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Greece still remains in a category of it’s own for holidays; the Greek way of life is the essential ingredient. Avrio" is the equivalent of "manjana" and is very much the culture. For the Greeks, people are the priority; the service is casual, usually friendly. Nothing is so important that it cannot be put aside for a chat and a cup of thick Greek coffee. Children must he seen and heard and are called "gifts from God", always welcomed with a smile. Greece is rural; everyone has chickens, sheep and dogs, and very likely a noisy cockerel, which will have no respect for the hour! Old Spiros still has his donkey for bringing home the firewood who often honks "kali mera" to Katerina's donkey at 7 am, along with the dog, saying his piece, and so the day begins!...
These are simple people as is their accommodation. The plumbing often gets a mention on first timer's post cards. We all wonder how modern Greeks came to forget what their forebears had mastered 2000 years ago! Loo paper still often has to be put in bins. Lets mention too that electricity cuts are an occasional fact of life (like rural Britain!)
The water is perfectly safe to drink and Corfiots are proud of it. Greek life is geared to outside living, so sitting rooms are rare; we "lounge" on our balconies.
Showers not baths are the norm. Kitchens are basically equipped for cooking breakfasts and knocking up a quick snack not a gourmet meal, but all have ovens, but do not go looking for the microwave. (Besides eating out is fun and still good value). Though Travel with Friends has supplied toasters, and kettles in most houses.
Bedrooms all have wardrobes, but limited drawer space. Please note extra beds are fold up camp beds. On arrival, your house will be clean and beds made up.
The maid’s duties are just to empty bins and clean bathrooms and sweep through - "The bare minimum".
Linen is provided and is changed once a week, (except where otherwise stated under each house description). Greek towels are notoriously small... so bring your own beach and bath towels.
Our properties are chosen for those who do not want the "buzz" of a complex, who wish for some degree of privacy, who are happy with simple standards in an ideal location.
THE WEATHER in the lonian is normally good from May to October. Greekophiles will come in early season knowing the mountains will still be green and everywhere ablaze with flowers, bring a kagool in case of the odd late April shower. Everything is clean and fresh - including the locals. The sea is cool in May and warms up by June, when magical fireflies transform the olive groves into a fairyland. July is the hottest month. In August the Maistro, a strong north wind, which clears the heat haze and makes seas choppy, often tempers the heat. The island also becomes more cosmopolitan with many Italian visitors. In September the pace slows down, the evenings start to draw in and thanks to the odd storm a second spring brings forth the cyclamen and crocus again.
The sea remains warm right into October when preparations start for the winter crop of olives.
WAY OF LIFE - is best described simply as easy going. Things move at a slow pace, with relaxed days on the beach, followed by a night out at one of the many tavernas. Food is mainly meat or fish charcoal grilled, with salad and wine. The food is not highly spiced. Vegetarians are now being catered for slightly more, but choice is still quite limited. The average cost of an evening meal with wine in 2007 in a taverna was about £12 p.p.
CLOTHES - During the day, most people wear swimming costumes with sarongs or shorts, and in the evening something tidy, but casual. It is a good idea, always to bring a warm sweater or a cardigan.
FESTIVALS are innumerable. We have parades on national holidays with an English heritage of brass bands, and colourful local fiestas. We will be happy to advise which ones fall within your holiday.
LANGUAGE English is widely spoken, though many locals also speak some German and Italian.
PHONING HOME is easy from the many card phones. Cheap rate Greek international phone cards can be bought at www.lemontel.com and local shops. Make sure you have activated a roaming service with your mobile phone provider. With Pay as you go mobiles, ensure that your card has sufficient credit, as you will not always be able to top it up locally. Remember you will pay a portion of all received calls whilst abroad too! People with phones not “locked” may find it best to buy a local Sim card. If in doubt check before you leave!
MONEY Sterling Travellers cheques are still the best and safest option, though cash is widely accepted; all exchangeable locally. Credit cards are useful, but not widely accepted in shops or tavernas. Cash withdrawals can be made at cash points, with pin numbers in Kassiopi, Acharavi and Sidari and Roda (though this is a more expensive way to get foreign currency).
POST OFFICES are located in Karousades, Acharavi and Corfu town.
TAXIS are reasonable and there are ranks in Sidari, Roda, Kassiopi and Acharavi.
BUSES radiate to and from Corfu Town. There is a service along the north coast between Sidari and Kassiopi.
MEDICAL - Acharavi has a doctor, a dentist and a chemist in the village. Ag. Stefanos has a doctor but the chemist is in Sidari. Nissaki and Kaminaki have no doctor, but one can be called if necessary.
MOSQUITOES are a Mediterranean nuisance easily controlled with repellents - best bought in UK - and small electric machines, best bought locally.
THINGS TO DO - You need not read "boring" for quiet and peaceful! There are numerous activities available, riding, tennis, water sports including snorkelling and scuba diving, walking (ideal for bird watchers and artists) mountain bikes, cars and sightseeing tours around Corfu and further a field to mainland Greece, other islands and Albania. There is a water park in the centre of the island and a small water and sports park in Acharavi too. Don't forget also trying local cuisine and vintages!
SCOOTERS, MOPEDS, QUADS AND BUGGIES deserve a mention, we realise they are a cheap and fun way of getting about, but the roads are entirely unsuitable for inexperienced riders and are not recommended.
BABIES - Corfu's temperate early and late season is ideal for babies, as long as sensible precautions of sun block and sun hats are taken. No family should worry about bringing a small baby, but do stay out of midday sun. Nappies are easily found. Baby food is available, though limited in choice. If concerned, bring it with you.
WE SUPPLY COTS FREE OF CHARGE.
· Bring your own cot linen and plastic sheet.
· Highchairs/Pushchairs available on request.
DISABLED CLIENTS please contact us for advise as we know all the properties and areas inside and out and know which are suitable, and which not.
BRING WITH YOU - We know that life as we know it, can end if someone cannot get his or her favourite! The answer is simple - Bring it! All imported items are inclined to be more expensive i.e. cereals, and kiddie snacks like Beans, or hoops or peanut butter, so put 'em in! Nothing can beat a real English cuppa so bring the Typhoo.
· A torch is useful.
· A brolly and sweater are wise in early and late season, and for cooler evenings.
· Adaptors are needed for all your appliances, which will all work on Greek voltage.
·Bath and beach towels.
· Please be considerate to fellow travellers - bring a plastic sheet for your small child if necessary.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
· Mobile air conditioning units for rent. (Availability limited so best to pre-book, rates on request)
· Fans for hire.
SUGGESTED READING, MAPS & GUIDE BOOKS
Bartholemew - Corfu & lonian Island Map.
Landscapes of Corfu - Noel Rochford, for walks & drives.
My family and Other Animals - Gerald Durrell.
(A wonderful glimpse of Corfu wildlife, still to be seen today.)
Rough Guide to Corfu.
2nd Book of Corfu Walks - Hilary Paipeti
In the footsteps of Laurence Durrell - Hilary Paipeti
Prospero's kitchen - Diana Farr
Captain Corelli’s Mandolin- Louis de Berniere
A house in Corfu -Emma Tennant
Greek Walls - John Waller
PLEASE ASK FOR QUOTES FOR HOLIDAYS OF LONGER DURATIONS AND EXTENDED RENTALS!
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