San Stefanos Online ~ North West Corfu
Welcome to San Stefanos (NW Corfu) => San Stefanos news and views => Topic started by: hobbes on July 07, 2020, 04:20:40 PM
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Reading all the posts about who is or isn't opening, I'm just wondering how many of us have booked or intend to go this year? (C19 willing!) Me and DH have booked for Vicky for 21st September.
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everything being equal we're looking at Sept but it obviously depends on how things are plus if we have a great summer weather wise, we may decide it ain't worth the hassle.
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We are going 28th August for 2 weeks. Might be the quietest holiday we have ever had... but I’m sure it will be great anyway. 🤞🤞
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We are going 28th August for 2 weeks. Might be the quietest holiday we have ever had... but I’m sure it will be great anyway. 🤞🤞
It was a very quiet place when we first went there, and much better we think. I'm sure you will have a lovely time.
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Jackie goes out on the 17th August and I'm following on 21st - she gets 3 weeks and I get 2 and a bit!
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I'm really hoping enough people are going that some of the restaurants and shops will still be open in September. I've been checking the hotels availability and they all seem to have rooms available for September-I'm not sure whether that's good or bad!
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Covid 19 and the Greek Government allowing - we'll be off on the 25th of July - we'll post what's open if we get there :-)
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Covid 19 and the Greek Government allowing - we'll be off on the 25th of July - we'll post what's open if we get there :-)
Please do and enjoy!
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Yes looking forward to hearing positive things.
We were booked to stay at Paralia Apts for 2 weeks but have put it back to 2021 now but might nip out there for a week if things settle down and tavernas are open ?
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I'm sure there will be enough places open. It'll just be a bit more like the end of September. Places like Tasty Corner, Yiannis Grill, Yiannis, Town Pizza, probably Beachcomber, are small family-run businesses which don't have the high staff requirements of the hotels, so they can work all right with lower customer levels, and there's less competition. I expect that Mango, Havana and Manthos will be open to provide for the beach. Mistral's more doubtful, because they mostly come from Sidari. Lesley will be able to report on Vicky, and I expect Barras will be open, and Waves.
So I wouldn't worry too much. There won't be millions of sunbeds on the beach, which I happen to think is a good thing!
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We go a week on Monday .Had email yesterday to confirm our holiday was still going ahead 👍
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I think more places will open when the tourists start to arrive :)
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We go a week on Monday .Had email yesterday to confirm our holiday was still going ahead 👍
That's great, have a lovely time! Anyone going, please post some updates on here, it would be much appreciated :)
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3 weeks from 13th August. Know lots planning to be there around then too
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I think more places will open when the tourists start to arrive :)
"If you build it they will come"....and if they come, you will open it! ;D
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"If you build it they will come"....and if they come, you will open it! ;D
Oh I like that! :)
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Mr & Mrs Winkie, 28th Aug, two weeks ...................hopefully :D.
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Mr & Mrs Winkie, 28th Aug, two weeks ...................hopefully :D.
Lucky you! ;D
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Rose and Derrick also 28th August for 2 weeks and two friends arriving 4th Sept for a week.?🤞🤞
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I love San Stefanos and have many friends there, but no way am I going to spend best part of four hours wearing a face mask.
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Plus the airport time :(
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And the coach transfer.
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Oh no its definitely always a taxi now !!
Couldnt cope with that coach journey 🤣🤣
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Make sure it’s been disinfected first. 🙏
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Looks like I'll be missing out on San Stef this year as my mate and I will be heading over to his holiday home just outside Dalaman in Turkey mid September. However, this depends on the Scottish Dictatorship, sorry Government, actually allowing us a wee bit of "freedom" as mentioned in their favourite film....
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We were meant to be going from 31st August for 11 days until TUI cancelled our Monday flight.
We were going to hold off for a few weeks and perhaps reschedule, once we got a feel for what was going to be open and the risk of a possible 2nd wave of this damn virus, then make a decision.
However, the fact that Speros has confirmed that the Nafsika wont be open this year means we will likely write this year off and hopefully return in June 2021.
I think visitors who end up going will find a very much different village and may well be disappointed in what they find, the ambience that we are so used too might be missing this year :(
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Yes Steven, it will be a different experience. The beautiful beach and sea will still be there and some restaurants and bars will be open so hopefully those that are still going will no doubt still have a lovely holiday :)
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Thank you Karen for being positive for us that are making the effort. Steven, we will make a new ambience. X
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Thank you Karen for being positive for us that are making the effort. Steven, we will make a new ambience. X
Oh you're welcome and I'm very envious, enjoy! X
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Is anyone travelling this weekend I assume they will be the first flights to Corfu from the UK ?
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First flights arrive today from UK, Jet2.
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There's a Jet2 flight from Birmingham over the alps right now!
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Woo lucky them cant wait to see them appearing on the beach tomoro :D
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We are a nosey lot on here aren't we? ;D
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No ..... just envious.
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They got a water arch from the fire engines at the airport when they touched down!
https://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/2020/07/15/greece-uk-tourists-tests-corfu/ (https://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/2020/07/15/greece-uk-tourists-tests-corfu/)
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They got a water arch from the fire engines at the airport when they touched down!
https://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/2020/07/15/greece-uk-tourists-tests-corfu/ (https://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/2020/07/15/greece-uk-tourists-tests-corfu/)
That was brilliant and shows how keen they are to get visitors in I would suggest.
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We are going for three woks on September 11th -Little Prince again.
I have had confirmation from Cardiff airport that TUI flights will resume there from 7th August and run right through to the end of October
Roll on.
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I'm sure you will have fantastic time in September. We were due to fly with Tui July 20th from Cardiff. Staying at The little prince. But not to be. Flying out on the 22nd with easyJet. Staying in Peli and Maria apartment.like you, bring it on. If you are prepared to put up with a few small changes, you will enjoy yourself. We have been in regular contact with several locals, they say most places are open. They say, don't worry everything is normal. 😊 I will give an update and my opinion on how things are in the village. Looking forward to chillin out in the little prince bar at about 5pm, and watch the spit going around in the Mythos restaurant opposite. 😂😂
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We will be there 21st September at Vicky-so thats 3 of us there then!
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😊 3 of you plus the wonderful people of San stefanos 👍 bliss!
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4 of us, Romanza Villa , Easyjet Sept 7th, ten days. ...fingers crossed flights remain as booked. Really looking forward to this. X
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Paul and Ruth, we are looking forward to your updates and please think of us and the Stamatis/Silvermoon family, most of whom I think won t be about, sadly ;)
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Missed out in June but will be there 14th of September stopping at the barros
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We missed out on June too but so looking forward to 28th August for 2 weeks at Little Prince and friends arrive 4th September for a week at the Barros. Really really looking forward to it. x
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All booked two weeks in September staying at the Little Prince, is it a good choice?
Have eaten there many times.
Unfortunately Nafsika is closed, my number one choice.
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Not looking forward to the wearing of a face mask, first time wearing one today on the train. Horrible especially in the heat.
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Wearing a mask is not a problem, really. I've always worn one when shopping. After a bit you forget it's on. It's a small price to help keep us safe.
Little Prince is a great place to stay. We've stayed there very many times. Wish we could this year!
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Thanks for the info Jimbo. Hopefully you will get there next year.
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We were due to stay there Trevor and was really looking forward to it.
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This will be our 4th time at Little Prince in September. It is a great place to stay. You will live it. X
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Hi All
We have just booked the little prince for a week on 14th September. Fingers crossed.
J
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We arrive 28th August and leave 11th sept. Can’t wait to get there and lie on that beach and chill every day !!!!
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There are some great bargains on TUI at the moment :D :D
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All booked two weeks in September staying at the Little Prince, is it a good choice?
Have eaten there many times.
Unfortunately Nafsika is closed, my number one choice.
