Just wondered what everyone else's first thought is when they let their mind wander to Arillas? I am always transported to the swinging chair at the Marinaki, with a chilled glass of wine looking out to sea! That to me is my ultimate relaxation, just taking in the surrounding beauty and people watching whilst the kids enjoy the last of the warm sun in the pool..
Closely followed by my first 'del-boy' Pina Colada in the Coconut! :-)
That's a nice time of day isn't it Jo. The kids letting rip of any excess energy while you recoup yours!
I like any time of day in Arillas, but at 'your' time I like to be in Ammos or in Georges (o.k the creperie!) drinking a glass of wine, just chilling out and maybe discussing where we are going to eat that night. I just think it makes the day last longer instead of going back to the apartment or whatever to shake the sand out of the towels...and having a snooze...
But thinking about it perhaps my favouritist(!) time is getting up early in the morning, depending on the night before of course...and having a walk around Arillas when it's just beginning to waken up. You can't beat it!!!
Eileenxxx
My favourite time in Arillas is all the time that I spend there. Beautiful mornings, leisurly lunches, relaxing afternoons, divine dinners and lashings of drinks in the Coconut :)
I too love all time at Arillas, but I have to be honest I do like going out to lunch in the evenings. The sun setting, the sea calm, the smell of Greek food, the music, the enterainment, a glass of wine, a Methos, an Ouzo ...................
Amanda
Coming up from a long day on the beach and just sitting on one of the benches along the sea front quietly watching the sun go down...in the full knowledge that it will be back again tomorrow......
What I love about Arillas as that there is no set time for eating out and the dess code is anything goes. (well, within reason)! Its lovely not being restricted by times for a full two weeks.
Hi I love it at about 4ish when we head down to the pool, the kids and hubby have a swim and I can also like Jo just sit and chill.
My favourite times are first thing in the morning when everyone is just waking up, about 4-5 ish going for a swim in the sea, after a shower sitting on the balcony with a large glass of wine reading a few more pages of my book, sitting on the beach watching the sun go down and anticipating a delicious meal in one of the restaurants. These are a few of my favourite things!
Early morning before Arillas has woken, sitting on the balcony, with a coffee, at the Hotel Marina, watching the umbrellas and sunbeds being put up.
Hmmm....or, is it in the evening, sitting on the balcony, with a glass of wine, watching the sun go down........
It's hard to choose - I love every minute there and am counting the days till June. :)
After breakfast on the balcony we tend to head for a walk round the "loop" collect the fresh buns for lunch from the bakery followed by coffee and toast in the Marina and a chat to George Then finally we head to the beach for the afternoon soaking up the sun cooling off with a swim in that perfect sea which can change every day, calm to really foaming and strong.
G&T on the balcony late afternoon, followed by a special meal in the Gratziella rounds off perfect days
Just 10 weeks to go!
First thoughts have to be the sunsets, but also mind wanders to sitting on the balcony in the early evening with an ouzo or a mythos and a good book.
My thought also go to the wonderful friends I have in Arillas and look forward to meeting annually. That's what makes Arillas.
I'll see you there then Ruth.....lol
i love going to the bakery at about 6.30am then down to the beach and sit on the bench and eat my chocolate coissant,the best time of the day in arillas for me,watching the sun coming over the hills of afionas.
My daydream is that we can get over the current arguments over senses of humour etc, and get back to threads like this. To see Marika's photography, and reminisce over past times and dream of future times in our favourite place. The people, the food, the sunsets, the beach, the wonderful spirit of togetherness and tolerance that seems to walk the streets with everybody there.
And then a serious daydream - sitting in any of the tavernas or bars making conversation with local people and others of like mind. that's my daydream....
Phil
Me--------- I love to watch the sea at night.
yes Lindypops,from the Graziella with a jug of their wine and their stuffed vegetables - once I have watched my sunset, the moonlight on the water, hearing the waves ripple up on the pebbles. Wonderful.
Its difficult to pick one thing, an early morning jog / stroll while the air is still clear. Something from the bakery for brekkie. Lunch at the Horizon and 'sitting on the top deck', watching the world go by. An afternoon in the Coconut when the sun is too hot, talking hind legs off donkey's and ruining the end of the film hubby is watching by telling him what happens! (cruel I know) Watching the sunset from the 'pier'. Drinks at Ammos, Fantastic food at whichever restaurant we choose, and then at midnight the chance to stroll along the beach and paddle, 'as you can't do this at home'.
