After lunch we went to say goodbye to our friends at Sea Monkeys, they have a new view also. They have gone upmarket and installed some very nice new umbrellas on the beach outside their place. I counted about 50. I do hope they are very profitable for them.

Sunday 28th June 2015

I cooked the last of our sausages this morning after going up to the Bakery for some fresh rolls. Oh dear! how did those Lemon Croissants and Apple Danish get here. They were delicious. We went down to the beach for Poppy to have a swim, the wind has dropped off now and the sea was much calmer. Then we went across to Sharon's to say goodbye to Sharon, Angie and Leszek. Did some more packing then off for shower and hairwash before going to the Rainbow for our penultimate dinner. That is Dave Smith's favourite word. The meal, as usual was superb. We have loved eating Vicky's Wraps, Phil has a Chicken Salad one and I have a Mediterranean one. Mine is filled with Feta, olives, peppers and tomatoes, served with Coleslaw, chips, a fiery chilli chutney and sour cream. It is my favourite meal of this holiday. Phil's is a toss up between Night Owl's Chicken Souvlaki and Thalassa's Sirloin steak.

Our favourite lunch was at 7th Heaven Panorama Cafe in Peroulades overlooking Logas beach, we will certainly be going back there and for an evening meal too.

Monday 29th June 2015 – our last day in Arillas.

It is a beautiful day again, blue sky, a gentle breeze and a pleasant temperature. We packed the van apart from a few last minute items. Poppy seemed to know what was happening, she put her toys next to the bags, bless her she has had a whale of a time, as we all have – our kefi is fulfilled. Tonight we went to the Marvel, to say goodbye to Joyce and Lorraine. Also to welcome Allison back again, as Spiros was working, we sat and had a meal together. When he had finished work, they went off to the Coconut bar, we waited to welcome Sue and Frank back again. She is the lady who had the quadruple by-pass operation in January, she is still doing amazingly well. As the Marvel is full, Sue and Frank are staying elsewhere for one night.

Tuesday 30th June – leaving day.

All packed and ready to go to Ipsos to have lunch with our friends Loretta and Terry before the evening ferry. We are both looking forward to the return trip, and also to going home.

This is the last post until I get home, but will be sure to write about our journey home. This is the last photo of Archie, hopefully the next photos will be of Phil and I cuddling him.

Archie 10 weeks

Friday 19th June 2015

When I got up this morning there was a package of eggs on the patio table – I just love my lovely neighbour Sophia. So we had Scrambled eggs for breakfast. We sat and planned our route home, I would love to drive around Lake Garda before we head off to see Maggie, Paul, Steve and Sarah again in St. Sulpice-Lauriere. Kostas kindly printed it for us.

We took Poppy down to the beach for a swim and then went to the quiz at Malibu. Dave Smith is a good quiz-master and makes it very interesting – we came 4th out of 9 teams. We then had a drive across to Sidari to the Pharmacy as Phil realised one of his prescription meds. will run out before we arrive home. We did a bit of shopping and then got some take-away Gyros from Beachpoint.

Saturday 20th June 2015

Hot again today it was 23 deg at 11am. We went down to Portofino for breakfast and then took Poppy for a swim. There were quite a few waves in the sea today, when we threw the ball, Poppy struggled to see it sometimes – it is so funny watching her swimming around looking for it. I don't think her eye sight is as good as it used to be. Sat at Sharon's for a while, it was very windy.

We came back to have a rest and then went to the Rainbow to listen to 'The worried men of Corfu' it was a good night, lots of friends were there.

Sunday 21st June 2015

Fathers day in the UK today! UK shop sausages for breakfast – still loving these.

Phil went to watch the Grand Prix in the Marvel. I walked down To see Yiota and buy a few bits to take home. This evening I made Stroganoff then we talked about our trip home.

Monday 22nd June 2015

Quite a busy day today,

We drove up to Gravia for lunch, with these amazing views.

Then we called at the Brewery to see Noufris and buy some local beer to take to France with us. We went down to the front in Arillas for Poppy to have her swim, then we called at Sharon's' for a drink and a piece of home-made cake. This evening we walked down to Pizza Lithero and shared a lovely Chicken Pizza. We called into the Marvel for a nightcap and to welcome Joy and her friend Lorraine who are staying in an apartment above ours. 2am bedtime!

