amy115
Full Member
Posts: 340
Visits to Skiathos: 5
Accommodation Stayed At: Thymis House Hotel
Dream House
Elizabeth Studios
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Post by amy115 on Jun 9, 2018 14:36:10 GMT
Understand it must be hard for you but agree, not much more to fly to Australia. Mind you, wouldn't fancy the flying time though, only done it once but well worth it at the time, such a beautiful country!
Glad you are going to get another holiday in Skiathos this year and look forward to your feedback! 😀
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amy115
Full Member
Posts: 340
Visits to Skiathos: 5
Accommodation Stayed At: Thymis House Hotel
Dream House
Elizabeth Studios
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Post by amy115 on Jun 9, 2018 15:33:20 GMT
Day 10, 8 June Hidden beach (Krifi Ammos)! A wonderful day today, despite a nasty hiccup, but more of that later. A quick breakfast of toast, honey and tea in the bar, then met the girls and before long we were in the car and on our way. Got stuck behind a haulage lorry for a while, then one of those buggies, but once we overtook the latter, it was plain sailing to Koukounaries. Another beautiful day and all I had to do was sit back and relax while someone else did the driving. Took the turn-off for the beach, then exclamations from my companions as all the potholes had been filled in with tarmac, which made for easier driving, although not a smooth road! After the cement road came the dirt road, which funnily enough, was a smoother ride. At our destination, we debunked, I changed my shoes, then we were off, down a very steep goat track. However, not too bad an experience as for the majority of the track was supported by a rope handrail so something to grab hold of if you did happen to slip! I should note here that there are two tracks down, the first around the middle of the beach and the one we used at the end of the beach, which actually brings you to the taverna. Me, being the slowest and most unsure on my feet, was at the end of the line, but still in a position to see Maria's face when she looked up and saw us. It was an absolute picture! First total shock, then her face lit up with the biggest smile ever, before she commenced hugging and kissing us all in turn. She was absolutely delighted that we had made the trip to visit her in her taverna. If you have never been in the presence of Maria before, let me describe her to you. She is a very rumbustious lady, with a very loud and voice. Always quick with a smile and when talking to you can go from quiet conversation to loud in a matter of seconds, thumping or slapping her hands on the table to express her feelings but a heart of gold and a very, very hard worker. The Maria I saw today has also lost a lot of weight but looks really well for it. The taverna is a two section, wooden affair, with seating immediately in front and sits above the beach (I am sure most of you will know this), some badly painted tables and plastic sun chairs, and a green awning to keep off the sun. Brought back the old Greece and I must admit sitting there, looking out to sea, I had a Mama Mia/Shirley Valentine moment! Could sit and watch that view for hours! Some sun beds but a large stretch of the beach left 'au naturel'. We spent the first hour and half just sitting looking out to sea, then ordered some lunch. We decided to share the food so had our own meze of Greek salad, calamari, fried aubergine, cavros, chips and bread! Very nice. So everyone says that wasps only appear in September and I have to say, that in all my holidays to Skiathos in May and June, I would tend to agree, however this year completely different. The wasps are here and appear to be attracted by fish! We had a couple that would not leave us alone throughout the meal and only moved away once the plates had been cleared. A short while after eating, we adjourned to the beach. Two went swimming and I tentatively made my way into the water. Not been in sea in years and did not feel comfortable trying to get further in due to the pebbles etc so stopped when it was thigh high! Quite a strong current. After a couple of minutes I fumbled by way to shore and took a look at the little pool behind the rock (more my thing these days). I had just turned away to make my way to the sunbed when a wasp stung me on the back of my leg. Nasty critter, it was really painful as well. Didn’t stay on the beach for much longer and went to sit back at the taverna. Then, another wasp stung V through her swimsuit. Unfortunately, she is allergic to wasp stings and immediately a rash appeared on both her wrists and itching between her fingers. She was stung below the ribcage and the poison spread across her stomach. Very unpleasant. Lucky she had some fenistal with her so she applied this and the itching and rash disappeared. We stayed for another hour and a half and when we were eventually ready to leave, we asked for the bill. Let me just say that mate's rates rule! The return trek up the track took a tad longer than the download journey, but we all agreed that apart from the wasps, it was a great afternoon! Dinner was at Orsa. Had eaten there before. It isn’t a restaurant that has impressed me but the girls wanted to dine there, so happy to go. One starter of baked feta in seseme seeds and honey, one lamb, one vegetable soup and a shrimp saganaki for me. Add to food, one large water, a carafe of rose, and a Bacardi and coke. I believe the lamb was delicious and fell apart at the touch of the fork, the soup got a big thumbs up (must have been at least 10 types of vegetables in there) and the saganaki sauce was good. Pity the shrimps were rubbery. I did enjoy the little piece of feta I tried. The bill came to €43 plus change. We were trying to split this between three, but as we could not get an easy fit, we put €16 each into the mix and left the change as a tip. Back to the bar, where I had a night cap and left just after 11.00pm.
