Sponge-divers and their catch in Kalymnos

Photo scanned from: "Kalymnos - the Island of the Sponge-Fishers, the Arts and the Letters"by Manolis Neophytos

After a 10-minute bus ride to the neighbouring village of Mastihari, we caught the boat to Kalymnos. The voyage, which lasted 45 minutes, was sheer bliss! As much as I fear flying, I thoroughly enjoy being at sea. I could sit hours on end at the upper deck contemplating the immense blue of the Aegean.

The Voyage to Kalymnos

Alkis - strolling in Kalymnos

We spent the whole day in Kalymnos strolling along the picturesque seafront or the narrow pebble streets despite the heat wave. We had a divine ouzomeze  - a variety of finger food to eat as an appetizer with a glass of ouzo - at one of the many ouzeries by the seafront before taking the last boat back to Kos.

Kalymnos - Poseidon(Neptune) - the god of the seas

TO BE CONTINUED

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At the village of Kardamena, which lies at about 10 km from Marmari, we took the boat to the nearby island of Nissiros. Nissiros is noted for its volcano which is still believed to be active. Just like Kalymnos, Nissiros is a tranquil island with amazing beaches - an ideal holiday destination off the beaten track. We were told that most of the inhabitants live on fishing - hence the numerous fish tavernas on either side of the small harbour. Alkis is allergic to fish, so he had feta saganaki and chicken souvlaki for lunch while I had  seafood salad for starters and an astakomakaronada(lobster spaghetti) - the best ever!

A few days before our trip to Nissiros, we visited the town of Kos which is situated in the north-east of the island and constitutes one of the gateways to the villages such as Pyli, Marmari, Tigaki, Kardamena, Asfendiou, Mastihari, Kefalos and many others. Against a background of tall palm trees, cypresses, jasmine and hibiscus, the past blends with the present in perfect harmony. The ruins of bygone times, the well-preserved buildings of the Italian period, byzantine churches and minarets stand next to modern buildings in the wide avenues or the narrow streets of the island.

The spade of the archaeologist brought to light precious remnants of the past - Kos Town

Defantar Mosque at Eleftheria Square

Eleftheria Square is the most central part of the town. You can enjoy a drink at one of the many bistros, visit the town's museum, the Defentar Mosque or buy fresh fruit and vegetables at the public market. There is no public transport in the town, so most people get around by bike. However, regular bus services link the town and all the villages of the island.

Eleftheria Square

Funny how time flies when on holiday. The last day arrived in a flash. We spent it leisurely on the beach, basking in the sun, swimming or eating melon and water melon offered by the hotel. That was such a nice treat! Aegean Airlines safely landed at Larnaca International Airport at 4:10 pm last Wednesday. We came back home filled with so many sweet memories from an unforgettable holiday in the Aegean. I can still picture the immense blue and smell the salty air.

Mastihari - Kos

Exploring the Greek Islands

Blue Caves - Zakynthos 2002

Since my childhood, I've been fascinated by the unique beauty of the Greek islands and seduced by their magic charm which I can't really define. Is it the immense blue of the Aegean, the amazing archaeological sites, the secluded sandy bays you can only reach by boat, the seaside tavernas where you can choose the fish from the fisherman's basket, the breathtaking views of white houses perched on evergreen hills and overlooking a golden beach, the hospitality of the islanders ? Whatever it is, I can't imagine choosing a different destination for a summer holiday.

 
Agios Nicolaos - Crete 2005

Greece and the Greek Islands

Skiathos 2005

Rhodes 2006

Kefalonia 2008

There are over 6000 islands and islets in Greece but only 227 are inhabited - 78 of those islands count 100 inhabitants. Some Greek islands have become the pole of attraction for many celebrities from all over the world - Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu, Skiathos but also Crete and Rhodes. In the last ten years or so, Alkis and I have been to five islands but also in Halkidiki and twice in Alexandroupolis in mainland Greece.

Halkidiki 2003

Alexandroupolis 2007

Alkis and I are soon heading for yet another Greek island. I won't disclose the destination right now, but I promise to tell you everything once we are back and show you lots of photos and, hopefully, a video.

Have you ever been to a Greek island? What did you like about it? What didn't you like? 

Relaxing in Protaras

Protaras is by far my most favourite summer resort in Cyprus and, more generally, in the eastern Mediterranean. With 300 days of sunshine, golden sandy beaches, clear waters, great hotels and a myriad of restaurants and bars, it's no wonder why European holidaymakers flock to Protaras every summer. For the party animals, Ayia Napa nearby (about 16 km) boasts the best clubs where you can dance into the small hours.

Situated at about 64 km east of Larnaca, Protaras is a tourist village - just a breath away from Ammochostos (Famagusta) - illegally occupied by Turkish forces for 37 years now.  Protaras occupies about 5km of the golden Ammochostos coastline. Having lost Kyrenia and Ammochostos - our two greatest summer resorts during the Turkish Invasion in July 1974, we had to do something in order to revive our economy which largely depends on tourism. Or else we'd die. The Greek miracle happened again and Protaras was created in the early 80s out of nothing in those difficult years following what I call "the war of the cowards." The Turks,you see, unlike Hitler, did not declare war!!!

