Arillas Forum
Welcome to Arillas => Accommodation reviews => Topic started by: Sara on December 24, 2008, 04:59:16 PM
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Hi Everyone,
Please take a look at www.holidaylettings.co.uk/76640 if anyone is interested in renting a villa between Arillas & Afionas. Dimitris will be putting it onto the forum soon. I'm unable to do it myself due to my lack of computer skills!!!!
Villa Theia will be available from June onwards. Booking a villa which is not yet complete is a little daunting, but I have great faith in my builder - Spiros & his excellent assistant Aggie. He has given me his word that it will be ready. I will be at the villa myself throughout May furnishing it & getting it ready for June.
I have placed a few photos in Photo Gallery which I will up date as the build progresses.
I'll also take this opportunity to wish all forum members [ & guests ] a
VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR
Sara
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Sara
The very best of wishes from North Corfu and very good luck with your Villa for 2009.
We will be in contact soon, I hope.
Negg n Wegg
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Happy Christmas Sara, and a fantastic new year. Well done for living the dream. Sadly jen and me will have another year to wait with pound = euro. But mark my words we will be in Arillas next year whatever it costs.
Likely to see you there one day, when you are in your new villa. Will warn you in case you want to run away...
Congratulations!
Phil
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Good luck Sara and hope all goes well
Yammas
Dave n Anne
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Thank you everyone for your good luck wishes.
Phil - yes we will be ' living our dream ' A dream we've had since discovering Arillas in 2000, but believe me on a few occasions it has felt like a nightmare. It will be worth it though. Just wish now, along with everyone else that the exchange rate would improve. I don't think we could have picked a worse time to build!!!
We will be staying at the villa during the month of May so if you are passing you are quite welcome to ' drop in'
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Hi, Sara. Good luck with your new venture and I hope everything is completed on time. Sounds like the villa is in a prime spot. You`ve dared, and hopefully you`ve won.
Yammas Paul D
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Thanks Paul. Yes, as you say we have dared. I've a couple of quotes pinned to my notice board which read " A man is not old until his regrets take the place of his dreams " - Yiddish proverb, also "The choices we make & the chances we take determine our destiny" I've a few more, but I won't bore you with anymore. I would hate to grow old/er thinking what if or I wished I'd done this or that etc.
Our completion date is 30th April, but I've allowed an extra 4 - 6 weeks just in case the builders need to put anything right. We have all signed contracts & i'm in no doubt that it will be finished on time.
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Well done for taking the plunge.
Please , please, keep a diary, as I for one, would love to follow your progress and hope to do the same one day.
We've never done a 'new-build', but we have done a 'restoration' and loved every minute of it ( - even the 'disasters' were quickly overshadowed by the 'triumphs'). I do strongly suggest you have a contingency plan in place 'tho', just in case there are hold-ups in the completion!
Very best wishes,
Angie
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" A man is not old until his regrets take the place of his dreams "
(p.s. I really like this one.)
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Hi Sara
A man is not old until his regrets take the place of his dreams
I will never get old then...
Phil
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Even after the very wet winter, Villa Theia is still on schedule to be finished by the end of April. Spiros our builder & his work force have worked really hard.
I received these photos last week, but the villa is now changing almost daily. Yesterday the floor tiles were laid in the bedrooms, the bathroom tiles were put on & the retaining wall at the back of the house & around the car-parking area is being built.
(http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/7939/img2758g.jpg) (http://img10.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img2758g.jpg)
Plastering has started
(http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/8798/img2754.jpg) (http://img21.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img2754.jpg)
Concrete has been laid, ready for the ' crazy paving '
(http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/4579/img2765m.jpg) (http://img23.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img2765m.jpg)
The balcony off the master bedroom.
I'm arriving on 30th April until 3rd June.
Looking forward to meeting many you.
Sara
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Wow Sara, Its looking really good and I think I now know where it is. We are there 8th - 22nd May and always have a walk up to Affionas so we will keep a look out for you. Viv
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I'm there till 2 May Sara so hope to meet you then.
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Gosh - it's going to be just stunning, Sara.
Your builders seem to be doing a fantastic job.
