Men and women in traditional Cretan dress greet us with smiling eyes. The men hand out small glasses of fiery raki. But we are not on Crete, island of the Minoans in the Mediterranean. We are next to the river Thames, in Battersea, London, being welcomed to a traditional Cretan lunch at the hotel Rafayel on the Left Bank.
Between Akis Bar and Giappie Snack bar in Lakka on the Island of Paxos. There’s a small dirt track that leads up some white pained steps into an Olive grove. Climb these steps and you’re rewarded with the best view of Lakka Bay. Lying at anchor you can see many white yachts bobbing in the crystal clear green/blue sea. Their flags denoting the popularity of this International destination. Many sailors use this sheltered harbour as a transit from Italy to Greece. If you head west from the entrance of Lakka the next land mass you’ll reach is Spain.
Looking Northwest from our vantage point we could see many yachts lying in a sea of green/blue with Northern mainland Greece behind. In the very far distance you can just make out the mountains of Albania. Continue reading ‘Livaboard Sailors sample the high life in Lakka’
Whilst reading one of the back issues of ‘Kathimerini Newspaper’ I came across this engaging feature about Piero Pieroni a single handed sailor, that returns to Greece after completing his circumnavigation of the world.
There are no other tavernas in view, no discotheques, no bars or the sound of bouzouki music. Patmos shows considerable restraint when mixing the trappings of tourism with this most holy of Islands.
Looking up from our rooftop Taverna. The Monastery of St John the theologian (named after St John the last living Apostle of Christ) can be easily seen overlooking the town of Skala. Its courtyard lights provide accents of colour across its darkened walls.
Travelling on an architectural tour by Peter Sommer Travels we’d arrived in Patmos in the late afternoon. This was our first meal together (Eleven guests) off our yacht the Turkish Gulet the ‘Almira’ and an opportunity to get to know everyone better. Our tour guide and Archaeologist ‘Heinrich Hall’ had scouted ‘Hiliomodi Fish Restaurant’ as the place to eat, and from our point of view he’d hit the nail on the head. Continue reading ‘An evening at Hiliomodi Fish Restaurant — Patmos’
Behind the beach of Emerald Bay on Anti Paxos is Voutoumi Taverna. Only 200 yards from shore Voutoumi Taverna is hidden from view by the Islands thick green bushes and trees.
Seeking shelter from the afternoon heat we chanced upon Voutoumi Taverna by accident only a sign in the distance indicated that anything was there. Its inviting shade was are motivation to explore.
Sailing between the islands of Greece is an experience in itself. Out at sea we’re quite alone; the vast openness challenges our senses. Gliding in rhythmic motion with our surroundings in this biggest of big blue I’m transfixed watching Christina drying her hair, as she seeks far horizons. Sailing together for the first time, our harmony with each other and our surroundings makes us feel we’re seasoned travellers. Our past lives of only weeks before are forgotten, it’s so easy to be a world away from reality in a yacht on a living ocean. Continue reading ‘Sailing the big blue’
Living in Corfu in the mid-eighties. The people, the changes, religion and the back handers! When good old Greek cuisine & bottles of 5 star Metaxa had more clout than a fistfull of dollars, especially so with the local Corfiote constabulary! The good old days…never to be the same again. October 1985 and my 90 days stay allowance was soon to expire. With appointment pre-booked with the Port Police in Corfu Town the day had arrived to get my Aliens Permit.
Knowing Greece was a country with a legal system as watertight as a colander, I covered myself for any eventuality that would happen (knowing it WOULD…Never a COULD or MAY option here), or so I thought! Continue reading ‘The Alien Invasion!’
The last time I was in Takis Taverna was in early 2002 by then Kevin had been running the place for about 10 years. Takis Taverna in Kontokali was the centre of the expat community right next to Gouvia Marina. It was also the centre for all the liveaboard yachts that stayed there. Takis address was regularly used as a postal drop and frequently you’d see the early retirement types turning up in the morning in sun weathered shorts and tops collecting their mail. Continue reading ‘Kevin at Takis Taverna, Kontokali – Corfu’
It’s one thing being a painter and decorator’s assistant it’s quite another doing all the work yourself, or so I thought.
Nikos the painter having lived in Australia for some years had a much broader outlook on life. His humour was wicked and stylish like a true Corfiot but with a subtlety that was full of guile (We got on well) and as a boss he was fair and reliable. Continue reading ‘It’s Just Business – Corfu’
It’s acceptable not knowing much at 22yrs I’d wish I new that at the time. In 1989 I’d been on the Island of Corfu for 4 months and only now was I beginning to settle into the expat community of Kontokali.
I’d a steady job, time on my hands and some spending money. I’d my first steady girlfriend. A wild cat that could throw plates like frizzbys. Having lived on the Island for 6 years she could curse me in English, Welsh & Greek. Yet it was my calming effect that she craved. Continue reading ‘The end of an affair, Kontokali — Corfu’
HELP NEEDED with Ryanair problem. Does anybody know who Ryanair's legal representatives in the UK ? Are they still Manches LLP ?10:51:31 PM April 03, 2010from TweetDeck
Men and women in traditional Cretan dress greet us with smiling eyes. The men hand out small glasses of fiery raki. But we are not on Crete, island of the Minoans in the Mediterranean. We are next to the river Thames, in Battersea, London, being welcomed to a traditional Cretan lunch at the hotel Rafayel on the Left Bank.
The last time I was in Takis Taverna was in early 2002 by then Kevin had been running the place for about 10 years. Takis Taverna in Kontokali was the centre of the expat community right next to Gouvia Marina. It was also the centre for all the liveaboard yachts that stayed there. Takis address was regularly used as a postal drop and frequently you’d see the early retirement types turning up in the morning in sun weathered shorts and tops collecting their mail. 
It’s acceptable not knowing much at 22yrs I’d wish I new that at the time. In 1989 I’d been on the Island of Corfu for 4 months and only now was I beginning to settle into the expat community of Kontokali.
