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Post by yorkshiremouth on Sept 1, 2018 11:06:05 GMT
I'm a bit worried. I find myself agreeing with Dennis's comments! A great read, but what a waste of a morning staying in bed until 10.00 am. 😀 I look forward to reading the rest of your reports. Bob
Now you see, I disagree.
If the only/main reason you go to Skiathos is the sun, then fair enough.
But for me, whilst I love to spend some time on the beach, if I get up too early it gets a bit boring.
I love the night life. Water taxi into town. Beer at Mythos. Stroll up and down choosing somewhere to eat. Taking your time eating. A stroll round town and a beer or two afterwards.
Given the choice between an extra hour on the beach or an extra hour at night, I'd go for the latter every time. You're still getting quite a few hours of beach time in.
Usually we don't have a lie in that late, but we're in bed until maybe 9:00 or so. We then have breakfast, slowly. Then we get ready for the beach, slowly. Don't get to the beach until maybe 11:00 or so. Lunch around 1:00. Back to the room at around 5:00 or so. Get ready to go out, slowly. Out for 7:00-7:30 at a guess.
So we're still on the beach for 6 hours a day, which should be enough for anyone.
Just my opinion. I love my food and wine (a little too much). I know for some people that food is just fuel. They might prefer longer on the beach, then wolf down a quick meal at night and early to bed.
Each to their own.
But the one thing I'm looking forward to when I retire is not being slave to the alarm clock.
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Post by kelso on Sept 1, 2018 15:43:51 GMT
It would never do if we all thought the same. For one thing, the buses would be even more packed! 😄
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Post by bvrc on Sept 1, 2018 22:37:48 GMT
Day 9 Late start after our late night & with no plans we headed to town for brunch. We then decided to go to the Monastery & sussed out online that there was a bus going from the terminal at 1.30 - to kill time before that we walked both the new & old harbour, swinging round the Bourtzi also - it was lovely up there in the shade of the trees. Another very hot day! Returned to the bus terminal only to see the 1.30 bus crossed out on the timetable & the next one was around 6pm. We took a taxi instead as didn’t fancy doing it on the quad. The gap in the bus timetable during the afternoon means that it is a very quiet time to go. The taxi man gave us a card to ring him when we wanted to come back. We have been coming to Skiathos since 2000 & never had been to the Monastery before - it was beautiful, serene & peaceful. The museum at €2 was also well worth it. The plants are very pretty, especially the basil display & the entire grounds are very well cared for. Finished with a drink in the cafe there, with beautiful views down to the sea. Taxi came 10 mins after we rang and we were back in town for the late afternoon sun, too hot to stroll around so we headed back to the peaceful pool at Skiathos Diamond - we even had it to ourselves for a bit. Town tonight on the bus was back to it being jammed packed! We just fancied a gyros so went to the balcony at Yiannis Place at the bottom of Papadiamintis St - we sat for well over an hour from our vantage point - great for people watching & the gyros was very good. Strolled up to Kirki (opposite Totem bar) for a Mythos through the back streets - we were glad to see the old man who sells the roses, first saw him in 2000 & every time we have visited the island since we see him any night we are in town but had not spotted him on this trip until tonight. Mr Rosa we call him, such a part of Skiathos, a lovely part. Left Kirki & was going to go to the Old Port Bar but it was heaving, in and outside, so went onto The King & Queen bar, just had 1 here before heading for the bus. We got a seat but lots didn’t - must be because it’s Saturday night & September people are arriving that it’s busy again. Too early for bed (5 past midnight), so intended to call in Xanthi - it was closed! Continued on up the lane to Theodora for our night cap - not sure if it was because we weren’t residents there, but we were told once we went in that we had 15 minutes to drink what we were ordering as they were closing, not the typical Greek welcome but we obliged anyway. Perhaps they had a long day.... So back to Skiathos Diamond and since I’ve had a long day too, going to get some shut eye.
