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 Sept 15, 2018 8:29:17 GMT
Pre-holiday
So I have finally arrived on this beautiful island but it wasn’t without the usual lack of leaving everything to the last minute, which always happens when I am going on holiday! You would thing I don’t look forward to my holidays – I really do – but I always think I have more time than I actually have, which always results in putting myself under unnecessary pressure! I don’t think that will ever change!
To begin, very stressful week at work, losing one of the people I work for (no hardship, believe me) which, of course, took time out with a handover meeting and lots of information being requested by his new secretary via email, as and when things occurred to either of us pre and post handover. Then another handover with a secretary and another of my bosses, who can be very particular regarding her cover when i am away, so I hope on returning that there will be no complaints! The secretary in question appeared very capable and on the ball so, fingers crossed, it all works. My remaining two bosses have gone to my regular cover, so relaxed about that.
On the subject of work though, it seems that as soon as I say I am going on holiday, not only do the people I look after suddenly find tasks that need to be sorted before i leave but every man and his dog creeps out of the woodwork needing my help! It is really frustrating for me as they all have secretarial support but ‘it needs to be done immediately' or ‘it is for one of your bosses' etc so I end up sorting their request! My current mantra is 'only 12 more months'. 🤣
I was also so late in getting my act together in terms of washing and ironing my clothes (Tues and Wednesday evenings), on top of which, I had an appointment with my hairdresser on Tuesday evening for a fringe trim – I have been going to the same hairdresser for 30+ years so I also get a bit of a tidy up as well, free of charge – then Wednesday evening, a trip to the vet (no Dennis, not for me but for my cat) although I could certainly have benefited from a booster injection!
The vet trip
So I rang the vets on Monday morning to see if they had the flea and worming tablets in for my girl and if I could pick them up at some point before Thursday, at the same time requesting a dual tablet or even an injection as it normally takes me three attempts to get a tablet down her throat before she actually swallows it. Stressful time for my girl. The receptionist suggested that I bring her in and let the nurse give her the treatment, so I made an appointment for Wednesday evening, finishing work an hour earlier, to make the visit at 5.45pm (the last appointment of the day). I arrived five minutes early and at around 6.05 pm I asked when I was going to get in to see the nurse, at which point a door opened and I was called in. Firstly, I was asked what my visit was for! Hmm, flea and worm treatment. Then I was asked what treatment I would like and was informed of those on offer. I replied that I would like the usual one. Check of the computer, and the response was that we haven’t given her any treatment in the past! Again, hmm. If you check your notes, you will see that you have. No, nothing in the notes but tell me what you want and we will sort it. No, please check the notes again. It is (name) at (address). No we do not and have never lived at that address. We live at (address)! Eventually, it was confirmed that there were two cats, not living that far apart with the same name! Good job I wasn’t bringing her in for a minor operation then picking her up and finding she only had three legs left!
So, after looking in her ears, at her teeth, stethoscope to the heart and a touch of her tummy, which I presumed was a brand new service being offered by the nurses, the said tablets were administered and back in her carry case I went to pay. I was expecting it to be around the £20 mark as the last time I bought the flea tablet alone, it was around £10.40, but when the receptionist announced it was £47+, I nearly dropped cork legged. I quietly announced that I thought that was a bit excessive considering she only had two tablets and thinking to myself that I need to change vets, when she said that it also included a consultation with the vet! I said that she was booked in to see the nurse to give her the treatment and not the vet! Off the receptionist popped to see the vet and on her return announced they would waive the consultation fee. It was still a whacking £27+.
Thursday evening after work, I had to get my girl and all her things together and take her to a friend’s home for the next fortnight. After her disappearing act from my brother’s last year (when she finally returned after being gone for six weeks, a little bag of bones) neither myself nor my friend wanted the same thing to happen again, so it was decided that she would spend her time indoors. She is not an indoors cat and I knew that she would end up going stir crazy, so I bought her a harness and lead so that my friend could take her in the garden for regular bouts of fresh air and a wander!
