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 24, 2018 6:09:08 GMT
No worries. Feel free to write them up on to word, then post them when you get home. Alternately, if your wi-fi is playing up, use your phone as a wi-fi hotspot. I found last year that this was far more reliable than using wi-fi. Wi-fi on Skiathos connects you to the hotel/taverna's cabled router, and internet speeds on the island are notoriously slow and unreliable. In comparison the 4G is very good indeed. Thanks YM, good point. Thought I might have to post from home if the situation continued but just managed to post above. 🤣
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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 25, 2018 7:09:33 GMT
Day 9, 22 September Up early again today. It does not seem to matter what time I go to bed, I cannot sleep beyond 8/8.30 am. No sign of kitty, other pastures to explore! The early mornings on the balcony are pretty until the sun is in the garden. Dew in the evenings and the mornings so Autumn is definitely on the way. Had brunch here, cheese omelette, with mushrooms, fresh tomatoes and a cup of tea. Chatting with friends and when they left for the sunbeds and pool, I left to spend the afternoon on balcony reading. Around 3.00 pm, head nodding, I went in for a siesta and it was 5.30 pm before I woke again. Pizza night again at the studios. Had a half and half with one of my friends, washed down with lots of water, followed by an evening at the bar, where I consumed two cocktails before leaving at 11.30 pm. A very quiet day. The only excitement being the siting of a Scops owl, that was sat on top of a pole in the lane opposite the studios. One of the guests went out to get a closer look but as he approached the gate the owl flew away.
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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 26, 2018 6:48:38 GMT
Day 10, 23 September
I was up at 7.00 am this morning to a cacophony of twittering from the trees somewhere on the lane. First very early rise of the holiday so never experienced the chatter from the small birds before. I think there is a mix of sparrows and some form of tit. The occasional caw of the crows too.
At that time of the morning it felt cold and no early visit from kitty. She definitely has more friends around the apartments, as I was told she hangs out with a lady, who's studio is on one side of the pool, in and out of her room for most of the day.
The sun rose and the sky was a lovely shade of blue, not a cloud to be seen! I think it is the first day of the holiday that we have had such a clear sky!
Brunch today in the bar was fried eggs and mushrooms accompanied by fresh, sliced tomatoes, toast and butter and yet another cup of tea, in the company of the girls.
Although it is V's big day tomorrow, the party is tonight and directly after eating, we were presented with two packets of balloons to inflate and some banners to decorate the bar! To hang them we were given waxed twine and a sharp knife. Needs must and all that. I haven't blown up a balloon in years and we had difficulty in tying off the ends but after a few false starts, we managed to accomplish the task and grouping them in threes, placed them strategically around the bar! A Happy Birthday banner was put up over the fireplace and other banners hung in various areas of the bar. That was my cardiac workout for the day and we retired to the sun beds for a much deserved rest. V joined us for about 30 minutes, then left again, a very short visit. Later in the afternoon another holiday guest arrived with the banners and balloons he had brought from home and we left him in the hands of Matula, as she was now supervising the layout of the room!
Having held out as long as I could in the heat, around 5.00 pm I gave in and got myself an ice-cream from the fridge. Two of the girls did the same and for five minutes whilst we indulged, peace reigned around the pool! 🤣 There is nothing like an ice-cream on a hot sunny day.
Around 6.00 pm, a pre-dinner drink before getting ready for the evening, the party starting around 8.00 pm.
V had said that she had invited around 50 people to her bash - ex-pat friends, friends on holiday and a few guests who happened to be staying at the studios. When I arrived at the appointed time, the bar was already comfortably full but continued to get a lot busier as more arrived. It ended up packed with well-wishers with barely enough room to manoeuvre! Great party atmosphere.
Then the food came out! There was greek sausage rolls, another small pastry with ham and another filling, bread, tsatziki, spinach pie, cheese pie, Greek salad, chicken salad, potato salad, cheese balls, meat balls (the latter two sampled earlier in the day when they were being made), baked potatoes, pasta salad and wonderful, scrumptious belly pork slow cooked in the oven. I think that was all the dishes but could have been more! There was definitely enough to feed at least twice the amount of party goers and much enjoyed by us all (at least me anyway)!
Great music, V literally danced the night away, and the drinks flowed. The cake arrived to a chorus of Happy Birthday and was sliced and handed around. I believe it was lovely but didn't have a slice myself as there was no room.