You must be so excited - I know I would be! :)
Angie
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Hi Sandy,
It would be great to finally meet you, but it would have to be on the Friday because on Thursday [30th] morning we will be leaving for Gatwick at approx 2.00am, our flight is 5.55a.m, ariive in Corfu at 11.00a.m, arrivie at the villa & if it has arrived unloading the furniture & appliances, hopefully Spiros' kitchen man will be waiting to fit the appliances. We will need to put together at least one bed to crash on because we will have missed a nights sleep & most probably we will all be absolutely kn****ed.
But it will all be worth it!!
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Look absolutely gorgeous Sara! Good luck with it all and it most definetly will be worth it :)
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Arillas Experts - Can you help me out ? May I ask you some questions ?
I'm putting together a guest book so I need as much information about Arillas as possible.
I can't believe I don't know this, but where is the post box in Arillas & where can you buy stamps from ? Shame on me, I know, but I seldom send postcards! Where ever it is, I must have past it hundreds of times.
I know the emergency tel no for the Police is 100 & the Fire is 199/191 but what is the number for an Ambulance ?
Can anyone recommend the best place to buy & takeaway a Pita Giros - for those nights when you want to eat in, but can't be bothered to cook!!!
Where do you catch the bus for Corfu town, what time does it leave & where are you dropped off in Corfu Town ?
I'm sure I'll think of more questions as my book progresses.
Sara
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Sara you can post mail and buy stamps at Billys supermarket opposite the Armourada taverna.
We found the Grill Room next to the Malibu did the best Pita Giros - very tasty and very cheap all the locals seem to go there for takeaways.
The bus you can also catch from outside the Armourada very early in the morning and gets back about 3pm, I think it is better to get off at the bus station if you do not know Corfu Town very well as someone will always be able to direct you back for your return.
Barry
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Thanks for the information Barry.
I've not tried a Pita Giros from the Steki Grill Room...........yet! Will do in May though.
Still can't believe i forgot where the post box is - you really can't miss it can you ?
Many thanks
Sara
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hi i think it would be good to mention in your guest book about afionas the veiws and the food up at the 3 brothers is excellent and if guests like to walk its beautiful scenery
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Hi Sara
You must be so excited, it's one of those things you tend to do only once in your life and its worrying and exciting all at once. Good luck with every thing i'm sure it will be wonderful.
My family and i are out in Corfu from the 35th April till the 10th may be we will see you there!
Take care and enjoy!!
Mandy
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".....the 35th April ..." ????
Which calendar do you use then Mandy??!! :D
angie
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Ahem, my good lady was obviously so excited for you she was having an other worldly experience or something.
We are there 25th April.
If you are about it might be nice to say Hi and have a glass of wine.
Best of Luck
Frank
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Hi Sara,
Just thought I should say hello as it appears we share the same builder !
Spiros has been building ours up in the olive groves near Velonades.
We have been extreamly pleased with the work he has done for us so far , and when
we visited them back in December , Aggie told us he had a villa to build ready for the spring, and I would think that was yours !
Its a shame they have had so much rain over the winter , but I am sure yours will be done.
It would be good to hear from you ...
Curt
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Isobel - yes, I thought I would write a little bit about the surrounding areas, but especially Afionas because I personally love the little village. Every year when I visit I still find the views simply stunning - Agios Georgios on one side, Arillas & the beautiful sunsets on the other. There really is no other place quite like it.
I will definitely mention the walk down to Porto Timoni beach too, which is a must.
Mandy & Frank - good to hear from you & we'll look forward to a glass of wine. 35th April???? sounds like Mandy may already have had a glass or two!!!!
Curt - To date, we are more than pleased with Spiros, in fact he has excelled himself. From the start he has not had to change or recify anything & he works so hard. I will send you a P.M because i don't want to bore the other members & guests with build talk.
Sara.............x
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Sorry about my mistake.
But I have to say, I keep thinking that there are not enough days to do everything at the moment!!
Maybe there should be some extended months!!!
take care Mandy
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I know the feeling well. So much to do in such little time. I don't know where to start. Can't even think staight sometimes :(
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Well, I'm not sure if this qualifies for "What a small world" because Arillas IS small, but Curt and Sara it would appear that you also share the same builder with me as it was Spiros who built my house near Dafni.
