Three weeks to go….

On the 6th September I will be heading back to the UK for 5 days before flying out to South America for just over three weeks. I am heading out there with Bill, a friend & neighbour in Middleton who I went to Kili with. Mrs D is abstaining from this trip as the thought of a week on a small boat round the Galapagos Islands and then trekking up to Machu Picchu doesn’t excite her much. Big hills and boats are not in the fave things to do box!

Mrs D is staying out here in Corfu as her friend Wendy is coming out on the flight I am going back on, then her brother Reg is coming out for a week before they both fly back to the UK together. I am back in the UK early October, when we have little over a week before we both fly back out here to see out the season and the sun. The plan then is to drive back to Middleton at the end of November.

Before all this moving about takes place we have a few things to do here. Steps to alter, lots of painting, plastering and pointing to do outside and a few odd bits to finish off. (Well, we didn’t come out here for a rest you know!!)

I am sure we will manage the odd swim and drink with friends now and again.

Another saga came to an end in August, back in June I started the process of registering my bike out here. One thing lead to another and we had to get residency permits to complete the process then more back and forth with copies of this and that then I finally got my Greek plate on Monday 30th August. The old YD06 CKL is no more and we are now ETT 27!! The fun starts now looking for insurance and tax, I’m sure there will be more hoops to leap through.

There have been a couple of fires on the hills last couple of weeks most notably Tuesday eve this week when the hills at the back were well alight and took some getting under control. There were choppers with buckets of water and fire engines all over.

It is now the last weekend before I go and time has just flown by. Most chores done and going away lists done and checked I think I’m about prepared. A few things to get in the UK and we should be OK. We are hoping for a BBQ this weekend but we appear to have some off that strange wet stuff coming down from the sky so we will have to see if it goes away.

I will have to leave the blogging until I return (unless I get near a pc whilst away) and will fill you in on my antics & Mrs D’s guests when I get back. Y’all keep in touch now……..Mr D.

Fourth visitors.

Our dear friends Mick & Sue arrive tonight and as I mentioned earlier these are the original “busy people.” With work, family, DIY, social and many other commitments I don’t know how they manage to keep up with what they’ve got going on! All this considered we want them to have a rest but we are a little worried about how they will get on with the heat as it is in the low forties now. They also escape the DIY chores others have endured and Mrs D will have a full time battle going on trying to keep them out of her new kitchen!

Flight again on time, off to Kopsocheilades we go. Mick has this thing that all seas are cold and with this view he will not swim in any of them. The challenge will be to get him in the sea to prove it’s not cold!

Day one and we have a wander round Acharavi and a coffee. We then go for a swim, yes he went in and no it wasn’t cold. In the evening we had a few drinks a BBQ and went out to Nappys in the eve to see our local noisy rocker.

Wednesday we drove over to Arillas and had a walk before going for another swim and yes this time it was very cold! Funny but our neighbour here Spiro always swims here and more often than not it is cooler. Anyhow, today it was freezing by Corfu standards and not to be rushed to again.

Thursday we had a long day out. We set off early and headed south through Corfu town and down to Lake Korisson. Lake Korisson is a natural inlet from the sea and also a nature reserve. Very pretty too with sand dunes along the coast. Funny but the further along the coast you walk away from the crowds, the less clothes people wear. Always the case but it is usually the ones that are best covered up that have everything hanging out, most untidy. After a swim we headed over to the east coast and Lefkimmi. A pretty little spot with a canal running out to sea just to the south of the town. In the evening we headed back up to Corfu town and had a wander round. Much easier to do in the evening when it is a few degrees cooler. Gyros and beers were consumed and after watching the bells being rung at the Church of St Spiridon by hand literally, we headed back home.

Friday was a lazy start owing to the previous days early start and lengthy drive. When we finally got motivated we had a wander into the olive grove looking for figs, then a bit of shopping in Sidari and a swim before early doors. Later we headed out again to a local bar to see an acoustic guitarist.


Saturday we were heading for Makrades to look at a photo exhibition, which was sadly closed. Still we stumbled on a lovely little coffee stop in the village and drove through Pagi where they filmed the famous 2CV Citroen scene in the Bond film for your eyes only. We also went to the top of the island and Pantokrator. Quite a bendy drive but worth it when you get to the top! Yet another swim at Acharavi before an evening BBQ.

Sunday was a trip to Kassiopi, then another swim at a local beach before dining out in Sidari.

Monday came around so fast but I think they had a fun packed week and Mick managed to get in the sea everyday! A bit more shopping in Sidari before a gyro and mythos tea then off to the airport again. It was lovely to have them here and good for us to have the break too, I think it went well and was enjoyed. The countdown now starts for me with only three weeks before it’s my run to the airport and Blighty for a few days.