Birthday. How the world has changed. When I was 30, fit and attractive, I drove my Mini down through Europe to catch a boat from Brindisi to Ighoumentisa. As I drove onto the quay at Brindisi the ramp onto the ferry was in the process of being drawn up. I leaped out of the car and shouted "Eine to yenéthlia mou!" (It's my birthday!) at the top of my voice. The ramp slowly descended and I nipped in and parked. I then clambered up the metal stairway towards the deck of the boat, and was greeted by the Captain with a bottle of retsina to celebrate my birthday. Goodness. That was 31st March 1980. How can I be so old?
