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Post by dennisn on Aug 29, 2021 9:50:02 GMT
Starting early, sorry. But it'll be ready when we arrive on 10th September. And I just had to have a small grump about Covid.
So, I've just spent a couple of hours of my life dealing with the stuff forced upon us by COVID, when I should have been getting on with weeding the veg patch and rockery. I think I've done it all :- Completed and printed PLF for going to Skiathos Glanced at PLF for coming back. Saved on iPad, iPhone, laptop and desktop, scanned, printed any number of COVID passes for us both (thanks Kev, we'll not get caught out going into anywhere). Bought Green set from Chronomics. Now this is interesting - £20 each. All along, I've been hearing £20 each for the day 2 test when back at home. This set includes a 48 hour pre-return lateral flow test which I'm presuming is something to do to ourselves before we come home. So I presume this cuts out tests on the harbour or in the clinic.
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Post by katet on Aug 29, 2021 12:52:42 GMT
Green, Dennis? Skiathos is still amber ... as far as I'm aware. I've just paid £43 for the Randox Day 2-after-coming-back do-at-home test, which I then have to take to a Drop Box - whatever one of those is 🙄
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Post by dennisn on Aug 29, 2021 17:11:47 GMT
Green because we're fully vaccinated and don't need PCR 8 day test at home, only the Greek one 2 days before coming home, then the lateral flow or whatever 2 days after we get home. The Chronomics (partnered with TUI) green package covers both (for £20 each, total £40). I fancy it's only available to TUI holidays because it asks for your booking ref. There you go, we paid (a lot) extra for package holiday to save £3 on testing .
Randox has Drop Boxes around the country (I imagine), I saw one at a motorway service station just south of Newcastle a week or two ago. I haven't seen any more (but I don't hunt service stations, just use them for convenience - with a capital P). No doubt they will tell you where to find your nearest one.
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Post by dennisn on Aug 29, 2021 17:28:28 GMT
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Post by kevb on Aug 30, 2021 5:38:47 GMT
The Randox website has a map with active 'pins' giving all the dropbox locations. I made sure there was one within easy driving distance before I ordered. Dont forget you need the unique code number from your day 2 test to quote on the PLF you fill in 48 hrs before returning home. Of course thats the last thing on anyones mind when they havent even set off for their hols yet!
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Post by katet on Aug 30, 2021 10:57:17 GMT
So TUI are beating Jet2 on the testing stuff! Jet2 just give you a link to the Govt approved test providers. Never mind - not too upset at paying £43. Last time, I drove back to Manchester to be tested, very easy but it was £63 & cost me fuel!
Good work, Dennis!
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Post by cariad23 on Aug 30, 2021 13:53:52 GMT
Glad youve got your hard copies ready to boogie the night away at blind dog or totem Dennis. I have a picture in my mind of Dennis Dad dancing in a funny tee shirt
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Post by dennisn on Aug 30, 2021 13:59:25 GMT
So TUI are beating Jet2 on the testing stuff! Jet2 just give you a link to the Govt approved test providers. Never mind - not too upset at paying £43. Last time, I drove back to Manchester to be tested, very easy but it was £63 & cost me fuel! Good work, Dennis! Is that £43 for one person?
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Post by katet on Aug 30, 2021 21:16:11 GMT
Yes, Dennis - just me! But I'll get the free port test again & so save 20 euros.
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Post by dennisn on Aug 30, 2021 21:56:10 GMT
Aye, well we get two tests for £20 - the leaving Skiathos one and the two days after getting back to England one. Compare with the Skiathos clinic one and yours would be £63 compared to our £20. OMG what are we waffling on about? I’d have paid £63 willingly!!
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Post by katet on Aug 31, 2021 10:44:08 GMT
Yup - 😂
We're waffling on 'cos neither of us are there yet and have nothing more exciting to do ... except the packing 😎
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Post by dennisn on Aug 31, 2021 11:03:32 GMT
Huh. I don't even have packing to do, just meander around doing anticipation and that can wear off if you do too much!!
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Post by dennisn on Sept 10, 2021 5:10:46 GMT
So here we are, 6am in Bristol airport where our flight is shown as delayed half an hour so instead of jostling in the plane, we are waiting for “info at 6:15”. It’s something like 20 years since we last flew from Bristol so I was looking forward to this experience of our local airport. It has not lived up to expectations. Or perhaps after 2 years champing at the bit to be off abroad again it is blown up out of proportion. It took an hour to get through checkin and security to reach the dreaded crocodile maze path through the bargain booze and scent shops - for a local airport, they’ve still managed to set up a trek route through. We were relieved to find plenty of seats in Departures - after that hike we were ready for them! It’s raining here, but the webcam shows it isn’t raining in Skiathos.
Next instalment will be from the actual Skiathos, really.
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Post by cariad23 on Sept 10, 2021 5:44:02 GMT
Just checked flight tracker to see only flights to Valencia and Tenerife wondered where Jaimie was. Hopefully not too long now Dennis just think of the lovely short drive home, and you’ve got a seat. We had good drive down to Aberaeron yesterday weather lovely sunny warm until about 5pm raining now. Place is heaving pavements pubs packed solid car parks full. Luckily bee know secret parking spots. Have a good flight dDennis and Vera
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Post by katet on Sept 10, 2021 6:50:31 GMT
Yes, safe travels D&V ✈️ … raining again in town, but should be sunny this afternoon to welcome you back 😎
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