Flicking through the channels over Christmas I saw that the film Shirley Valentine was on. Great! What could be better than watching a film set somewhere warm when the weather outside is dull and drab. I first saw this film when it was released back in 1989, which didn’t seem that long ago, but is in fact 24 years during which time life has changed considerably! So, snuggled up on the sofa with a cup of tea and a slice of Christmas cake I settled down to watch the beginning of the film which starts in Liverpool with the rain beating down, much as it is now.
The story is based around the character Shirley Valentine who, having married and raised children, feels she has lost her passion for life. With her husband at work and children who have left home lonely Shirley resorts to speaking to the wall as she prepares chips & egg. The last straw for Shirley is when her husband is outraged at not having steak for tea and Shirley decides to accept her friend’s offer to go with her to Greece with tickets that she has won. Once in Greece Shirley is abandoned by her friend, finds romance and ultimately rediscovers herself while spending time on her own.
Shirley Valentine is set in Mykonos one of the Aegean Islands. Tourism has dominated the economy from the 30’s when it was favoured by artists and wealthy Europeans, surging again in the 50’s and then again in the 70’s, when it became known as a gay destination. Today Mykonos is one of the most cosmopolitan destinations in the Greek islands and one of the most visited.
The climate is hot & dry with a constant wind during July and August and is very busy at this time. Better to visit May/June or September/October, when it may also be a little cheaper. The arid climate means there is little vegetation and very few trees, rocks and boulders also give a desolate feel to the landscape. However the architecture of the island villages contrasts with the stark landscape with the picture postcard white cube buildings and blue painted doors and window frames synonymous with Greece
It seems fitting that our first blog this year is about rediscovery. Holidays really can be a catalyst for change, if you are in a rut or bored with your job taking time out to re-charge your batteries may put a different light on things. At the end of the film Shirley Valentine’s husband arrives to find his wife has discovered a new zest for life and she seems happy to see him.
Perhaps we all need a Shirley Valentine moment to put everything into perspective, whether that’s in Mykonos or not is up to you!
