(I originally wrote this to post under Arillas Ditties, until I realised I'd finally got around to writing a holiday report!)
We went to Arillas, we had a ball,
The sun so hot, the moon was full.
The sea inviting, we adored the beach,
Hospitality was always in reach
At tavernas and accommodation.
All deserve a recommendation.
We went for walks with gorgeous views
Of beautiful bays in perfect blues.
Drinking ouzo as we sat in the sun,
We made new friends and had some fun.
We discovered koum kuat, we tasted mythos.
The Greek food was so delicious.
A Metaxa was often the way
To end a simply perfect day.
Lunch by the pool, an omeleta,
A Greek salad with lots of feta.
Served with a "Yammas" or "Here, boss"
From Angela or Nikos.
We read our books and lounged around,
Paradise on earth we'd found.
Achilleon Palace and Pontikinissi
We visited though it wasn't easy.
We were the only English on the bus!
The Romanian guide couldn't talk to us.
We couldn't understand a word
Of the commentary – how absurd.
But nothing was going to spoil our day,
We enjoyed it come what may!
Ouzos with Eggy in the Coconut Bar,
Meeting Forum members from afar.
Laughing and joking in the afternoon,
My tee shirt on backwards, I felt a buffoon.
Drinking until my vision went wonky,
Colin and Negg talking the leg off a donkey.
Dimitris at Brouklis, the courgette keftedes,
Sea bream at Vivallis, their lovely dolmades,
Kostas, Mirage, the Captains, Horizon
And Graziella we enjoyed – hardly surprising.
Stuffed peppers at Thalassa, a night in Corfu town,
Dinner at Eftyhia to watch the sun go down.
A night of Greek dancing and fun at the Makris
Which is where we ate barbecued swordfish.
To Porto Timoni, we clambered down cliffs,
We said, "This is no way to get our kicks!
We're too old for this!" But still we prevailed.
Reaching the beach, glad not to have failed.
The clamber back up was almost as fraught,
We reached the road quite safely, we thought.
Then on the way back, walking quite free,
I fell in the road and cut my knee!
We went on a boat trip across to Albania,
We landed at Saranda – what could be zanier?
They were busy constructing tower blocks,
Were they turning back their clocks
To Spain in the sixties? Spoiling their view,
But at Butrint the ruins were a must to do.
I sent a postcard to my sister,
We went on a trip to Paleokastritsa.
We took a boat to see the caves,
It was fun, we were splashed by waves.
Coach stuck twenty minutes, so narrow the street,
Our driver edged onwards – it was no mean feat.
He took us up to the Bella Vista
Where we looked back down on Paleokastritsa.
This was our vacation of last September,
It was surely a holiday to remember.
The middle two weeks at the Kokinos,
Would have stayed longer had it been poss.
Eight months in Britain were hard to swallow,
My report for May is still to follow.
That's brilliant, Lynn, well done!
Fantastic Lynn. just loved it.
all the best
Phil
Nice one Lynn!
Lynn that was brilliant, can't wait for the next instalment!
Sharon x
That was really good... loved it!
Thanks to Cheryl, Phil, Jen and Sue.
Cheers, Sharon, but think the next one may take a couple of days!!!
lynn xx
Thankyou Lynn, for your ditty
Very informative and very witty.
It must have taken quite a while
But well worth it, to make us smile
I think thats all I have to say,
Except, get yer finger out and publish May.
Absolutely fantastic! Well done! :-)
Well done lynn. I got half way and thought this all happened last year. The bit about you getting the taste of Mataxa bought it all back and when you mentioned your fall it made me squirm, ofcourse when I got to the end and saw thats Mays report was still to come it made me laugh and I hope you don't keep us waiting to long. Love Viv
Thanks Timbo.
Loved your ditty Terry, and I think you may have shamed me into thinking about May's!
Understand your confusion, Viv - must have looked like it was supposed to be May's!
Love, lynn xx
THANK YOU LYNN
The best read in a long while
Bring on May's report
Thanks John,
I'm working on it...........
lynn x
we went to arillas
got absolutely pissed
philandjen as usual
can't work out to desist
thanks for a laugh
lol lots of love
phil
ha ha Phil. oops. :)
riggers.
I just read this for the first time Lynn - excellent! Well done. Really funny & witty & brought a big grin to my face!
Keep it up!!
