 [Blog] Island In The Sun - Paranoid Betting Tips for Euro 2012 Written by SE1blue on Tuesday, 5th Jun 2012 11:14 I''m writing this article as I lie on a beach on the small island of Kea, about an hour boat ride east of Athens. My Greek partner and her family have just started another of those Mediterranean 'the best way to do X is' conversations that sounds like an argument but is really only an excuse to wave your arms, tut in an over-exaggerated way and pretend you know best. I never join in as I can't speak Greek and, if I'm honest, these kind of discussions are no place for a sunburnt white man with underlying anxiety issues and a fear of raised voices. And there are moments when I wonder if they're talking about me... Greek 1: Have you sorted the insurance policy? I hope this is just paranoia as I lick a Cornetto. I find myself enjoying the sun on a large towel  in Greece, after what's been a very difficult year for the family having a heated discussion  beside me. My partner's mum was diagnosed with cancer in July 2010 and passed away in March 2012. We came here a week ago to scatter her ashes in the Ionian Sea. I can't write anything new about cancer and I'm sure everyone on TWTD has either known or knows someone with cancer. If its the latter, have a virtual hug from me, I know what you're going through. So, last Friday we drove to a very secluded beach to say our final goodbyes to Mina. The sun was blazing as I climbed down the really, really steep rock face towards the beach trying to ignore the 50ft drop. I was wearing just a pair of swimming shorts, flip-flops and that face I usually save for roller-coasters, confined spaces, tall buildings, job interviews, big dogs, dentist appointments, aeroplane take-offs,  public transport, hairy spiders, gymnasiums, conversations with Greek men in Speedos and magic shows. You get the idea. But this was one occasion where fear would not win. Mina fought cancer with incredible strength and dignity, so I was not going to be bested by a few rocks and my fear of heights. Twenty minutes later Mina's ashes were scattered into the sea and we watched them float away with the tide. It was a beautiful, touching moment and another lovely memory to hold onto of Mina. Now we only have memories left, but when you lose a loved one, the memories are the best things that you keep. The rest of our stay here has been filled with ice cream, Mythos and trying not to lose the rental car deposit on a stray goat. However, I think the family have now decided on the best way to kill an Englishman, so I'll leave you with my Euro 2012 predictions: Winners: Germany Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.
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