Skiathos ‘23 - Part Three

Might there be an exception for Elderlies? Instead of dancing I’d be happy to sing (well maybe hum).

Well, not done any dancing yet Bob - but there’s still time! Have decided to stay in my very comfortable room this morning (with a cuppa and a biscuit) and go for a bite to eat this afternoon. I’ve brought my sketching stuff with me, so won’t be bored!

To bring this up to date, so far, I spent Thursday on a very quiet Nostos beach as the Baracoa bar area had been closed down for a couple of days for breaking the terms of their licence (too many beds, I think.) It was all taped off like a crime scene! I was at the end of the beach by the water sports and the beds are €15 a pair. Some friends from my hotel were there and offered me a lift back, so I didn’t have to squash onto a bus - it’s quite busy still.

That evening I had arranged to join a solo boomers meet up at 7Sins, opposite the ferry port - there were nine of us altogether and we had a few drinks before going to eat at Mouragia on the new port. I’d never eaten there before and I chose pastitsio, which wasn’t the best to be honest. We all paid just under €30 for our food and (rather a lot of) wine. With hindsight, fish would have been a better option there, as it looked very good. However, we all had a lovely evening and I met some very nice people.

Friday was a quiet day: a walk and then trying to catch up on some sleep as I’d had two terrible nights on Monday and Tuesday (worrying about not being able to travel and then getting up at 2am to travel) and I felt really exhausted. I had perked up by the evening and joined friends for a drink at Main Street and then dinner at Polycratis - another first for me. The service and food were both excellent - I’ve heard good reviews from others and will definitely eat there again. I had a chicken breast, stuffed with spinach in a very tasty creamy sauce with a few crispy oven potatoes … delicious. There were seven of us - the Mediterranean pasta dish looked lovely, as did the Angus steak burgers. We were given complementary ouzo to start and honey cake and a Mastiha liqueur to to finish. Very good value at €30 each.

I had the offer of a lift to Ligares beach with friends on Saturday, which I jumped at as it’s not the easiest beach to get to unless you like intrepid walking or are a professional driver, like Dennis! I’m a confident driver here except for the mountain roads, which are so narrow and steep. All the hire cars seem to have gears, too, which take a bit of getting used to again. Anyway, a lovely day was spent on a very breezy Ligares. It was reading 31C on my watch, but the strong breeze made it feel really pleasant and I didn’t need to follow the shade around at all. I didn’t swim, as the waves were fierce and it’s quite stony there. A single sun bed (& umbrella) was €5. That evening I ate at Giardino Segreto, after a pre-dinner drink at Astoria on Papadiamantis Street. It’s so pretty in the courtyard and the food and service were very good. I had a pappardelle ragu and my dinner companions chose salmon and pork tenderloin dishes. The house Merlot was very palatable too! Afterwards we had a drink at my friend’s bar, Turquoise, and were joined by one of the solo boomer ladies from Thursday evening. A good end to a good day.

Sunday dawned a little cloudy, but I’d booked a seat on the Alkyon’s courtesy minibus to Agia Eleni beach. It was almost half past ten when I got there, but there were plenty of beds available. I was trying to decide where to plonk myself when a found some friends who offered their spare bed (and spare shade as it had become very hot again) - so I gratefully accepted! It was lovely and peaceful there all day - except when I went in for a swim, was standing chatting to my friend and got nibbled on the ankle by a mysterious sea creature! 😱 It was probably only a small fish, but I’d imagined it to be a conger eel and didn’t put my feet down again until I nervously got out of the water (rather fast!)

The minibus was on time - it’s a great service as it means you don’t have to trudge up the hill and back from bus stop 25 in the heat. I ate at Pasta Pazza on the new port last night- a good tortellini dish with a glass of rosé and some water and the bill was €25.50. I had a mooch round the shops (and resisted buying anything else I don’t need) and then called for a nightcap at Turquoise, where my friend had time to join me for a drink and chat. I met a lovely lady who recognised me from this site! She said she never posts herself but loves to read everyone’s holiday reports.

Well, all caught up - am off to Fresh now to chat with my pals to see if we will go ahead with tonight’s dinner plans at Paraxenos - fingers crossed they will, or I’ll be on my own 😁

Have you got a smartphone Kate? Mine’s just gone off with the new fangled government alert - no, we’re not being invaded, but we are warned of severe weather, thunderstorms and hailstorms and go hide indoors and down venture out for 24 hours - I think, because as a total novice I tried clicking it to read the full English version and clicked “disappear” so a memory version is the best I can do. Anyway, the rain has just stopped (almost) to allow us to dash out to Vareli for evening victuals. 

An hour ago the national emergency alert thing landed on my phone and watch saying the police have issued a prohibition against driving on the mountain roads. Pity the poor quad enthusiasts🤣

Crikey Dennis you are having it tough all flights from birm Bristol Manchester cancelled today. Road closed from bus stop 4 to Kouk as road flooded and I’m sure read somewhere burst pipe near traffic island. Awful for people on 7 day holiday, this is when it’s useful to be on package doesn’t cost you any extra if delayed leaving otherwise could rack up big bill for extra days. As matter of interest if you book car parking at uk airport and are delayed 24 hours if you leave can you re enter car park the next day as the cameras will have already recorded number plate. We have taxi as found it cheaper and more convenient as not far from east mids. I’m the taxi for son’s grandchildren gone 3 drops pick ups this year including 3 am!!

Huh. Just had txt from grandson delayed until tomorrow.

Hope you’re okay, and that the power and water are back on at the Alkyon.