The Skiathos Bulletin Board

allan · Joined: 04 Jan 2007 Posts: 102 Location: Preston Lancashire

Rather late but only now found a bit of time to myself to reflect on our last trip to Skiathos and put pen to paper.

2nd Sept – 9th Sept 2008
Our visit to Skiathos this year for the 14th time in the last 16years was something of a late planned adventure for us. After an early end of winter break in Spain during March and then a month at our family villa in Florida for almost the whole of June, and still having to budget time and money for yet another trip to Florida with our children & grandchildren for the Christmas and New year break, we had resigned ourselves that this year would mean no long lazy days on Big Banana beach or sitting down by the old harbour in the evenings watching the world slowly drift by...
However with September looming and my thoughts thinking about what I could give Ethel my wife for her Birthday on the 5th Sept. It was while browsing the Bulletin Board that it came to me – stuff the expense it was the perfect present –I didn’t waste any time, found flights on the net and emailed the Lake Hotel in Koukounaris for a week’s accommodation, once sorted I informed Ethel that her birthday present this year was somewhat different than the usual bunch of flowers and a meal out....well she would still get her meal out but NOT in a rainy Lancashire!

So two days later Tuesday 2nd September we set off for Manchester Airport, by coincidence our Daughter and her family were flying back to Manchester from the Florida villa on the same day having spent most of the kids summer break over there in the guaranteed sunshine.
We were due to fly at 9.15am and they were due back at 11.30am.So we left the car in the short term car park, hid the keys under the car bumper and left it for them to pick up and go home with, texted them the location of the car, and the swap over worked out perfect !

Anyway back to our Skiathos trip...First Choice flight left right on time, have not flown with First Choice in quite a while, and pleasantly surprised with their service for what is a short European charter flight service, the flight deck kept us informed of any places of interest on route, the cabin staff were very attentive and went about their duties with a smile on their faces, we opted out of the in flight food (extra£30.00) and took on board a sandwich each, even though we did not take the in flight food option, the cabin attendant quickly offered us drinks to accompany our sandwiches when she noticed us about to eat them, as we only required a bottle of water each, this was supplied FOC.

We landed right on time at 3.00pm local time, no other flights in at that time so it was only a matter of minutes and we collected our bags and wandered outside to get a taxi out to Koukanouris,we ended up sharing with another couple heading our way(not unusual for taxis to double up)
Anyway, the driver Costas, alias (Michael Schumacher) had us outside the Lake Hotel in 15minutes flat!...for the bargain price of 19euro (each couple)...did I say bargain for being frightened half to death by his driving?, I am an former race car driver, and he scared the hell out of me so how does someone afraid of speed cope with this type of stupid dangerous (cutting corners on blind bends in broad daylight) & totally unnecessary driving?

Once over this traumatic experience it was quickly unpack, visit Maria at the supermarket and stock up with basic supplies to see us through. Once we had done this it was still early enough to wander off out and do a reccie of Banana, last year the beach was still in turmoil following the mayor’s decision the year before over who held the beach conssessions.Our old friends Panni (old taverna owner)moved to a new business in town and last year beach sunbeds owner Adonis was still somewhat perplexed by what was going on and did not have his usual far left side of big Banana, however a quick reccie soon revealed that this year Adonis was restored back to his rightful position as sunbed provider on Big Banana.

The first evening we decided to stay put in Koukanouris, so we ate at the Village Taverna, as usual the food was good, service was efficient by the friendly staff and we went off for an early night well fed and watered!

Wednesday dawned and we arose to brilliant sunshine, a quick breakfast on the balcony and we packed for the trek up the “Hill” to Banana, once we arrived on the beach we ran into an old acquaintance “Irish” Ian, who had arrived the previous Friday for his usual 4 weeks September break,
Which follows his 8 weeks June/July break!!??
We found a couple of sunbeds that took our fancy on the front row, quickly dispensed with our clothing and sampled the lovely clear waters surrounding the island....once again we realised what keeps bringing us back year after year to this fantastic Island.

Wednesday evening was a trip on the bus to town, It was surprising to us how busy it still was in September (our first time, as we usually visit in June only) the bus was manic as we have come to expect in June, an amusing thing happened when a South African girl stood close to us answered her mobile phone, “Hi, I’m on bus with 400 other people!” ....Ha Ha.
Something else I pondered over as I sat there in my seat, , why is it I always get the ladies who are standing in the isle with the biggest bum, or biggest belly pushed against my shoulder/head ?
It is always some other lucky so and so who gets the lovely young nubile ladies “attentions” forced on them...[sighs] once we arrived in town we had a little stroll around the old harbour, stopped off for a cold beer before heading to Mouria Taverna to see our old friend Panni, still smiling and still serving great food. We enjoyed a very pleasant evening before heading back to Kouks on the 10.30pm bus.

Thursday once again dawned a beautiful sunny day and we headed off to Banana for another relaxing day, it was bliss the whole day, quite a few Greek families still partying on the main part of Big Banana, but the smaller section beyond the rocks was relatively quiet, and we once again enjoyed the tranquillity of the beach area.