We eat at Nafsika, when we are there, unless we're having a storm and we stay down the main avenue. Spiros did drop us back to Bar 38, one night, last year, it started to rain heavily and he knew a bag over my head would not be a good look for me! ;D One evening we got as far as 2 stars and the heavens opened, so we dived in there and had a lovely meal. Then got soaked going from there into Condor, but Stefano and Spiros were waiting at the door with tissue to dry ourselves off with! It's the little things like that, I will miss :(
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Having had our flight for an independent stay at the end of July cancelled some time ago, we had written off this summer and resigned ourselves to staying at home.
However, we have seen recent positive reports from the first arrivals. Then a really attractive deal came up with TUI, for 10 nights in the date range we could go. More shall we, shan’t we go. More positive reports seen.....sod it, booked and now going (hopefully) to Romanza on 21st August and will be able to have our anniversary meal at Beachcomber. That’s assuming TUI don’t cancel the flight. Brian and Amanda.
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Good for you for booking, I'm sure you'll have a lovely relaxing holiday!
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Having had our flight for an independent stay at the end of July cancelled some time ago, we had written off this summer and resigned ourselves to staying at home.
However, we have seen recent positive reports from the first arrivals. Then a really attractive deal came up with TUI, for 10 nights in the date range we could go. More shall we, shan’t we go. More positive reports seen.....sod it, booked and now going (hopefully) to Romanza on 21st August and will be able to have our anniversary meal at Beachcomber. That’s assuming TUI don’t cancel the flight. Brian and Amanda.
Well done BAJ. If everyone obeys "social distancing" then I can't see a problem.
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Best of luck with social distancing in the airport and in particular on the plane.
Stay home and support the UK economy for this year.
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Best of luck with social distancing in the airport and in particular on the plane.
Stay home and support the UK economy for this year.
Our friends returned from Lanzarote last week and said there wasn't a problem at the airport, on the aeroplane and in the resort. Just be sensible!
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That rules me out then, I’m never sensible.
Have a nice holiday.
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I can understand those people that have health issues postponing their holiday this year but some of the people on here that refuse to go because they have to wear a mask just beggars belief. Easily put off aren't you?
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You calling me scared.
Some of us feel that it would be right to support the UK this year.
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You calling me scared.
Some of us feel that it would be right to support the UK this year.
Whatever!
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Many folks arriving in Corfu now, are being tested at the airport for virus symptoms, and all are clear so far, what I can gather, what happens to those that may test positive ?, anyone shed some light on what may happen ?.
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Shot at dawn.
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Why would you holiday in this country this year when you can't do what you normally do i.e. go to the pub, restaurant, theatre, cinema etc when the weather is shite. Also some parts of the country are openly discouraging people from visiting.
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Shot at dawn.
Oh my goodness, scary stuff :o.
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Many folks arriving in Corfu now, are being tested at the airport for virus symptoms, and all are clear so far, what I can gather, what happens to those that may test positive ?, anyone shed some light on what may happen ?.
Having read another forum , it said that you would be taken to a quarantine hotel...and there is a chance that others on the plane could also be quarantined. It appears they are testing many more people at the airport.
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Ah, thanks Karen, not something I would fancy after paying for two weeks in SS.
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Ah, thanks Karen, not something I would fancy after paying for two weeks in SS.
No Winkie. There have been a few people going into Greece, testing positive, so they are keeping an eye on the situation, but they certainly don't wish to close the borders again. Lots of information on 'Corfu Forum ' :)
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http://www.corfu-forum.com/forum/general-discussion/what-is-your-opinion-on-testing-for-the-virus-before-travelling/
This is the link hopefully :)
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Winkie you might want to have a look at the Gov.uk site here (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/entry-requirements) as well. I think the link for the form you need also takes you to a Greek information site. Hopefully these are all kept up to date. Unfortunately things are changing almost daily and it's just a case of keep checking I guess.
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Good advice Geordie, things do change daily.
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Many thanks to you both ( Karen and GB) , having second thoughts now, so frustrating, so many going and appearing to enjoy their holidays at the moment according to social media. Looking for an alternative trip nearer home,may be the way to go.
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Many thanks to you both ( Karen and GB) , having second thoughts now, so frustrating, so many going and appearing to enjoy their holidays at the moment according to social media. Looking for an alternative trip nearer home,may be the way to go.
Oh Winkie, it's a hard one isn't it....the uncertainty of it all worries me, but that's because my husband doesn't keep good health, otherwise we might have gone...
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We arrived safely on 18th July. The town is much quieter than normal but lot's of nice restaurants are open at the harbour end of the town. The Nafsika was buzzing with activity but we think that was for a private celebration last night. The Mistral sun bed area is being expanded so he is hopeful. If you do come have a great time. The weather is as fantastic as usual.
Bill
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Thanks for the update Bill, appreciated.
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Thank you Bill, all sounds good! Enjoy your holiday and any further updates would be appreciated :)
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Bill, what was the airport experience like?
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Hi karen. We are here. At last!! No worries for anyone coming to San stefanos. It's obviously quieter than usual at the moment. More and more people arriving every day. Most places open. But on the whole, it's still the same San stefanos. The airport experience at Corfu was surprisingly easy. No problems. The quickest we've ever gone through. Quickly through passport control, then police check your plf code. Off you go to collect your luggage. If you have booked to come. No problem. Enjoy. 😊
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Hello Paul and Ruth! So glad you're there safely. Now enjoy your holiday and don't forget some updates, to make us all envious! :)
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Good to hear that more and more people are arriving....that's great news.
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Difficult to judge I know but are visitors mainly Brits or a mixture and was your plane full?
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Hi Karen,
They have a testing regime at the airport (which is quiet of course) and they select the candidates for testing as you clear passport control. You need to show them the printed form and from that they select the subject. Very easy and you know by email within a day if you are positive.
Bill
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Hi Bill,
Have they said what happens if you are unlucky to test positive
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Hi Karen,
They have a testing regime at the airport (which is quiet of course) and they select the candidates for testing as you clear passport control. You need to show them the printed form and from that they select the subject. Very easy and you know by email within a day if you are positive.
Bill
Thank you Bill, that sounds quite painless!
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You are isolated in hospltal in Corfu if you test positive for the virus. They attempt to track down the people you have been in contact with and mentioned fellow passengers. Bill
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5 Brits isolated already, were going to North Corfu. That didnt take long >:(
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There are a mix of nationalities. But quite a few brits. It's Friday, so we are expecting quite a few in today. 👍
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There are a mix of nationalities. But quite a few brits. It's Friday, so we are expecting quite a few in today. 👍
Thanks for that :)
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Thank you Paul and Ruth, making us feel a lot better. Have a great time. Xx
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Have a fantastic time. Thank you for update too. X
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Thank you scottygirl. We are having a great time as usual. Almost impossible not too here. No problems. People serving in bars and restaurants wearing masks. Masks in supermarkets. No problem. Otherwise its as normal. Quiet a few people arrived in little Prince yesterday, as we were sat in the bar having a ice cold beer. 👍
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Thank you scottygirl. We are having a great time as usual. Almost impossible not too here. No problems. People serving in bars and restaurants wearing masks. Masks in supermarkets. No problem. Otherwise its as normal. Quiet a few people arrived in little Prince yesterday, as we were sat in the bar having a ice cold beer. 👍
Sounds very promising :)
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4 weeks till we go all being well x
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Thank you scottygirl. We are having a great time as usual. Almost impossible not too here. No problems. People serving in bars and restaurants wearing masks. Masks in supermarkets. No problem. Otherwise its as normal. Quiet a few people arrived in little Prince yesterday, as we were sat in the bar
having a ice cold beer. 👍
Hi do you know if the 180 degree bar is open it overlooks the beach between athina and vicky studios ? Also whats the nightlife like are the bars allowed to play music ??
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Another fantastic day here in San stefanos. A nice breeze today. Last night was busier again. Live music in El Greco. Music in the hideaway gin bar. A superb kokinisto in brusko as usual. A little bit quieter than you would expect at this time of the summer season. But it's San stefanos. No problem.
