We had been pre-warned, all the locals get up at first light head to the harbour as the islands big market takes place right opposite our lodgings. They come as all the fishos are selling their fresh caught offerings, many come to stock up on the weeks supplies including all their fruit and vegetables. Then they hightail it out as this is the only place to be seen if you are a visiting terrorist. It is Victoria Market set in a harbour setting, we stock up on the renowned local nougat, the girls buy a few special hand stitched lace items and Christmas runners.

By the way I regret that I have to inform you of a major event, catastrophic in nature and of one national significance - an injury so severe that no rectification can be considered . One of my Mick Fannings has suffered a blowout, tears from me, in fact a period of thong searching immediately required but how to replace the un-replaceable. Now have a pair of Nicobocos but just not cricket. A ceremony has been planned, it has been decided that the Micks should be buried at sea, only fitting since he is the current world champ. A couple of Pieras required as we have been to a lot of places together, especially lately, as such the general feeling in the camp is just a little low, grief is such a personal thing.

Just where does the day go. The lads spend the arvo indoors doing the hard miles, research on our forward movements with the girls out working on body beautiful at the local beach with all the locals. Just which greek island do we go to, such a choice, we throw a few around, one we go deeper and look up some accommodation as well. We have a simple criteria - not touristy, in some form of line with Santorini, must have great views, have a pool and breakfast as well . The place that the Don and I have come up with is called Sifnos - no one has heard of it so has extra promise. The others not so keen, wish to explore different islands as well as ferry to Sifnos, as we can deduct is not til noon.

David picks as up and takes us back to the old lads abode. Naturally being two boys the place is spotless, a place for everything and everything in its place. They treat us royally, Uncle Fred has been cooking and Dave been out buying treats. We have been reminded / warned / strongly suggested that Fred does not take too kindly to food not being eaten - I assume especially his! We take this on notice with no pressure, much.

Firstly we are seated in the good room, you know the one where you are not game to sit just in case it leaves a mark. Anyway out comes a dip made up of broad beans which suits me but not sure the others. Then we sit down to a meal of spaghetti with a sauce of rabbit ragout and diced vegetables . No problems here, half way through in passing it is mentioned that the rabbit pieces are coming out next. We were all thinking that this was already the main and I could see that the words David mentioned in the car going through the minds of everyone. I could see that the others were thinking - how the hell am I going to get out of this one. The Don is the first one to call stumps, this is the lead and M-L follows suit straight after. Fred says that is fine. I will let you read between the lines.

Next is the Maltese national dish, Rabbit in a braise of the same diced vegetables, belong a country boy the rabbit goes down a treat. Think I am the teachers pet but not sure about the others as they come up a little short. Some respite with dessert as it's strawberries and cream. Along with some accompaniments such as special Maltese bread and some cake treats the meal along with the good table setting, crockery and cutlery spot on and we feel special - you only get out what you put in, the old lads know this only too well!

Uncle Freddie wants to play tour guide again, just because it's approaching 10.00 pm is of little consequence. We are off to the walled town of Mdina. As we all can not fit in the car, Fred and the Don are catching the bus, we meet them after again witnessing the fireworks at the festa of Saint Philip on the way.

Interesting to see how many people including young children are out and about at this time of night, seems that this is usual as they siesta during the day and come out when it cools down. Schools are now finishing at 1.00 pm and then July through to end September they do not attend at all, this is right up to year 12 as it is too hot. I would say it is around the mid 20's in temperature at 10.30 pm tonight. No doubt if Fred wishes to show us a place then it is spectacular, Mdina is spectacular. No one was going to penetrate these walls, many tourist type operations within but still a community that call the place home. Some restaurants and hotels within that can use the terms million dollars views without any under statement. Freddie was right on the money with this one.

We leave Uncle Fred to find his own way back home via bus at 11.30 pm whilst Dave take us back to our digs. They have gone way beyond but we have found that this is the case when the visiting Aussies set foot in ones neck of the woods.