Corfu Newsletter 2005

As summer 2004 draws to an end it's amusing to look back at all that has happened. The cycle of quiet times in tourism continues, though there is great optimism that the new image that Greece created for itself in its presentation of the Olympic Games will soon turn the tide. People will certainly have to look at Greece with new eyes now.

This was followed by the celebration of the Olympic flame coming to Corfu on part of its final journey round the world back to Athens; a fantastic evening enjoyed by thousands. Every car and building proudly sported a Greek flag, these remained there for the advent of the Olympic Games. The vision was to combine history, culture and peace with the spirit of Olympic sportsmanship. They achieved their goal and some.

So forgive us if we wax a little lyrical here. Even those who have lived here for years, whilst despising the international press for their constant “Greek bashing”, and undermining of people's confidence in the likelihood of it all being ready, secretly had fingers crossed behind their backs.

We found an Athens ready and waiting, vibrant, clean, and in party mood. Even taxi drivers, not renowned for their cheerfulness or good manners, were on their best behaviour. Welcome home flags fluttered colourfully over the streets. The new metro, which comes all the way in from the new airport, is amazing, so clean and interesting with archaeology exhibitions on display in many places.

The transportation to and fro all the venues worked like clockwork with no queues anywhere. The venues themselves were wonderful. The ceremony itself, was electric, made magic by the rising of a full moon over the massive stadium. The Games ended in traditional Greek style, with music and dancing, and snippets of Greek life, from a wedding to the arrival of a cheeky gipsy lorry selling watermelons!

All other events this year have paled into insignificance, except perhaps in Sue's case, as Eleanor (her daughter) had an accident on her bicycle and broke her collar bone resulting in a trip to a specialist in Athens to have it pinned, how convenient for mother that it coincided with the Olympics! Eleanor is now fine and well on the road to recovery and luckily it didn't spoil her going to the closing ceremony. It did put a damper on her summer swimming, but next year she can make up for lost time! This did also mean that Riley, the manic ball retrieving Labrador, didn't get as many beach outings to hassle people into being her thrower.

Carole, in her usual big hearted way, ended up adopting a soppy stray Alsatian cross dog that she had taken in for fostering while his broken leg healed and his owners were sought! He is now there to stay, increasing the fold to three......... just as well she has moved into her new house!

We have all enjoyed much more normal summer weather this year, with no extremes of heat, or unusual rain, allowing us to hope that previous heat waves and wet spells were just a blip, not signs of climate change! The pre-book able mobile air conditioning units though were still well appreciated!

We are pleased to announce that we have held our prices for 2005! Thanks to you all, Travel with Friends is holding its own. Though we regret the necessity for changing our final payment period. We have been forced to amend this to 6 weeks prior to arrival in order to allow sufficient time for us to fulfil our commitments to our owners, and properly advise of any cancellations.

ACHARAVI: Angeliki's renovation was completed (like the Olympics) on time and as we knew it would be, with style. Many past guests have rediscovered Beachside Bungalows and hopefully, the chance that Vangelis took, in going independent, will soon start to reap the benefits. The owner of Anthony did not make any changes in the end, and it continues to offer a simple base for larger parties.

Acharavi has difficult times ahead as all the major tour operators have drastically cut their programmes, and Golden Sun holidays collapsed. The village itself has seen more changes as Arthur did not return to open Brad's Pitt (Arty's place) and Tina and John closed the Rock Bar which replaced Zanzibar. Evidence that opening a new business here is risky and should not be undertaken lightly. Georgos of Meandros Gold on the back road has consolidated his two shops into one on the main road in front of the church. The owners of the Taurus supermarket bought and developed the old Matula apartments on the main road next to the bank, ending the confusion between them and the good apartments with a pool below the Dimitra supermarket.

The Lemon Garden bar was re opened this year as a grill restaurant by Christos and Soula of the Maistro restaurant, where Angelos and Alexi played their Bouzouki and guitars each week, as well as in the Apagio.

We are as disappointed as everyone else at the large development going on near the Avra taverna in Almiros. Rumoured to be an all-inclusive complex, it is obviously responding to a perceived demand for this type of holiday, sad non-the less to see the rape of one of Corfu's last virgin beaches.

The dog pound which had been run by the charity Care (www.carecorfu.com) and which has successfully re-homed many dogs has suffered a set back and has had to close. The local council, which was responsible for initial construction of the pound, has taken over the operation and hopes to find a suitable site for a larger place soon. Sadly Sally who had put so much love and effort into the dogs has had to return to the UK due family ill health, she will be missed.