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Hello Paul and Ruth! Sounds idyllic...have you seen Tom or Elliseos yet? Is Bar 38 open, wondered how Spiros was. Thanks for your update, much appreciated x have a good evening!
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Hi karen. We see Tom and elisios everyday. We go to pool. Tom gave us a hair-raising drive to find a house we like. Tom drove up roads a donkey would refuse!! We eventually got to Afionas. Looked around. Asked around. But couldn't find it. Lewis Hamilton got back into car to drive us back to San stefanos, but he got lost. Luckily I knew the way back. 😂😂😂😂
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Hi karen. We see Tom and elisios everyday. We go to pool. Tom gave us a hair-raising drive to find a house we like. Tom drove up roads a donkey would refuse!! We eventually got to Afionas. Looked around. Asked around. But couldn't find it. Lewis Hamilton got back into car to drive us back to San stefanos, but he got lost. Luckily I knew the way back. 😂😂😂😂
Hahaha! I love that, good old Tom ;D please give them all our regards. X
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Another fantastic day here in San stefanos. A nice breeze today. Last night was busier again. Live music in El Greco. Music in the hideaway gin bar. A superb kokinisto in brusko as usual. A little bit quieter than you would expect at this time of the summer season. But it's San stefanos. No problem.
Thanks for the updates, much appreciated. Is it possible for you to tell us which places are open and which are not?
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Most places open. Athens bar, acabar, Thomas Bay and Nafsika closed. Not sure about 180° bar. We haven't been around there yet. Otherwise everything is as normal 👍
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Most places open. Athens bar, acabar, Thomas Bay and Nafsika closed. Not sure about 180° bar. We haven't been around there yet. Otherwise everything is as normal 👍
Great updates. Keep us posted. :)
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Great updates. Keep us posted. :)
Yes, thank you for the updates, hopefully it will make everyone more confident to take their holidays :)
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Aquarius bar closed. Building work. 180° bar closed. Fairly busy on the beach today. Just a few days has made a difference. Mare duce at the Athina was busy lunchtime. Nice cooling breeze on the beach today. Karen. Everyone has rebooked for next year in Tom's. Same time. So will see all the old friends. Graham and Linda here as usual. Been here since March. Here during lockdown. Elissios had to do their shopping.
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We are booked for 3 weeks from 11th September 🤞
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We are booked for 3 weeks from 11th September 🤞
Aww Maggie, fingers crossed for you.
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So good to hear that Graham and Linda made it before lockdown. Look forward to seeing them end August. We usually bumped into them in the Barras at 5pm. If you see them please tell them we are asking after them. We are Rose and Derrick and Gary and Jayne. Thanks x
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Will do scottygirl 👍
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Thanks Paul and Ruth. We couldn't get in Tom's for next year, so at Little Prince, but will still go and visit everyone! I can't think who Graham and Linda are...but don't know everyone's name! :)
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We are booked for 3 weeks from 11th September 🤞
That will soon be here Maggie :)
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Hi karen. You would know them if you saw them. We were talking to elissios about you and John last night. We said you were in little Prince next year. Elissios showed us on his laptop that Tom's was fully booked up for next year. Showed us our bookings for July and September, plus our kids booking. Scottygirl, passed on your best wishes to Graham and Linda 👍
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Thanks Paul and Ruth, so as you may know now, we have managed to get a 2 bed apartment, 28th June, next year! Hurrah! Xx
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Thank you. xx
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Sea is calm again today. Very little breeze. Little Prince bar and restaurant was very busy last night. Live music in El Greco bar. Still a bit quiet in the village but getter busier everyday. It's good to see the coaches dropping people off at the apartments. Public bus is running too. Lazy on the beach ahead😎
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Hello Paul and Ruth! Sounds lovely..wish we were there.. It's good to hear that more coaches are arriving. Is Bar 38 open? Have a lovely day, going to be 34 degrees here today, I'll sit in the garden, close my eyes and imagine I'm on San Stef beach! Haha!
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Apparently TUI sending more planes to Greece and her Islands, due to folks who normally visit Spain, booking last minute deals. Could be a lot of new faces in our wee village soon.
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Let's hope so Winkie :)
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Hello Paul and Ruth! Sounds lovely..wish we were there.. It's good to hear that more coaches are arriving. Is Bar 38 open? Have a lovely day, going to be 34 degrees here today, I'll sit in the garden, close my eyes and imagine I'm on San Stef beach! Haha!
Our place here in Kirklees seems a bit more like an open prison now, not allowed out unless it's to earn money for the country!
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Hi karen. Yes bar 38 is open. I think spiros daughter is working in the bar. Enjoy the sun in your garden.
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Our place here in Kirklees seems a bit more like an open prison now, not allowed out unless it's to earn money for the country!
So sorry to hear that, what do you think has caused it, haven't seen much news today. I did see he's stopped the opening of some leisure facilities.
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Hi karen. Yes bar 38 is open. I think spiros daughter is working in the bar. Enjoy the sun in your garden.
Thank you, that's good. Yes his daughters come back from England to help him. It's so hot in the garden, we will have to find a shady spot with a cold beer. Enjoy your day! :)
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Matt Hancock’d this (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/north-west-of-england-local-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do#affected-local-areas) up late on last night for most of the north west of England, providing a massive 3 hours notice! To be honest it makes little difference to us as we've not stopped being in lock down.... But for others it's caused no end of hassle.
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Matt Hancock’d this (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/north-west-of-england-local-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do#affected-local-areas) up late on last night for most of the north west of England, providing a massive 3 hours notice! To be honest it makes little difference to us as we've not stopped being in lock down.... But for others it's caused no end of hassle.
Gosh, that is some read! I suppose it has to be done...
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Gosh, that is some read! I suppose it has to be done...
Yes, no real problem with them taking action, but they knew of the rate increase more than 7 days ago and should have been telling people then that in 7 days time we will lock down if the rate is not better - "watch it here" type of thing.
But like I said it makes little different to us and today, none at all in lovely heat (bit above our liking). So we collected in some token produce we had tried out in pot - fava beans, added a few green and purple fine beans, lightly cooked and dressed with olive oil, parmesan and black pepper - was yummy in the garden (shade of course) with a glass of fizzy cava.... Now ready for dinner in the garden - rain permitting ;D [size=78%]![/size]
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Yes you are right Geordie they should have told you all that earlier. Sounds like you've had a lovely day in the garden, much like us. We've just dug up some new potatoes and collected our lettuce cucumber and tomatoes for a tuna salad...and a bottle of wine :)
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Fortunately we ate earlier than normal tonight outside.... Just had to dash in due to massive plops of rain! It stopped within seconds, but think there is more on the way, quick look shows a big'ish storm from Sheffield up by Wakefield and on towards Leeds. A hot 34C still in Corfu right now, so at 10 I'm kind of glad I'm not there....
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You have to watch the massive plops ;D looks stormy here and it's still very hot at 11pm....
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It was quite hot here in Hull today - but the breeze picked up at about 5pm and it became too strong for the garden, the chill wind coming from the North Sea. Then at 8pm a thunder storm rumbled around, and bit later Gilll went off to bed with a hot wheatie, as usual! So it goes on. Apart from today it's been the worst summer I can remember.
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It's been very breezy here too, Jim, but hot breeze. John wanted to fly, but there were a lot of gusts, so he decided not to. May was lovely here, but not so good after that. Oh well
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It was quite hot here in Hull today - but the breeze picked up at about 5pm and it became too strong for the garden, the chill wind coming from the North Sea. Then at 8pm a thunder storm rumbled around, and bit later Gilll went off to bed with a hot wheatie, as usual! So it goes on. Apart from today it's been the worst summer I can remember.
The worst summer.......I think it feels like too
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Very strange to hear about the weather variations in the UK.
Here in South Devon the weather has been exceptional for March, April May and most of June, early July very disappointing. Currently the weather is lovely and more to come next week. Why go abroad this year.