During the day a friend wandered over and was telling us to enjoy the peace....because as Friday approached it was all going to change! Change? I enquired, yes tomorrow Friday “They” arrive....the September Banana Beach clique.
It won’t be too bad tomorrow as most will be on later flights and will only get to the beach on Saturday morning, but don’t say I didn’t warn you! I was intrigued who or what was “They”?

Friday arrived this was also Ethel’s birthday, so I hoped it would remain a good day, despite “They” arriving, and it was a good day, only saw a couple of new faces arrive during the day, nobody looked strange, maybe our friend was just winding us up I thought? As the day passed into evening and we planned to celebrate Ethel’s birthday with another visit to town, this time we found our way up the climb overlooking the ferry terminal and ate at Maria’s Family Taverna, a front row balcony table gave us a fantastic view of the setting sun, and the bustle of the town as it came alive with people starting out for the evening. We enjoyed a wonderful meal and I can really recommend a visit to this taverna.

Saturday was upon us already! “They” would be arriving on the beach, we got ready early in anticipation of what we were going witness today, we got down to the beach by 9am, Our friend was there setting up his “space” a nod said it all, today was going to be different.....the beach was quiet, in fact quite eerie, we wandered over to our usual favourite spot at the far side of the beach.

One guy had arrived on his own already, and set up stall on the sunbed next to ours, he did not speak but seemed to give us a look of “ don’t know you, should you be sitting there? ” ...I sneaked a sly look at him, was he one of “They” ?....I looked over to our friend for guidance, he just rolled his eyes, it was enough to confirm my suspicions, he was one of “They” my heart pounded what was in store ?

Now for this next bit you have to think of the music that played at the start of “Jaws” the movie as the sharks fin rushed through the water heading as he headed for his victim.......Yes “They” started to arrive appearing around the rocks one couple at a time at what seemed like 5 minute intervals,, heading straight for this guy sat next to us, all of them to a man(and woman) gave us the same look of suspicion as the guy did when we first sat down next to him, I began to realise we had parked ourselves slap in the middle of “their” territory.

It soon became obvious that the guy next to us was the “team” oracle who was the knower of all things! apparently he was there alone due to his wife having to stay home looking after the four dogs, when I first heard him tell this story to the first couple who arrived, I felt quite sorry for his wife, left back in the UK with no holiday, however as I unavoidably listened to the constantly repeated drivel that this guy inflicted on all who would listen, I quickly thought – what a clever lady, get some dogs and then you have to stay home and look after them ,Hey presto, gets this guy out of your way for 3 weeks peace and quiet...

Ok back to the rest of this motley crew, “They” continued to arrive throughout the morning to big hugs and squeals from all the rest of the group, they crowded around our “space” and discussed everything from health complaints to cosmetic surgery some had undertaken.....personally I have to say they wasted their money....the women of the group complimented each other on how well they looked and enquired as they looked them up and down “You are looking great, have you lost weight ?” ...only to gossip later to one of the others...”have you noticed such a body...she’s put some weight on since last year hasn’t she...!
I have to say Last time I saw this many bitches in one place at the same time was crufts!!

The men folk didn’t fair much better either, in particular two of them that decided that they would be the group comics, the Morecombe & Wise of the group, one was short the other tall...buts that’s where the similarity ended, Morecombe & Wise were funny....then there was another older guy who was almost as round as he was tall, he would stalk other members of the group each hour on the hour and relate tales of old...telling a story from his past...once, then again...then again...then again...then again..Then again...gosh just thinking about it has made me feel sleepy!

The day progressed with the group partaking in shouting instructions to each other at regular intervals on when “they” would go for lunch, or shout a unfunny joke, for all to hear, such as “Who is unlocking the beach in the morning...I’ll leave the key under the stone !”...or assemble in the water to throw a large plastic ring to each other and attempt to catch it on their arm...well you had to see this, about 10 of them stood waste high in a large circle one arm out stretched in the style of the Nazi salute....just on the front row from us were a lovely old German couple, when they saw this sight I swear they shuffled uncomfortably on their sunbeds!

Sunday was much the same, although when we arrived on the beach, the first thing we noticed was the number of towels/beach toys left on sunbeds by the group to reserve them until they decided to get their sorry asses out of bed and come down to the beach....and we the British have the nerve to call the Germans for reserving sunbeds... The day went by much the same as the day before, each “wife” talking louder than the next so she could be heard first...we stood our ground and put up with these people all day because we like the beach so much, but for the next day Monday our last full day on Skiathos, “They” won, we decided we wanted to enjoy our last day, so we did something completely different and left the beach to them, we got up had a lazy breakfast took a nice stroll around Koukonouris around the lake, and down towards Mandrake to see “Patsy’s bench(very well done to everyone who made this possible) then we caught the bus to town and did some shopping before have a lovely lunch on the Bortzi,as we watched the aircraft and ferry boats come and go.

For our last night we wanted something special, so we booked a table at the Elia’s Restaurant at the Mandraki Hotel, and what a meal it was, they must have the services of a very experienced and well trained chef, I have been fortunate to have eaten in some top restaurants around the world, and without any doubt the food that was presented so well to us that evening matched anything I have had anywhere else. The evening with the drinks and 3 courses of food we enjoyed, the bill came to over 100euro so not the cheapest place to eat in Skiathos but it was exceptional.