Poor girl, 14 years old and having her independence taken away from her! She was not impressed! Stayed with her for an hour and tested the new rig. Once out in the garden she happily sniffed away and i walked her to the open gate so she could have a look outside. She actually strained on the leash, a quick look to the left and right, and I saw the message on her face. If I make a go of it now, do I go this way or that. Sorry girl, that is not going to happen! I tried to coax her back into the garden but she wasn’t having any of that and promptly refused to move do I had to pick her up and turn her around, at which point she tried to get under the car! Proper little madam. She then tried to hide in the shrubs, still planning her escape but we eventually got her back in the house!
No goodbye from her when I left, even though I sat outside in the car for a few minutes expecting her to look out the window, obviously upset with me. So nothing more to do but go home and start the packing.
Having decided to bring fewer clothes with me on this holiday, the ritual of packing began and suffice to say, I did not go to bed as is my usual routine the night before I fly! Hit the road at 4.30 am so that I could pick up the taxi at my brother’s place as we were travelling together on this trip. Thank goodness it was so early in the morning and the motorway was very quiet and made the journey in 15 minutes. More later ......
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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 Sept 16, 2018 8:58:09 GMT
Day 1, 14 September
Taxi arrived on time and we were at the airport by 6.00 am. I joined the queue for check-in and 10 minutes later, I was at a desk. Check-in was very quick. I was asked where I was going and my passport was scanned. I then requested an aisle seat and found that a boarding pass had already been printed for a middle seat in row 13. However, a new boarding pass was printed for aisle in row 3. I was asked how many cases I was checking in (really) I replied just the one, which I was then asked to put on the scale. Unfortunately, the group checking in next to me were blocking the scale with two of their cases but once they were moved one of the chaps helped me get mine onto the scale. I couldn’t see what it weighed but it must have been under 20 kilos as my passport was handed back to me and I was off to departures.
Security was a bit of a nightmare but eventually through and off for something to eat before boarding.
Our original flight time of 8.15 was brought forward to 8.05 and we were boarded and settled a couple of minutes before we were due to take off. At the designated time, the pilot announced that due to something happening over Brussels, we had been given a new slot of 8.55 am but should some of the planes waiting to take off before us were delayed for whatever reason, he was hopeful we would be bumped up the line but would keep us informed. Around 20 minutes later he informed us that we should be taking off at 8.40 am and around that time he started to taxi from the stand. It was 8.55 am when we actually took off and due to favourable conditions the flight time was going to be 3 hrs 12 minutes.
A pleasant flight apart from some turbulence around two hours in and we landed in Skiathos from the opposite end of the runway. Was treated to lots of waving from the people plane spotting at the Ameretto (spelling?) end of the runway as we turned and taxied to our spot.
Off the plane and on a bus a short while later, waved through security and into arrivals to await the cases. Mine came through first so I went outside to wait for my brother. When he appeared we jumped in a taxi and were soon joined by a Greek chap carrying a pizza box. We dropped him off in town, close to the taxi rank, where the driver got out to seek another fare. They were a German couple staying in Kolios at Bob’s favourite haunt, and we had a pleasant chat before dropping them off.
Arriving at Elisabeth's, we were greeted very warmly by the lady herself, and taken to our studios. I did not get my favourite but one I have stayed in before, with my brother getting the one next door. We dropped our bags and went to the bar and were treated to a welcome drink from Jenny.
Friends arrived a short while later, caught up with them for some time, then off to the supermarket for a few provisions before starting on the unpacking. Got most of it done before finally giving in to a siesta and slept solid for two hours. As it was late when I woke up and neither of us wanted to go far, we went to the bar to eat. Home made burgers with chips and salad for two, a small water and a large beer, 26 euros. After eating I stayed in the bar and finally got to bed around 1.10 am.
