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Post by amy114 on May 30, 2016 13:08:21 GMT
Pre-holiday
Having probably read my feedback for last year you may well know that I have a real mental aversion towards ironing and packing my suitcase. That being said, I planned to be more organised this year and flying out on a Sunday, had Saturday for any last minute problems. So I was on top of the ironing doing a bit most evenings and had planned to pack on Friday night. Well after a very stressful last week in work, when I arrived home on Friday I was so tired I did nothing! Still, I had Saturday right?
Set my alarm for 6.00am and following my sleeping pattern all week, I woke up at 5.30 am. Arrgh! Don't you just hate it when that happens? I always feel so cheated! Tried to go back to sleep but just tossed and turned, so had to get out of bed.
Sat in kitchen with my first cuppa of the day and two sips in a lightbulb went off in my head (not literally Dennis). I had not printed off my holiday insurance papers! Knowing my luck, no insurance papers and I would be bound to need them. I get my insurance through work and as I could not log on remotely, yes you have guessed it, I had to go into work. OMG I thought I had finished with that place for 2.5 weeks!
8.45 and on my first train into Manchester. Won't boor you with the details but was 11.00 am by the time I got home. Packing right? No chance. Called into my local Thomas Cook shop just to check that all was well with my tickets etc then off to Tesco to buy a few bits for my mum who is currently in respite (dementia). After visiting mum called in to visit my brother who is just back from holiday on this wonderful piece of Greece then home along the "safe motorway" , well supposedly at any rate! IMO worse now than its ever been!
So back home and it is gone 6.00 pm. Where has the day gone? Right PACKING! Down came the suitcase and everything I had ironed. With everything hanging around the living room I had to make my decision of what to take! Made up my outfits and discarded about five items, now to start packing! Heck this calls for a glass of wine. Five hours later after feeding cats, making dinner and feeding self and a long telephone call with my sister I am finally packed, well sort of. I have ordered my taxi for 8.30 am in the morning to take me to train station so at least that's sorted. :-) another must do out of the way! Hang goes my early night!
At 3.30 in the morning, and after cleaning the kitchen I set my alarm for 6.00 am and went to bed!
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Post by amy114 on May 30, 2016 14:07:03 GMT
Day one
Up before the alarm again!!!!!!! Enjoyed a cuppa, fed the cats, showered and dressed, back to my packing! I know, it makes you wonder how I manage to get to the airport on time doesn't it! :-):-)
Popped the few last items in case, locked it (no way was I going to open it again, anything not packed I can get at the airport or in Skiathos) weighed it - under 20 kilos (really, I am sure the kitchen sink went in there) and turned my back on it and devoted my attention to my cabin bag.
I am not obsessed with music but every morning I tune into my local radio station and enjoy whilst I drink my morning cuppa and really miss it when on holiday. Unfortunately I am not one of the millions who plug into their phones in a morning (or anytime of the day for that matter) blasting my eardrums to the point of deafness, preferring to listen to music from a distance. Now where are my favorite sunglasses? Put them in living room last night but the mysteriously grew legs and walked. Couldn't find them anywhere!
I had packed my little disk player, separate speakers and some of my favorite singers (not literally) and with everything else (separate outfit, just in case my suitcase went to America, pair of sandals, all my wiring for my gadgets, plugs, insurance papers:-) )and other miscellaneous items, I decided to sling it on my shoulder to see whether I could cope with the weight. NO!!! So out came all my musical paraphernalia and I weighed it. Really, 5 kilos? But there is nothing in there now!
Wrote instructions for feeding of cats for a friend, and bang on 8.30 am text that my cab had arrived. Struggled with luggage to cab but after two trips and armed with my favourite straw hat, locked up and we were heading to the train station. Arrived at the station bought my ticket but found that the first train (8.53) was with a change at Piccadilly so decided to catch the next, direct train at 9.20 am. Hmm, actually I learned that it was 9.35 and in the end arrived 10 minutes. But it is Sunday and you don't have that many passengers do you? There should be no delays! Was gasping for a cuppa and consoled myself with the fact that having an hour to wait, I could get one at the cafe on the platform and start my holiday feedback! Wrong, it was closed and up for rent! OK, hopefully I can get one on the train. NO.