I too am very pleased with the standard of his work, and his patience also. We have been "On and Off" with our building over several years due to lack of funds, but whenever we have been ready for the next stage of work to be done he and Aggie have always bent over backwards to get things sorted quickly and professionally. I am due to visit last week in April to try and get the house into a condition whereby we can actually live in it, and even though the few little jobs I need doing must be nothing compared to the full building projects that Spiros is currently working on both he and Aggie still treat me as though I am their most important client and don't make me feel like I am being a nuisance for asking for help with such small items.
If anyone viewing this forum is thinking about having some building work done then I think they should be able to gather from this message thread who is the best in the area.
Congratulations to you both on your choice. Maybe we shall all meet one day and have a drink to Spiros - Yiammas!
:-)
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Good to hear from you Geoff. Yes I'm sure we will meet one day & we will raise our glasses to Spiros.
I've a few more pics to add. As mentioned before villa is changing almost daily. The traditional roof has been added & the roof tiling should be complete tomorrow. The 'crazy paving' & pool are looking good.
(http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8189/img2938.jpg) (http://img89.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img2938.jpg)
(http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/6493/img2939f.jpg) (http://img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img2939f.jpg)
(http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/691/img2933h.jpg) (http://img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img2933h.jpg)
Sara
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It's looking fantastic Sara......bet you can't wait to stay in it....
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Sara it's looking fabulistic!!!
Just you wait until Sandy and I get up there to christen it with a few gallons of Retsina!
I'll be in touch soon.
Eileenxxx
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Thanks Eileen. Shame I can't join you both. We'll get together in October.
Go easy on the Retsina - don't want you falling into the swimming pool as it is at the moment :(
Your're welcome to go up have have a nosey around if you want to, on one condition you report back to me afterwards. I'll warn the workmen that soon there may be some crazy ladies visiting!
Have a great time Eileen & Sandy & Sandy don't forget if you are passing on the 1st to call in & say Hi.
Sara
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Looking seriously good! What a lovely place you going to have Sara :)
And Eileen and Sandy, yes please pictures of noseying around with Retsina in one hand...can't wait :D
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It looks amazing Sara!
I can't believe how quickly it's gone up - you obviously have great builders.
You must be so excited!.
Anne
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I just received this photo from our builder - taken this evening. Thought I would share it with you all . So wish I was there, but only three weeks to go.
(http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/8453/img2976o.jpg) (http://img10.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img2976o.jpg)
Sara
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What a gorgeous photo, Sara. I'd almost kill for a view like that!
lol,
lynn xx
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Makes me nostalgic......what a sunset!
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Oh no...................I just received this message from my builder. How am I going to cope for three weeks with no photos??????? I'll have to get my spies out - Eggy, Eileen.
"Good morning,
Its a beautiful morning here and your villa is starting to actaully look like a VILLA!! Spiros just wants to let you know that we will not be sending any more pics .. this is his idea so that you can have a BIG surprise when you come.. That is his favorite part of his hard work ..THE END...so i am very sorry to disappoint you both ..Just believe us it will be worth it!! "
The villa is near completion now. I think all that remains to be done is to fix the railings around the pool & retaining wall, level the garden area, fit the windows, doors & shutters & fit the kitchen units & wardrobes & some more painting.
So, I guess my next update won't be until May. I'll keep you all posted.
Thanks everyone for your interest.
Sara
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Hi, Sara. You know we`re all going to turn up at your place as and when we arrive in Arillas making it the longest house-warming party ever.
Seriously tho, it looks wonderful- I`m green with envy.
Yammas Paul D
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You're not wrong there Paul.
I've another question for you all, or rather I would appreciate your opinions.
I'm looking at barbeques. Gary says gas, I say traditional style, charcoal. What type of BBQs do you all prefer ?
Well, I have spent to Easter break packing & bubble wrapping everything. Our furniture & goods are leaving on Sat 25th & hopefully will arrive on the same day as us on the 30th. I'm having several sleepless nights now. My mind simply won't switch off. They say you should write everything down which I did & I filled a page in my notepad of things to do & things still to get etc!!!
Thank you in anticipation.
Sara
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Hi Sara,
BBQ ideas ?
Well I have had gas for the last 15 years and have always had good results.
The flavour is just as good as charcoal and no one could convince me differently !
Someone once told me "they use charcoal to remove tastes and flavours from tap water so how can it actually flavour food" - Answer - it can't - its the burning fats and juices that make BBQ food taste better !
So this in mind , I have just , this weekend ordered one of the new "Weber" electric BBQ's !!
