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Dear Friends
It is hard to believe that we are preparing for our 6th summer as Travel with Friends.
We thought we should send a newsletter to update those who have not been fortunate enough to come to Corfu for a while and to help you keep in touch with friends.
It's conception at the Skondros Taverna in Acharavi seems only yesterday until you look at Eleanor, Sue's daughter who was in the first brochure aged 2 and a half and whose idea of a nightmare was another trip to the printers! The new addition to our team, (which explains Carole's increase in size in '97) is Xenya, her daughter. Xenya is also very fond of the biscuit tin and regulars are amused by the "help' she gives mum on her visits! Some, perhaps, miss the visits they used to have from our animal friends. Sadly Duffy, Carole's black dog and Sue's Mishka are now chasing heavenly rabbits in the sky. Though the floosy, a stray that adopted Sue and stayed, amuses children at the office with her "play dead" trick and her willing submission to any attention.
Many of you receiving this edition of the brochure will be familiar with some of the faces in the photos. For some this will the first contact with us, perhaps after having met Sue in her office in Acharavi, or after a recommendation by a friend or even, we say rather proudly, after having found our site on the internet. Happily for us a number of people seem to wish to move away from inflexible package holidays to something smaller and friendlier, and those that have already done so are now wondering why they endured holidays the other way!
Our taxi transfers from the airport are definitely a winner. Regular visitors to Corfu who have experienced the airport at its busiest, appreciate being whisked away in an air-conditioned Merc whilst others sweat their way on a 3 hour transfer dropping of numerous other holiday makers at their apartments en route.
We have tried, each year, to make some little improvements, like the addition of toasters and kettles and even shower curtains have been fitted where possible, little conveniences which take the edge of the simplicity of Greek accommodation. (Our project for 2001 is sunbeds! Keep your fingers crossed!)
May we take this opportunity of thanking those friends who have recommended us to others? We know how much our success is due to your support.
Let us now introduce our website! Though we often feel like dinosaurs, this was time to move with the times! Take a peek at www.twfcorfu.com! It is it's first year, but log on; the Internet is a New World for us and we are learning what people want to see all the time. We have a contact page so you can check out the availability of your next holiday. We have a sticker, which will show the real time temperature and weather, updated all day long. There are links to a weather forecast, the current rates of exchange and we plan to add very soon, links to other useful Greek sites, like the quarterly Greek newspaper "Greek 0 file", and other little gems. We lso plan to add our own "guide book", with details of something we are often asked for; local walks.
For those who do not have the internet, let us tell you about some of the little changes in our resorts that may add to your holiday, or just as gossip!
Aharavi now has an Internet cafe! Some of you may not yet know that an old Aharavi institution, the Gloo Gloo taverna has sadly closed. The children did not want to follow in their parent's footsteps, feeling perhaps, that the world is their oyster. We are also proud to say that Aharavi continues to lead the way in being the first community with pavements (shaded by leafy trees) and real street lighting! It also now has a large modern supermarket called Dimitra, selling all sorts from tomatoes to televisions! Sea food lovers will appreciate the fresh fish stall now opened in the village. To keep you fully up to date, Brad, of Captains Aris bar, now has his own place "Brad's Pit" on the old village road, and is also no longer free and single.! Jane has had a slightly accident prone summer, and has possible plans for a new venture in 2001-watch this space.
Finally Castaway Travel has moved up in the world, and is on the far side of the Captain Aris bar, which is now in the capable hands of Georgos and Anna. Georgos will be remembered from Le Chef restaurant and Anna, from Castaway and her days as a rep.
Agios Stefanos has seen a few changes. The new harbour at far end is now finished. Michealis of Anatoli has closed the travel office and in its place has opened a small "kafenion" which has become the locals favourite haunt. Helena's market shut this year, and Vangelis was back out fishing, but is rumoured that it will reopen in 2001. Vangelis is once again free and single! Mihalis (Helena's husband) has not been well, but we are all looking on the bright side and Theodora is still hoping Spiros will finally settle down.
Kaminaki has finally widened part of the road, although it is as steep as ever! The second taverna has officially opened, but Costa has ventured to pastures new, so the gift shop has closed. Spiros and family are all well, with Spiros enjoying his winters in England now. Anna and Asterios still organise things on the water, and the brood is no larger! Finally we are happy to add to our programme the air conditioned Prokopis apartments just behind the village, which we think will prove to be very popular for 2001.
We know its boring and you've been before... but please may we ask you to take the time to read our insert, we really want to help make your holiday the success you deserve. We must insist that you take out holiday insurance at the time that you book with us. Nobody likes to think the unthinkable that you may have to cancel, but if you do, at least you have protected yourself as far as you can for any financial penalties that you may incur either from us or the airline.
Talking of airlines, the charter flight business has had a big change of policy recently and it generally is much cheaper to book your flights well in advance than wait till the last minute. Do shop around; it is getting harder and harder to find independent information in the high street as so many travel agencies are owned by big tour operators. Peter Cookson is an Abta bonded, independent agent, who having lived here for years has a soft spot for Corfu. Get a second quote from him to make sure you are getting the best deal (Tel.: 01423 324525)
Sorry to have to mention this, but PLEASE do think carefully about night flights, arriving on one is easy, but departing is not always so easy. You may, in high season, find yourself with a midday check out and no courtesy room available. We do our best to make this as painless as possible but some times there are many hours to fill entertaining flagging children before its time to go.
To old friends and to those of you who have not yet travelled with us, we look forward to meeting you in 2001.
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