Arillas Forum
Welcome to Arillas => Arillas general information => Topic started by: justphil on September 05, 2010, 01:57:38 AM
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Apart from the obvious thing of living in Arillas long term, we want to see more newcomers get the Arillas bug. And a new Atm. And absolutely nothing else to change.
What do you want Arillas to be in 2011? Serious answers could so help it all happen.
Post it here. Support it or lose it.
Phil
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Yes Phil, a new ATM would be VERY good....
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To be honest i don't want any change....i just Love Arillas the way it is.......... :)
riggers............
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I too would greatly appreciate a new ATM in Arillas. As for the anything else, I am stumped. My biggest wish will be to get there and luckily I can do something about that :)
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i sometimes wish ,,only because im up at sily oclock,in the morns ,that there was somewhere to sit with coffee ,toast at between 6-7am,and to watch the sun come up ,apart from my balcony that is ,,like helens creperie,, horizon ....but thats only my opinion.yammas,,im quite happy with my balcony..................
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Tell you what Kev as Im staying at the horizon when we are both in arillas in oct I will make the coffee and toast and we can sit on the top deck and watch the sunrise
my balcony on the top floor is a tad too small to squeeze us all on lol
Ang
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For me just a new ATM, and the chance to stay all summer. Pure heaven...
lynn xx
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A nice spit roast chicken and an ice cold mythos at Brouklis :-)
Tony
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Every time we go I always wonder if things will have changed and am always so pleased that they are still the same. Just love Arillas and the people just the way it is - heaven.
Jill x
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I'd love for Arillas to be the place I celebrated my 6 week rollover Jackpot.
I'd also like the lovely people in St Steph to give us our bloody sand back. They have had enough of it long enough methinks!
I might be forced to buy a dredger with my winnings.
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The only thing I would like to see, besides an ATM, is for LOTS of visitors to spend LOTS of money, and then we won't lose any more businesses....
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The only thing I would like to see, besides an ATM, is for LOTS of visitors to spend LOTS of money, and then we won't lose any more businesses....
...and following on from the previous comment I would like to see a concerted effort by all local businesses to draw in new visitors.
Eileen.x
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I'm glad to see this year I have noticed how much smarter some places in Arillas are.
Gravia and Nikos's new place look great and keep good company with Ammos, Thalassa, Marinas new pool and Atkis bar and pool area. I think this is to be applauded.
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I'm glad to see this year I have noticed how much smarter some places in Arillas are.
Gravia and Nikos's new place look great and keep good company with Ammos, Thalassa, Marinas new pool and Atkis bar and pool area. I think this is to be applauded.
I absolutely agree with you Frank. Some great investment has been made in new and existing businesses in Arillas and I certainly applaud it... it is especially brave and foresighted in this financial climate. What is lacking is an initiative to put Arillas on the map to attract new visitors in order to keep the life blood flowing.
Apartments need to be filled, shops and bars need customers. It's an acknowledged fact that returnees don't spend as much as money in Arillas as new visitors.
Any forumsters work in PR....in the travel trade...advertising....the media?
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Eileen, Frank and Maggie, I so agree with all you have said.
I work in a Further Education college which mostly didn't have a clue where Corfu was, let alone Arillas. Guess how that has changed since I got there.... We can all contribute to the future of our chosen slice of heaven.
Another year of decline will see several of our favourite places close down. Please, please don't let it happen.
Phil
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We shall be flying in from Finland soon, and have asked a friend from Sweden, a newcomer to Arillas, to join us there. Like all our friends, she has heard us describe the delights of Arillas many times, and now we have more or less promised her a Wine Festival in the bargain! Any news about those dates? Emeralddragons
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Arillas for us, must never change it`s appeal as `the perfect antidote to life`s stresses and strains`, which is why we all love the place. It does need new Arilliacs, however. Never seen it advertised anywhere.
Tour operators must not cut back their accommodation as it`s where most first timers will find out about the place and hopefully be tempted to return, package or independent.
Paul
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Just found this post of yours Phil - it's a bit of a paradox this one, you need to be careful what you wish for as it may just come true.
It is commendable that many posters on this thread would like to see more visitors in order to boost the profits of all those local business people who many of us regard not just as the providers of our magical holiday but also as friends. But the balance is a very fine one - too many new visitors to Arillas will destroy what it is and turn it into another Kavos or Sidari - good for those locals who wants to make large profits, but not what the majority of posters on this topic want - for the tranquility and unspoilt nature of the resort to remain as it is.