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Indeed,Charlie, why go abroad, I've loved being in our lovely garden!
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Very strange to hear about the weather variations in the UK.
Here in South Devon the weather has been exceptional for March, April May and most of June, early July very disappointing. Currently the weather is lovely and more to come next week. Why go abroad this year.
Good to know you are alive and well Charlie.
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Good to know you are alive and well Charlie.
I thought that l had the bloody virus, have never felt so ill. Had the test result and all was clear.
I have to assume that the test was accurate, however I am staying in for the next few days just in case.
I still think we have to live again, the last few weeks have been boring and no way to live.
Have you been missing my rants.
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Hey Charlie, sorry you've been poorly. Sometimes these tests give false results, so you never know ....best to stay in, just in case.
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I thought that l had the bloody virus, have never felt so ill. Had the test result and all was clear.
I have to assume that the test was accurate, however I am staying in for the next few days just in case.
I still think we have to live again, the last few weeks have been boring and no way to live.
Have you been missing my rants.
No!
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Woke up to fog this morning. Cleared by 9. Sitting on balcony having breakfast. Fog still on the beach. Last night was very busy in the village. Just about managed to get a table in little Prince at 9.30 pm. Many watch cup final in the bars. Everything feels like normality. Except George Michael not making an appearance in condor bar.
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:D :D We saw him last year not the best is he !!!
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Morning Paul and Ruth. That sea mist is quite eerie sometimes. Just looked on the webcam and didn't know if it was dirty, but that explains it! It's great to hear it's busy in the village and back to some normality, I wonder if they will extend the season a little bit? Tut...shame about George Michael! Enjoy your day!
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Theresa and I will be arriving on Friday. Decided booking a package might be safer so travelling with TUI and staying at Little Prince. Two of our sons flying out on Sunday and staying in Valantis Home above the bike shop opposite the Condor. Sounds like things are getting back to normal but I'm sorry about 180 degrees and Aquarius being shut and my sons are gutted that Athens is not open as that's where they normally end up after we go back. My son has a local contact and seems to think the Aquarius bar may open at some stage I don't know if anyone knows if that's right? Also Theresa would like to know whether the launderette is open?
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Very strange to hear about the weather variations in the UK.
Here in South Devon the weather has been exceptional for March, April May and most of June, early July very disappointing. Currently the weather is lovely and more to come next week. Why go abroad this year.
Well Charlie you have the world and his wife telling us to staycation and then people complaining that the beaches and beauty spots are full with no social distancing. We can't have it both ways. If we holiday in this country where do they think people are going to go? The coast and inland beauty spots that's where. It's inevitable.
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No
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:D :D We saw him last year not the best is he !!!
Come on, you gotta have Faith..... :)
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Come on, you gotta have Faith..... :)
;D ;D ;D Love it
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No
No what????????
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Aquarius will open this week
Glenn was stuck in uk till mid July then had to do some work to the bar
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Aquarius will open this week
Glenn was stuck in uk till mid July then had to do some work to the bar
It will be good to see Glen again. Glen, get some decent wine eh? ;)
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Hi lucky people already in San Stan we arrive on 28th August, can’t wait as freezing and very wet in Edinburgh today! Anyway a wee question, we have had a couple of nights away doing a bit of a staycation! and due to the virus we did not get beds made or towels changed or room cleaned. (Which wasn’t a problem for 2 nights). Just wondered what is happening in hotels in san staf re changing beds etc ? Thanks for any info. X
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Im sure Lesley will know ?
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Yes Lesley will be able to help. Also our friends Paul and Ruth are there at the moment. If they come on first hopefully they can tell us what the cleaning regime is :)
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Our lovely hosts here - San Stefano Travel - posted about their apartments. Basically, no daily maid service apart from removing rubbish. Fresh linen and towels once a week. So, business like at home and less pampering!
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You can also check the video provided by Noula on the San Stefanos website.....
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Our lovely hosts here - San Stefano Travel - posted about their apartments. Basically, no daily maid service apart from removing rubbish. Fresh linen and towels once a week. So, business like at home and less pampering!
Where can I find that jim? :)
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Lots of posts here:
https://www.facebook.com/SanStefanoTravel/ (https://www.facebook.com/SanStefanoTravel/)
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Lots of posts here:
https://www.facebook.com/SanStefanoTravel/ (https://www.facebook.com/SanStefanoTravel/)
Thanks Jim, it's a shame some of us aren't on Facebook...oh well, never mind....
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I don't think you have to be to view it. Try it and see.
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I don't think you have to be to view it. Try it and see.
Ah thanks Jim, that worked, yes good information on there! :)
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You can also check the video provided by Noula on the San Stefanos website.....
Thats really helpful thank you, will this be the same for all apartments this year ?
Thanks
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Thats really helpful thank you, will this be the same for all apartments this year ?
Thanks
I think it will. I suppose you could easily wash your towels, not so with bed linen, but can't be helped , at least they steam clean before you go in, so that is very good.
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I know they wash the bedsheets but do they always wash the bedspreads too? I remember seeing an episode of CSI once where they mentioned that in US hotels the bed-covering never gets washed :o-made me resolve to stop sitting on it eating pringles whilst watching the TV!
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Haha! Good point Hobbes!
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So far our 3 weeks starting on 11th September is still on.
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So far our 3 weeks starting on 11th September is still on.
,
And not far away now Maggie :)
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Fingers and toes crossed for you Maggie, you arrive the day we depart...................hopefully.
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Fingers and toes crossed for you Maggie, you arrive the day we depart...................hopefully.
Not long for you too Winkie :)
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We were due to fly out from Newcastle with EasyJet on 30th August returning on 13th September, just noticed our inbound flight has been cancelled although outbound still showing as going ahead, it looks like other flights cancelled too. I have not heard from Easyjet just noticed on the app when I went to check in.
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Yep, squeeky bum time for a few of us. We go ( hopefully) end of month too, our flight still good to go and return TUI, just awaiting our government kicking it into touch.
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We were due to fly out from Newcastle with EasyJet on 30th August returning on 13th September, just noticed our inbound flight has been cancelled although outbound still showing as going ahead, it looks like other flights cancelled too. I have not heard from Easyjet just noticed on the app when I went to check in.
TD, sorry to hear that. Have Easyjet said when they intend to close their hub at Newcastle? It was reported in June that they were going to do so, do you suspect this is the start of the closure?
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Easyjet stop their flights to Corfu for a few weeks in September then commence again back end of September so this looks like a temporary measure possibly in anticipation of some restrictions, but who knows. I have flights to Corfu and Spain booked for next year and no disruption for those at the minute, it’s definitely a waiting game.
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Not using Newcastle these days my interest is in passing as some of the family still use it. Hence I knew Easyjet were closing the hub there. Looking at the likes of the Chronicle here (https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/protest-planned-closure-easyjet-hub-18722580) it seems a large number of jobs are going, so I would expect some disruption, although they did say routes from Newcastle would stay. Trouble is at the moment is the alternatives are not good if they want to fly you back elsewhere, so fingers crossed!
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Yes Newcastle is so uncertain for Easyjet we thought they would still be flying but reduction in routes but nothing is certain anymore.
We tend to do a mix of independent and packages but think packages may be the way to go in the future, never been in the position where they will fly me out but not home, fortunately all on one booking so I can get a refund. A refund from TUI for my hotel booking will be tricky as at the minute they will say my hotel is still open.
Will just hold on to see if the government changes anything in the next week or two.
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It looks like this is down to EasyJet pulling out of Newcastle from 1st September very little details only a breaking news statement from a news bulletin.
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It fits in with the Chronicle link where they are talking about 45 day consultation period which would take us to about 3-4 days ago. Allowing for more admin etc... It does not look too good, but hopefully things will work out for you.
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Still hoping our 3weeks from 11th September will go ahead,all looks OK at present.
I have checked with Cardiff airport and the flights are still as listed so I have filled in my PLF form in anticipation.