Thanks Becky - and it's good to see you now.
Lol Phil, perhaps we should publish a book together!!
love, lynn x
I see you were all too polite to say the obvious - no-one would buy it!! :D
Just thought I'd share a few scenes (mostly sunsets).
(http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/8253/20080519smc0022qt5.jpg)
Best Wishes,
lynn x
(http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/2343/20080519smc0062xf0.jpg)
One of the little bays at Kassiopi
(http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/2849/20080519smc0106li3.jpg)
(http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/9131/20080519smc0151es7.jpg)
just read this lynn, fantastic report can't wait for the next instalment!
ger x
Fantastic photos Lynn.
On the last one, the two blokes look like they are wearing suits.
Thanks for that, Ger and Terry.
Right, you asked for it!
For months we felt we could hardly wait
For May the fifth, two thousand and eight,
But then it arrived and off we flew
To the lovely island that is Corfu.
It was our second holiday to the isle,
Last year's gave me a permanent smile.
(Until I was forced to return to Blighty
And do up the buttons on my flame-proof nightie!)
We got in the taxi as Arillas beckoned,
Another fortnight of bliss we reckoned.
And of course we were not far wrong
As somehow we feel that we belong
In this idyllic village by the sea,
Where we so dearly love to be.
Easyjet had given us a late evening flight,
We arrived at Bardis Sun around midnight.
Met Bobby, who showed us to our studio,
We knew it was bound to have a sea view.
We dumped our bags and went down to the bar.
Poppy greeted us like family – what a star!
On only one occasion before we had met,
Yet no better a welcome could anyone get.
It rained the first day, was warmer in the UK,
But hey, it wasn't going to stay that way!
Next day sun, but wind quite chilly,
Texts from daughter made us feel silly.
Barbeques back home, heat wave in Britain,
But hey, no mozzies – we didn't get bitten!
Days got hotter but the nights stayed cold,
But good for Ina's with the fleeces they sold!
This year we stayed much closer to the sea,
But it was further to walk to the bakery.
Croissants for breakfast now and again
When we could be bothered to walk up the lane.
Hours on the beach followed by the pool,
Enjoying the sun that caressed us all.
Or burnt us as the case may be!
Colin's stripy feet a sight to see...
We were welcomed back from last September,
How good it is that they remember,
Revisiting some seafront places,
Perhaps we have unforgettable faces (?!)
I was also greeted with two kisses
From our charming boss, Dimitris.
(Not that I'd given him the chance to forget
A forum addict always on the net!)
Tavernas from last visit were a must to do again
Except Thalassa not open, and weren't that a pain.
Reading a menu, I nearly shouted, "Eureka!"
At Portofino they do vegetarian moussaka.
Added that to the list, along with the Marina
Where we spent a good night with Paul and Maria.
I had vegetable stamna which was really rather good.
Couldn't believe Paul's meal – a great mountain of food!
At Brouklis with Martin W, the bourdeta fish stew was brill,
At Graziellas the garlic prawns, recommended by Phil.
We ordered selections of starters at Kosta's first night,
As we were waiting, Viv and Pete came in sight.
We said, "Why don't you join us?" so this was the deal.
When our food arrived there was no room for their meal!
The fireflies were fascinating with their green neon lights,
We stopped off to watch them several nights.
While watching with Viv opposite Brouklis one night,
Kieran (John the Ref's grandson) was a delight.
He said, "They're going to the moon to get some cheese!"
So cute couldn't we just have just given him a squeeze?
Better than any local anywhere, is the bar at Bardis Sun.
Spent hours most evenings enjoying laughter and fun.
The language would be so good to speak,
Bobby and George taught me snippets of Greek.
For breakfast Poppy made the very best eggs,
Many of Spiro's blue cocktails and you'd lose your legs.
Enjoyed the scenery on the coach to Kassiopi,
We sunbathed in a bay and got quite dopy.
Took photos of the harbour – it was really scenic,
Decided together it was well worth the visit.
We walked to Agios Giorgios and San Stephanos,
I fell in love with Bebis, little son of our boss.
Arillas now has its very own brew,
The Royal Ionian – we liked it, too!
Pancake lunch at Helen's Créperie and at Ammos
With a large Mythos on the side, nóstimo– yammas!
The last five days scorching, we were bitten by mozzies.