I got fed up with chasing around finding gas bottles , which seem to only last a couple of months and run out just when you need them !
So , when it arrives I will let you all know if it works or not ...?
Its not very big and only designed for about 4 steaks , but hopefully will keep Shelley and I from going hungry ! Not a bad price at £120
Meanwhile ... your house is looking just great !
Curt
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hi sara
great pics of villa ,i wish you well with it ..what about getting spiros to build you one and incorporate a pizza oven on top ,,yumyum alfresco eating ..............yammas
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I didn't know you could get electric BBQs. Are they a bit like a George Foreman grill ?
Let me know how you get on Curt & I hope the good weather continues so that you can try it soon.
I'm sure Spiros would build a BBQ for me & he likes traditional & typically Corfiot features. I'll have a word. Maybe it could be traditional, but with gas burners????
Thanks Curt & Kevin.
Sara
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Hi Sara,
No nothing like the Formam , just the same as a gas BBQ only using electric !
http://www.gardenandleisure.com/products/weber_q140_portable_electric_bbq_.html
or search weber Q140 electric
Cheers,
Curt
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I`no expert on BBq`s but with all the dead olive wood thats lying around (and free) surly that would be the traditional fuel to use...
what tasted better as a child ..a Potato left on the bonfire till it was as black as coal or one done in the oven?
I was led to believe that the type of fuel used on a BBq did flavour the food..hence hickory shavings are generaly sold for that purpous..also fish are smoked over wood burning fires which give them a unique flavour...hams are smoked for the same reason...wine is left wooden barrels to add flavour etc etc....not sure that gas or electric will give the same flavour,although it is probably a healthier option..
Think we should have a forum vote see what the general verdict is
(http://www.arillas.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/misc/chicken.gif)
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Must agree with you Kes, i had a gas bbq and it was know where near as good as traditional. I got rid and it is now probably part of a tin of lager (recycled).
riggers..............
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Kes
I know that Robin Hood used to cook over a wood fire but then he used candles to see at night as well ! We have come a long way since then !
Sorry , couldn't resist .....
Getting back to the question ... Charcoal or Gas ?
Kes is right you can use hickory chips on a gas fired BBQ but they have to be in a metal container over the flames & under the grill ... like a metal tray - it works good !
I think some woods would be too strong - no idea if olive wood is ok ?
At the end of the day its what ever gives the best results and is easiest ....
I want to light up ten minutes before cooking and to be able to adjust the temperature ...
It just makes life easy ...
I work on Swimming pools and I see loads of disused brick built units by pools with a new portable gas unit sitting nearby !
Cheers ....
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Ha ha ..Like it. ..(http://www.arillas.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/misc/avatar42.gif).
yes we have progressed, but looking at my last Electricity bill We could be reverting back to candles before long.....(for light..that is)
(http://www.gifs.net/Animation11/Everything_Else/Candles_and_Torches/Candle.gif)
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Charcoal every time. Thats my humble opinion anyway.
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Hi All!
I've got one of the George Forman 'outdoor BBQ' complete with stand. I'ts very good, but you don't get that typical 'smoked' taste cos its electric and is just like a very large version of the 'indoor' ones. You can't do jacket spuds in it either! Those are the 'negative' points.
The positive points are that it takes minutes to set up and get cooking, if it rains you can continue indoors as it will work equally well on the kitchen worktop. You can 'fire it up' for one or twenty and there is no waste of fuel!
I have a large charcoal unit of the 'Outback' range which has a hood with smoker, thermometer and keep warm oven which I use when I know the weather is 'with' me.
Yammas,
Martin.
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I cant reply to this in the positive really because I dont like BBq's.. unless its the souvlaki cooked at the wine festival in arillas of course. I think its probably because the food usually ends up charcoaled! We have had a gas one and then resort to the small charcoal one with a a small lid... one time wrapping a whole fish or leg of lamb in paper and smoking it all day.. now that was lovely! Even tried the throw away ones on the beach all good fun if the food is cooked properly.. now I prefer my slow cooker to cook greek meats all day and eating outside greek style without all the smoke in your eyes. BBQ's seem to be a man thing doesnt it? Mike is very attached to his chiminea though and will sit burning stuff all night with a glass in his hand - even during the winter! Safer for him to do that than rely on him cooking anything :-)
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Couldn't agree more Blondegirl. Definitely a man thing, just look at my replies - mostly from the men. Gary never, ever cooks in the kitchen, but when the sun comes out & the BBQ is lit, he takes over!