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Post by bvrc on Sept 1, 2018 22:41:00 GMT
I'm a bit worried. I find myself agreeing with Dennis's comments! A great read, but what a waste of a morning staying in bed until 10.00 am. 😀 I look forward to reading the rest of your reports. Bob A morning person I’m not, I can be the last woman standing at night though 😄. In fact my whole family are like it, our family home is known as the lighthouse back home 😂😂
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Post by bvrc on Sept 1, 2018 22:51:13 GMT
Yorkshiremouth - I’m no fan of my alarm clock either & most definitely not on holibobs 😄
I’ve been called a sunworshipper in the past but most beach days if we manage 4 hours there I feel a bit itchy feet by the end of it! I prefer the 4pm - 6pm time of day on the beach, less sticky hot & everyone a little more chilled! Which reminds me, reading can make the time go quicker and I have not even started any of my 3 books I so thoughtfully took with me 😂
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Post by bvrc on Sept 2, 2018 21:25:03 GMT
Day 10 Slow start to the day & it was scorching which didn’t speed us up any! We decided to go back to Ag Eleni beach as the water there is so lovely, gently shelving and sandy underfoot, all my criteria for a perfect beach 😄. We called in the pink Hotel Panorama en route for breakfast, I like it there, lovely pool area, spotless & nice breakfasts. On to Ag Eleni, definitely much quieter and we got nice loungers over by the water-sports area, not that there was much of them going on. The little jack russell who’s owner seems to be the manager of the water sports is a real little character, he barks at other boats that arrive in but when his master’s boats, jet skis or anything leaves the beach, he’s first on board, overseeing proceedings. Spent the afternoon dipping in and out of the water to keep coolish, only for the nice gentle breeze it would have been unbearably hot. Got back to the apartment for a drink & nibbles on the balcony before my shower. The pool at Skiathos Diamond is lovely, & quiet most of the time, but that last hour of the day, from 6ish to 7ish, it’s a hive of activity 😄. Little & big kids letting off some steam before night time activities! Got bus over to Troulos and had dinner in Jasteri, very nice & at first I thought it was so quiet & empty but by the time we were leaving quite a few had arrived. We eat most nights between 8.00 and 8.30, nice to see people still arriving for eats right up to 9.30. We called in Angelika pool bar for a beer, only because years ago the aunt & uncle of my other half holidayed there & he wanted to send her a picture. There was a few eating there & few in bar too, nice staff. Came back to Xanthi and there was quite a few in, replenished every 20 mins or so with the return of another bus from town. Lovely few drinks before bedtime! I can think of worse Sundays 😄
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Post by katet on Sept 3, 2018 17:43:18 GMT
Am loving your holiday, bvrc! It's rather similar to ours - we like a total chill when in Skiathos - in fact our days are replicas of Yorkshiremouth's! We have done the boat trips, monastery, etc but have got very relaxed since retirement 2 years ago. In fact, I get a bit annoyed if we have to set the alarm - even at home! Thanks for the info about Ag Eleni & the seafaring Jack Russell - love those feisty little dogs. We fly back again on 11th Sept (next week!!!!!!) so I'll try to keep up the good work with the reporting. (Am also hoping to bump into Dennis and Vera )
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Post by dennisn on Sept 4, 2018 6:13:07 GMT
Well Kate, I'll keep my eyes open for a blonde with sunglasses and a two-tone blouse - maybe I'll print off your profile picture to hold up against everybody to match up with you. We'll be in the Bourtzi on most afternoons before you leave, but I have no real idea when. We don't have an alarm clock, simply get up when we're bursting!
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Post by bvrc on Sept 4, 2018 7:58:53 GMT
Day 11 Can’t believe how quick the days are going by now, I always get a bit sad at this stage of a holiday. A little pool time this morning whilst the other half snoozed! A few around the pool who were getting a little down time before off to a wedding later in the day. Stopped off in Troulos, Victoria taverna for breakfast just because of its convenience. When dithering where to go we usually go for a bite to eat and decide and Troulos is a pretty convenient halfway point for most places. We opted for Maratha beach again but on arrival it was busy & no loungers left so we headed up to the north of the island and went to Asselinos - we like this beach on a scorching hot day as there is always a breeze - today’s though wasn’t as breezy as we’d have liked - very hot here for this time of year, in all the times I’ve been here at this time, this is definitely the hottest. So for all those due to visit soon, go easy on the packing 😄 Back to the apartment about 6ish, an ice cream on the balcony and then off into town on the quad, I couldn’t face the bus again but the first bus we spotted, not one person standing - sod’s law! Wandered around a bit, some of the back streets more than once, by accident, not choice - we can get lost on any night in there! Ate at Pinakothiki meating point restaurant opposite & round corner from the Old Port House bar, nice meal & a great venue for people watching and our new observation game - spot the inappropriate shoes (applicable on back streets, mostly ladies only) 😄😄. I think it used to be the site of Maria’s pizzas?? Came out to the Old Port afterwards & had a large beer in Seagull, then headed for the bus (got a seat, just). Planned on the journey to stop in Xanthi for 1, on arrival there, it was packed - we had forgot the quiz & bbq had been on - there were over 30 people sitting around, lovely atmosphere. Then the wedding party I had seen by the pool earlier all arrived, a nice ending to another lovely day. Not sure how many we had but it was more than one 😉, pretty late when we got back to the apartment!
