Last few days

Thursday 25th June 2015

Another beautiful day 28 deg. We had a drive over to Peroulades today for lunch, We went to 7th Heaven Panorama Cafe. It was amazing, stood on a glass floor, looking down on the beach. The views were to die for and the food was superb. What a brilliant experience!

After lunch we went to say goodbye to our friends at Sea Monkeys, they have a new view also. They have gone upmarket and installed some very nice new umbrellas on the beach outside their place. I counted about 50. I do hope they are very profitable for them.

This evening we strolled down to Amourada, then we called at the Marvel for a nightcap and to say goodbye to Paul, who flies home tomorrow. He phoned Sue while we were there and I had a quick chat to her, she says she has missed him, but don't tell him lol.

Friday 26th June 2015

I had a really bad night's sleep, kept waking up with cramp in my feet and legs, my circulation is playing up again. We had a lazy day, I even went for a 'Mesimeri' this afternoon. We did manage a bit of packing and to stow some things away in the Campervan, we also cleaned her out ready for our homeward trip. Phil checked all the technical things and told me that the oil level is still showing full, so that is good. This evening we went to Thalassa - another beautiful sunset and meal. Phil had a Sirloin steak and I had Mediterranean Chicken - both equally delicious. Then we called into the Coconut to listen to 'Duffy' he is really very good for easy listening and singing along to. We sat with Joyce and Lorraine for a while but they went off to the Malibu for a drink.. Another wonderful day.

Saturday 27th June 2015

Lazy day again, just chilling out and reading. We are both reading the 'Greek village series' by Sara Alexi, and just can't put them down. Phil has finished 10 books, and I finished No. 10 today. This evening we went to Portofino for our last meal this trip. We really enjoyed being able to discuss book No. 10 'The Reluctant Baker' it is amazing how Sara threads previous characters into later books. They are so well written. It is also great being able to chat to each other about them and we both agree No. 10 is our favourite. We had a delicious meal and then went to chat with June and Malcolm. His mobility scooter has broken down, Phil and Spiros, the waiter, had a good look at it and Phil seems to think it is the re-set switch after getting his meter on it. Who knows how long it will take to get another one in Greece. Hope it's not too long as Malcolm loves his jaunts and June likes her little bit of 'me' time. We sat and had a chat to Spiros, Joyce and Lorraine when June and Malc left. It was a beautiful sunset tonight - again, so another photo.

Sunday 28th June 2015

I cooked the last of our sausages this morning after going up to the Bakery for some fresh rolls. Oh dear! how did those Lemon Croissants and Apple Danish get here. They were delicious. We went down to the beach for Poppy to have a swim, the wind has dropped off now and the sea was much calmer. Then we went across to Sharon's to say goodbye to Sharon, Angie and Leszek. Did some more packing then off for shower and hairwash before going to the Rainbow for our penultimate dinner. That is Dave Smith's favourite word. The meal, as usual was superb. We have loved eating Vicky's Wraps, Phil has a Chicken Salad one and I have a Mediterranean one. Mine is filled with Feta, olives, peppers and tomatoes, served with Coleslaw, chips, a fiery chilli chutney and sour cream. It is my favourite meal of this holiday. Phil's is a toss up between Night Owl's Chicken Souvlaki and Thalassa's Sirloin steak.

Our favourite lunch was at 7th Heaven Panorama Cafe in Peroulades overlooking Logas beach, we will certainly be going back there and for an evening meal too.









Monday 29th June 2015 - our last day in Arillas.

It is a beautiful day again, blue sky, a gentle breeze and a pleasant temperature. We packed the van apart from a few last minute items. Poppy seemed to know what was happening, she put her toys next to the bags, bless her she has had a whale of a time, as we all have - our kefi is fulfilled. Tonight we went to the Marvel, to say goodbye to Joyce and Lorraine. Also to welcome Allison back again, as Spiros was working, we sat and had a meal together. When he had finished work, they went off to the Coconut bar, we waited to welcome Sue and Frank back again. She is the lady who had the quadruple by-pass operation in January, she is still doing amazingly well. As the Marvel is full, Sue and Frank are staying elsewhere for one night.


Tuesday 30th June - leaving day.

All packed and ready to go to Ipsos to have lunch with our friends Loretta and Terry before the evening ferry. We are both looking forward to the return trip, and also to going home.

This is the last post until I get home, but will be sure to write about our journey home. This is the last photo of Archie, hopefully the next photos will be of Phil and I cuddling him.