It was 1.20 am when I left the party, still in full swing (I am a lightweight these days). I will find out tomorrow what time it ended! 😄
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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 27, 2018 9:03:26 GMT
Day 11, 24 September Up at 8.30 am this morning and although another start to the day, it wasn't long before it heated up and yet another clear blue sky, and wall to wall sunshine, with a slight cooling breeze. (Little did I know, this would be the last of the heat this week before the weather changed dramatically, but more of that in following posts). So, it is the actual big day today and it has been arranged that we would indulge in a full English breakfast/brunch, in the bar at 12 noon. We all met up before the designated time, the only person missing, the birthday girl herself! After a quick text the response was that she would join us shortly but as it was such a beautiful day, could we have brunch outside. No problem, a couple of the chaps rearranged some of the tables close to the pool so that all of us could sit down together to enjoy. Two of her friends joined us and it transpired that it was their little dog that had woken V when they arrived. This dog adores her and sets about dancing around V each time they meet with such squealing delight you would think someone was seriously torturing her. V arrived and we had to endure a few minutes of the above-mentioned dance etc, before present opening time. She loved her gifts, especially the hand painted picture of her own little dog, and once all had been opened and cards read, brunch was served and we all ate heartily. During the course of the conversation, it transpired that the party finally ended at 4.45 am with the girls helping V home with all of the presents she had been given the night before! After brunch, V left to open her presents from the party with the promise we would see her later but not before agreeing that we would all meet up at 7.00 pm for an evening in town. Around 3.30 pm and still no sign of V, I told the girls that I was going for a walk with the intention of visiting Kolios beach and taking a dip in the sea. I had enjoyed the visit there a couple of days before, primarily due to the fact that the sand is much coarser and does not stick to everything like the finer sand on the other beaches does. It has definitely become my favourite beach on Skiathos. However, I did not get that far and ended up at Bamboun on Ag Paraskevi beach. The atmosphere was different to my visit in June this year. Being a lot quieter, and later in the day, it didn't have the same buzz about it. I am also sure that they had some of those squishy, thick, cream sunbeds in front of the taverna early in the season but these have been replaced by plain, standard green beds. Could be my memory was playing tricks with me. The sea was a little choppy also, so I decided that I would not take a dip and sat at one of the tables under the tree and ordered a latte and small water and got out my kindle. Keeping a watchful eye on the time, I left around 5.15 pm as I didn't want to be late for the taxi this evening. The taxi arrived on time and eight of us were off for the night. We started with cocktails (two) at Goldfish and followed that with a meal at Kosiakis. Having checked out the spit on arrival at the restaurant, I decided on stuffed pork for my meal. It was a busy night and we were seated down the side of the restaurant but we all agreed that it was the best side as you don't have people wandering past all night. Everyone ordered their meals and we had garlic bread all round for starters, red and white wine and water. A very enjoyable meal and a doggy bag of the leftovers for the cat colony. Having split the bill between us, it came to around 17 euros each and that included the tip! I had taken a cardigan with me expecting it to down around 9.00 pm but it remained warm and accompanied by a warm wind. Whilst we were in the restaurant, V tried twice to contact the taxi company we had used for the people carrier but both calls went unanswered. She called Elizabeth to ask her to try but the upshot was that we ended up with two taxis, which we agreed to meet outside Elizabeth's old kiosk (has still not been taken on by anyone) and has remained empty all season. At the studios, I got out and fed the cats, then made my way to the bar to rejoin the party. A really strong wind was blowing by now with debris already in the pool, including one of the metal ashtrays from one of the poolside tables. It did not bode well! I had a coffee at the bar before saying goodnight and leaving everyone still enjoying the evening. Not sure of the time but dont think it was too late. I got into bed wondering what the weather would be like in the morning.
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Post by bvrc on Sept 27, 2018 17:55:26 GMT
I’m very much enjoying your reports Amy, I see that the weather has deteriorated further but more nice weather forecast after the weekend, maybe you will have returned home by then? Weather at home definitely autumnal, but still some heat in the sun when it appears.
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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 30, 2018 8:18:13 GMT
Thank you bvrc, the weather does not look to improve at all apart from a couple of days next week. Shame really especially for those arriving this week. Like home, autumn has definitely set in! I have a few more days to post now that I am at home so will try and finish my diary off in the next couple of days 😃
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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 30, 2018 8:29:34 GMT
Day 12, 25 September
Woke up this morning opened my door and immediately shut it again! Opened again and peaked out. Raging wind and a leaden sky. The weather has certainly taken a turn for the worse ☹️ It is COLD!