Now, you would think that train companies would use appropriate carriages for an airport train wouldn't you? Yes, no? Accept if you are travelling from the north! No, we had a train with no luggage racks and guess what, everyone boarding had luggage! In just dumped my case near an exit (I know, how inappropriate of me) but by this time I didn't care.
I went to sit down and bumped into (but not literally) a woman I used to work with 15 years ago. Small world! She, her daughter and her friend were off to Ireland for a few days. Chatted til we arrived at the airport then went our separate ways.
Made my way over to Terminal 1, and check-in was really smooth, through security and despite doing everything right this yea, still one of my tubs was pulled aside for inspection. It appears it was something in my handbag - nothing found even after he had a little root around, and through to the lounging area. By this time my tongue was stuck to the roof of my mouth and I was getting pretty desperate for my cuppa so went I to the Giraffe and ordered breakfast. Consumed my cuppa with gusto. Next off to Boots and WH Smith's then wait for the gate to open.
Gate opened at 12.30 pm with flight at 1.15 pm. Right we should all be boarded by 1.00 pm and will just wait a short while before slot is confirmed. Are you mad woman, that isn't how we operate! Let Asus tell you how it is going to play out. First we demand that you are at the gate for 12.30 pm but no attendants will be there until 12.45 pm. Then we will make a few announcements before we open the gate at 12.55 pm. Once opened we will request that the last 6 rows will board first, that will take at least 5 minutes. Then we fancy a free for all and will announce that the remaining passengers board. No shilly shallowing now, we have a slot for 1.15 pm and we need you and your hand luggage strapped down and strapped in. Go through and hit a bottleneck. On board, hand luggage stowed, 1.20 pm. Pilot announces that we are just waiting for a slot, really? Final takeoff, 1.45 pm!
Flight uneventful, just the way I like it, with a little turbulence but nothing to worry about.
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Post by *Di* on May 30, 2016 14:29:05 GMT
Great read!! And your description of boarding is spot on...Im sure it can be better organised.. Looking forward to further chapters Amy..  |
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Post by exgreekgod on May 30, 2016 14:32:42 GMT
Everything went so smoothly!!
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Post by amy114 on May 30, 2016 16:55:21 GMT
Landed with a real bump (never experienced that before with Skiathos) and it felt to me that the plane bounced twice before the pilot applied the brakes and the g-force plastered me to the seatback(just kidding).
On final approach the pilot announced that he didn't know which runway we would be landing on and was waiting for instructions (oh dear, is this his first trip?) should we brace for landing? So we headed in getting lower and lower, then he banked and when we levelled out again we seemed to be higher than we had been. Thought he was going to go round again and have another bash at it. Didn't recognise the scenery as we approached and one of my traveling compqnions said he was coming in from the opposite way! OK, different. I am sure we are still too high! So, there is a piece of Skiathos then an unattractive beach, oh is that cliff side a bit close? Still to high? Bang, bounce,bounce, Skiathos we have landed.
What a disappointment for all those people waiting for the plane to fly over their heads, but we did get a few waves as a welcome. :-):-)
Very impatient female security officer checking passports! But then through for a bit of a wait until the luggage came through. Oh dear, no maps. No problem for me though! 0ver to the taxi rank. Taxi driver "how many"? Me "one". Taxi driver :-( Me "shall I sit in the front until some else arrives"? Taxi driver :-). Joined by a family of three who got off at BS14 then on to BS16.
AND RELAX :-)
In apartment and a note from V to say that she and P were waiting for me at Pegasus and to join them for dinner. Said hello to Costas and his daughter at Dream House on the way - has built a lovely under cover area at the front, very 21st century, lots of little fairy lights and looks great lit up at night.
Lots of hello's, welcome backs, kisses and hugs, and a present from Voulla of 4 bars of Greek soap! (I do love my Greek soap), each to their own.
Had a good first meal - Moussaka followed by baclava with ice cream, and along with V and P's main course and dare I say it, five bottles of wine and one ouzo (not all consumed by me and smaller than usual sized bottles) 2 free sweets, the bill came to 52 euros.
