6th Week in Arillas
4th June 2016
Beautiful sunny day, took the car back this morning. Then Dot and I took Poppy on the beach and for a swim. We had breakfast In Beach Point and very nice it was too, we only had the small one and there was plenty. Had a slow meander up the hill. Met lots of people we hadn’t seen yet, including Pat and Barry, who have been here since 19th April. It is amazing in such a small village how you can go that long without bumping into folks.
OMG what a wonderful afternoon we had, we popped next door to visit our neighbours John and Ann, to share a bottle (or 3) of vino and some cheese and biscuits + nibbles. We had such a good laugh, and met some new friends, Bill and Ann, who got engaged at the Rainbow last year. Sophia and Kostas from the Marvel came for a quick drink too.
It was such a laugh when Kostas turned up pushing his wheelbarrow taxi in case we needed it later. It is afternoons like this that make Arillas so magical.
We stayed in tonight and had a Pizza delivered.
There was an amazing sunset tonight, this photo was taken by Vas at Marina.
5th June 2016
Hot and sunny all day, we just lazed about, tonight Dot went out with her friends Tony and Sue. We went to the Marvel for dinner.
6th June 2016
Dot had to go and see Dr. Yannis today as her back is really hurting her. He gave her three injections, one for pain, one as a relaxant and one for blood pressure as it is sky high. She had to go back this evening for him to check the blood pressure again, it had gone down, but he wants her to see the doctor asap when she gets home.
Dot and I went to the beauty shop, she had her Eyebrows plucked and I had a Manicure and Pedicure. Then we went next door to the quiz, it was an interesting one, we came third! Afterwards we took Poppy for a swim and play on the beach.
This evening we went to Armourada for dinner, Phil and I had the most amazing Bifteki stuffed with feta – best of the holiday so far. Ian and Joy joined us for a nightcap and we sat chatting for ages. Was a good last night for Dot as she flies home tomorrow.
7th June 2016
Hot and sunny again, it is our youngest grandaughters birthday today, happy birthday Emily.
Dot and I had a wander down for her to say goodbye to a few friends, she only made it to the Akti as her back was hurting so she sat and had a coffee while I took Poppy for a swim. We had a slow walk back and Dot rested all afternoon, then she went to the docs again for another injection to make her comfortable for travelling. She left at 8pm and Phil and I stayed in and had a quiet night.
My friend Keith sent me some photos he has taken of Poppy – I thought you might like to see this one, I have it as my laptop wallpaper.
8th June 2016
Had a call from Dot – home safe and sound eventually. She was supposed to leave at 11pm. Eventually flew at 2am. The plane from England was late, then some nutter was threatening to kill his girlfriend, family, Stewardess etc. So they had to wait for the police to take him away. Just what you don’t need at the end of a holiday. She said Easy Jet staff were wonderful, she was cold, and they don’t carry blankets now so 2 stewardesses gave her their winter coats to put round her.
27deg at mid-day. Too hot to do too much so we didn’t. I have two mosquito bites on my foot, which are quite swollen, I took an antihistamine tablet and laid on the bed next thing I knew it was 2 hours later. Had a quick shower and went over to the Marvel to say goodbye to Ann and John who are going home in the morning. That 6 weeks went quickly.
9th June 2016
Hot and sunny, wall to wall blue sky. Today it is –
The Ascension festival in Arillas 2016
On Thursday the 9th of June there will be this year’s first festival in Arillas. It takes place near the local Church and old school of Arillas village which is about one and a half km from the beach on the way to Magoulades on the main road.
The local church is dedicated to the The Ascension of Jesus, which was when the resurrected Jesus was taken up to heaven in his resurrected body, (Acts 1:9-11) in the presence of eleven of his Apostles, occurring 40 days after the resurrection. The church on Analipsi “???????” (Ascension) was build during the 50’s by the volunteer help and donations of the people of Arillas. Since then, we established the Arillas Analipseos Festival which is always on a Thursday 39 days after the Greek Easter Sunday. The event starts at about 20:00 until late in the night. The Festival is organized by non profitable organizations based in Arillas those who are responsible for the Wine Festival in September and the Music festival in July or August. The Arillas Folklore dancing club is consisted by over 60 members from the ages of 5 to 60 years old . Every time they dance you can experience these different traditional Greek dances performed by this mixture of ages all with the same pride, something that we do not see any more in many countries. The music from the Traditional Live Band is combined with some BBQ with souvlakis , wine and loads of our Local Corfu Beer from our unique Microbrewery.
Photos courtesy of the Arillas Cultural Association
We didn’t manage to go to it, as my foot is swollen and I felt really lethargic. I sat with my feet up, with a glass of Zinfandel and played my new favourite game – Freecell – it is addictive.
We had some sad news today, Armourada is closed as Takis has been taken ill and is in hospital. It turned out that he had to have his Appendix removed and has to stay in for a few days.
10th June 2016
Hot, sunny and blue skies, another perfect Arillas day. I had a quick look on the Forum, as I do most mornings when we have internet. Today someone was asking why we all keep coming back to our favourite place. Apart from all the usual reasons, sunshine, friendly people, food, drink, fabulous sunsets etc. This is my reply:-
Hello, my name is Anne and I am an Arillas Addict!
Same as everyone else – I can’t explain it. It is like getting your feet into a comfy pair of slippers, slipping off your bra and relaxing with a cup/glass of your favourite tipple. Then settling down to read a favourite book or watch a good film.
I too have been well travelled to different countries and have had some fantastic holidays and cruises but non of them has the magic that Arillas has to keep calling me back.
After coming back for over 20 years, the last 3, for several months, you can safely say, we are hooked into our bit of paradise.
I have given up trying to explain Arillas magic to people, after all we don’t want it to get over-run do we. The ones who have taken up my suggestion of ‘come and try it for yourself’ are now returning, time and time again.
Must dash now, off to do absolutely nothing much, on my favourite little Greek island.
We have just spent a fantastic afternoon with our friends Loretta and Terry who came from Ipsos to see us. They were going to come on their bikes, but there was thunder and lightening on their side of the Island, so they came in the car instead. We never had a storm at all, just a few clouds at times. Thanks for coming guys. Terry had an appointment at the dentist at 6pm so they had to leave early. We stayed and had a chat with Sue and Eric who arrived yesterday. Finished the afternoon off with Frank and Sue – great company just love you all.
We stayed in tonight – we must get out more lol. Just enjoying all the chilling.
End of another perfect week, time is flying by now!
I found this on Facebook, by David Carolan!