I have a love/hate with driving. I passed my test (first time I’ll have you know) as soon as I possibly could, desperate for the freedom and fun that comes with having your own car (well begging your mum to use hers) when you’re 18. I’ve now had my driving licence for over 12 years but in that time I’ve crashed and written off 3 cars. Yep, I won’t be appearing on TopGear any time soon.
So whilst we were in Corfu, Greece I had the chance to drive a boat (is that the correct terminology? I’m not really down with my nautical lingo). So, naturally I said yes! I figured I’ve not had the best of luck zooming around on land maybe once I hit the ocean I’ll nail it.
Turns out, I wasn’t that far off the mark! Obvs I didn’t mention my terrible driving skills to the friendly guy we rented the boat off for the day. But I did have to go for a training lesson (which I passed, although was a bit gutted I didn’t get a certificate to prove this or a captain’s hat to wear!) before we were handed the keys. Slightly terrified when he causally dropped into the conversation that it was common for tourists to be stopped by the sea police *gulp*.
With a bag of picnic grub, loads of bottles of water, suncream and a good book we were off. We took it in turns to steer - taking the whole thing very very seriously. Ahem. Having to hold onto the sides when a bigger boat sailed past leaving us swaying in their waves, and trailing a finger down the intricate map so we wouldn’t end up lost in Albania.
There were loads of tiny hidden little bays dotted the rugged coast, only accessible by boat. White sandy coves tucked away in huge hunks of rock with no one around. The clear water slowly faded from fresh minty green out into a deep navy blue, as the sun made the waves glisten like strips of silver paper bobbing about. Heaven.
Once we’d set our anchors (seriously, I am just making up this whole sailor speak now), we took turns diving into the cooling bright jade waters. Even though it was really refreshing it also felt like you’d swallowed a whole pot of table salt, you had to tread water, spit out the salty gunk whilst getting tickled by the hundreds of tiny fish darting around your legs.
We spent the afternoon alternating between driving to a new spot, jumping in the water to cool off, and lounging about like two lizards basking in the sun. It was utter bliss to only be able to hear the relaxing sounds of waves lapping at the hull. The hours sped by as we read*, ate and chatted about how lucky we were, reminding the other to take mental photographs to remember this moment of calm and beauty. (*Side note – I had to take this book out on the trip with me as I could not put it down!)
As the sun started setting and out skin broke out in goosebumps we headed back to land. Not before having serious house envy gawping at stunning mansions built into the rocks with swimming pools, private boats and their own diving board into the waters. Jealous much?
It was such a fun day out and one I’d recommend everyone to give a go if they get the chance. We returned the boat without even a scratch of damage feeling very proud of my new found Captain skills. Maybe I could get into this sailor thing, very nautical but nice!