It is wonderful to be back 🤣
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Post by dennisn on Sept 16, 2018 13:07:18 GMT
into arrivals to await the cases. Mine came through firstJust in case other fans of Amy missed this, I have given it a little emphasis here. How dare you, Amy? I used to think of you as a nice enough person, but now I'm tending towards the view that you are despicable, awful and many other uncomplimentary adjectives.
We'll probably be driving past Elisabeth's on Tuesday afternoon, so be careful where you step!
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Post by kelso on Sept 16, 2018 14:19:03 GMT
Wow Amy. I'm breathless just reading your report. What a start. Here's hoping you're now unwinding and having a great time. I'm sure that with a bit of due care and diligence you should be able to avoid that nasty Dennis! Plenty of time to get a stinger out across the road before Tuesday afternoon! 😀 Bob
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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 Sept 16, 2018 22:57:08 GMT
into arrivals to await the cases. Mine came through firstJust in case other fans of Amy missed this, I have given it a little emphasis here. How dare you, Amy? I used to think of you as a nice enough person, but now I'm tending towards the view that you are despicable, awful and many other uncomplimentary adjectives.
We'll probably be driving past Elisabeth's on Tuesday afternoon, so be careful where you step!
Well Bob, I am completely flumoxed by Dennis' response and I inadvertently pressed pressed the like button but in my defense I put this down to the gin and tonic consumed this evening! Of course my case came through first Dennis, I checked in with a real life person and not some internet droid! 😀 Good luck spotting me on Tuesday in the valley as I won't be there, te he he 😁😁😁
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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 Sept 17, 2018 7:44:31 GMT
Day 2, 15 September I was up pretty early this morning even though I am still trying to catch up with my lack of sleep and following a late night. It was nice and on the balcony, which made me think that a trip into town was on the agenda today. When I rose the sunshine was just hitting the gates but before long, it had spread through the garden and the temperature had rose somewhat to the point that I knew it was going to be hot. Lots of cups of teas with my little companion, reading my kindle, and the time just flew by. As I had not eaten breakfast, my brunch was fruit and yoghurt, purchased the day before in the supermarket across the road – banana, pear, peach and a few black grapes I had brought with me to eat on the plane. It was lovely and refreshing and I made a note to myself that I would start each day with the same. Back to my kindle, temperature rising, I could feel myself nodding off. To be honest i actually did but whether it was for 2 minutes or 20 minutes, I wasn’t watching the clock! 🤣 Nothing for it but to take a late siesta, and I must have crashed as soon as my head it the pillow. On waking, kettle on, open door and there is kitty. Straight in for a nosy. Back on to a very hot balcony and after drinking my tea, I got ready for the evening. Pizza night at Elisabeth’s, not one to miss, so to the bar to put in our orders. Five of us sat down to eat and it was lovely, I even swopped out a slice of mine for a slice of stuffed, garlic cheese bread and was it yummy. Lots and lots of garlic! Before I left for the bar, I could not help but hear a good time happening at the Calma restaurant next door. Lots of music, chap on a microphone, laughter, joking and clapping – a good night being had by all. I was told, once in the bar, that a wedding was taking place there and even later, that the tax men had been in the valley again! They have stopped calling them tax men, preferring to add the prefix 'ba***rd' to their title and indeed they are! All the taverna owners have to give their customers a till receipt now to prove that they are putting everything through the till. Seemed that one till receipt was missing at the Calma and they were fined 250 euros with a stern reprimand that if it happened again the fine would be 500. What a loss of revenue for the owners. They did not get to us but we heard that they had also visited Pegasus, where everything was in order! I didn’t get to bed until 2.15 am but not before realising that within just over 24 hours I had accumulated around 11 Mossie bites! ☹️
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Post by kevb on Sept 17, 2018 9:12:48 GMT
I know what you mean about till receipts, someone even followed me round to my table after I bought 1 beer in a bar and left my receipt on the bar. If you look in restaurants and beach tavernas in the back part away from most customers there is usually some bloke (typically the owner) slowly disapperaing under a mountain of copies of till receipts for th eday in case the tax men pay a visit.