I braved the balcony in my jacket for my morning cuppa and watched the comings and goings of my fellow tourists before coming in for a hot shower and getting ready for my day.
Off to the bar for brunch - a change today, yoghurt and fruit plus toast and honey with a cup of tea. Girls already ensconced and after their brunch, out came the dominoes. They are going nowhere. Chatted for a while but decided I had to move, as cold as it was, I couldn't sit indoors going stir crazy! A trip to town was the answer.
Timed my arrival at the bus stop so I only as a couple of minutes to wait for bus and saw some holiday friends who had the same idea. Just said hello to them and the bus arrived so hopped on and off we went. We all got off at BS4 and went our separate ways, mine to go hunt out a cheap fleece at the Chinese shop at top of Papadiamanti Street. There was a light rain falling.
I got myself a little lost trying to find the shop so stopped to check Pinkygirl's directions from TA. Whilst doing that, a couple dragging luggage passed by, very lost looking. Directions to hand, I realised I had already passed the lane for the shop, so made my way back only to meet again the couple with the suitcases who were retracing their steps. Found the shop - it was shut! Turned for Papadiamanti and the couple were stood in the road checking a map on the phone. I said hello and are you lost? They said yes, they were looking for the Angel hotel. They showed me the map with a 'you are here' indicator so I asked if that was them or the hotel and they said both! Oh. We were facing an entrance to a lane with a shop on the corner and another English woman who had been standing silently on the corner, suggested they enquire at the shop as the owner spoke English. I looked up the lane and there were various signs noting hotel names and one sporting a Greek name, the first word looking suspiciously like Angel. Sure enough, the owner came out of the shop and pointed to the sign and told them it was the correct hotel.
Off down Papadiamanti checking out shop windows then popped into Cosi Cafe for, what turned out to be a very expensive latte and watched the Hellenic Seaways ferry leaving the harbour. Paid my bill, 4 euros, and back up Papadiamanti again. Called in a shop close to the cinema and pickled up a couple of dangling ornaments for a friend then a couple of doors up and some spices for her husband as they are looking after my cat for me whilst I am here. No hanging around and off to the terminus for the bus and back to the apartments.
The girls were still in the bar, this time playing electronic Scrabble. They had been there all afternoon. I checked the bag that contained my gifts and found that I had purchased them from the marine shop! I had realised that it was not a tourist shop when I entered but thought it was the fishing tackle shop on account of all the rods in the back.
Due to the weather, my brother and I decided to eat at the apartments tonight and on entering the bar, found that the girls had come to the same conclusion, so we all sat down together. The great surprise in the bar was a blazing, wood fire, much appreciated by us all after the cold winds, which were still roaring outside.
Dinner for me was two starters - garlic bread and mushrooms ala crème! Lovely, with a small carafe of red. We remained in the bar for the rest of the evening and were treated to the arrival of a bride, still in her wedding finery, her husband, bridesmaid and her boyfriend. They are staying in the Ariadne across the road and had popped in for a drink the evening before as the owner of the Ariadne had refused to open the bar for them! It transpires that they had also asked him if they could hold their wedding there too (not sure if it was the ceremony or wedding meal or both) and he refused them that also! (This I heard from another person).
It transpires that they had gotten married on the beach followed by a bite to eat somewhere close and called in at Elizabeth's for a drink before going back to the hotel. A much warmer reception from our studios than their own accommodation. Oh, both the bride and her maid looked stunning!
The rain started at some point in the evening, it was not heavy but it was persistent.
To finish the evening, i had a hot coffee before leaving the bar around 1.00 pm with the wind still roaring through the trees!
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Post by katet on Sept 30, 2018 16:30:47 GMT
Oh dear, hope you've gone on ok this past few days, Amy. The photos look very grim. Hopefully, you're nice and snug by that wood fire!
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Post by Tre on Sept 30, 2018 18:48:48 GMT
The weather looks truly horrendous today. Amy, if I’ve read this right, you are now home. Thank goodness I hear you say! Here’s to next year
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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 Oct 1, 2018 6:21:42 GMT
Thanks Kate and Tre, yes flew back on Friday, been reading about the flooding and think we are very lucky we left when we did! Feel for all those now on the island both visitors and islanders. I stay in AP which has been one of the worst hit areas.
Back to work today, not looking forward to that! ☹️
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