The main reason why Protaras is my favourite summer resort in Cyprus is because it reminds me of my beloved Ammochostos where I used to spend my summer holidays as a child and as an adolescent. What's more, after a long school year and long hours at work, I took the time to relax and unwind and enjoy the sun and the sea and those gorgeous sandy beaches!

End of School Year: Let Prom Start

End of May calls for school celebrations all over the island of Cyprus. High school graduates, in particular, are preparing for their final exams, looking  forward to adulthood and a promising future career but also to proms soon after exams are over. For most high school graduates it's a special night they've been  looking forward to for months beforehand. It seems that proms are also popular amongst  elementary school graduates who can't wait to start high school in September.

Proms nowadays have become much more liberal than they were in the past.  It's not really important to have a date or to be asked by the "perfect guy". More and more girls are choosing their own dates for the prom and more and more boys are going with a group of friends. Yet prom is still the main social event of high school graduates, but it is also a time for fun and the creation of memories for everyone to enjoy.

What was your prom like?

 

Coral Holidays in Paphos

As almost every year, at the end of the summer and just before school starts, Alkis and I spend a weekend at Coral Bay, Paphos. Coral Bay is located north of Paphos and consists of a rugged, 600- metre coastline of fine golden sand and a pair of headlands and boasts one of the island's most desirable beaches. It seems that in the distant past, coral reefs composed a part of its underwater structure - hence the name Coral Bay.

We set off on Friday afternoon and just before dusk, we checked in at the Coral Bay Beach Hotel- one of the finest hotels in the area, which stands only a few metres away from Coral Bay. We were just in time for an aperitif on the veranda of our room while contemplating the sun set on the bay. And since old habits die hard, we had a romantic dinner at Doria Restaurant by the seaside - not far away from Coral Bay. When in Paphos, rain or shine, we always have lunch or dinner at Doria's. The food is excellent, the service is impeccable and the view to the sea is amazing.

On Saturday, we spent all day on the beach swimming in the incredibly blue waters of Coral Bay. I even enjoyed the waves which we don't often have in the south. I'm a good swimmer but that's all - not as brave as Alkis, anyway. Short siesta after lunch followed by more swimming and coffee on our veranda. But I missed the sunset this time as I was getting ready for our second night out. (Yes, it takes me ages to get ready!). Some great friends from Paphos had called earlier and invited us to dinner at Koi - the most trendy Japanese and Thai restaurant in Paphos. I love Japanese food, but just for once I didn't have sushi but chicken on a skewer for starters served with satay sauce and teriyaki beef with apple sauce and vegetables cooked in the wok. It was also great to see good, old friends after such a long time!

Time flies when you are having fun. So Sunday arrived in a flash. By 5:00 pm we were back home. Alkis helped me unpack and then we spent the rest of the evening talking about what it was a great weekend away and browsing through our Coral Holiday photo album on the laptop.

More Photos

Heat Wave And Letters To Juliet

On the island of Venus, Aphrodite is being ruthless! Since the beginning of August, the sun has been burning hot and , as a result, the beaches are packed at this time of year when 75% of the citizens of this republic are off on holiday...which means that almost everything is closed - supermarkets, hotels, restaurants and some shops excepted - department stores in particular. Humidity has dropped, though, which makes candlelit dinners on the veranda a real pleasure - especially if you have a fan or air-conditioner for outdoor use! I don't mind hot weather, really, as I'm lucky enough to live near the beach. Nothing can be more invigorating than a good swim in the sea early in the morning and a good film at the cinema in the evening.

 

I've recently seen Letters To Juliet directed by  Gary Winick and loved it!When Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), a young American, travels to Verona, Italy- the romantic city where Romeo first met Juliet- she meets a group of volunteers who respond to letters written to Juliet seeking romantic advice. Sophie finds and answers a letter that has been lost for 50 years, and is stunned when its author Claire (Vanessa Redgrave) arrives in Italy with her handsome but overprotective grandson to find the fiance she left decades before. Fascinated by Claire’s quest, Sophie joins them on an adventure through the beautiful hills of Tuscany searching for Claire’s long lost Lorenzo. The journey will change their lives forever, as they discover it’s never too late to find true love.

Love does wonders! My most favourite plants - basil, mint and parsley - have survived the heat wave! And their divine smell mingles with that of perfumed candles.

Serres-Alexandroupolis: Summer 2010

Wednesday, July 14th 2010

I had been looking forward to this day since May 25th - that was the day when Alkis and I finally confirmed our summer holiday. We got up at 4:00 am as we had an early flight to catch and by 5:00 am we were at the airport.( I was too sleepy to take any photos of the fabulous new Larnaca Airport which became operational on November 10, 2009). 