Of course, change IS inevitable, I first came to Arillas in the late 1980's and oh boy has it changed since then, but I guess that what we all want is for our dream holiday destination to remain as unspoilt and as far removed from the fast-paced modern world as it can, whilst still providing a good standard of living for all our local "friends" so that they can have a relaxed off-season period without the worry of insufficient funds to see them and their families through to the next holiday season. To achieve this very fine balance will require an exceptional PR person, and the joint efforts of all Arillas businesses working together to ensure that the vision of a "perfect" Arillas is achieved but not over-suscribed.
What do I personaly want in 2011? For that fine balance to be achieved, and for me to be able to finally afford to take the early retirement that is now 3 years over-due and make my permanent move to Corfu.
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Nicely put, Geoff! I, too, had thought about the downside of too many visitors but couldn't manage to put it into words as eloquently as you. (perhaps it's because I did take early retirement - five months ago - and my brain is addled already!)
Only joking - I took early retirement for a specific reason and am still very busy sorting things.
What do I want in 2011? Well, firstly, we're back in Arillas in May with our good friends, but, basically, I'd like a better year than this one has been. AND I'd like to wish all our friends a healthy and prosperous future
Janis x
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Hi
Arillas will never become Kavos or Sidari. The business owners live in Arillas largely and have family there. Sidari is largely rented out to seasonal operators. You just would do this on your own doorstep!
Corfu doesn't work like England. You don't buy a business with a massive mortgage and become a slave to your debt. For most a successful season means making enough money to live out the off season.
A lot of these businesses are handed down without encumbrance. Whilst this makes them reasonably resilient it's important that any business makes enough money to reinvest in itself.
If Arillas becomes tired and tatty then it will lose visitors and end up in a downward spiral.
However nearly everybody has said that August was a good month in Arillas and although the other months were a little down as I understand I wouldn't be expecting any wholesale change in Arillas next year. The downturn is a global event, where you going to go to do better?
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I have loved reading this. We all agree that Arillas must maintain it's unique character and never try to become another Sidari, Kavos or Faliraki (Rhodes.)
But it won't. At least not in any of our lifetimes. Just like Frank (Corfusoon) says in his very considered post.
Geoff mate, I have never met you but feel I know you anyway, and we both want the same thing. Mind you, I retired once and hated it. Beware retirement bearing gifts - it is very over-rated by the companies who profit from it. And it can be bad for your health.
Arillas will need a fan club to survive. People who realise like we all have, that you can make so many sorts of holidays there. And book up and go there again and again. I believe that the more who get to be Arillas Addicts, the more likely it is our wishes will be fulfilled.
Phil
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Very interesting comments and I agree with a lot of what's been posted.....it's a fine line.
I actually work in PR & advertising and I'm Editor of a monthly magazine which is a monthly predominantly Bristol based publication.
I've been trying to think of ways I can help local commerce in Arillas by doing a series of articles and features that might best serve the lovliest place in the world.
As we speak, we're getting ready to go to print with our September issue - we're going to print early because a certain BB has thrown a spanner in the works and is swanning off to Corfu on the 24th!
I want to speak to Dimitris about it when I arrive but if anyone has any ideas, do let me know or PM me if you'd prefer?
My concern is that if I produce a series of monthly articles over the winter months they won't really hit the mark or achieve the impact required for Arillas. One thing in my favour however, is that you can fly from Bristol to Corfu so there's an element of ease.
In the New Year I hope to set up my own media firm - so there's a lot of scope but all suggestions, thoughts appreciated.
BeckyB :-)
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Becky luvver, you have just volunteered to be what Geoff described as our "exceptional PR person." In fact you have taken the job and started work already according to your post. Our Dimitris has expressed his views in many ways already. But you are quite on target to seek out his opinion and publish it far and wide. In many ways he has become not only the voice of Arillas, but the guardian of Arillas. I can see him cringing just now (well, he "never reads my posts" so maybe not) but I believe what I am saying.
Jen's and my interest is simple. We want our bones buried there eventually, and have a vested interest in the survival and success of our own slice of nirvana.
I'll go and get another voddie frappe now, and shut up.
Phil
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I love you just the way you are Phil - don't you dare change a single thing (which I'm sure you won't!).
I am perhaps in a good position to promote, give a voice, explore elements of PR etc & I would willingly do this for what is, in my opinion the most beautiful place on earth.