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Post by kelso on Jun 9, 2018 17:57:20 GMT
Sounds like another lovely day, apart from the wasps. I hope that V hasn't suffered any after effects. She should consider buying a wasp zapper for future holidays and get her own back on the little ......s. They are available on the Internet. Bob
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Post by dennisn on Jun 9, 2018 20:58:13 GMT
Understand it must be hard for you but agree, not much more to fly to Australia. Mind you, wouldn't fancy the flying time though, only done it once but well worth it at the time, such a beautiful country! Glad you are going to get another holiday in Skiathos this year and look forward to your feedback! 😀 Just out of interest, "They" did a flight on Heathrow telly programme this week of the first non-stop Oz to UK flight by Dreamliner - "only" 17 hours I think.
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Post by *Di* on Jun 9, 2018 21:02:11 GMT
Understand it must be hard for you but agree, not much more to fly to Australia. Mind you, wouldn't fancy the flying time though, only done it once but well worth it at the time, such a beautiful country! Glad you are going to get another holiday in Skiathos this year and look forward to your feedback! 😀 Just out of interest, "They" did a flight on Heathrow telly programme this week of the first non-stop Oz to UK flight by Dreamliner - "only" 17 hours I think. Couldn't do that Dennis.... no way, maybe if I was rich enough to do first/business class so could maybe sleep....
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Post by dennisn on Jun 9, 2018 21:06:05 GMT
Wonderful report for day 10 Amy. Annoyingly I find I can only give it one Like - clicking a second time wipes off the first and leaves no Likes! But it deserves at least two. Big thanks.
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Post by exgreekgod on Jun 10, 2018 6:55:34 GMT
Brilliant reports Amy, thanks. Only 18 days now Dennis mind you I've only got the small matter of my son's wedding to get through first!😁😁
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Post by dennisn on Jun 10, 2018 7:06:48 GMT
Brilliant reports Amy, thanks. Only 18 days now Dennis mind you I've only got the small matter of my son's wedding to get through first!😁😁 Don't worry GOD, just remember all you have to do is a speech about purple bricks.
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Post by cariad23 on Jun 10, 2018 8:50:10 GMT
ha ha dennis you are priceless!
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amy115
Full Member
Posts: 340
Visits to Skiathos: 5
Accommodation Stayed At: Thymis House Hotel
Dream House
Elizabeth Studios
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Post by amy115 on Jun 10, 2018 9:54:14 GMT
Thanks everyone for your lovely comments. Bob, V is a resident, left UK 24 years ago. She normally carries a special pen with her to counteract wasp stings but unfortunately did not have it with her on the day. She was lucky to get away with the reaction she hadn't done the sting, had it been more serious one of the girls would have had to drive us to the health center as I only do automatics! EGG, hope you and the family have a lovely wedding. Pity your son didn't arrange for it to take place in Skiathos, then you could have had an extended holiday 😁 as for the Purple Bricks Dennis, I have to agree with Cariad, you do make me with a lot of the things you write 😂 Di, when they can fly to Australia in three hours or less, then I will be in the front of the queue. Could definitely not do 17 hours straight flying! Like you, I have to break the journey up. Not looking forward to my return with a stopover in Kavala next week!
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amy115
Full Member
Posts: 340
Visits to Skiathos: 5
Accommodation Stayed At: Thymis House Hotel
Dream House
Elizabeth Studios
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Post by amy115 on Jun 10, 2018 10:55:04 GMT
Day 11, 9 June
Yet another hot, hot day with a lovely blue, cloudless sky, just the sort of day to go wandering the hot streets of Skiathos! Well, those are my plans for today ........what do they say about mad dogs and Englishmen (or in this case English women) ......... But i am getting a little ahead of myself.
Puss made an appearance but not in the expected way. Her adversary turned the tables on her this morning and it was she that ended in the defensive position, close to the ground, ears pinned back and hissing for all she was worth! Poor puss! Adversary walked off with tail in the air, and puss made her way onto my balcony with a wary eye out for puss two. I am sure that this morning she wished she had eyes in the back of her head! 😾 It wasn’t long before wounded pride was recovered and she was off round the studios.
Into the bar for breakfast, a cheese omelette and cup of tea, before getting ready for the trip into town for this elusive present. Now V had told me about this shop, more an Aladdin's cave, between bus stops 1 and 2. A hardware shop, where there is no much stock outside, you can barely see the entrance! OK, why a hardware shop. Well it is apparently one of those places that stocks all sorts of things and I must admit, I do like to wander around places like that, you never know what you are going to come across, and much better than getting all hot and bothered trying on clothes in a dress shop!