More than one daydream I know, but aren't we lucky that we can have so many things in one place!
It has to be the long morning coffee's and metaxa's a good book sitting outside Thalassa and then the long evening mataxa's sitting once again at Thalassa looking out to sea with a beautiful sunset the people walking by and just the sense of tranquility ah bliss
Ang
I don't know about everyone else but I am so relaxed just reading about all these fabulous daydreams! Isn't it unfair that we only get to feel this happy for a couple of weeks a year! (Well, not Eggy obviously!).
Felt exactly the same Jo... Everyone has filled in the gaps for me... all of it sounds lovely.
I agree with everyone a nice relaxing coffee in the morning sitting on my friends balcony watching the sea, he's got a great view of Albania but ours will be a bit better. I also enjoy watching the birds did anyone see them last year theres about four of them not sure it there hawks or kestrals!!
To wake up for 14 mornings, open the curtains, open the doors and see this.
(http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n179/terrylwarner/window.jpg)
Terry
Once again you have excelled yourself.
Amanda
That was the first photograph that I took in Arillas. You can't get a much better than that when you start a holiday in a place you have never been to before. I just wish I had the sound to go along with the photo.
Me and my mate Brian's conversation.
Location : Sunbeds round the Mirage pool.
Time: 10.30 am, our first morning.
Brian : Aaah this is lovely !
Barry : Yup !
Brian: What time is it ?
Barry : Half ten.
Brian: Can you get beer at this time ?
Barry: Yup.
Brian : I think I'll wait a bit.
Barry: Ok.
Barry: If I wanted a bacon and sausage sandwich now I could have one....If I wanted.
Brian: Aye.
Barry : If I wanted a beer I could just order one........if I wanted.
Brian: You could n'all.
Barry: In fact I could have a full English,9 pint's of Mythos and a couple of choc ices......if I wanted to !
Brian: Yup.
Barry: And I could just jump into that pool or Jacuzzi.....if I fancied it as well.
Brian : You could.
Barry: Or I could just walk over that road and I'd be in the lovely warm sea in the sunshine !
Brian: (Snoring).
Barry: So do yer fancy a beer Bri ?
Brian : (More snoring.)
Barry: Brian !?
(http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/9152/cimg00081uj2.jpg)
This was the end of our first day on Arillas beach. Not a great photo, but the start of our love affair with Arillas 2006.
Paul
love it, love it, love it. Great photo!
Terry, I can well imagine why you thought you'd died and gone to heaven after that view, Barry, very funny and true. I always wait till 12 for my first cider as I kid myself that its acceptable after mid-day, and Paul, what a fabulous photo. Exactly the time of day when I am thinking desperately of ways to stay in Arillas forever!
Standing in warm sea cooling off after a long sunbathe, looking back at Arillas, the buildings, the backdrop, the people going up and down. Love it. Also walking home under the stars at night, listening to the sea. Just love everything about it. Great topic. W & S. xx
Yes Wendy and Stu, you have conjured fantastic mental images now, thanks! Also, what about the lovely aroma's coming from the Taverna's and reading the specials boards as you make the choice of where to eat that that night....And Blonde Girl, the pure luxury, as you say, of actually having time to read. Pure bliss!
The Smell of lemons walking back at night, On the road way 200 yards past the Rainbow
(http://www.kodakgallery.co.uk/PhotoView.jsp?UAUTOLOGIN_ID=97742245733&localeid=en_GB&collid=97742245733.6042361410233.1205964188613&photoid=9272361410233&folderid=0&view=1&page=1&sort_order=&albumsperpage=&navfolderid=2008)
Walking to here was hard work, but worth it. We spent a good 30 mins or more daydreaming here.
Oh bum !!!! Forgot how to do that photo thing !! Help !!
I know its selfish but when you get halfway through a two week holiday, and you see people departing, and you have another week left, its a nice relaxing feeling.
Well it is, till a week later when its your turn.
I've read all these posts and feel relaxed and ready for the days work, but ACHING to be there, every post is so true. You all just brought it all back why I love it so much.
Got goosebumps. Thanks everyone.
Sharon x
Attempt number 2 !!
(http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc244/PaulnMaria_2007/P9170058.jpg)
Walking to here was hard work, but worth it. We spent a good 30 mins or more daydreaming here.