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Still hoping our 3weeks from 11th September will go ahead,all looks OK at present.
I have checked with Cardiff airport and the flights are still as listed so I have filled in my PLF form in anticipation.
Enjoy your holiday Maggie, and please make sure you don’t have another accident. I was staying at the Little Prince first two weeks of May last year. I think you might have arrived the second week and had that nasty fall, we did speak briefly with you but you were with others.
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Checked in with TUI and PLF code just arrived. All ready to go tomorrow :)
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Checked in with TUI and PLF code just arrived. All ready to go tomorrow :)
Have a lovely time and let us know how you get on :)
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Checked in with TUI and PLF code just arrived. All ready to go tomorrow :)
Go get them BAJ! Have a great time. Tell Glen in the Aquarius Bar I'm on my way in three weeks.
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Checked in with TUI and PLF code just arrived. All ready to go tomorrow :)
We go tomorrow where are you staying ?
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We go tomorrow where are you staying ?
Happy holiday! :)
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Have a great time BAJ, weather looks fab.
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Have a brilliant time-its a month today until we go-I don't think we will make it.... :'(
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BBC news this morning, showing a huge spike in cases in Greece :o :o. Not what I wanted to see with a week to go :'(.
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BBC news this morning, showing a huge spike in cases in Greece :o :o . Not what I wanted to see with a week to go :'( .
I guess at worst this happens before you get to go and is cancelled. Next would be when you are there and therefore have to quarantine on your return, hopefully that's not an issue for you? Jimbo has said the rates there are very low, so not too sure why they are reporting this as a risk. Saying that a quick look (and there are far too many conflicting stats out there) and it does look like the recent cumulative numbers in Greece are higher than 20 according to the ECDC here (https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/cases-2019-ncov-eueea), but not as high as Portugal?
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Quarantine not an issue here, both retired. Just the conflicting issues, media scaremongering most like, BBC etc, its who to believe GB. I will follow Jimbo,s reports, happier reading by a country mile.
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It's not the BBC - it's the appalling Daily Mail that originated this.
Today Greece's infection rate is 14.1 per 100,000 over a seven day period. That is way below the threshold of 20. Portugal is 14.4, and it's been taken off the isolation list.
There's one statistical point that never gets mentioned - 100,000 of which population (the base population or the larger population when visitors arrive)?
The biggest threat to Greece now is the increasing chance of Turkey invading and annexing the Eastern Aegean islands. If or when that happens, the FO will assuredly argue against travel to Greece, even if Corfu is 800 kilometres from Rhodes. I imagine Kalamata and Preveza airports would be closed to civilian traffic. I was on Rhodes last time war seemed imminent, and it was bizarre sitting on the beach with jet fighters screaming past overhead.
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I find the stats confusing, but continue to hope for the best for Greece. Quarantine on return wouldn't affect us, if we were going.
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They are confusing! Current tests are unreliable, so the statistics are well. I don't think the population has ever been subjected to such a barrage of data.The reason the "per hundred thousand" factor is used is to avoid a lot of even more confusing zeros in the numbers.
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Yes Jim. I don't look at them anymore,they mean nothing to me.
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The stats are confusing, hence they should do something about it so as to allow people a more informed decision on travelling. Jimbo quotes the seven day figure as being 14.1, which by the way if what I read was correct was only 13.8 three days ago, but elsewhere they are looking at 14 day rates from which it looks like Greece is indeed on the rise. It seems we are now in a 2 week cycle of reviewing the situation, so why do they not publish their stats in a league so we can all look at the trends and make up our own minds on the risks. Or are they worried they may need to change the way they are counting yet again?
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The government's period for calculating the infection rate is 7 days. Greece has had a rapid rise recently. That was to be expected when visitor numbers increased.
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More important news re Turkey and drilling stuff oh yes Daily Mail and other rag mags dont post this stuff......
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Checked in with TUI and PLF code just arrived. All ready to go tomorrow :)
Have a great time😎
We will be there this time next week. Can’t wait and staying positive. ☀️☀️😎😎
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We go tomorrow where are you staying ?
Hi, we are at Romanza where we have stayed several times before, on a bargain package with TUI, booked 4 weeks ago.
Currently sat on the terrace overlooking the islands having a brew before breakfast.
So the whole journey was the easiest we have ever known!
Obviously owing to the reduced flights. Flew from Birmingham, small queue for bag drop then a coffee at Neros before going through security, straight through there too.
Arrived at Corfu at 7.50pm just after a Cardiff TUI flight. Cases were already on the new belts when we had passed through passport control, quick check of PLF and in the the taxi for 8.30. All very smooth.
Then it was time for a draft Corfu beer and the most delicious Stifado from Aris at Romanza followed by portokalopita, orange cakey pie! Welcome to Corfu ;D
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Sounds lovely! Have a great time 8)
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Great stuff BAJ! Hope you have a great time, keep the updates coming ...14 days countdown for us. :)
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Have a lovely time BAJ-we loved Romanza, just hated Heart-attack Hill! Keep us updated
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Yes we loved Romanza too but unfortunately the walk back is just a bit too much for us now :(
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Hi, we are at Romanza where we have stayed several times before, on a bargain package with TUI, booked 4 weeks ago.
Currently sat on the terrace overlooking the islands having a brew before breakfast.
So the whole journey was the easiest we have ever known!
Obviously owing to the reduced flights. Flew from Birmingham, small queue for bag drop then a coffee at Neros before going through security, straight through there too.
Arrived at Corfu at 7.50pm just after a Cardiff TUI flight. Cases were already on the new belts when we had passed through passport control, quick check of PLF and in the the taxi for 8.30. All very smooth.
Then it was time for a draft Corfu beer and the most delicious Stifado from Aris at Romanza followed by portokalopita, orange cakey pie! Welcome to Corfu ;D
Hi hope you had a great time, we certainly did, didnt feel that different to any other really apart from Thomas Bay being closed and in darkness, that was sad to see :( we did see Heather and Nic a few times they are hopeful for next year being ‘normal’ whatever that will be.
Condor Bar had tribute acts on most nights and DJ and Karaoke, the main difference being everyone out by midnight and strictly no standing or dancing.
We had a fab week and so glad we went.
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Tomorrow we travel to Corfu but not to San Stefanos and the Little Prince which l was told but to Kalami and staying at the San Antonia resort. My wife tricked me but hey beggers can’t be choosers.
As we are hiring a car I’m sure we will visit for the day.
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Have a great holiday, Trevor!
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Tomorrow we travel to Corfu but not to San Stefanos and the Little Prince which l was told but to Kalami and staying at the San Antonia resort. My wife tricked me but hey beggers can’t be choosers.
As we are hiring a car I’m sure we will visit for the day.
I'm led to believe Kalami is a nice quaint village. I've never been personally.
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I,m sure you will enjoy Trev, keep us posted if you can, on your thoughts of Kalami. We should have been in San Steff celebrating our 46th wedding anniversary today, unfortunately, Mrs Winkie had a fall, and suffered two compressed vertebrae fractures, so sadly had to cancel. Fingers crossed we can meet up with all our friends next year.
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Happy wedding anniversary Winkie
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Oh sorry to hear about Mrs Winkie, hope she has a speedy recovery. Happy anniversary and have a lovely day!
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I,m sure you will enjoy Trev, keep us posted if you can, on your thoughts of Kalami. We should have been in San Steff celebrating our 46th wedding anniversary today, unfortunately, Mrs Winkie had a fall, and suffered two compressed vertebrae fractures, so sadly had to cancel. Fingers crossed we can meet up with all our friends next year.
Sounds like an awful fall, do hope you manage to get some celebrations in for your anniversary and enjoy the day!
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I,m sure you will enjoy Trev, keep us posted if you can, on your thoughts of Kalami. We should have been in San Steff celebrating our 46th wedding anniversary today, unfortunately, Mrs Winkie had a fall, and suffered two compressed vertebrae fractures, so sadly had to cancel. Fingers crossed we can meet up with all our friends next year.