Tuesday 23rd June 2015.

The strong winds we have had for the last few days have calmed now and we are back to hot, hot, hot. We went to Dave Smith's last quiz at Malibu before he heads back to UK. Thanks for the quizzes Dave, we have enjoyed them and all the banter. You have helped to raise quite a bit of money for the local animal charity. We teamed up with a lovely couple, Steve and Glynis from Manchester. It was a very difficult quiz, we didn't come bottom so that's a bonus. This evening we went to Gratsela with 6 friends, we had a lovely meal and chat, they headed off to watch the Splinter band at the Coconut. We popped in to see Poppy, Bobby and George at Bardis Sun Studios. We had a great night catching up with their and our family news. Also met some of their guests – all newish Arillas Addicts. When we were walking away, just round the corner opposite Vinceramo, we stopped for a while to look at the crescent moon and its reflection on the still sea, just perfect but my camera could not capture it..

Wednesday 24th June 2015

We went down to the front for Poppy to have a swim, it is a beautiful day 28deg but there was quite a swell in the sea. Poppy enjoyed it.

After the swim we went to Sharon's for lunch and then the quiz. We teamed up with a lovely couple who are getting married on the beach and having reception in Marina next year. We came 5th….yes there were 5 teams.

Campervan looking good

Windy but hot!

Stayed in tonight – used up some items in the freezer.

End of another beautiful week – will be leaving next Tuesday so there will probably not be another blog until we get home.

This weeks baby photo Archie – 9 weeks ?

Friday 12th June 2015

It is 31 deg today, it is too hot to do too much, Poppy seemed lethargic too. Well it looks like it is terminal…………..I accidentally spilled a glass of water, yes you heard right – water over my laptop today. We quickly mopped it off and placed it outside for a sunbathe, to no avail. Phil has stripped it down as much as he can but it looks like the hard-drive is poorly. I am now writing this on Phil's laptop – it seems strange as I had mine all set up as I wanted it for blogging. Oh well beggars cant be choosers. This evening we walked down to Pizza Lithero and then onto the Coconut to watch/listen to Duffy – he was very good. 

Saturday 13th June 2015

It is 31 deg again, we decided to have another lazy day mainly laid about reading. Drove to Beretas for some shopping, then took Poppy up the lane when it had cooled down a little. 

We went over to the Marvel and I had a cocktail called 'Bloody tourist' Spiro's favourite word for his guests.

Sunday 14th June 2015

Still hot  in fact it was 32 deg this afternoon, but we decided we couldn't sit around doing nothing again. We drove down to the front, Poppy had a really good, long swim while we stood talking to Will, all his boats were out, so he was listening to the TT races. We decided to go to Effies for lunch, and I had my usual Garlic prawns

We stayed home this evening, just chatting, quaffing wine with cheese and biscuits. Perfect!

Monday 15th June 2015

30 deg again, we have decided we are going down South to Lake Korission tomorrow so we have filled the water tank and packed the van with items so we can stay overnight – hopefully right on the beach.

Tuesday 16th June 2015

Hot again and very humid, 10.30am = 24 deg. 

Had a good drive down South, stopped off at Golden View Cafe in Agii Theodori for lunch – as the name suggests the view from the terrace was amazing. I also saw a bush with seven different kinds of butterfly on it. Couldn't get a decent photo though.







It got up to 32 deg on the journey, it felt a little cooler when we arrived as there was a breeze on Chalikouna beach. 

We parked up in the Dunes just off the road between the Lake and the Ionian sea. 

First thing we did was walk over to have a swim, we had a great time, no one else on the beach for miles. We could see kite surfers way off in the distance. 

We set up our BBQ and had Sausages we had bought from the UK shop. They tasted amazing, even better than cooked in the oven. With a nice bottle of Chilled wine – this is the life – so peaceful and relaxing. 

Was a beautiful sunset tonight.

It was very hot in the campervan even with the windows open, with the mossy screens in place. I laid in bed for ages just looking at the millions of stars, so much clearer when there is no light pollution. Phil actually spotted the Milky Way.