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Post by katet on Sept 17, 2018 10:45:26 GMT
Yes, we've noticed the same this time. I've heard that several establishments have fallen foul of the spot checks and been immediately closed down for a short time.
Am enjoying your descriptive report, Amy!
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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 Sept 18, 2018 8:21:08 GMT
Day 3, 16 September
A late start this morning with the resolve that I will get an early night. No staying in the bar after midnight. Kitty waiting for me when I opened the door with a very disapproving look on her face! In June i barely saw her, on this holiday she is waiting for me when I get up, sleeping on the balcony on and off throughout the day and waiting for me when I come back at night! I think that she and the rest of the cats sense that the season is coming to an end and they need to get as much food/attention before the long winter sets in. She isn’t a feral cat, living just down the lane but I think she has made the apartments her second home.
Another beautiful warm day with the added bonus of a cooling wind. I say wind and not breeze as here in the valley the trees and shrubs were waving away and anything not anchored down was apt to take flight. Perfect day for a trip into town. I needed two things, a new hat as I had forgotten to bring mine and some wrapping paper for V's birthday present. In the course of the morning I picked up a couple of more requests for items from town so early afternoon I set off for the bus. Having arrived at a very empty bus stop, I concluded I had just missed a bus and checking on the timetable found I had 20 minutes to wait for the next. No-one joined me and on boarding the bus, it was great to see that it was less than half full. I had not seen the bus conductor before – a skinny chap in his 50’s but most pleasant and collected my fare with a smile on his face. I decided to stay on to the terminal and pop into Ariston for a quick bite as I had not had breakfast and my stomach was groaning.
First thing I noticed on alighting was that the wind of the valley was a pleasant breeze in town. The second thing I noticed was that the Anes ferry was in. Whilst approaching Ariston, I was surprised to see a navy P23 gunboat appearing from behind the ferry and leaving for open seas (I had completed forgotten that it was Memorial Day). I took a seat at the front of the bakery/cafe in the mistaken belief that it was waitress service as there was a waitress taking to a couple eating at another table. It finally dawned on me that it was self service as no menus available, so I popped inside to check out the food. I settled for a traditional chicken pie and a latte and sat back at my table to eat and people watch. Not a lot going on but surprised that the ferry was still sat in port. Must be a different timetable to summer! Saw a lorry reversing into the bowels and immediately afterwards the ferry started to move whilst simultaneously, drawing up the hold door and the anchor. About five minutes after departure the gunboat made its way back to the port and re-docked. By now, feeling replete, I went inside and paid my bill (5.20 plus tip) and set off with my shopping list.
I called in at the first shop on Papa street that was selling hats but left very quickly. I was just reaching for one when simultaneously two young assistants appeared out of two separate doors and said hello. I greeted them with a smile and a 'hi' then left. I was not being rude but I hate being pounced on in a shop and having assistants watch my every move as though I am going to grab the merchandise and make a run for it. No offence to the girls, they may just have been having a slow day or vying with each other for the sale but not today ladies.
Made a purchase in one of the new chemists that seem to have appeared in recent times then on the hunt for wrapping paper. On my second visit to the island in 2015, I purchased a birthday card for V from a very old fashioned shop on one of the lanes leading off Papa Street on the left, so at every left turn I took a stroll but alas could not find the shop. I did see a bookshop, next to the launderette that was open but thought it a longshot that they sold wrapping paper and traversed two more lanes before calling into the next gift shop to enquire. I was met with a very pleasant 'good afternoon, I have been waiting ...........' from the shopkeeper (not sure if he meant for me, a customer, the end of the day/season) as he did not elaborate! I made my enquiry and he told me that he did not sell wrapping paper but if I bought something from his shop as a present, he would wrap it for me. I said that I would happily pay him for some paper but he refused saying the paper was to wrap items from the shop. Ok, can you let me know where I might purchase some. There is a bookshop two lanes down who sells it but he is closed at the moment! Thank you for the information. I went back to the bookshop only to be told that he does sell it but it is finished (a bit like i felt at this juncture).