I swam in the sea with no use for cozzies.
And so this was our fabulous holiday in May.
I'm sure we'll be back – we just can't stay away!
P.S. Apologies for quoting Victoria Wood again, in the first verse, but just couldn't resist! And anyway, what else was I going to rhyme with Blighty?
Wow Lynn, how long did that take you? Brilliant and fun to read.
Do you write a lot of poetry, because you are very good at it?
QuoteAnd do up the buttons on my flame-proof nightie!
We know from the chat room that you never wear a nightie :-)
Hi Terry,
Thanks for disclosing that! Just as well I have a good Arillas tan or everyone would see me blushing!!!
To answer your question, I've been working on it on and off ever since you told me to get my finger out!
And I don't write as much as I'd like to, I have to get the inspiration! Seems Arillas has done just that.
lynn x
Just fantastic just lynn!!
Brilliant Lynn! Realy enjoyed reading that. Does this mean rhyming holiday reports from all of us required?
lol. Jen
PS. We better be careful what we say in the chatroom when Terry's about!
Lynn,
That was fab - you do indeed have a talent!
I really enjoyed reading that, how long did it take you to do?
Thank you for sharing that - it brought a big old grin to my face.
Excellent!!
BeckyB x.
Wow Lynn,
Don't know what to say
with words you really have a way
Just can't wait to see you all
next May.
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g262/viviankizzysmum/IMGP0928.jpg)
Brilliant Lyn...!
Thank you everyone who replied - really appreciate it.
Cheers, Jo!
Lol, Jen, don't want to set a precedent here!
Terry sent me a pm, but I was only winding him up ...... sorry Terry!!
Speak to you soon. :D
Viv, like your verse, thanks for posting picture of us all. Can't wait either and here's to next time!
Becky, the first report took about a day and a half, but the second was more like 3 days. Of course that was on and off with having to work as well!
Cheers, Sue.
lynn x
Lynn
You came up with another Gem
Here's looking forward to your next visit and the poetic report that I'm sure will follow
Thank you, John,
......hmm maybe I've set a precedent for myself? :D
I've been digging out a few more photos.........
(http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/8881/20080519smc0049ib5.jpg)
View at Kassiopi
Cheers, Lynn x
(http://img387.imageshack.us/img387/3782/20080519smc0072pl6.jpg)
(http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8180/20080519smc0009xw5.jpg)
And finally........
(http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/2720/20080519smc0111oc7.jpg)
Lynn,
A lovely holiday photo indeed. :-)
Eileenx
hi lynn
lovely indeed Eileen. Everyone looks totally Arillased. Yet another rogues gallery for the forum!
take care both
Phil
Great photos again Lynn and the sunset is stunning.
TerryW
Thanks Eileen, Phil and Terry,
(must admit Colin took the sunset - and think it was Pete that took the rogues gallery!)
Yes, I think totally Arillased sums it up nicely, Phil. :D
All the Best to all,
Lynn and Colin
Seeing those three handsome Brouklis boys I must admit I am hoping for another heatwave this year....will there be topless service again Dimitri?!
Naughty girl, Sandy..........
Phil
Lynne
Your holiday photos are great and I agree those Brouklis boys are gorgeous!!
Take Care
Mary
Thank you Mary,
I quite agree! ;)
lynn x
Oh, and in case you missed it, Mary and others.........
(http://img373.imageshack.us/img373/6789/20080519smc0129pr7.jpg)
Oh Lynne
That's lovely what a beautiful baby and proud father - oh and I know it's a bit late but I've just read your excellent and humorous poem about your September holiday.
Love
Mary
He is a lovely little boy and travels a lot on Daddy's back as below and one of me in my element
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g262/viviankizzysmum/IMGP0700.jpg)
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g262/viviankizzysmum/IMGP0702.jpg)
ah viv! what a gorgeous picture! made even me feel broody, and I'm just a mere man.......
thanks for posting it
phil
Beautiful pictures.....and Dimitris is training him young.....fancy Bebis waiting at tables already....
he is gorgeous little boy
dimitris you mean sue????????????
lol
phil showing my age....
Gorgeous photos, Viv, thanks for posting them.
Lovely pictures. I have to say------------ I think Bebis is the boss! You`ve only got to look at grown men melting when they see him.
I sooooo need to have another baby boy now and its ALL your fault Dimitris!!