Wednesday 17th June 2015

Very hot again today, we did manage to get off to sleep eventually, but we decided it was just too hot to stay another night. We had our breakfast and set off for a drive up the East coast, I love this drive, so much to see just following the coast. 

We stopped off for a late lunch at Pondikonissi Hotel looking out to sea at….

This is one of our favourite views in the world. The barman is so friendly and thoughtful, as soon as we sat down he brought a bowl of water over for Poppy, before we even ordered our drinks. 





Mouse Island or Pondikonissi – Vlacherna – Pondikonissi or Mouse island is the name of the the most remote island in the bay south of Kanoni, just south of Corfu town. The island is often confused with and mixed with the nearer island of Vlacherna which is connected with the main land by means of a small dam where also some fishing boats are. On Vlacherna there is a white monastery and a very tall tree. This is one of the most photograhped places in the whole of Greece. In the background is Mouse Island. From Vlacherna during the summer months there are boats (in high season every hour) to Corfu town and you can also make a trip to Pondikonissi/Mouse Island. The only building on the island of Pondikonissi is a church that is hidden between the trees. The myth from Homerus says that Odysseus was washed ashore on the island, but other places on Corfu claim the same. The trees on Pondikonissi vaguely resemble mice and thus its name. At a 400 meters distance of Vlacherna is the beginning of the landingstrip of the airport of Corfu, which is placed in a lagune. '

We arrived back in Arillas early evening, and had a much needed shower. When I checked my emails I found one from Eggy (Neil) inviting us to a fun darts night at the Rainbow. So we went over and had a very enjoyable game  bed at 2am.

Time is racing now  less than 2 weeks left. Update on my laptop it is still dead, but have managed to write this on Phil's laptop Here is this weeks baby photo, can't wait to see him.

Archie – 8 weeks old.

Today we went to Ipsos to visit our friends Loretta and Terry. You may remember that we met them at the Bari ferry terminal last year as we were both travelling to Corfu. They were coming out to find a place to live and buy a boat. Well they have now done both, they are so happy living their dream.

This is their boat – between the red one and the dinghy.

They are busy doing up their apartment, it was just a shell when they moved in. Terry has fitted a beautiful bathroom, created two lovely bedrooms, a good size sitting room and his flat pack kitchen was delivered while we were there. Still lots of work to do, but they have all the time in the world.

Saturday 6th June 2015

Today Dot and I went to San Stephanos to collect some items from Hippopots. This evening we went to Thalassa for our meal. It was as delicious as ever. Also another superb sunset.

Sunday 9th June 2015

Today is my youngest granddaughter Emily's 10th birthday. From what I have seen on Facebook she seems to have had a good time, With 3 birthday cakes.

We went to Portofino for an English breakfast. Then Poppy had a swim at the beach.

This evening Phil wanted to stay in and watch the Grand Prix. Dot and I went to the Rainbow for our meal so we could have a good chat and give Phil some peace and quiet. We had a good chat to Jimmy, he is such a laugh. Another win for Hamilton! He is doing well this year.

Monday 8th June 2015

We had a brilliant day today, we drove to Paleokastritsa. It is the first time we have been for about 20 years. There are lots more hotels and villas scattered about than there was then. The sea is still a beautiful blue though. We went for lunch to the  Zefiros Hotel overlooking the beach. Dot knows the English lady (from Whitley Bay) who runs it with her Greek husband.

View from Hotel while having lunch.

Then we walked to Ambelaki beach, as it is a bit quieter, for Poppy to have a swim.

Poppy swimming video.

When we left we must have missed a turning somewhere as we ended up too far south going past Aqualand. It was pouring down with rain for about 10 minutes.  All good fun though and a lovely day out.

Tuesday 9th June 2015

Dot and I went into Sidari to get a card and present for Spiros at Portofino as it is his birthday on Thursday. We had a good old mooch around, I bought a couple of presents for Archie too. Then we had lunch, and called at the English shop for some sausages on the way back. Tonight Dot went out to a quiz in Sidari, so Phil and I walked down to Armourada for our dinner.