Archie 10 weeks

Twelfth Week

Thursday 18th June 2015

Hot again today, slightly cooler than the last few days and storms forecast. I had a walk round our garden this morning and took a couple of photos.

Apricot tree

Pomegranate tree

We walked over to the Marvel  to meet Chris Tracey and her daughter Beckie today, we had a coffee and a good chat as we have lots of mutual friends. Then we had lunch and went down to Sharon's for a piece of cake. The sea was very rough so we didn't let Poppy swim.

Friday 19th June 2015

When I got up this morning there was a package of eggs on the patio table - I just love my lovely neighbour Sophia. So we had Scrambled eggs for breakfast. We sat and planned our route home, I would love to drive around Lake Garda before we head off to see Maggie, Paul, Steve and Sarah again in St. Sulpice-Lauriere. Kostas kindly printed it for us.





We took Poppy down to the beach for a swim and then went to the quiz at Malibu. Dave Smith is a good quiz-master and makes it very interesting - we came 4th out of 9 teams. We then had a drive across to Sidari to the Pharmacy as Phil realised one of his prescription meds. will run out before we arrive home. We did a bit of shopping and then got some take-away Gyros from Beachpoint.

Saturday 20th June 2015

Hot again today it was 23 deg at 11am. We went down to Portofino for breakfast and then took Poppy for a swim. There were quite a few waves in the sea today, when we threw the ball, Poppy struggled to see it sometimes - it is so funny watching her swimming around looking for it. I don't think her eye sight is as good as it used to be. Sat at Sharon's for a while, it was very windy.

We came back to have a rest and then went to the Rainbow to listen to 'The worried men of Corfu' it was a good night, lots of friends were there.







Sunday 21st June 2015

Fathers day in the UK today! UK shop sausages for breakfast - still loving these.






Phil went to watch the Grand Prix in the Marvel. I walked down To see Yiota and buy a few bits to take home. This evening I made Stroganoff then we talked about our trip home.





Monday 22nd June 2015

Quite a busy day today,

We drove up to Gravia for lunch, with these amazing views.





Then we called at the Brewery to see Noufris and buy some local beer to take to France with us. We went down to the front in Arillas for Poppy to have her swim, then we called at Sharon's' for a drink and a piece of home-made cake. This evening we walked down to Pizza Lithero and shared a lovely Chicken Pizza. We called into the Marvel for a nightcap and to welcome Joy and her friend Lorraine who are staying in an apartment above ours. 2am bedtime!

Tuesday 23rd June 2015.

The strong winds we have had for the last few days have calmed now and we are back to hot, hot, hot. We went to Dave Smith's last quiz at Malibu before he heads back to UK. Thanks for the quizzes Dave, we have enjoyed them and all the banter. You have helped to raise quite a bit of money for the local animal charity. We teamed up with a lovely couple, Steve and Glynis from Manchester. It was a very difficult quiz, we didn't come bottom so that's a bonus. This evening we went to Gratsela with 6 friends, we had a lovely meal and chat, they headed off to watch the Splinter band at the Coconut. We popped in to see Poppy, Bobby and George at Bardis Sun Studios. We had a great night catching up with their and our family news. Also met some of their guests - all newish Arillas Addicts. When we were walking away, just round the corner opposite Vinceramo, we stopped for a while to look at the crescent moon and its reflection on the still sea, just perfect but my camera could not capture it..


Wednesday 24th June 2015

We went down to the front for Poppy to have a swim, it is a beautiful day 28deg but there was quite a swell in the sea. Poppy enjoyed it.

After the swim we went to Sharon's for lunch and then the quiz. We teamed up with a lovely couple who are getting married on the beach and having reception in Marina next year. We came 5th....yes there were 5 teams.

Campervan looking good

Windy but hot!

Stayed in tonight - used up some items in the freezer.

End of another beautiful week - will be leaving next Tuesday so there will probably not be another blog until we get home.

This weeks baby photo Archie - 9 weeks ♥

Eleventh week

Thursday 11th June 2015

It seemed strange waking up to the sound of the waves lapping on the beach this morning. So pleased we stayed over after the BBQ last night. We were able to spend some quality time with Andy, Fiona and John after everyone had left. We put the world to rights. Poppy had a great time playing with Oliver, John's dog We had a very comfortable night. This morning Poppy loved the fact she could run down to the beach, we just had a coffee and then headed back to Arillas as it is Spiro's birthday today.