Thanks everyone for your replies. At the moment its looking like I'm going to opt for a traditional charcoal, Corfiot style BBQ [ sorry Curt ]
Sara
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Have tried to resist but it is futile... Here's my take on it. justphil can't resisit having his say, like you know already....
I love food cooked on traditional charcoal, or even better on the wood itself. Years ago my American boss once gave us steaks cooked on maple wood he had cut earlier that day. It was sublime.
We often used to light a fire in the garden and cook on it at our old house. (Used to have a very large garden then.)
I'm with BG - rather than a gas barbeque I would cook the food indoors and ferry it to the garden table. But sometimes we use a BBQ - I have an old galvanised wheelbarrow on which the oven shelves and cake cooling rack fit perfectly. Makes a great barbeque. Can wheel it out of the way if the wind changes... Never do heavy gardening or baking now anyway, so it is all it gets used for. Forces you to clean up - the shelves couldn't go back in the oven like that!
And I'm with Mike too - would love to have a mediterranean chimenia.
Sara, agree luvver - go for the charcoal... Ah well, I would.
Phil
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....go for it justphil....
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Hi Sara,
You don't need to be sorry ....
It sounds like Gary is the one cooking on it anyway !
The good news is that you will be in Corfu ! and time won't really matter !
Enjoy ... and we will bring round some sausages when we move out there ...?
Question ... can you buy good sausages in Corfu ?
There again it doesn't really matter as long as the local Mousaka is fresh from the oven !
Tip of the day - there is a taverna up in Old Perithia with home made Mousaka to die for !!
It sits up above, looking down on the path to the right of the tables , and is run by their son.
Cheers ....
Curt
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....not to mention the cake.....honey or what....
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I'm drooling here....
Mezes with taramasalata, dolmades, stuffed peppers and tomatoes, followed by Stamna, then baklava or walnut stuffed figs in honey (forgotten the name for that.) All served in the sun with lashings of red wine, next to the sea in Arillas - Grazella HERE WE COME!!!
Wake up Phil....
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Well, our furniture & belongings left today for Corfu - not even enough room for a little one! The van & secure, covered trailer [12M in length] were filled to the brim. Next time we see them will be on Thursday when we arrive too.
If theres anyone out there who wants any items sent from Corfu back to the U.K please send me a message. Lee our driver who is based in Bristol will be returning next Friday or Saturday.
4 days to go :)
Sara
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VERY best of luck Sara and Family!
Giff
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Sara it'll be like Christmas all over again once you start to unpack your boxes. I'm sure you will have a few surprises when you come across things that you forgot you have bought! Most importantly...did you pack a bottle opener?!!!
Oh how I wish I was there to see your face when you see the finished result of Villa Theia and how splendid it looks.
Good luck, have fun and enjoy the fruits of all your hard work (& Gary's!)
Eileenxxx
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It sounds SO exciting Sara - although I'm sure you have your own anxieties regarding the logistics etc.
Wise, wise words from gorgeous Eileen however - darn well make sure you have a bottle opener to hand!! :-)
I was sorely tempted - seeing as you have a Bristol driver to make a few suggestions about things he might be able to bring back for Christian & I - but maybe not, slight greediness on my part! :-)
I'm so chuffed for you both & hope it's plain sailing from here in in :-)
BeckyB x
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Hi Sara ...
All the best and we can't wait to see the photos of what Spiros has been keeping as a surprise ! He did this to us too , and that was just for the skeleton !
Keep in touch ...
Curt & Shelley ( soon to live in Velonades - we hope ! )
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Hi Sara, Becky (recovered thank heaven) and Eileen luvvers, just lurve reading your contributions to our forum.
But justphil is in Arillas mode right now... justadmiring villa Theia, Linnakis, kouklospito, Helios... I'm supposed to be envious they all tell me. But not. I'm full of admiration. So well done all of yous.
Jen and me will be there in July, and seriously hoping to meet Eileen. Sara and BeckyB - soon luvvers.
Phil
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Yay! Yay! Yay!