As I said, looking forward to speaking to Dimitris about it & welcome any thoughts, suggestions from all good Forum folk :-)
Wish you were going to be there when Christian & I are over in a couple of weeks - I would LOVE to meet you & Jen very much :-)
One day eh....
BeckyB xx :-)
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Go for it BB, there is nothing better than a bit of publicity good or bad.
Must look you out when I'm in Bristol next,was there this week and in my work diary for next week also and prob the week after that.....goes with the territory lol
Ang
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Becky and Christian, the forum still has a picture of yous two leaning over the balcony above Brouklis. You'll be doing that again soon! Let us have another pic for 2010 - I'm sure Dimitris will take it. And maybe post it on Arillas Today.
Ask him about Jen's brown bread (I have white...) Beer for breakfast is a moveable feast when you get up at 1145 am. We'd even meet Jo Wisset and her Mick's ban on alcohol before noon... (Yes Jo, I did read it - lovely report!!)
We have watched Whispers and Calypso go down. In 2002 they were two of our favourite places to be. If you can get more interest going about
what is, in my opinion the most beautiful place on earth.
on which we agree completely, it can only help Arillas isolate itself from whatever happens in the Greek, and world economy.
And yes, we would also love to meet yous two for a drink or three in the Nut
Phil
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Well Phil - looks like you've got the ball rolling on this one - well done mate.
Becky - so glad you are taking up the challenge of being the exceptional PR person - it sounds like you already have in mind just what is need needed to keep the balance. I look forward to reading more after your meetings with Dimitris. May even get to hear about it before then as it looks as though I will be over there around the same time as you and Christian so may well see you in Brouklis.
Whats the name of your publication - is there a website for it so we can all take a look at it? Would it be the kind of publication where you could perhaps do a series of personal profiles on the "new generation" business owners like Dimitris at Brouklis, Akis at Mathraki, Marinos at The Horizon, etc. who are spearheading the change of business ethic by using I.T. and the Internet, but who are also upholding the values and traditions of their heritage. Just a thought ???
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You sound like the ideal person to promote Arillas Becky. I'm sure that between you & Dimitris you'll come up with some interesting ideas.
Regarding writing articles & producing them in the winter months - I think after Christmas, thats when people start thinking about their summer holiday most & any article promoting Arillas & it's way of live & what it has to offer in glorious hot sunshine is bound to grab people's attention after our long, cold winter months [just my opinion!]
Good luck with setting up your own media firm. You'll, without a doubt get lots of suggestions from your forum friends.
Enjoy your visit at the end of the month.
Sara..x
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Geoff,
Forgive my delay in replying to you and thanks for your comments/suggestions.
The first thing I really want to do is speak to Dimitris and get his thoughts on the whole deal as I wouldn't want to appear presumptious but to try and get the most for him and the local community.
I've several ideas of my own how this might be achieved but once I have a better feel I can best employ my skills.
I'm part of the 'What's On' group that produces a monthly family entertainment magazine and we also manage the What's On websites that cover Bristol, Bath, Cardiff & Weston but as I say, I will be moving away from this in the New Year to set up and develop my own company - although I will still be involved editorially with the group.
Finally, thank you for your lovely comments Sara - you always make me feel great - you know me, I'll certainly try to do my best :-)
BeckyB :-)
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Becky - I think it was me that was being presumptious - you are clearly the professional in this matter and you are quite right that nothing should be decided until you have spoken with Dimitris. I am quite sure that following that meeting you will devise the "right" campaign for Arillas.
Incase I don't get to bump into you and Christian at the end of the month can I say now "Good Luck" with your new venture, and I hope you both have a great time in Arillas.
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We have just come back from two weeks in Arillas staying at the Rainbow again, we found everywhere very quiet this year, Our fear is that more business will close, and less and less people will come. We love Arillas and don't want change but we fear that if it carries on how can they survive?
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We have just come back from two weeks in Arillas staying at the Rainbow again, we found everywhere very quiet this year, Our fear is that more business will close, and less and less people will come. We love Arillas and don't want change but we fear that if it carries on how can they survive?
Sheila, I can only answer with a reply I posted earlier....
"I would like to see a concerted effort by all local businesses to draw in new visitors."
Fortunately Becky has offered to orchestrate the promotion of existing and hopefully new ideas for sustainable tourism in Arillas.
Eileen.
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Hi!
Just wanted to say that after spending two weeks in Arillas in July, that some transport to surrounding villages etc would be really nice.
I would have loved to visit some of the nearby villages, but because of problems with walking due to back and leg pain, it was not possible.....