Went to bed, will unpack tomorrow morning. :-):-)
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Post by dennisn on May 30, 2016 18:14:16 GMT
Hurray, Amy's back at last! And you DID take off at 13:40, it said so on Flightradar24. I watched you landing and saw that you came in the wrong way - flew down to Skopelos, then did a turn and went back, then landed southwards. The flight leaving just as you taxied into the stand also took off the wrong way. I do hope Thomsons don't get caught up in this bad habit - I've reserved our seats to take a northwards landing! Have a great holiday Amy and keep the reports coming - all your predecessors this year so far have let us down badly, so we are relying on you.  |
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Post by amy114 on May 31, 2016 10:17:24 GMT
Day two
Monday
Woke up this morning feeling slightly delicate! :-) Had no milk as I hadn't bought any provisions in but thank goodness for lemon and ginger tea! After three large cups I was feeling more like myself. Relaxing and listening to the sounds of the countryside on my balcony, cockerel crowing, dog answering his call with one of those singing howls, chicks clucking, goats bleating and goat bells tinkling, crows cawing and butterflies chasing each other in circles. Could have stayed there all day soaking it all in, but needs must and I needed a proper cup of tea!
The supermarket is directly opposite my studio so once I had organised myself I walked the 50 yards and brought some staples. They advertised that if you spent 25 euros on food and drink you received a free gift. I spent 31 so wondered what she would pop into my bag. I had to smile, a bar of Greek soap! :-):-) with all the Greek and English soap at home I reckon I don't need to buy any for at least a year! They didn't have everything I needed but there is always the supermarket at the Roulla!
Where does the time go when you are relaxing? Half the day gone and stomach rumbling I headed for Pegasus for brunch. Eggs, bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, sausage, toast, tea and orange! Definitely hit the spot! :-). Oh, 7.50 euros.
WiFi at apartments had appeared slow (cannot get in my studio but is available in the bar) so I tried at the Pegasus. Unfortunately I could not get on - authenticating, then nothing! Hmm, how am I supposed to write a review if I cannot get Wi-Fi??
The sun was out by this time, although strangely it was still overcast but it was hot :-) Wandered down to the Roulla supermarket and picked up some fruit and other bits (booring I know) then popped into the Kohyli to say hello to Cristos. He introduced me to his daughter who is working there this year. Not sure if all 3 sons are also here for this season.
Two coffees and an hour or so later, back to studio to get ready for the evening. Couldn't resist spending 15 minutes on the balcony feeling the evening sun on my skin and again, the sounds of the countryside.
Tonight we went to Green Park for dinner. Very nice ambience and V had reserved a table for us outside. We were served with bread and a small bowl taster. P thought it was a blue cheese dip but, to his disappointment, it tasted like a very creamy tzatziki, with what looked like peas but were not and they were not capers (or very mild ones). Whatever it was, it was very mourish! :-) I chose the bream for my meal and V and P both chose the lamb. They had already told me that the proportions were large. OK, they were not wrong! The bream was de-skinned and de-headed and topped with sliced chopped peppers. It was accompanied by battered fried aubergine slices, portion of rice, portion of chips, half a baked potato and a portion of salad! Suffice to say, I could not eat the half of it! After the meal we were given complimentary ice-cream with a slice of banana and smothered in chocolate sauce. I gave mine to P to eat. With the meal we had two half carafes of wine and one mythos and the whole bill came to 49 euros.
Around 10.00 pm the music was jacked up a few decibels and there was dancing in the bar! Good sounds. Didn't actually get up and join in but feet were tapping and accompanied by some chair dancing.
Back to the studios for a nightcap and off to bed. Gosh 2.00 am already!
A lovely, relaxing day. Now what shall I do tomorrow?
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Post by exgreekgod on May 31, 2016 13:35:36 GMT
Sounds lovely Amy and the food and drink prices sound very reasonable, the weather seems a tad better than here as well!
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Post by dennisn on May 31, 2016 20:40:00 GMT
Meal for three including drinks, 49 Euros and some people worry about if it will be costly when they go!
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Post by amy114 on Jun 1, 2016 9:20:50 GMT
Hi exgreekgod and Dennis, Green Park was lovely and I was surprised by the cost but could have been mate's rates as V is ex-pat. Who knows? However I haven't seen a hike up in prices so far but do expect it. Was told on Monday that government has increased taxes across the board to 23% and going up next month to 24%. The Greek people are going to have to pass some if not all of this onto the tourist. I was told that electric was originally 6% now 23% so I imagine people will be paying more for their aircon. Much to be expected really. We cannot expect that the business owners will be able to absorb these amounts, they would be working all summer for nothing!!! :-(. I think they have been put into a chicken and egg situation by their government.