I carried on up Papa Street to the last hat shop before the school and spied just the hat I was looking for. There was an English lady trying on hats and asking her husband what he thought. The reply she received to the first one – it looks fine, if you want it, buy it. Well, I am not sure, what about this one? Yes, it looks fine, if you want it, get it. Back to the first one. Well what do you really think about this one? Yes, it is fine, if you want it ......... I really like this cream one though, what do you think, is the brim to wide, it feels a little big? Yes, it’s fine, if you like it ..... Oh, I did feel her pain.
The shopkeeper was being very helpful with her explaining that the larger hat was one size but had a tie inside the rim that could be tightened to fit any size. I selected my hat, she stood aside so I could check it out in the mirror, then went inside to purchase. As I was leaving, she had the first hat on again, so I asked her if she needed any help. She said that she could not make her mind up so I asked what she wanted the hat for. She informed me that it was for the boat so I asked her to put the first hat back on, confirmed it did quite suit her but could she try the second hat. That suited her face better, had a wider brim which protected her face and the back of her neck and so totally suited her requirements. I suggested she go with that hat, she informed me that it takes another woman to know what a woman wants and thanked me for my he!p. She turned to the shopkeeper and said she would take it, much to the relief of her husband, who thanked me as I left the shop.
I headed off back to the terminus in 32 degrees and jumped on the bus that was already in and we set off about five minutes later. It was a bit of an odd journey back as the conductor was calling out the stops but no-one was getting off at most of them and in my experience they only call the stops if you have requested them.
Back in AP, I called in to say hello to Costas and Efi at the Dream House then back to the studios to dispense my purchases. Had a G&T with the girls before getting ready for the evening. Treating by brother to a late birthday meal at his restaurant of choice, Pegasus.
The restaurant was busy when we arrived so we selected a table under cover and gave our order. Garlic cheese bread to start, followed by tagliatelli carbonara for me, stifado for him, small carafe of red and a small water. We both really enjoyed our meals (26.90 plus tip) and i paid the bill. For once we did not get a complimentary drink or piece of cake but I can only think it was due to the tax man visit/being busy or harried that was the cause. They were so busy even Voulla did not leave the kitchen so I still haven’t said my hellos to her and Christo! Before we left, Dimi came rushing to our table to give us our tax receipt ba k whilst hurriedly smoothing it out as it had obviously been thrown into the bin.
We headed back to the bar and I must confess that my decision for an early night fell by the wayside, it was 2.20 am when my head hit the pillow!