A couple of years ago I went to Parga - just off Corfu on the mainland, and they had a "Road Train." Sounds a bit commercialised but it wasn't! It stopped off at various sites and then had a stop in a nearby village - just enough time to have a drink and get back on the train again.
Just think that it might help people who can't get around so easily who wanted a bit more variety with their holiday....
Val
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A couple of years ago I went to Parga - just off Corfu on the mainland, and they had a "Road Train." ...
Just think that it might help people who can't get around so easily who wanted a bit more variety with their holiday....
Val
Excellent Val! What a innovative solution to the transport problem! An 'Around and About Arillas Road Train' couldn't fail to be a success :-)
Eileen.
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We're with you Val. Jen finds getting to the Rainbow from Brouklis a trial these days with her legs and back. The hill up towards San Stef is now not possible for her. We can't hire a car or I would get arrested for drink driving (if I didn't kill us or some poor innocent bystander first... )
Joking apart, a summer "bus" run maybe from Agios Georgios to San Stef that was a bit flexible on drop off points etc, might be a godsend for some of us if it could be made to pay.
Phil
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Thanks Eileen and Phil - wasn't sure if it would be appreciated because when I mentioned it to Thompson's rep she was convinced that it was a no - go area!
Thing is, not everyone wants to rent a car/ quad on holiday - we intended to this year but one look at the roads put my daughter off and I was a non starter from the off! Have traversed those roads before with my husband driving and was terrified to say the least..... Wasn't his driving that was at fault but oh dear - the sheer drops had me clinging on to the side of the door and I was so anxious!
Val
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What an excellent idea, Val! This September will be our fourth visit, and we walk as much as we are able, but a road train or similar would be fantastic!
Janis x
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Hello again val57 we were at the Mathraki with you and you daughter, your road train idea is great. We have been to other places in Greece that have them. Once in Crete we saw a lorry with wooden benches fastened in the back, very make shift, but people were glad to climb aboard to save their legs. No health and safety issues there.
Val
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Really agree with this idea - transport would be perfect to nearby towns. We hired a car but, I have to say, my husband wasn't very happy driving and we only got as far as Sidari before deciding to return and dump the car. We walked into San Stef. a couple of times and walked every morning on the circular walk around Arillas but didn't venture very far apart from a couple of trips. Local transport would have been the icing on the cake. Still, hasn't put us off, such a lovely place - planning next year's trip as we speak!
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When we first came to arillas in 1993, there was a minibus used to run between the marina hotel and the tria adelphia, to transport people up and down the road. It was very handy when we had small kids.
Maybe something like that again would be good. Depends if someone wouls be willing to run it. Perhaps for a euro each way, it would be worth it.
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That must have been very handy Maggie :-)
It definitely would be a good idea for an enterprising local to operate a bus - even just twice per day on specific days. Perhaps picking up passengers in Arillas in the morning and dropping off around the local villages/resorts and back out again in the afternoon to pick them up.
Fortunately the villages and resorts are not too far flung from each other so for those who enjoy walking there is the opportunity to be dropped off in one place and picked up in another.
For example: A pleasant walk is from Sunset beach then down to the unspoilt village of Peroulades with it's narrow streets and ancient buildings, a stop off in Yiannis taverna... then down to Sidari but stopping off en-route yet again for more refreshment a The Orchard...cash m/c(!) in Sidari and home again. That is only an example of the many walks slightly further afield than Arillas. Some people may say that it's actually taking visitors out of Arillas to spend their euros elsewhere, however I feel it would broaden the variety of 'things to do' and encourage even more returnees to Arillas.
Just my pondering of course....!
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Pleasant walk? That sounds like a marathon! To San Steph and back was enough for us. We did consider walking into Afionas but it was very hot when we were there in June and of course the walk starts off uphill.....Wish now we'd got a taxi there and walked back - may try that next time.
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Pleasant walk? That sounds like a marathon!
LOL...I should have made it clearer! I meant it to be an example of one of the many walks which could be enjoyed from a bus drop off point.
Eileen.x
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Thank goodness you clarified that - I was beginning to think we were extremely lazy on our hols compared to the rest of you!
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We mentioned this to our rep at The Thomas Bay this year. She thought it was an excellent idea but she obviously didn't mention it further.
A shame because i think alot of people from San Stef would use the service and vice versa for Arillas. I think it would be beneficial for both resorts.