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Post by kevb on Sept 4, 2018 11:48:33 GMT
Enjoying the reports but its strange reading them whilst im here on the island myself. I was also in old port house last night so we might have been a few feet apart you never know. I was coming back on a boat trip yesterday and they were taking wedding photos on rocks at end of bourtzi so maybe same wedding party you saw in town? Off myself on friday doesnt seem two mins since i arrived. Seriously condidering 2 weeks next visit.
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Post by bvrc on Sept 5, 2018 5:43:43 GMT
Day 12 Slow late morning, into town on bus & brunch on the new harbour. Collected quad & headed to Xanemos for a swim & chill out. Because of the pebbly beach & no sand here it is one of the more difficult stretches to get into the water but it’s so clear, perfectly clear in fact & not as cold as I’ve found it other years. The other half went for a spot of fishing, caught only 1 today, and returned to report there was a cruise ship in the bay. It wasn’t a big one and none of the ships dock but I’m not sure if any passengers come ashore or just enjoy the view from their cabins of beautiful Skiathos. Returned to apartment & got ready to go out - decided on Rada tonight in Vasilias. It was a toss up of there or the Kanapitsa taverna and we chose there as we hadn’t been before. Afterwards we headed for a drink in Agustera in Koukanaries just in case we don’t get another chance to see them before Friday. Only had 2 there before bussing back with the intention of going to our local (Xanthi), but it must have emptied out early and they took the opportunity to close up shop as it was in darkness. Went backdown the lane to the Yadim bar as it was only after 11, few around there but not the same atmosphere as Xanthi so just had one before bed. Bit cooler tonight, but still pleasant enough to sit outside. Not much of a report this one as it was a more lazy day than most!
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Post by bvrc on Sept 5, 2018 5:46:29 GMT
Am loving your holiday, bvrc! It's rather similar to ours - we like a total chill when in Skiathos - in fact our days are replicas of Yorkshiremouth's! We have done the boat trips, monastery, etc but have got very relaxed since retirement 2 years ago. In fact, I get a bit annoyed if we have to set the alarm - even at home! Thanks for the info about Ag Eleni & the seafaring Jack Russell - love those feisty little dogs. We fly back again on 11th Sept (next week!!!!!!) so I'll try to keep up the good work with the reporting. (Am also hoping to bump into Dennis and Vera ) Countdown definitely on for your holiday then - hope you have a fabulous time & I look forward to your reports.
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Post by bvrc on Sept 5, 2018 5:51:47 GMT
Enjoying the reports but its strange reading them whilst im here on the island myself. I was also in old port house last night so we might have been a few feet apart you never know. I was coming back on a boat trip yesterday and they were taking wedding photos on rocks at end of bourtzi so maybe same wedding party you saw in town? Off myself on friday doesnt seem two mins since i arrived. Seriously condidering 2 weeks next visit. I find no matter how long a holiday is the second half of it goes much quicker than the first, no matter if it’s a week or a fortnight. I find a fortnight on Skiathos is perfect, other places I go to, a week suits best, there’s always ways to fill the days in Skiathos. Have a good few last days!!
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Post by katet on Sept 6, 2018 9:29:48 GMT
Well Kate, I'll keep my eyes open for a blonde with sunglasses and a two-tone blouse - maybe I'll print off your profile picture to hold up against everybody to match up with you. We'll be in the Bourtzi on most afternoons before you leave, but I have no real idea when. We don't have an alarm clock, simply get up when we're bursting! Ha, Dennis - the photo may not help much as I've had a chop & my hair is now really short!! (Probably should change the avatar, but it was taken in Yves St Laurent's garden in Marrakesh - special memories.) I know what you look like though!!!
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Post by dennisn on Sept 6, 2018 16:25:49 GMT
OK Kate - I'll stand around and walk around looking like me and you can acost me.
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