My sentiments well & truly echoed. It's so nice to feel well again & tip-top & catching up with dear mates & all those with a common thread really puts a big ol' grin on my face :-)
BeckyB xx :-)
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sara & family ..we wish you well and to enjoy your new life..........yammas..ps eileens right ? did you remember the bottle opener.lol
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Best wishes Sara. Just a tad of envy. Oh alright, I'm green. But that doesn't stop me feeling good about it and wishing you both all the very best. Take heed of our wise Eileen - have a bottle opener and corkscrew in your handbag. We must all have made that mistake at least once...
Phil
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good luck sara i hope you enjoy your dream i wish you all the very best in your new home we arrive a week on thursday but sadly only for a few weeks but hopefully some day we will be in the same postion as you once again all the very best
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Aahhhh. Thank you so much everyone for your kind words & good wishes. You've made me feel quite emotional. Whatever am I going to be like on Thursday when we see our home, complete & finished for the first time. Spiros & Aggie will be there. They want to see my face too as soon as we arrive.
Curt - Spiros has something planned to bless the house, but I don't know what or when - maybe a lamb spit-roast for us & the builders ?? So long as I don't have to see it running around beforehand I'll be O.K [ Sorry to any vegetarians out there :(] If thats the Greek tradition, I'll go along with it.
Don't worry everyone, a corkscrew/bottle opener was one of the first items I packed. LOL!!!!!
Phil, Jen & Isobel. You will live in Arillas one day - I'm sure. When you want something so badly, eventually sometime & somehow your dreams can come true.
Just like ours. We always hoped that one day we would live abroad in the sun & when we discovered Arillas in 2000 we knew that we had found our dream place. It has not always been easy & savings?? what are they?? We've put everything & more into building our dream. I look forward to the day when we can live in Arillas permanently - growing my veg [which I already do] & keeping chickens etc but until then Villa Theia will be our 'holiday home' which I'm proud & delighted to share with other people who choose to rent it.
Hope to meet many of you soon. I will try & keep you updated. I'm sure Dimitris won't mind me sat in a corner with my laptop.
Sara.
P.S. Glad you are feeling better Becky. I missed reading your posts & it's good to have you back.
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Sorry we didn't manage to meet up Sara....maybe next time. We drove past last week and Villa Theia was looking pretty spectacular.....you'll never forget that first morning when you wake up there. Good luck....
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Hi Everyone,
I would say its good to be back - but I would rather still be in Arillas. I can't believe I've been away 5 week, the days have just flown by.
Anyway, Spiros didn't let me down & he's done himself proud. We are more than pleased with Villa Theia. The hardest work was the garden, which because of the poor clay soil, we had to bring in loads of topsoil before we could sow grass seed & do any planting.
The day we arrived Spiros threw a party for us & everyone who has worked on the villa. Yes, there were two lambs, but luckily already cooked. We had a great afternoon.
(http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/7557/picture035x.jpg) (http://img195.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture035x.jpg)
I see I've got a lot of catching up to do, but I really must unpack the suitcases first & try to get into some sort of routine again :(
It was nice to meet a few of you. Now I can put a face to a name!
I'll try & post some more pics later - heres one to be going on with. Just one of the beautiful sunsets we watched a couple of weeks ago.
(http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/9113/picture092ftx.jpg) (http://img23.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture092ftx.jpg)
Sara
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welcome back Sars. I'm sure you must be very relieved that the house is finished. I bet you really felt at home there. How long til you want to live there, and not have only holidays in it. Should we be taking bets on it?
We had our first holiday in ours last year, and came home and sold everything, so we'll be back there next week. Hopefully we will meet eventually. In the meantime, enjoy your new house as often as you can.
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Well done Sara and welcome home.
I saw your photos on Holiday Lettings...it's all looking fabulous.
Speak soon...
Eileenxxx
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Welcome back to the UK Sara.
It was great to meet with you and Gary, and I'm glad that everything went well for you. Spiros really is great isn't he!
I know what you mean about the time passing so quickly - I was only over for 10 days but it was gone in a flash and then it's back to reality. Never mind - now it's not just intangible memories - you now have something really concrete (no pun intended) that is your part of Corfu.
Life will be so much better from now on.
:-)
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Hi Sara,
Sorry we didnt get to meet you, you did come up a couple of times but couldn't see you. The villa is very special and the view you have from the balconey must be fantastic as it is while standing on the road outside. Will get to meet you next time I hope. Viv
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Ah Sara, you're living our dream....