Oh dear, you must be gutted WINKIE. Thoughts are with your poor wife.
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We are on course for departure to Little Prince on Friday for 3 weeks.
Michael has mailed me about which apartment we would like and PLF form done.
Taxis organised both ends so fingers crossed.
Winnie I am so sorry to hear your news I do hope she recovers well and swiftly.
I will raise a glass to you and all those absent friends.
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Happy anniversary Winkie. Hope you wife recovers soon.
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Thank you all, for the lovely messages regards my wife`s misfortune, much appreciated.
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I,m sure you will enjoy Trev, keep us posted if you can, on your thoughts of Kalami. We should have been in San Steff celebrating our 46th wedding anniversary today, unfortunately, Mrs Winkie had a fall, and suffered two compressed vertebrae fractures, so sadly had to cancel. Fingers crossed we can meet up with all our friends next year.
Don't know you personally fella, but belated anniversary wishes and hope that your wife gets better soon!
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Well Corfu has survived the Thursday axe. So unless it all goes Pete Tong Friday we should be okay for Monday for a week at the Little Prince. Beyond that we are okay should it all go south as both Mr and Mrs J can work from home for a couple of weeks. Like Maggie we have gone the taxi route once we land.
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Have a good time-make sure you leave the sunshine behind for us-we go Monday week ;D
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Have a great holiday, Jackson :)
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Have a super time Jackson, jealous not 8) 8) 8).
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Looks like a safer place to be then here in the UK where the rate of Cv19 infection is approaching twice that of Greece.
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We had a brilliant time staying at the San Antonio resort in Kalami. We last stayed here six years ago and since then it has had a change of ownership and a complete refurb, the rooms are amazing with breathtaking views of the bay. 4 stars rated and most important adult only. Two swimming pools and several bars.
The White House the former residence of the author Lawrence Durrell who lived here with his wife in the 1930s and now converted into apartments and a restaurant is first class and serving top class meals
( expensive but worth it for a special meal or two! ) also several bars and restaurants on the beach front.
The next bay from Kalami is Agni bay which you can reach by water taxi from Kalimi during the evening until about 11pm, there are three tavernas here. The taxis take less than ten minutes.
We hired a car for five days and managed to visit San Stefanos for a day on the beach.
Next year we plan to stay a week in San Stefanos and a week in Kalami.
I could say far more about the area around Kalimi but l don’t want to bore you. It’s a special place like San Stefanos
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Such an interesting post Trevor thank you :)
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The North East is beautiful - I spent many years repping this area - glad you enjoyed it too......
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Good review Trevor.
I went to Kalami two years ago by bus and stayed the night in Kassiopi, it was a bit of a trek.
Bus from San Stef to Sidari change bus to Kassiopi, change again to Kalami.
It’s somewhere I would like to visit again as the scenery was stunning.
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Well we go tomorrow morning-and now I am panicking like crazy that the code won't come through for us to be allowed to travel-my silly husband was daft enough to mention that it should come through after midnight so now I probably won't sleep waiting for it to come-and then what if it doesn't? Has anyone heard of issues with the code not coming? what do we do-presumably we can't go, do we have to try again, is there anywhere you can contact to see what the problem is? Aggggggggghhhhhhh, major panic now-someone talk to me, reassure me... :( :'(
Lesley, really hope to see you tomorrow!
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Our codes did not arrive via email at the expected time, if you do not receive your email log in to the plf site on your dashboard you will see that the write/amend option is no longer there if you click on the view option (think it was an eye) the codes will be on the form. We flew at 6am my husband’s code arrived at 1:35am and my code arrived at 6.37am. I think this is very rare majority of people receive as expected after 10pm UK time.
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... and of course check your email spam folder... Enjoy the trip, sure they will arrive...
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It just arrived-now I can go to bed happy -well apart from wondering if the taxi will remember to pick us up at 5am! Ah, the joys of being a whittle-ar*e, as my mum used to call me! ;)
Thanks for putting up with me, I don't have a smart phone so can't update from SS (unless I can wrestle Hubby's off him, when he's doing his fantasy NFL team! ) but I'll tell you what it was like when I get back (assuming we remember to fill in our UK forms...)
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The beer prices in Kalimi ranged from 3.50 to 4.50 euros, just wondered what the prices were in San Stefanos. Only visited by car for the day so didn’t buy any.
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The beer prices in Kalimi ranged from 3.50 to 4.50 euros, just wondered what the prices were in San Stefanos. Only visited by car for the day so didn’t buy any.
... what kind of beer was it?
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Double Diamond.
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Mythos of course
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Double Diamond.
Perhaps you are getting mixed up with Wales? After all you didn't even know where you were going, were asking about the place, yet you had been before - proper Charlie!
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Geordieborn.
I find your comments very strange and l see that you have managed to offend others on this forum.
Gary and Sam for instance. Both are friends of mine.
Get your facts right l have never said that l haven’t been to Kalimi.
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We had a brilliant time staying at the San Antonio resort in Kalami. We last stayed here six years ago and since then it has had a change of ownership and a complete refurb, the rooms are amazing with breathtaking views of the bay. 4 stars rated and most important adult only. Two swimming pools and several bars.
The White House the former residence of the author Lawrence Durrell who lived here with his wife in the 1930s and now converted into apartments and a restaurant is first class and serving top class meals
( expensive but worth it for a special meal or two! ) also several bars and restaurants on the beach front.
The next bay from Kalami is Agni bay which you can reach by water taxi from Kalimi during the evening until about 11pm, there are three tavernas here. The taxis take less than ten minutes.
We hired a car for five days and managed to visit San Stefanos for a day on the beach.
Next year we plan to stay a week in San Stefanos and a week in Kalami.
I could say far more about the area around Kalimi but l don’t want to bore you. It’s a special place like San Stefanos
I must have made a mistake then?
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Many thanks to all the members who have sent me personal messages regarding the snide comments made to me yesterday.
We all like to have a bit of banter etc but sometimes it can get out of hand.
Again many thanks ( matter closed )
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I wonder if Maggie made it? I think she should be back by now but will be self- isolating? Give us a shout if you’re there Maggie !
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I wonder if Maggie made it? I think she should be back by now but will be self- isolating? Give us a shout if you’re there Maggie !
Yes I've been thinking about Maggie too
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Maggie was eating lobster at The Little Prince last night
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Good for her!
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Maggie was eating lobster at The Little Prince last night
Sounds lovely :)
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The optimism of marketing departments knows no bounds.
I had a pretty blue email from TUI this morning, complete with pictures of Corfu. In large print is said:
"It's only 272 days until your holiday. Don't leave it too late to book one of our fabulous excursions!"
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Haha!
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The optimism of marketing departments knows no bounds.
I had a pretty blue email from TUI this morning, complete with pictures of Corfu. In large print is said:
"It's only 272 days until your holiday. Don't leave it too late to book one of our fabulous excursions!"
Brilliant
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At least we have all kept our sense of humour. Or is it more a case of if we don't laugh we will cry? ;D ;D
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At least we have all kept our sense of humour. Or is it more a case of if we don't laugh we will cry? ;D ;D
It's definitely our sense of humour, Diane :)
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Haha Karen yes it must be and we definitely do need a sense of humour with everything that is happening and to top it all the rain. :) Even so I feel incredibly lucky to just be getting wet (extremely) walking my grandson to school when we see how some people have suffered so much from the flooding. :'(
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The flooding is heart breaking for people.
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We've had almost no rain in Hull. I may have to water the runner beans!
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We've had almost no rain in Hull. I may have to water the runner beans!
Haha!
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It's true! They're still producing beans. We picked 34 beans this morning, with more not quite ready. We've been dispensing beans to beanless neighbours and friends, making us some kind of bean charity. No more tomatoes, but all our crop ripened, and we've made apple chutney using next door's excellent windfalls, and mint jelly with those and our own mint. Mind you, the whole house smells of vinegar! More chutney to come.