Must have just missed a bus so waited another 15 minutes in the heat for the next one. For the first time on Skiathos, I happened to get on the infamous blond conductress' bus. Asked for BS1, paid and sat back to enjoy the much travelled scenery. Acladies no 10, Acropolis no 4 she shouted. Told a man lounging across a seat, “your stop next, BS3” and I confidently waited for her to announce mine. There were only two others still on the bus obviously alighting at the terminus. I waited and waited and before I knew it, we were turning into the bus terminus. Not impressed Dennis, perhaps she did not like my “oh hello” and big smile when she came round for my fare! Well, not hiking back to the shop in this heat, so nothing to it but to go to Papadiamanti Street and scour the shops there.
The Hellenic Express Skiathos had just docked so went to watch the disembarkation of cars, lorries, people etc, lots of policeman with whistles, guiding traffic on and off, before heading to shops.
Went in the usual tourist shops and on the way back, stopped at the Foodie Cafe for a latte and croissant, before continuing on my errand. Must say, best latte I have had since finishing work prior to holiday. Not as good as my usual Costa but came close to the mark.
Went back to the shop opposite the Ariston as I had finally decided to buy a hanging lantern, moorish in style, in lovely pink, blue and white glass pieces. However, was torn between that one and one more brightly coloured, in reds and oranges. Unfortunately, I could not make my mind up. First assistant, I like this one (pink etc), second assistant, I like this one (the brighter one). Back to first assistant, I like this one, second, I like this one, first assistant, this one is better....OK ladies, I’ve made my mind up, the pink one it is. Good choice from first assistant. We have a free gift, bookmark or key ring. Key ring please. It wasn’t until I got on the bus (and was wearing my glasses) that I took a look at the freebie. I laughed, the world according to Suzanna! Must not have proved to be a best seller! 🤓
Back at the apartments I gave the gift to Elizabeth and Matoulla and it was not long before Matoulla had taken it to pieces, got out her tools, fitted a bulb and wired it to the mains. A few little hiccups but was hanging and lit within an hour of receiving! I took it as a sign that they liked it.
Pizza night again at the studios. How did Saturday come round so fast. I decided to have the chicken a la crème for dinner as an alternative. A very wise choice. It was delicious. In fact, I could have eaten a bowl of the sauce with a hunk of bread on its own it wa that good.
Few drinks and chat at bar and retired for the night at 2.15 am (these late nights are not doing me a lot of good). However, i did not sleep alone, I had an unexpected companion for the night, a small lizard that had somehow found its way into my room. Oh well, as long as it doesn't jump on my face in the night, it can stay 🦎
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Post by balddave on Jun 10, 2018 11:11:41 GMT
Excellent report yet again, really enjoying daily updates and must thank you for sharing your experiences. You are obviously having a wonderful relaxing holiday, continue to enjoy 😎
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amy115
Full Member
Posts: 340
Visits to Skiathos: 5
Accommodation Stayed At: Thymis House Hotel
Dream House
Elizabeth Studios
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Post by amy115 on Jun 10, 2018 11:19:01 GMT
Thanks Dave, I really am enjoying my holiday. Cannot believe that I only have a couple of days left, going home early Wednesday so Tuesday will definitely be my last day on the island. Just been catching up with Pinky's blog on TA, such detailed reporting, always enjoyable reading about her exploites 😎
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Post by yorkshiremouth on Jun 10, 2018 12:51:31 GMT
I'm enjoying these.
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Post by dennisn on Jun 10, 2018 14:16:20 GMT
Must have just missed a bus so waited another 15 minutes in the heat for the next one. For the first time on Skiathos, I happened to get on the infamous blond conductress' bus. Asked for BS1, paid and sat back to enjoy the much travelled scenery. Acladies no 10, Acropolis no 4 she shouted. Told a man lounging across a seat, “your stop next, BS3” and I confidently waited for her to announce mine. There were only two others still on the bus obviously alighting at the terminus. I waited and waited and before I knew it, we were turning into the bus terminus. Not impressed Dennis, perhaps she did not like my “oh hello” and big smile when she came round for my fare! Amy you made a big mistake - anybody who asks for BS1 already KNOWS where it is. Nobody goes to BS1 without knowing where it is! But if you had asked the nice blonde lady conductor bloke to tell you when you were there, I'm sure she would have - that's what the man going to 3 must have done. I won't hear any ill spoken of her, and I'm looking forward to the first time we see her - with luck, a fortnight on Saturday and she'll smile, nay , for me.
I love those hardware shops, they have everything you might ever need and if there's something you want that you can't see in a shoe or dress shop, it'll be there in the hardware shop. I bet they even have forkandles and Os!
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