Am sure they are all correct - it won't be long before you never come back. So many congratulations to yous.
Phil
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Hi Sara,
Looks like its all one to plan !
I love the group photo .... Spiros and the gang , but I don't see Aggie ?
I expect she was on the ouzo .... !!
Anyway the house looks beautiful inside and out !
We are staying in Arillas for a week from the 9th of July and I can't wait to get out there.
If you get a chance I'd love to see that picture in a higher resolution ...
curt@horsham-pool-services. co. uk
All the best,
Curt & Shelley
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Thanks for your comments everyone. Maggie, can I place a bet on myself? 100 - 1.
Without a doubt we will be joining you to live our dream. Phil & Jen I'll place the same bet on you too.
Viv - what a shame we missed each other. I looked out for you everytime we went out [ not that often after we had to buy the dirt!! plus a few other unexpected expenses like solar panels to supply us with extra hot water]
Eileen, Geoff & Curt - I will email you as soon as I can - when I've sorted myself out! I'm still on Greek time at the moment. This morning I was wide awake at 5.00am & by 9.00pm I'm shattered & I've a wedding to go to later on.
Sara
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hi Sara - only 13 sleeps until we get to your beautiful villa.
we can't wait to get there and experience arrilas for the first time
Ian
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Hi Ian,
......WELCOME TO THE FORUM......
You will get to know lots of fantastic people on here - some are a little crazy - ha ha, mention no names - but we all have one thing in common & that is we all love Arillas & once you have experienced it too, I'll guarantee that you will be back.
If you have any questions - post away - there are many 'experts' on here that are only too happy to help.
I'll be in touch soon.
Sara
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Hi Sara,
The forums look interesting! From a quick scoot around it would appear that Arillas is full of nudists, who like covering themselves in mud and chasing donut sellers.
I thought it was a quiet resort?! ;o)
I suppose the only question I have is "are any tavernas within staggering distance of the villa?" Or could we ride back from Arillas / Afionas on the bikes after a meal and a few mythos?!
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Hi Ian,
The forums look interesting! From a quick scoot around it would appear that Arillas is full of nudists, who like covering themselves in mud and chasing donut sellers.
Thats a pretty good description. I did say we were a crazy lot! Does anyone else get a 'Benny Hill Sketch' image in their mind?
Just to put your mind at rest, the nuddy part of the beach is at the far end of the beach [north]. I have never actually seen the Donut Man, but he does exist - so beware & try the mud, I have, but not all over - afraid I've never dared to bare!!
Your nearest taverna is the Night Owl which is exactly 0.5 km away. Staggering distance?? Just about. Its a great place & Linda the owner is one of the nicest people I have ever met. She has a great family too.
Riding the bikes back from Arillas, after a few Mythos - possibly, but don't hold me responsible for any grazed knees!!
Sara
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Arillas is full of nudists, who like covering themselves in mud and chasing donut sellers.
ha Ha! Well there are at least two of us here right now Ian.... I hate donuts but the rest fits!
It is a miraculous place if you let it be.
Phil
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thanks guys - night owl sounds like it might become a favourite if its only 500 metres away!
can't wait to get there now. my first visit to corfu after being a cretophile for years!
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Hello all ....
Just back last night from a week in the sun at Arillis .... !
If this gets a bit smudged its probably just the odd tear from having to leave !
Its really hot out there , somewhere around 35c , but with a lovely breeze in the background.
Beware though , the mosquetos are have a good time too !
The "Skin so Soft" seemed to work really well but I think the little gits have got a taste for the other stuff with DEET !
Anyone staying at Sara's new villa is in for a real treat !
We saw it from the road , at sunset and the view & pool will take your breath away !
Except for Corfu town which was a mad house , the rest of the north west was beautifully quiet . Things were just picking up as we left , which I think is a good thing for the tavernas . Prices seem to have risen and I was suprised just how much we spent in a week ... but worth it !
So now back to looking forward to our next trip !
Must go unpack !!
Oh , and find that lizard I bought home !!
Curt
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Curt, it took our breath away being driven past by John and Dot. Fabulosyfantastic.
Welcome to the Arillas Fanatics, Arilliacs, Anoraks. Whatever.
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curt........
see you back next year,,,,,,,,,,yammas you have the bug.....................
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No you are sooo wrong !
I don't have the bug .... I've got the lizard !!