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Post by *Di* on Jun 1, 2016 9:55:42 GMT
Great reads so far Amy.... thanks again.. |
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Post by amy114 on Jun 1, 2016 10:06:54 GMT
Day Three Tuesday Up slightly earlier than yesterday but not by much. Relaxing on balcony whilst drinking my tea. Sun out and very hot! :-):-) Decided to have lunch in the bar at the apartments and ordered my second fry-up of the holiday. Think Matoulla thought I needed fattening up - 4 slices of bacon, 2 eggs, generous portion of tomatoes and mushrooms, bread, butter, jam, large glass of orange and big mug of tea!! No, I didn't manage it all. Need to get back to my yoghurt and fruit methinks! :-):-) Around 2.00 pm decided to walk up the lane past the studios (only mad dogs and English men, or in this case woman) but hey can't stop doing things because of the heat. I think I have found Victoria cars, or at least their parking garage, underground parking with sign for Victoria Parking and lots of motorcycles on the concourse. A little further on,Vasso Home then Marialena Village. Tiny white church in car park of the latter! Passed private residences,one very large villa and a few single story homes, before coming to a piece of land for sale. Carried on and turned the bend into lovely wooded shaded area. Bliss! There was a fork in the road, the right led to Ligaries beach but as no indication of how far that was I ignored this one, the right was a private road, so took the rugged track opposite. It was so peaceful, wind rustling the leaves on the branches of the trees, the occasional babbling of the brook which ran alongside and the buzzing of the various insects going about their business. Continued along the track for a while then it started to rise. Climbed this but when I got to the top I could see that it became steeper and part of it was open ground so turned back and retraced my steps. I was very surprised to see rocks and stones glittering in the sunlight and noticed that even the smaller stones and dirt were flecked with glitter. I thought this was only confined to Koukanaries beach but must be a phenomenon of the island itself. As I was approaching the Mariaelena Village I heard the tapping of walking sticks and turned back to see a couple of elderly walkers striding along at great speed and within seconds they caught up with me. We said hello and had a conversation for five minutes. They had just completed a 9 mile walk starting at Troulos, through AP, around some heartland/peninsula and were retracing their steps back to Troulos. I felt quite faint with their energy especially as I could only manage a gentle stroll on the flat! We walked along the road together and I said goodbye at my studio. They were going to find a watering hole on the way back to Troulos and I had designs of catching the bus into town. I ended up taking 45 minutes to down before I set off again and was waving to Cost as at the Dream House when I heard, hello, come and join us. Yes my walking companions. I told them I was on my way to town so refused the offer of a drink but ended up staying and accepting a cup of tea! We eventually left together but unfortunately I just missed a bus and as it was getting late, called into the Iguana bar for a drink. I had an extremely late dinner at Orsa, tzatiki to start followed by a Village pizza. Could not do justice to either. The owner asked me if I wanted to take the pizza away but I said no to that but yes to the tzatziki! With a glass of red and a small bottle of water the bill came to 17.20 euros. After leaving a tip me and my my doggy bag went home to bed/fridge. Had to get rid of a centipede before I could finally switch off the lights. Yuck! |
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Post by amy114 on Jun 1, 2016 10:26:20 GMT
A pair of swallows have taken up residence in the bar at the apartments and unfortunately were pooping on the table directly below their nest, so when we returned after dinner on Monday night the owners and friends were trying to fashion a hanging ledge below the nest.
Apparently the Greek people are very superstitious when it comes to nests and will never remove one even after the birds and young have flown as it could harbour bad luck.
They eventually managed their task but had concerns that the birds might leave.
Concerns unfounded. :-):-) The birds are still nesting and it is quaint to see that the female arrives but waits outside the nest until her mate arrives. Once he is there she gets in the nest whilst he keeps guard. Before long he is off and she is left. Don't hear any little cries so I assume they only have eggs at the moment.
A lot different to all the nests on one block of the Skiathos Princess. There must be about 70 of them with birds constantly feeding their young!
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Post by amy114 on Jun 1, 2016 10:26:47 GMT
Thanks Di glad you are enjoying :-)
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Post by *Di* on Jun 1, 2016 11:24:32 GMT
I really am Amy... It is so cold here in my part of Yorkshire, the heating is on full blast, I cant imagine the warmth of the Skiathos sun I will be enjoying in 5 weeks time.. |
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