Chicken Club sandwich,

Birthday boy

We had a delicious lunch and a good chat to Spiro, Dot, June and Malc. Dot left at 5pm. for her flight back to the UK. It was great to spend time with her again. That month has flown by and it has done her good - health-wise, she is able to move her joints better than she could when she arrived. We ate at home tonight, but we popped down to have a piece of birthday cake and a drink with Spiros.

Friday 12th June 2015

It is 31 deg today, it is too hot to do too much, Poppy seemed lethargic too. Well it looks like it is terminal..............I accidentally spilled a glass of water, yes you heard right - water over my laptop today. We quickly mopped it off and placed it outside for a sunbathe, to no avail. Phil has stripped it down as much as he can but it looks like the hard-drive is poorly. I am now writing this on Phil's laptop - it seems strange as I had mine all set up as I wanted it for blogging. Oh well beggars cant be choosers. This evening we walked down to Pizza Lithero and then onto the Coconut to watch/listen to Duffy - he was very good. 

Saturday 13th June 2015

It is 31 deg again, we decided to have another lazy day mainly laid about reading. Drove to Beretas for some shopping, then took Poppy up the lane when it had cooled down a little. 

We went over to the Marvel and I had a cocktail called 'Bloody tourist' Spiro's favourite word for his guests.

Sunday 14th June 2015

Still hot  in fact it was 32 deg this afternoon, but we decided we couldn't sit around doing nothing again. We drove down to the front, Poppy had a really good, long swim while we stood talking to Will, all his boats were out, so he was listening to the TT races. We decided to go to Effies for lunch, and I had my usual Garlic prawns

We stayed home this evening, just chatting, quaffing wine with cheese and biscuits. Perfect!

Monday 15th June 2015

30 deg again, we have decided we are going down South to Lake Korission tomorrow so we have filled the water tank and packed the van with items so we can stay overnight - hopefully right on the beach.

Tuesday 16th June 2015

Hot again and very humid, 10.30am = 24 deg. 

Had a good drive down South, stopped off at Golden View Cafe in Agii Theodori for lunch - as the name suggests the view from the terrace was amazing. I also saw a bush with seven different kinds of butterfly on it. Couldn't get a decent photo though.







It got up to 32 deg on the journey, it felt a little cooler when we arrived as there was a breeze on Chalikouna beach. 

We parked up in the Dunes just off the road between the Lake and the Ionian sea. 

First thing we did was walk over to have a swim, we had a great time, no one else on the beach for miles. We could see kite surfers way off in the distance. 

We set up our BBQ and had Sausages we had bought from the UK shop. They tasted amazing, even better than cooked in the oven. With a nice bottle of Chilled wine - this is the life - so peaceful and relaxing. 

Was a beautiful sunset tonight.

It was very hot in the campervan even with the windows open, with the mossy screens in place. I laid in bed for ages just looking at the millions of stars, so much clearer when there is no light pollution. Phil actually spotted the Milky Way.









Wednesday 17th June 2015

Very hot again today, we did manage to get off to sleep eventually, but we decided it was just too hot to stay another night. We had our breakfast and set off for a drive up the East coast, I love this drive, so much to see just following the coast. 

We stopped off for a late lunch at Pondikonissi Hotel looking out to sea at....

This is one of our favourite views in the world. The barman is so friendly and thoughtful, as soon as we sat down he brought a bowl of water over for Poppy, before we even ordered our drinks. 





Mouse Island or Pondikonissi - Vlacherna - Pondikonissi or Mouse island is the name of the the most remote island in the bay south of Kanoni, just south of Corfu town. The island is often confused with and mixed with the nearer island of Vlacherna which is connected with the main land by means of a small dam where also some fishing boats are. On Vlacherna there is a white monastery and a very tall tree. This is one of the most photograhped places in the whole of Greece. In the background is Mouse Island. From Vlacherna during the summer months there are boats (in high season every hour) to Corfu town and you can also make a trip to Pondikonissi/Mouse Island. The only building on the island of Pondikonissi is a church that is hidden between the trees. The myth from Homerus says that Odysseus was washed ashore on the island, but other places on Corfu claim the same. The trees on Pondikonissi vaguely resemble mice and thus its name. At a 400 meters distance of Vlacherna is the beginning of the landingstrip of the airport of Corfu, which is placed in a lagune. '

We arrived back in Arillas early evening, and had a much needed shower. When I checked my emails I found one from Eggy (Neil) inviting us to a fun darts night at the Rainbow. So we went over and had a very enjoyable game  bed at 2am.

Time is racing now  less than 2 weeks left. Update on my laptop it is still dead, but have managed to write this on Phil's laptop Here is this weeks baby photo, can't wait to see him.