Photo Credit

Cyprus Airways took off on time and two hours later we landed at Macedonia Airport, Thessaloniki.. Thanasis, Alkis's youngest brother,  picked us up from the airport and drove us to Serres - Alkis's hometown, located in Central Macedonia at about 80 km from Thessaloniki. We stayed at Philippos Xenia Hotel which we really loved. Most importantly, we truly enjoyed getting together with family that we haven't seen in a long time. Needless to say that I ate the best bougatsa ever! We also made time for the two of us, so on our third day in Alkis's hometown, he surprised me! We had lunch at Ais Yiannis - one of the most attractive areas in Serres.

The Waterfalls in Ai Yiannis, Serres

The view from the taverna where we had lunch

After a long time, Alkis in his homeland Serres, Macedonia, Greece

Saturday, 17th July 2010

Alkis and I are early risers, so we truly enjoyed a short walk from the hotel to the town centre, right after breakfast. We did some shopping - I could hardly resist the really low prices in Serres! - and then we sat at a café in the central park and talked away the hours. Alkis would tell me stories of his youth and show me the high school he gratuated from. Time flew by and at 1:00 pm we were having lunch at the taverna next to the train station. We took the intercity train to Alexandroupoulis. The train left with a 50-minute delay. I loved the journey through the evergreen villages of River Nestor - such as Paranesti. It was 6:32  pm when the train entered  Alexandroupolis.

Alexandroupolis is a charismatic town. It is located in the centre of a unique natural landscape consisting of the Delta of River Evros home to a wide variety of rare seabirds and the National Park of Dadia where you can see 36 out of 38  prey birds protected in Europe today.

 

The Forest of Dadia , Alexandroupolis

Dadia, Alexandroupolis

Alexandroupolis is to me the most beautiful town in Greece. I have been to many Greek islands and other places in Greece but never before have I seen such unspoilt beauty, such quiet beaches, such clear waters as in Alexandroupolis. When Alkis and I first visited Alexandroupolis in August 2007, we made a promise: that we'd come back one day. I'm so glad we did!

It was a sheer pleasure swimming in amazingly clear waters on a quiet, non-touristy beach,  a few steps away from our hotel's pool area. With such a beach right next to us, we never swam in the pool!

In the evenings, we loved to go for a walk along the seafront or along the beach, enjoying the sunset - a unique sunset that can put Santorini to shame!!!

Being a bookworm, I certainly couldn't miss the Book Exhibition.

On Friday,we celebrated our 34th anniversary since the day we met. It was on a Friday, July 23rd 1976.

  

And we did appreciate greatly the gifts offered by the management team at Grand Hotel Egnatia

Saturday, 24th July 2010

Time to say goodbye to Alexandroupolis and promise that we'll be back again soon.

Relaxing at Eleftherios Venizelos Airport in Athens, a few minutes before taking the flight back home. I may be home right now but my mind keeps drifting back to Serres and Alexandroupolis.

 

What's in my Suitcase

It's that time of year again when I switch off almost everything: my mobile phone, the telly, my computer, and generally all electric appliances - the only exceptions being my i-pod and, of course, my digital camera. When on holiday, I love listening to my favourite music while lying on the beach and taking hundreds of photos or recording videos. This time, I was very tempted to take the laptop as well as there is free direct internet connection in our hotel room, but I eventually decided not to. I don't think I'll have time to spend on the Internet in the next ten days. However, I have scheduled some fun stuff and some not ...so fun while I'm away. Hope you enjoy it.

The day I was most looking forward to has almost arrived. Early tomorrow morning, Alkis and I are off on holiday for ten days. So today is packing day - another favourite occupation. I spent all morning packing and I only have to pack some last-minute items later tonight. It took me time and....sound argumentation to talk Alkis into taking two suitcases - not just the small red bag we use for weekend getaways! I was shocked when he suggested that!. We need one big suitcase for me and a smaller one for Alkis. As I firmly believe in the equality of the two sexes, here are my arguments:

1. Women need to have options both in clothing and shoes / accessories for those beautiful plans made on the spur of the moment. Shall we go for a gourmet restaurant or a small local taverna? A quiet café or a club? Exploring the area or lazing around?

2. I save money even if I have to pay for some extra luggage weight. Hotel laundries cost a fortune and surely I won't wash clothes by hand in a hotel bathroom!!! First of all because coffee, chocolate and red wine stains won't come out and secondly because no one likes to spend even a minute of a holiday looking for the cheapest laundry or dry cleaner's in town! Personally, I'd rather spend time looking for the best museums!

3. I don't usually shop when on holiday - except some souvenir gifts for friends and family. So packing some more clothes than the ones you think you'll need is an effective way to face unpleasant and unexpected situations.

4. Men are happier with just a pair or two of shorts and a couple of T-shirts. And most men don't need make-up!

In my suitcase I packed:

• make-up and cosmetics
• 3 pairs of shorts and many T-shirts
• 8 bikinis
• 5 sharongs
• 4 sun dresses
• a couple of smart outfits
• all sorts of underwear
• sandals
• 2 extra handbags
• books
• hats and caps
• beach towels

So what's in your holiday suitcase ?