I went to sleep thinking another trip to town was in order to purchase the elusive wrapping paper but if all else fails, hand V her present wrapped in a towel! 😀
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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 Sept 19, 2018 7:31:45 GMT
Day 4, 17 September It was a start when I rose at 8.30 am. Opened door and kitty and her friend were there to greet me. Lots of tea and writing up my last post and watching the comings and goings of the day. Guests off to the shop, beach or a taverna for breakfast. Good mornings called out as they left. Just as I decided to head in for a shower, the cleaner, Adigoni, arrived to clean my room. I grabbed a quick cup of tea then when she had finished and left, my brother arrived as he had just got back from town having hired a scooter for a couple of days. Made him a drink and he stayed for a while, so it was very late when I got in for my shower. I donned my swimming costume and decided to spend an hour on the balcony as I thought all the beds around the pool would be taken. Whilst I sat there, I got to thinking how the garden had changed so much in the three months since my last visit. Whilst still very green, the rose bushes in front of my studio are already producing rosehips although valiantly sporting the last blooms of the summer. One bush has a couple of delicate, peach pink roses whilst another has one deep, red orange bloom. There is another shrub that is plentiful around the garden. I don’t know the name of it but when it is in bloom, it has clusters of pink flowers. These are all but gone replaced with 4/5 inch long, slim seed pods. There is also a fruit tree between my studio and my brother's with round, green fruit. I cannot make my mind up as to whether they are limes or late blooming oranges. The fruit is growing high up in the tree but I may pick one at some point just to see what it is. Whilst contemplating the garden it suddenly dawned on me that I hadn’t eaten all day and not wanting to spoil my dinner this evening, I settled for a banana! (Must do better tomorrow). I read a little and could feel myself nodding off and when I looked at my watch, saw it was just before 5.00 pm. A siesta is what I need before going out this evening, so off to bed, where, although tired, I did not sleep. Having set my alarm for 6.00 pm, I waited until it went off then got ready for my evening out. It is Greek Night at the studios but when V was asking guests if they were interested a few nights ago, the girls and I decided not to put our names down as we had all been to a number of Greek nights over the years and knew what to expect. V only needed 16 people to make it viable and currently had 11. A couple of guests said they would attend and she turned to us and asked if we would like to go as three more and she would have the required numbers. The girls immediately folded like a shocked soufflé but I stuck to my guns and declined the invitation. As it turned out for V, she mustered a total of 26 for the evening, very impressive. So a quick drink at the bar then off to Avli for dinner. Not as busy as earlier in the season. So I chose a table in the open section. I ordered the mushroom ala creme to start, followed by fish fillet in garlic sauce as I was in serious need of a garlic fix, a small carafe of red and a small water. Prior to the starter I was given some bread, garlic butter and a black olive paste. Lovely dinner, especially the fish which was snapper. By 9.55 pm there was only myself and a other couple in the restaurant, who left a short while later and it wasn’t long before I asked for my bill (24 euros), paid and left myself. Back at the studios, the Greek night was over but a number of people were still in the bar. I joined them but as I was not in the mood for alcohol I had a couple of coffees, paid up and went to bed. I think it was around 12.40 am but cannot remember. Still not the early night but getting there and six more mossie bites to add to the collection! 😠
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Post by dennisn on Sept 19, 2018 14:07:31 GMT
Is it just me? Amy, why don’t you tell the mossies not to bite you? We’ve been here nearly a fortnight and I haven’t got any.
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Post by katet on Sept 19, 2018 21:56:07 GMT
Great descriptions, Amy. I think the pink flowering shrub with long seed pods is probably oleander .... seed pods poisonous.
What a mission you're on for wrapping paper! You could use newspaper to tin foil instead!
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Post by bvrc on Sept 19, 2018 23:55:05 GMT
Finally got round to reading all of this thread, I love your descriptive writing. We’re spoiled at the moment that we’re getting so many reports from the island! Pity about all the mossie bites, hope they don’t spoil your holiday - I’m quite allergic to them so it can spoil things for me! I love the late blooms in all the gardens on Skiathos, my favourite are the little flowers on the ‘4 o’clock shrubs’ - all different colours. I collected some seeds on my recent holiday, I would love if they grew in my garden 😄
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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 Sept 20, 2018 6:16:13 GMT
Dennis, if only they would listen to me! The odd thing is that I have only been bitten on the areas where I have used the Greek Mossie spray, the areas where I have used Avon's SSS, they have left alone! There is a moral in there somewhere. 🤣
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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 Sept 20, 2018 6:24:59 GMT
Thanks for the info Kate, I think you are correct. I was thinking of snapping a couple of pods off and taking them home with me but then thought about getting them through check-in and decided it was better not to try. I had to about the newspaper/tin foil wrapping, it may just come to that, although I have not yet visited the bigger supermarkets in town yet. I am keeping optimistic in the hope that they have a card/paper section and I can pick something up from there! Will try again on Friday. 😉
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