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Post by cariad23 on May 31, 2024 21:04:45 GMT
I am so enjoying the feedback this year because we have had to cancel our July holiday. Last year we postponed to this year because of husbands walking problems.. His condition has has deteriotated so much that hes unable to work, and relys on mobility scooter to get around, some days hes struggles to get around our bungalow. He could not manage plane steps or walking on sand or uneven surfaces as he needs walking aids. I find it so depressing that we are unlikely to visit skiathos or greece anywhere our favourite place, where we have been to at least once a year for the last 20years since we met. My husband has suggested that i go with a friend who was widowed during covid and loves greece too, in fact we have been to most of the same islands. But it would not be the same, but i may have to to get a sunshine fix. So reading others posts is so enjoyable as Denis says we can still enjoy skiathos through others posts and remember the happy times we have had and all the people we have had the pleasure of meeting. Make the most of your trips because we never know whats round the corner.
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Post by dennisn on May 31, 2024 21:24:34 GMT
Oh Cariad, what can I say? I clicked “Like”, but it was not a pleasure to read. Others who are not suffering the same fate will no doubt be sympathetic, but I’m so selfish I don’t think any of them truly understand what it’s like. This heavy dread is soul destroying. I feel for you.
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Post by cariad23 on Jun 1, 2024 4:13:48 GMT
Thanks Dennis, I never thought I’d end up a cater, having to do everything in the hose and garden, especially as my husband is several years younger than me. I have no problems with duvets though unlike you Dennis . I even checked all tyre pressures other day and filled screen wash which depressed husband as he sees it as “his” job but he was wobbling around . I’m decorating bathroom tomorrow! Loved Dave’s latest drivel I was sitting in bar opposite ferry too watching the docking chaos cars and people streaming off, remembering the many times our holiday started on the ferry to Thassos seagulls flying alongside us on upper deck seeing the island come into view.
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Post by kevb on Jun 1, 2024 7:27:03 GMT
Very sorry to hear this, I know you flew from East Mids like I used to do so it made your reports seem more like my experiences too. Though I've only been with Helen a few short years I can see how different it is being away with someone special and how difficult a decision it would be to go with a friend instead.
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Post by katet on Jun 1, 2024 12:48:26 GMT
I too ‘liked’ your post Cariad, although a hug would be more appropriate. I know too well what it’s like to be in your situation - one minute we were planning for retirement and a two month stay in Skiathos and the next Paul was in hospital facing the news that he had a terminal brain tumour. He tried to urge me to go without him in the months following his operation, but there was just no way - I would have been totally miserable without him. We did have a couple of years more of travel before he became too ill and they were bittersweet times.
I’m so very sorry for you and your hubby, and for Dennis and Vera too. Your advice is good - we do have to make the most of every day, which is why I go away so often now! And I pledge to write holiday reports too … just for you and Dennis.
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Post by cariad23 on Jun 1, 2024 14:25:47 GMT
Thanks everyone, I’m sure you’ll keep skiathos alive for me and Dennis. My friend who lost her previously very fit and active husband in his 60’s due to covid.has travelled several times with a friend, she went to one of her favourite islands and the accommodation and taverna were all saying where’s your husband? It cracked her up but there were so kind and supportive and really looked after her. It’s bittersweet she looks Greece but reminds her of lovely holidays she had so many memories. I remember your husband being ill. Kate seems like yesterday. I met my husband when there was a discussion about skiathos in the pub someone said you’ve been to skiathos haven’t you Di. This man’s just come back six weeks later he moved in ! So Skiathos will always be special.
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Post by yorkshiremouth on Jun 1, 2024 14:50:28 GMT
Another ‘like’ that has a different tone from me.
This may well not be possible, but I know someone with I’d say relatively mild mobility issues - she can walk, but not up a flight of stairs, and not long distances.
They get her on to the plane with a special lift, I think maybe used for luggage? We joke that we’ll stand round and play the Thunderbirds theme tune one time. They may not have one at Skiathos airport, as I think it’s usually used on bigger jets, but who knows. Maybe worth asking.
So it may bepossible. Alkyon springs to mind as somewhere with a life, and dead flat to the town. I know previously someone hired out mobility vehicles on the island, though I’ve heard they’ve stoped - but there may be more than one?
As I say, that may be if no help. But even if it gives you just one last shot? Maybe worth looking into.
My very best wishes to you both.
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Post by dennisn on Jun 1, 2024 18:15:58 GMT
Booking assistance with flight operator gets a good result. We used airport services wheelchair right from going into checkin, to separate departure area in Bristol airport,,separate transport to plane in adapted vehicle which lifts up to separate plane door. At Skiathos slightly less sophisticated, even to offer of a very large Greek to carry her down the steps. They do have a lifty vehicle too, (see my 2017 feedback for commentary!) but sometimes (often) not available, whether mechanical or qualified driver/operator. They pop you in a wheelchair at Skiathos arriving and will also wheel you out to your transport. Departures is also special assistance, airport staff wheelchair you right through checkin, security and passports.
So mobility is not a problem from that viewpoint. For us, just one of several factors, some part of our innards is likely blow up at 35,000ft and if it survives to Skiathos and blows once there, apart from medical facilities there, casevac flights. And carers don’t switch off - last Christmas one of my support group meetings gave us all a small sherry and I turned to the person next to me and said “Oh God, I wish I could have another” - carers can’t.
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Post by derbyshirelass on Jun 27, 2024 18:10:28 GMT
We are unable to go back now and haven’t been since 2019. We still have our memories after 19 visits since 1999. My husband’s sight is not good so he no longer drives. We both can’t walk far. Skiathos is very special to us and always will be but it sounds like it’s not the place we remember. Villa Maria in Troulos was always our favourite place and I hope it stays the same.
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Post by cariad23 on Jun 29, 2024 15:19:17 GMT
Yes it sounds abit hectic this year. I’m sick of people constantly asking are there sunbeds how much. Where should I go to eat. Remember the days we arrived decided for ourselves where to eat never had a bad meal. The last twice we’ve been it did seem very very crowded in town and lots traffic , I did think perhaps time to try somewhere less popular. I love seeing pictures of koukinaries without beds that’s how it was the first time I went beautiful. I’d probably be a bit undignified getting up but who cares. We have met some lovely people there over the years. But the last few times sick of people going on about how many times been and seemed to think it entitled them to certain seats in bars and the accommodation owners undivided attention. Oh well they can’t take our wonderful memories away
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Post by dennisn on Jun 29, 2024 17:07:57 GMT
Just finished Mama Mia 2008 on ITV. I did wonder if anybody out there might begrudge me the free showing on telly, but quickly stopped the thought in favour of extreme envy and sadness over them seeing it in the Atikon. I’ve seen it a few times now but the only place it should be watched is Skiathos open air cinema, with loadsa wine and no smoking.
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Post by yorkshiremouth on Jun 30, 2024 8:59:20 GMT
Just finished Mama Mia 2008 on ITV. I did wonder if anybody out there might begrudge me the free showing on telly, but quickly stopped the thought in favour of extreme envy and sadness over them seeing it in the Atikon. I’ve seen it a few times now but the only place it should be watched is Skiathos open air cinema, with loadsa wine and no smoking. I’m certainly not wanting to start any sort of political debate, but I saw Dennis’ comments and thought I’d go something to put even a small smile on his face. ![](https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240630/865776d1d14d096163c770b171f4497f.jpg)
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Post by cariad23 on Jun 30, 2024 10:12:07 GMT
I’ve seen it so many times still love it. One year when we stayed at oasis Mike showed it on big screen outside by the pool late at night everyone singing along with a drink from the bar wonderful
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