Archie - 8 weeks old.

Tenth week

Thursday 4th June 2015

What a beautiful day to wake up to, birds tweeting, chickens clucking. sun is shining. The perfume coming in the kitchen window is amazing from these Oleanders.

View from kitchen.

I borrowed this photo from a friend

The flowers from the Olive tree are so pretty and
they have a beautiful lemony baby powder smell.










As Dot was going out with her friend, Phil and I decided to go down to the front for a walk and have some lunch.

The digger was out scooping the pebbles back into the water.

We have a bit more sand now.







We went to Ammos for lunch, it is such an idyllic setting watching the world go by.

Waiting for our lunch.

Wishing we were on that boat.

I had a lovely baguette filled with Feta cheese, cherry tomatoes and olives.

Phil had a delicious Chicken burger.

Dot came to join us when her friend went home, so she 'made' us have a cocktail.

'Pina colada' - 'Andrew' and 'Cubre Libre' - they were all delicious. My Andrew one was made with  Blue Curacao, Cointreau and Strawberry vodka. This evening Dot went out to dine with some more friends, Phil and I went to Brouklis, we had Moussaka and Chicken Souvlaki. Dimitri sat with us and we had a good long chat. We ended up having nightcaps with Dot and her friends. Another perfect day in paradise.

Friday 5th June 2015

Today we went to Ipsos to visit our friends Loretta and Terry. You may remember that we met them at the Bari ferry terminal last year as we were both travelling to Corfu. They were coming out to find a place to live and buy a boat. Well they have now done both, they are so happy living their dream.

This is the view from their balcony, looking out over the harbour. I can imagine waking up every morning - opening the blinds and seeing this, it must be wonderful.

This is their boat - between the red one and the dinghy.








They are busy doing up their apartment, it was just a shell when they moved in. Terry has fitted a beautiful bathroom, created two lovely bedrooms, a good size sitting room and his flat pack kitchen was delivered while we were there. Still lots of work to do, but they have all the time in the world.

Saturday 6th June 2015

Today Dot and I went to San Stephanos to collect some items from Hippopots. This evening we went to Thalassa for our meal. It was as delicious as ever. Also another superb sunset.

Sunday 9th June 2015

Today is my youngest granddaughter Emily's 10th birthday. From what I have seen on Facebook she seems to have had a good time, With 3 birthday cakes.

We went to Portofino for an English breakfast. Then Poppy had a swim at the beach.

This evening Phil wanted to stay in and watch the Grand Prix. Dot and I went to the Rainbow for our meal so we could have a good chat and give Phil some peace and quiet. We had a good chat to Jimmy, he is such a laugh. Another win for Hamilton! He is doing well this year.


Monday 8th June 2015

We had a brilliant day today, we drove to Paleokastritsa. It is the first time we have been for about 20 years. There are lots more hotels and villas scattered about than there was then. The sea is still a beautiful blue though. We went for lunch to the  Zefiros Hotel overlooking the beach. Dot knows the English lady (from Whitley Bay) who runs it with her Greek husband.

View from Hotel while having lunch.

Then we walked to Ambelaki beach, as it is a bit quieter, for Poppy to have a swim.

Poppy swimming video.

When we left we must have missed a turning somewhere as we ended up too far south going past Aqualand. It was pouring down with rain for about 10 minutes.  All good fun though and a lovely day out.


Tuesday 9th June 2015


Dot and I went into Sidari to get a card and present for Spiros at Portofino as it is his birthday on Thursday. We had a good old mooch around, I bought a couple of presents for Archie too. Then we had lunch, and called at the English shop for some sausages on the way back. Tonight Dot went out to a quiz in Sidari, so Phil and I walked down to Armourada for our dinner.

Rain

It started to thunder and lighten as soon as we sat down, good timing, then the heavens opened. It poured down for about 10 minutes.
















Wednesday 10th June 2015


Quiz at Sharon's today we teamed up with Dot, Ann and John. We didn't win, but were not last. It was about 30c even in the shade it was hot, no breeze from the sea.  Tonight we were invited to Sea Monkeys for a BBQ and Quiz night. It was a good evening, food was delicious and the quiz was great fun. We arranged to stay over in the Campervan so we could both have a drink.Poppy had a great time, she has a new boyfriend, they just love each other and were chasing all night. It was difficult to photograph them as they were so busy.


Another very busy week - Only 2 and a bit weeks in Arillas left now.

Larissa and Archie 7 weeks old.