Anyway its too late to get the Arillis bug .... we are building our house in the olive groves near Velonades .... but it is only ten minutes drive !!
And our builder lives in Arillis ..... So no escape !!
I thought these Corfu lizard things were vegetarian ?
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Curt it is the dogs here who like meat...
Phil
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Hi Curt,
Sounds like you had a good holiday. How's your build coming along?
Have I missed something, but what's with your obsession with lizards? I love to watch the little geckos you often see, but i think I'd run a mile if I saw anything bigger & don't even mention snakes!
sara
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Hi Sara ...
I have always had a thing for wildlife and animals !
I just happened to have the picture of me being devoured by the lizard and
thought I would carry on the theme ?
This time out we saw several lizards including a beautiful green one , a tortoise , loads of butterflys , a hedgehog ..... but no snakes !
Aggie told us that while Spiros was working on a pool he got into the overflow balance tank and found himself sharing it with a big black one ! She said thats the first time she has seen him stressed !! ( you should know it was not your pool ) .
Our build is still on hold awaiting the sale of our bungalow here , so not much has changed except the weeds are growing fast !
We did see you house ... beautiful ! Fantastic sun set looking out over the pool.
I bet you can't wait to go back ....
Anyway .... work to do and " a lizard to chase !"
Curt
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Hi Curt, Ive always loved lizard how about this tiny baby one.
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g262/viviankizzysmum/IMG_1960.jpg)
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hi curt like you our house is on hold until we sell in the uk hopefully not to long until we join all in arillas
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Vivian ... that little Gecko is just so sweet !
I will try to add a couple of pictures .... but this is a first !!
Curt
Ok ... So I can't do the picture thing ? and can't find a " how to do it " either ?
Meanwhile , thanks Isobell , its good to know we are not suffering alone !!
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Hi Curt go to photobucket and it will tell you what to do, they are lots of sites like this but I found this the easiest. Viv
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Sara we have been past your villa. Simply gorgeous.
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Thank you Jo.
Hope you are having a great time. I'm looking forward to seeing your photos.
Sara
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Here's our one word review - WOW!
Will do a longer one when I have a minute!
Thanks again Sara - you have created something amazing with Villa Theia - truly truly amazing.
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Sara - thank you for sending the link to this topic. I've found it very interesting to watch and listen to your progress - and now Villa Theia is yours for real!
Well done and thank you once again
Perhaps we may come and meet you in May? (and if Viv and Pete have not been in the meantime we could arrive together?)
Janis x
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Janis, I would love to meet you, but unfortunately I won't be there in May. We're going over at the beginning of April for Easter & were not over again until October.
Next year maybe - who knows I could even be living there then :)
Sara...x
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Ah well, like you say perhaps another time. I'm still wanting to go Sept/Oct as well, but will have to wait to see if we can manage it, finance wise
Are you on facebook, Sara?
Janis x
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Janis, I did join Facebook once. My daughter got me to sign up, but I never use it now. I already spend too many hours on the computer as it is & anyway I'm quite content with chatting & communicating with other members on this forum, where we all share one passion - Arillas.
A couple of weeks ago my daughter's laptop got a virus, which I suspect, may have come from Facebook [ the only other sites she had visited that day was eBay & Amazon] Had to pay £40 for it to be wiped clean :(
Sara
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Sara - Ouch!
I use Facebook as a means of keeping in touch with friends and some family members, but I don't use the applications and I don't click on links.
I find it good for uploading photos so that friends can view easily.
I'm not sure whether I'll stay on it for a long time, but for the moment it suits my purpose
We'll manage to stay in touch anyway, via this forum!
Janis x
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We'll manage to stay in touch anyway, via this forum!
Will do Janis.
Sara
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thought i would bump this old thread as we have booked in for our second visit in August and I am already excited!
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Ian, I'm so pleased that you're returning to Villa Theia. You'll notice a few changes since your last visit & we have grass now!! Well, it's green but it will never be a bowling green.
I've just read though this thread again. How things have changed since Feb 2010. Janis & I have met & as for Facebook, Gary will tell you that I'm always on it - he does exaggerate ;)
I'll get in touch soon Ian.
xx
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We did indeed meet Sara and Gary last year and they showed us around their beautiful Villa Theia.
It really is the most beautiful place and I would recommend it to anyone!
Janis x