It started to thunder and lighten as soon as we sat down, good timing, then the heavens opened. It poured down for about 10 minutes.

Wednesday 10th June 2015

Quiz at Sharon's today we teamed up with Dot, Ann and John. We didn't win, but were not last. It was about 30c even in the shade it was hot, no breeze from the sea.  Tonight we were invited to Sea Monkeys for a BBQ and Quiz night. It was a good evening, food was delicious and the quiz was great fun. We arranged to stay over in the Campervan so we could both have a drink.Poppy had a great time, she has a new boyfriend, they just love each other and were chasing all night. It was difficult to photograph them as they were so busy.

Another very busy week – Only 2 and a bit weeks in Arillas left now.

Larissa and Archie 7 weeks old.

Monday 1st June 2015

Tuesday 2nd June 2015

30 deg today, we went to Sharons for lunch and the quiz. We came 5th – there were only 5 teams. Tonight we drove over to eat at Bavias with Christine and Bob – was great to have a good catch up. Then back to Portofino for a nightcap and to pick Dot up as she had dined with June and Malc.

Time is flying by – we still have a few things we would like to do this trip, but with not being 100% well, we will take each day as it comes. Love this photo – look at his chubby cheeks.

Larissa and Archie.

Sunday 17th May 2015

28°Today 

My sister in law Helen, sent me this photo of her and a colleague. They work in a Tesco garage, this is how they celebrated VE day.

Apparently Cleethorpes had the honour of lighting one of the beacons, I would have loved to have been there to see that as it was on 'Ross Castle' – a favourite place of ours when we were kids, to play on.

Saturday 9th May 2015

 A friend of ours daughter, Laurie Belshaw took this beautiful photo of the sunset in arillas tonight – I just had to share it here.

We are still feeling rough so another early night for us.

 I did get a couple of photos from Larissa that cheered me up. Archie seems to change with every photo.

Here is one of Larissa – his mum – when she was 3 months old – the resemblance is uncanny.

It is a bank holiday in Corfu – some of our friends in Arillas walked the 'Arillas Trail' today – if anyone would like to see a superb video of it go to -https://vimeo.com/126714635 – it is only approx 3 minutes long, but it gives a good overview of Arillas.

Brouklis Taverna May day wreath

Saturday 2nd May 2015

We all had a long lie in after our late night. I woke up to some photos from Larissa.

Sandra and Carol eventually found us after walking half way round the village – I knew they were not listening when I gave them directions last night lol. It seems that what we call the Hotel Marvel is known as Hotel Marvellous by everyone they asked, so they thought it was a different place. We went for a drive to stock up on shopping and then had a late lunch at Akrotiri. It was glorious up there, no wind and the temperature was very pleasant. Whilst driving round the village we came across these little goats – so cute!

We learned today that the new Royal Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana was born and is 4th in line to the throne.
This evening we went to Portofino and had an excellent meal as usual. It was the second night of being open, but was not very busy. Spiros came and sat with us for quite a while. We had a good laugh getting some of his light hearted abuse.

Sunday 3rd May 2015

Beautiful day today, up to 23°.

We had a drive into San Stefanos, and called at Hippopots for Sandra and Carol to meet Jackie and Pete. Sandra could not resist buying something. I love these flip flops on their wall. The shop is looking lovely. We drove down to the harbour then back to Arillas for Poppy to have a swim.

 Then to Sharons for a drink and a sit in the sun passing the time away.

Sandra and Carol

This evening we went up to Kaloudis for Spit roast Lamb and a quiz. We teamed up with Kez and Kath. We actually came joint first with two other teams and we lost on the tie breaker. Never mind it was good fun.

 We ended the night with a complimentary cocktail – a Screwdriver with 6 straws, and very nice it was too!

Monday 4th May 2015.

Sunny and warm today. I woke up to find a mossy bite on my posterior – first this year.

My daily baby fix

We walked down to say hello to Yiota – she opened her shop today.

Chocolate and Banana

Poppy had a swim and then we sat at Sharons and tried a slice of her delicious cake. We were looking at the re-installed bench, thinking we will have to toddle down the end of the jetty for our usual photo – maybe Avrio!