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It all sounds very tasty Jim :)
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Yesterday ended our 96 hours of non-stop rain, ranging from drizzle to torrential. Rained again today and more due tomorrow and Thursday. Throw in the continued nightmare of lockdown and its a struggle to keep any degree of optimism, energy and motivation.
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Yesterday ended our 96 hours of non-stop rain, ranging from drizzle to torrential. Rained again today and more due tomorrow and Thursday. Throw in the continued nightmare of lockdown and its a struggle to keep any degree of optimism, energy and motivation.
Oh dear, sorry to hear that..
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Must be so depressing TB, feel for you all, trapped in a nightmare.
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So so sorry to hear you feeling so down, TB. Not like you. I guess we've all had enough, and it looks like we have plenty more to come.
I remain on the whole reasonably cheerful because I have lots to do. Doing nothing depresses me - I'm not good at it.
We're all with you. Happy to have a chat via Skype or Zoom if you want - just send me a PM.
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Thank you Karen, Winkie and Jimbo but I'm okay. Just having a few off days what with this weather, the damn virus and the selling of my dads house and all that that entails.
You wouldn't believe how much stuff two people can accumulate when living in the same house for 57 years. It's taken my younger sister and I over 10 days to clear out the house, shed and greenhouse which included 6 appointed trips to the waste recycling site and 2 "large item" council collections. The stuff they kept. My dad used to say "if it doesn't eat or drink don't throw it away as you may need it". The thing is I used to criticise my dad for it but I find I do the same. Strange.
On a brighter note I met my best mate today, socially distanced of course, and we've decided to meet in our garden this Saturday (going to be dry apparently) and light the fire pit and have a few sherberts. :D
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Go for it! Listening to that I'm not surprised you've been a bit down. lloniannau!
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Thank you Karen, Winkie and Jimbo but I'm okay. Just having a few off days what with this weather, the damn virus and the selling of my dads house and all that that entails.
You wouldn't believe how much stuff two people can accumulate when living in the same house for 57 years. It's taken my younger sister and I over 10 days to clear out the house, shed and greenhouse which included 6 appointed trips to the waste recycling site and 2 "large item" council collections. The stuff they kept. My dad used to say "if it doesn't eat or drink don't throw it away as you may need it". The thing is I used to criticise my dad for it but I find I do the same. Strange.
On a brighter note I met my best mate today, socially distanced of course, and we've decided to meet in our garden this Saturday (going to be dry apparently) and light the fire pit and have a few sherberts. :D
Think there will be a few firepits up here in Scotland after Niks latest ruling. Devastating for the hotel and pub trade.
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Hello TB. Yes there is so much to do , sorting things out after a death, I know...it's good you're spending time with your friend though...enjoy :)
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Well my mate and his wife came up for a social distancing fire-pit drink and catch-up and it was excellent. Burnt all the wood and drank much of the booze. We had a good time. I wouldn't say I was the worst for wear but its only now that I'm starting to feel human again ;D. Not young anymore see.
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Well my mate and his wife came up for a social distancing fire-pit drink and catch-up and it was excellent. Burnt all the wood and drank much of the booze. We had a good time. I wouldn't say I was the worst for wear but its only now that I'm starting to feel human again ;D. Not young anymore see.
Aah it's good you had a good time :)
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We went for three weeks,had a wonderful time.
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Welcome back Maggie! So glad you managed to get your holiday in the end.
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We went for three weeks,had a wonderful time.
So pleased Maggie! :)
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I'm not normally an envious guy but I do envy anyone who managed to get away this year especially to San Stef. Glad you had a great time Maggie
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Let’s hope the holiday season will be as normal as poss next year
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Let’s hope the holiday season will be as normal as poss next year
I'm keeping positive Trevor :)
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I'm keeping positive Trevor :)
Yes
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We are looking at ten days in September. Already postponed from last September.
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We were really looking forward to 3 weeks in the Margaritas apartments from the end of May 21. Sadly we have had to cancel our trip. New Zealand, our home for almost 20 years, has done remarkably well in defeating the Covid-19 virus. This has been helped in large part by a very secure closure of our borders. All arrivals in NZ have to spend at least 14 days in Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ). Places are limited and are currently booked solid to 31st May. Returning Holiday makers are given very low priority, so if we left here we run a very real risk of not being able to get back home on our scheduled flights. We booked these last September, in the hope of a more virus-free world than we have and our borders may not now re-open until the end of 2021.
Noula has been very understanding and we have re-booked at Margaritas apartments for 3 weeks next year. Hopefully the vaccines will help loosen Covids grip on the worlds throat.
We will greatly miss San Stef this year and wish all there a happy and successful season. See you all in 2022.
Chris and Lynda
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That's a real shame, although I don't think you will be alone this year in having to postpone. What a journey that must be for you both, NZ to SS, care to post how long it takes you, and the route you take, make interesting reading I think. Please take care, and I wish the both of you the very best of health.
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It's very strange that Australia and New Zealand haven't started vaccinating yet. Quarantine and lockdown could go on for years without it.
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You've probably seen this rough-and-ready video of our summer 2018 trip to Agios Stefanos - but anyway - here it is, featuring:
- Train from Hull to a hot Leeds-Bradford airport
- Tsaros and its lovely views
- Birthday party at Zorbas
- Manthos and Mistral
- Gillie trying not to smile
- Sad homecoming
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uu7_iaQXKbQ&ab_channel=jimhawkins2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uu7_iaQXKbQ&ab_channel=jimhawkins2)
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Nice one!
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Oh trip down memory lane, Jim..Thank you...
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Well done Jimbo. It got me all nostalgic. :'(
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Hello Winkie. In 2017 we flew via Hong Kong to Heathrow, about 26 hours. Overnight at Heathrow then BA from Heathrow to Corfu, about 3.5hrs. This year flight choices were somewhat limited and we were due to fly Auckland to Hong Kong to Zurich to Heathrow which was going to be a couple of hours longer. The journey is pretty exhausting, especially at our age.
As to the vaccine, it is a very good question why we have not yet even got supplies in the country. The Government would have it that they have allowed those countries which needed it most to get supplies whilst we benevolently hung back. In my own opinion, they were just too darn slow out of the blocks, as with so many other aspects of the Covid-19 response. Don't buy the press fawning over our Saint Jacinda of the Virus. She talks it up very well, but what saved us was our location and isolation. We may get supplies at the end of March.
Chris
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That is one hell of a trip! Even in Club I'm sure you'd ending up feeling like a chicken in a factory egg plant!
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The solution to all these flight problems is, of course, the evergreen Yorkshire Airlines. See what you're missing out on, Grounded:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQcjanPGqAA&ab_channel=wirrallad12 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQcjanPGqAA&ab_channel=wirrallad12)
Jet2 is based at Leeds-Bradford. For those who live in benighted regions such as the Antipodes or anywhere in the UK south of Derby - Leeds (where I was born) is in Yorkshire, the greatest and most blessed county of England. Inspired by Yorkshire Airlines, Jet2, however, sensibly changed the livery from blue to a lurid red. This was so that when you chuck up your chicken tikka it blends in better with the décor. They have, however, continued to employ air-crew built like wrestlers, and if you say "Gosh. Jolly good morning" when boarding instead of "Ay oop" you'll never get a drink. And don't order wine whatever you do - the hold is full of Tetley's bitter, and you'd better drink it.
The menu is creative and multi-national. You can get Yorkshire pudding with gravy, Yorkshire pudding with chilli, Yorkshire pudding with limp lettuce. On flights to Greece you can get the delicious gyros special, which is chicken, tsatsika and chips wrapped in Yorkshire pudding.
The world is a big place, but it's not as big as Yorkshire!
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Hi Jimbo. I too am a born and bred Yorkshireman, having been born along 'essle road in 'Ull. You could say i have moved from God's own county to God's own country. I still have mushy peas with my red snapper and chips.
