I always feel a thrill, a shock of excited energy, whenever I wake up in a hotel. There is always a moment of not remembering where you are, and then it comes flooding back: you are somewhere new, somewhere you haven’t been before, and it’s all waiting for you to explore.

I felt just such a shock this morning: I opened my eyes expecting to see the familiar walls of our bedroom back in Charlton, but they weren’t there. Instead, bright sunshine dreamed through the gaps between the curtens onto a well-appointed hotel room; the sound of the traffic outside was somehow different to that of London. Lyn was, as usual, sleeping next to me, yet she seemed much more content than at home. Then I remembered where I was, how we got here, and the outstanding meal we had last night in a nearby restaurant; and I suddenly had a feeling of utter bliss and contentment. How could life possibly be so good? Here I was, on an astoundingly beautiful island, about to explore it with the woman I love.

I feel it again sat here writing this, looking out onto the hills of western Cyprus. After a relaxed morning, we will soon head out onto the streets of polis. I look forward to introducing Lyn to a bit of Greek culture, hopefully including lots of music. I look forward to a day of fun and joy and laughs. But before that, here and now, in this calm, cool hotel room, I frankly feel like the luckiest man alive.