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They had one of the little trains both in Stalis Crete and Alykes in Zante and both were realy good especialy the Trainaki in Alykes as Spiros who ran the train Also had a Taverna up in Pigadaki where he did a Greek night the beauty of it you paid 25 Euros and was picked up by the train at 7pm taken to the Greek night on it and brought back to the doorstep of the apartments at around 12 midnight that included a 3 course meal as much vino as you could drink a live Greek music band and of course Greek dancers it was an absolutely fantastic night
(http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w1/TNEW349484/Trainaki.jpg)
(http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w1/TNEW349484/Greeknight.jpg)
(http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w1/TNEW349484/Greeknight2.jpg)
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Perhaps I should retire now and run a bus or a train in Arillas......got to be better than what I'm doing now.....
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There's some "mileage" in that Sandy luvver..... (Sorry folks, couldn't resist.)
Seriously though, it sounds idyllic to me. Spend your days ferrying folk around a place you love, earning some beer money, and just enjoying the summer in NW Corfu, meeting and chatting with all and sundry.
I'd need a relief driver for weekends though - when I actually spend that beer money in the Nut ...
Phil
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Good idea Sandy!
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Perhaps we could job share Phil?
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excellent idea
you could go to niko,s,,and to night owl and afionas ,,,it could be like ,<on the buses>,phil as stan and sandy the short skirted clippee,,sorry couldnt resist ..yammas
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lol lol lol kev! We watched most of On The Buses too!
Would our Eggy be Blakey??? What a cast of characters. And Jen just shouted "I'm definitely not Olive."
I'll bet Terry will come up with a JibJab.
lmao
Phil
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Sandy luvver, one day it may come true. We'd do it well though! We'd have to arrange shifts for the drinking bit.....
lol
Phil
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as long as arillas can utalise the facilities they have without building lots of new hotels and whatnot then i wouldnt want to see it change....im all for new visitors to keep our BEAUTIFUL LITTLE RETREAT going but it would be nice for arillas to stay unspoiled
there are lots of holiday spots that im sure are beautiful to other people but arillas is our special little home from home....
an ATM that works would be nice tho...x
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as long as arillas can utalise the facilities they have without building lots of new hotels and whatnot then i wouldnt want to see it change....im all for new visitors to keep our BEAUTIFUL LITTLE RETREAT going but it would be nice for arillas to stay unspoiled
A good point philandsue :-) Let's all try hard to help fill the existing hotel rooms and apartments. Let's help give them financial confidence to re-invest in their properties ....which ultimately has to benefit Arillas.
Well we have the PR sorted...the bus and ATM suggestions...anymore...
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Hmm! Let me see....
Your aforementioned extras would seem to hit a certain spot Eileen & excellent suggestions by all.
There's just one thing missing I feel.
Residential summer caberet?
What about our Phil as a Sinatra tribute act in the Nut? Matinee & Evening show - six days a week?
Or, mix it up a bit & Sinatra one show & Phil & Jen do their Sonny & Cher tribute act to mix it up a bit?!? C'mon. Tell me how that won't sell out in seconds!!
Phil & Jen ;-)
Forgive my cheekiness. Only meant in jest - I'm sure you know that :-)
Seriously though, such thoughful suggestions regarding this topic - it's great, it really is.
B :-)
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BeckyB, nothing to forgive luvver.
but as for the cabaret....
And Sonny and Cher
we'll leave that to the originals. Both can be heard in the Coconut Bar when we are there, but we are nothing, we are just simply pawns in the chess game of our Arillas. Wind farms blighting the view to Mathraki, Othoni and Ericousa just horrify me. There is just so much to do to preserve our place.
What I want in 2011 is to see progress towards reversing the decline of the last few years, the abolition of so called "green" power generation, ie wind farms, and the local beer to get better and better. The brown bread is good, but could be improved Dimitris!!
Phil
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Hi All, I've just been doing some catching up!
I was just suggesting the train driving job to Colin (who has done it for real!) when I read further and see you are already talking job sharing, Sandy and Phil, any room for another one then?
lynn xx
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The more the merrier Lynn. It would certainly help with the drinking rota....unless we all want to drink together....lol
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Just for it to stay as it is! our first time last year we have just booked for end of May next year, A taxi would be useful, as I dont drive.
Everybody so friendly both Greek and English, very relaxed resort, ideal to just chill out.
Best food was at broukoulis, sea breeze, best bar malibu, but everywhere good.
walk to Afinias nearly killed us, but well worth it, going to walk to san steff next time.