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A mature, single woman’s summer adventure

— by Alyson Walsh

Elaine Kingett_0009

Elaine Kingett

‘Just call me Shirley Valentine,’ said That’s Not My Age contributor/writer Elaine Kingett when we met, yesterday. Going on to explain that she was planning to spend the entire summer, on her own, in Greece. Here Elaine talks about her upcoming adventure:

The radiator in my bathroom has been on since last October, the lights are needed in the flat at midday. Add the general air of depression, after the British EU Referendum vote, and I’m good and ready to run to the sun. Yes, I’m very lucky to be running writing retreats in gorgeous parts of Spain and France, but I need to go back to Greece.

When Kostas, the lovely young manager of the apartments where I stay in Crete, announced, ‘Come Elaine, I will find you a husband as fantastic as me!’ I laughed down the Skype, but hey, what have I got to lose? I’m off in four weeks time.

holiday hammock

My kids are worried, ‘Won’t you be lonely on your own, what will you do?’ I think of a simple room and listening to the sound of the sea from my bed. I think of the smells of pine, fennel and eucalyptus. I think of warm air all the time and never the need for a cardi. I think of bars and cafes that I can afford to visit. In London, I’m fast becoming a Dickens character, my face pressed up against smeary restaurant windows, as I watch the rich folks eat. I think of the exercise I will get everyday swimming out to the buoy, and the writing and reading I will achieve without 24/7 internet access.

Anyway, my husband is there. He may be scattered on a goat-trampled hillside, overlooking the wide Aegean but I report back to him every year on the coming and goings of his three children. Who knows what adventures may occur? I promise to send a postcard.

Muscle woman on beach

66-year-old Elaine relaxing on the beach

Elaine Kingett runs creative writing holidays in Spain and France, for more information check out Write It Down!

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‘Just call me Shirley Valentine,’ said That’s Not My Age contributor/writer Elaine Kingett when we met, yesterday. Going on to explain that she was planning to spend the entire summe…