Kev and Rob of PlanetOlivewood had done an amazing job raising funds for the charity though various entertainment nights and a sponsored bicycle ride. It was unfortunate that they had to return suddenly to the UK due to unforeseen circumstances and are much missed. They left the Planet under the new management of Rob and Lisa who run it much the same way; it has some very nice new Olive tree themed decor. Kev and Rob have done much to support the bar and the resort as a whole on the new Acharavi Internet forum on www.corfu-acharavi.com

Whilst on the subject of missing people, many of you will have known Scottish Davey, the painter. It is with great sadness that we have to announce his tragic death in a motorbike accident in May. He was talented craftsman, a tremendously colourful personality with a warm heart and a good sense of humour. His “How are ya hen”s will be remembered for a long time. I (Sue) imagine him looking down at his funeral with a wry grin, he would have been amazed at the turnout of people and he would undoubtedly have been surprised by the generous donations that enabled him to be buried in style in the beautiful peaceful churchyard in Banados. This is a tribute to his surrogate family, the Banos' at Spiros Supermarket who made it all possible.

Also much missed is the Two Brothers restaurant which changed hands this year, and is now Mezekliki, and run by Sotiris and his family that used to have the Cactus bar on the beach, the garlic chicken for 2 is still a popular item on the menu!

Along the East coast the property boom still seems to be in full swing, with developments on the North East corner. The good news it is tasteful buildings mainly villas and pools. Generally the drop in tourism hit the East coast hard this year, particularly the tiny hamlet of Kaminaki. Whilst being wonderful for the regular visitors who loved having the beach to themselves, it is hoped that 2005 will bring better things for the area.

The good news was that the truly traditional Greek night with its national dancers and Spitted lamb still remained as popular as ever and attracted people from far and wide. Sunbed George has finally retired from Kaminaki beach, but is still seen be clearing the beach each morning and enjoying his ouzo at sunset. The sunbeds can now be hired from "young George" and his wife Alexander.

Just along the coastal footpath, Agni, dubbed the gourmet Capital of Corfu, still attracts those who wish to sample the delights of the much-publicised tavernas situated there. Spotting the stars on the luxury yachts has been a lot harder this year then in the past - (Where did Cruise and De Nero go this year?) Toula's Taverna's cookery and local history book is selling well. Taverna Nicholas still attracts the crowds for his Greek night and Taverna Agni is as popular as ever even though Nathan was not well this summer, we wish him a speedy recovery. The new taverna "Anthi" situated up on the main road between Kaminaki and Nissaki has proved very popular with visitors offering good local food at reasonable prices. Alexis' shop also on the main road, above Nissaki, offers local produce of honey, oil, cheese and other local specialities and has proved to be attractive to visitors for presents to take home.

Agios Stefanos has had a quiet but steady summer with the opening of a new bistro above the beach by the church and Spiros American wife Kathrine opened a unique "bijoux" gift shop with innovative ideas and many beautiful things. It was also nice to have a doctor full time in the village and it is hoped he will remain. Mihalis and Helenas are now the proud grand parents of a bouncing baby boy, yet to be christened, but Vanglis assures us there will be a "big party". Mihalis continues to be well and is no longer visiting the mainland for treatment. No building work has been started in the old village, and only two new houses on the Stousa road, so the village maintains it quiet feel.

We know it seems our brochure insert does not change but….. please may we ask you to take the time to read it, we really want to help make your holiday a success. Each year we do change some details that will be relevant to your holiday! PLEASE note the change in the cancellation period.

We must insist too , 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.

It continues to be our experience that flights seats are a better price when purchased well in advance, especially for those who want longer holidays. For those who are thinking of “going independent” for the first time, don't worry, it is easy. Flights can be booked through your local travel agent, teletext and many Internet sites. The only word of caution is to make sure that the company you chose is ATOL/ABTA bonded.

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 and find yourself with a midday check out and no courtesy room available. We do our best to make it as painless as possible but sometimes there are many hours to “fill” entertaining lagging children before its time to go.

We are constantly aware of the importance of personal recommendation in a business like ours, and would again like to express our appreciation to those who have passed on our brochures and recommend us to others. We hope too that people newly added to our mailing list will come to taste our own brand of “small and friendly” holidays.

We realise we have now made a rod for our own backs with our newsletter, and have come to wonder if it is anticipated with more impatience than the brochure!!!

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