Hi Paul and Maria,
What a lovely spot from which to daydream!
See that little stretch of sand you can see...is this walkable from the Sea-Breeze and Gratzellas?
Eileenx
I think it is, we've never actually done it though. We'll be there in May, so we'll try it and report back. In the picture you can just about see some people on the beach, so it's possible somehow.
We're there the first two in May so we'll try and fit this in with everything else! I'm glad you posted that photo, it just goes to show how we can still discover new places even after numerous visits!!!
Eilenx
That day turned into a mega walk !! We walked to St George, up into Vistonas then onto Prinilas, Pagi, Dafni, Termenades through Kavvadades and back into Arillas. It gave us the chance to see so many things we would have missed if we were in a car. We were sore the next day, but it was worth it.
Wow, it sounds like you had a great day! Your aching tootsies and legs were a price worth paying for the feeling of achievement you must have felt :-)
Eileenx
We love everything about Arillas at all times but in May we just love watching the fireflys over the surf on the way home. Viv
I agree Viv I had never seen Fire Flys before going to Arilas . They are pure magic!
Bet
We normally go in September so this will be our first time in May. Looking forward to seeing the fireflies, as so many people have said how spectacular they are.
Eileen
That little stretch of sand you can see...is walkable from the Sea-Breeze and Gratzellas
It is a nice quiet part of the Beach and is as good as the rest of the beach
We went down there a few times last year and had a nice relaxing time
Will be there again Swimming and catching the rays
It`s a lovely stretch. So peaceful n relaxing. Watch the waves--------
Landing at Corfu Airport and knowing i've got 2 weeks of Arillas MAGIC.
Thanks John and Dot.
It sounds like my perfect beach spot...I'll just pack my cool bag with a few necessities and I'll be made up for the day:-)
Eileenx
Will that be the "bare" necessities Eileen??.....lol
LOL...Sandy I'm a shy 'textile'! My 'bare' necessities are a bottle of Retsina and a cheese roll! Simple but perfect for the beach...the Retsina induces a dream-like state for ultra-relaxing sunbathing. :-)
Eileenxx
Sounds like a perfect way to spend an afternoon Eileen! Another moment i love is the first glimpse of the bay in Corfu after leaving the airport and the soothing sounds from the Greek radio!
Hi Jo I agree that is a lovely view not so sure about the music in the taxi must have got the wrong driver! My best daydream is getting in the car and going no where special, but you always know where ever you arrive will be beautiful and inviting with no one telling you they stopped serving food an hour ago. lol x
When we first went to Arillas, our kids were young, and we always went along to that wee bit of beach in the photo. It was always empty, and the beach there is flat, and very safe for kids. (shallow water, you can walk far out into the sea along there.)
Just been swimming....and as I went up and down, I imagined I was in the pool at the Rainbow...ok it was a bit dark and cold and murky, but with a big stretch of the imagination, I could fantasise about all that warm sunshine and light.....winter dreams.
With you Sandy.
Didn't see you there Lindypops...lol
OK then my daydream. Someone with dangly bits but loves the females of this species and would never abuse them.
Lying on the sand at the far end with said bits not bound up in shorts etc. Nobody in my face. Waves pouring over me. Lovely warm salty sea washing me all over. Dreaming about prawns in the Graziella later.
Ah yes, it must be Arillas.
phil
Bliss.
Philandjen, just read your post and my mind isn't going to be on my job today at all. lol Viv
I was eating my sandwiches at lunchtime and I suddenly had this thought of eating Fish Bourdeto, with its potatoes and lovely flavours, and mopping the plate clean with some bread. Food heaven!
Well, I was eating my salad today and all I could think of were Phil's dangly bits!!Eww...no offence Phil but too much information there methinks!!
Sorry all...
phil
One evening we walked up to Afionas and sat with a bottle of wine, looking out at this view as the sun went down. Lovely !!!! Dreaming of doing it again in May.
(http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc244/PaulnMaria_2007/arilas.jpg)
I wish this was my lunch today, instead of dreaming about it
(http://www.retschgi.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/parga3.jpg)
Now those photos just about sum it up dont they?
I have to say I love Arillas but one of my daydreams is driving to Kassioppi (sorry about spelling) and sitting in the cafe by the waters egde watching the fish they are huge. lol x