So all that was left was a relaxing Tuesday morning before arranging a taxi to take us back to the airport for the trip home, the First Choice flight was running 45 minutes late, but it was not a problem
It just meant sitting in the sunshine at the tavern for a little longer...

Well that’s it for another year, regardless of “They” who spoiled the serenity of the beach, I understand the beach is for all, and we understand some people need to “belong” to a clique so nothing personal, in fact you did provide us will a little entertainment as we listened to some of your stories, for that I thank you.

We will be back to Skiathos again as usual, but maybe NOT in September ... ”They” can have the beach !
_________________
http://www.pro-tecmotorsport.com

skiathos lad · Joined: 08 Jan 2006 Posts: 295 Location: skiathos

hehe that bad hey?
and i thought greeks were the worst........
thanks for the report,
and i hope you wont let it spoil yr memories, these things do happen to all of us, but
theres nothing, realy, one can do and beleive me i have tried all sort of tricks to make the unwanted ones go away, but in the end i always end up lossing my temper and destroy my day.......
so now having learned, i usualy just go .

Ianb · Joined: 08 Mar 2006 Posts: 539 Location: Lancs

Allan you should try a taxi ride in Luxor 3 abreast was not uncommon with some going in different directions with the same at night and nobody drives with lights on Confused

even the police Shocked

.
amazing Cool

Ianb
_________________
A holiday a holiday & the first one of the year

Kriandos · Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 2:44 pm Post subject:

Excellent report Big Al, pity part of your holiday was marred by weirdos on Banana Shocked

You NEVER see anything like that in June Very Happy

I mean, fishing competitions and midddle aged men dressed in Sumo outfits, Elvis and a strange Irishman, followed by drunken behaviour at the taverna.

Before you know it they'll be letting Foxy, Suejet, that Whicker person and the Chic onto Banana.

Nahhhh Embarassed

Can we therefore expect your company, and that of the delightful Ethel, in early June next year ??

Dave & Mags have already booked but have opted for Sergios ( behind 1st supermarket ) instead of the Lake

Sithee Matey Wink

Elle · Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 2:47 pm Post subject:

or... a try the taxi ride from Patras to Athens - many years ago, we did... my daughter and her friend, Paul, myself, and my ex-hubby and his wife all crammed in ONE cab (How did I agree to that???) with our bags almost flying out of the open trunk... going WAY too fast, weaving in and out of highway traffic - and finally me screaming uncharacteristically at the cabbie- in a maternal TERROR - to SLOW the F*#! DOWN You MISERABLE SOB, &!@@@!@!!$$$ bad word bad word bad word #### !

or.... getting from the train station in Brindisi to the ferry to Greece via an Italian cab, screaming wildly around corners on the wrong side of the steep, winding, narrow cobbled streets in the dark of an April night, , horn honking all the while... I just closed my eyes... or did I pass out? Wink

_________________
"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
If you want to be happy, practice compassion."
- HH The Dalai Lama
--
modern folk music
http://www.cdbaby.com/all/kammmac
http://www.myspace.com/paulkammandeleanoremacdonald

Kriandos · Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 2:56 pm Post subject:

[quote="Elle"]or... a try the taxi ride from Patras to Athens - many years ago, we did... my daughter and her friend, Paul, myself, and my ex-hubby and his wife all crammed in ONE cab (How did I agree to that???) /quote]

Sat here crying laughing with a crystal clear image in my head ..... but with one question spinning around Confused

How did you agree to what ?

The crammed taxi or the ex hubby and his wife Very Happy

Eleanore we need to talk ..... Viv's ex hubby brings his new Missus to us for Christmas dinner.

And they live in Benidorm Shocked

Elle · Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 3:36 pm Post subject:

hahahaaa, Brian... the taxi ride, the taxi ride.

My daughter (ex hubby's daughter) always has said that she had 4 parents, her two 'normal' parents and then her 2 'bonus' parents (Paul and Wendy). She would drag us ALL to her parent-teacher conferences or to special family days at school - so, ex-hubby and his wife have been a normal part of the routine here for about 27 years... the holidays, monthly dinners, playing music together - not to mention wild taxi rides in Greece!

Glad to hear you guys have a similarly interesting 'relationship'!
_________________
"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
If you want to be happy, practice compassion."
- HH The Dalai Lama
--
modern folk music
http://www.cdbaby.com/all/kammmac
http://www.myspace.com/paulkammandeleanoremacdonald

Foxy · Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 4:10 pm Post subject:

You will never get me on Banana if that's the type of person you get on there. I can only bite me lip for so long.

Ex-spouses coming for Xmas dinner & on holiday with you? Shocked

You're all stark raving bonkers Confused

allan · Joined: 04 Jan 2007 Posts: 102 Location: Preston Lancashire

Christine · Joined: 02 Jan 2006 Posts: 58 Location: London

Allan,
Think you're on the wrong beach - Little Banana is so much more refined Wink