Chris
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:-) I were on rerred yester..
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Probably not to everybody's taste, but I wrote this poem a few years ago, when I'd had a stroke and couldn't go to Corfu - and not long afterwards was diagnosed with bowel cancer. But maybe it catches the current mood of hoping, longing, to go, but not sure whether we'll live or die before it happens:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kt38pd8G4w&ab_channel=jimhawkins2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kt38pd8G4w&ab_channel=jimhawkins2)
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Oh Jim...very poignant...
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So today, we are seriously considering changing our holiday again to next year. Who knows what restrictions will still be in place through the next few months. What are others thoughts on this?
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A huge amount depends on how successfully the South African variant is contained. It's even more dangerous than the Kent version. All the current vaccines are slightly less efficient against it.
However - the less social contact there is, the lower the chance of the virus being able to reproduce. The current lock-down is working well against the Kent mutation, so there are grounds for cautious optimism. But it is far too early to bet on success within at least a year.
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Yes, I agree Jim. It's great we are all getting vaccinated and of course, it seems that we can still catch and transmit the virus. It will be months before everyone, who wants it, is vaccinated.
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Scottish press reporting that there could be no holidays at home or abroad this year, due to travel restrictions lasting well into the year :'( :'( :'(.
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Morning Winkie. Grant Schapps is telling us not to book any summer holidays, just yet...we will.be changing ours to next year, there is too much uncertainty..
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Hey Karen, just wish we could see some light at the end of the tunnel. Never seems to be any good news these days regards travel etc, hopefully things pick up before to long.
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There are some glimmers of hope. Testing up to mid-January shows very high immune response in over-80s. Those were, of course, the first to get the vaccine.
Also - uptake of vaccination seems to be about 90%, which is far higher than expected. It also looks as though the "Kent" mutation is becoming the dominant strain the UK, and we know the vaccines are effective against that.
What will happen with international travel is impossible to say at the moment. I'm neither optimistic nor pessimistic - there are too many variables. Nobody will want the prospect of very expensive hotel quarantine at home or abroad. I would rate the chances of travel in May at approximately zero.
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Hey Karen, just wish we could see some light at the end of the tunnel. Never seems to be any good news these days regards travel etc, hopefully things pick up before to long.
I hope so Winkie..
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It is impossible to say, Jim..I think May looks doubtful though..
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Greece is leading the movement for vaccination "passports."
Greece and Israel on Monday signed a deal that will allow people vaccinated against the coronavirus to move freely between the two countries once travel restarts.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has pushed the EU to adopt a common vaccination passport to help the tourism industry but Brussels has been hesitant, so far limiting its support to medical purposes only. Opponents of vaccine passports have flagged concerns about discrimination and privacy.
Both countries already have so-called “green passports” in operation domestically. Today’s deal to mutually recognize those vaccination certificates was signed during a visit by Mitsotakis to Jerusalem, during which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted it would allow travel “without any limitations, no self-isolation, nothing.”
“I expect what we will be doing with Israel to be a trial run of what we can do with other countries,” Mitsotakis said. (Politico.eu)
Greece is considering entry free from restrictions for those with proof of vaccination. But it's not considering bans on those who have not been vaccinated for whatever reason - however, they may require a negative PCR test within 72 hours of departure and seven days of quarantine.
Does that seem reasonable to you? Greece desperately needs tourism. This year, the newer virus mutations make things much more dangerous even than last year.
Those of us who have been to parts of Africa have had to produce a booklet with evidence of vaccination against a variety of diseases. I didn't regard that as unreasonable - even though Yellow Fever is spread by Tsetse flies and not people!
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Many around where we live, think that the vaccine is a cure " oh I've had mine, will be fine for Benidorm now" . The general public needs to wise up on this, it is not a cure, as has been explained, if they care to read the detail, it prevents folks from developing more serious health issues if you are unfortunately infected, as I was informed when I had my shot last week.
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The latest results from Israel show that it is very effective.
By its very nature, you have get some virus in you before the enhanced immune system kicks in to eradicate it. In about 90% of cases the virus is attacked by the immune system and suppressed. In the remaining 10% it causes relatively mild symptoms - well below the threshold for hospitalisation.
What we don't fully know yet is how far it reduces spread. Preliminary data shows that is does, to a large extent.
Until we can answer that, we must continue to take precautions.
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A question for Lesley,
What's the view of the locals re: this summer. Do you/they think they'll get one or are you writing off this year as well. The optimist in me says we'll be there sometime around July/August everything being equal (vaccine rollout across europe and vaccine passports), while the pessimist in me says forget it.
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To be honest I am not in a position to comment on behalf of the locals as in 106 days today of our 2nd lookdown I have only been to the supermarket and the ATM as that is all we are allowed to do, as we still wear masks outside our compound (garden) therefore walking is not a pleasure and only permitted close to your home and of course the curfew in place. Normally one would pick up thoughts etc from the local Kafenions but these are closed as well. So my fresh air and VitD is best taken in our garden as here we don't require masks - so we stay home.
My own thoughts are I am trying to stay positive, we have bookings from 30th April with Greek Easter falling May 2nd this year. The Government, as you will have read are in talks with UK and also other European countries re opening for the Summer - we wait and see. The P.M. has recently returned from Israel which is another important sector for tourism and has been reported in having a successful vaccination programme roll out.
There was an article indicating that the 1st Cruise would come into Corfu at the end of March - not sure how this would work - again we wait and see?
Of course all businesses not just in Agios Stefanos but all over the island and Greece are happy and waiting to reopen when it is considered safe to do so and we are advised by the Greek government so again we wait and see.
As normally over the warmer and milder closed months, owners and suppliers are continuing as they would always do and preparing for Summer.
I am looking forward to the forthcoming Summer but we all just have to wait and see. I am staying positive.....
The sun is out here today and the sky is mostly blue so off to the garden shortly we go.
Wishing All a lovely weekend ahead and see you all soon.......
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Great update Lesley. How's the vacination programme going over there?
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Greece is doing better than the EU average. Data up to 18h February - vaccinations per 100 people, top countries in the region, by rank:
Israel 81.78
UK 25.73
Denmark 7.92
Turkey 6.99
Norway 6.86
Poland 6.76
Slovenia 6.49
Spain 6.28
Greece 6.08
Portugal 6.07
EU 5.67
Germany 5.63
Sweden 5.48
France 5.38
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Well we have our fingers crossed to make at least one of our Corfu trips this year, but who knows what the situation will be. We have a week at Anatoli booked for Whit week, moved from last summers cancelled flights, which is how we came to potentially have two visits this year. Then 2 weeks at Fedra Mare at end of July, I am more optimistic about that one than the end of May. We are in group 9 for vaccination so should have had both by July, May might be a push, what will be will be.
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My guess is that July will be OK as long as the UK doesn't go mad with releasing restrictions.
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It’s looking increasingly likely will will cancel again as I can’t see both me any my partner getting the two vaccinations before end of June, add to that the more strict approach the Scottish Government is appearing to take in regards to overseas travel.
It’s going to be a tough one to take as that will be 4 years disruption on the trot for us, last year was obviously COVID and the previous two years sadly due to family illness/bereavement before we were due to fly.
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Oh dear, sorry to hear that.. I would think there will be quite a few, like you, in that situation, with the vaccinations. We should have ours, but I doubt we will go, depends on the restrictions..
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Hi Steven - sorry to hear that. If it's not too rude a question, how old are you? Can you move to August/September?
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Hi Steven - sorry to hear that. If it's not too rude a question, how old are you? Can you move to August/September?
Hi Jimbo, I'm 60 in March which is not the problem. My partner is 11 years younger and its going to be touch and go on whether she gets her 2nd dose before June. It very much depends on other factors i.e. what approach the Scottish Government takes to overseas travel.
Later in the season is an option although my other half is not keen and would just prefer to re-book for June 2022 ... will just need to sit tight for now and wait and see.
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It looks like the lifting of lockdown will be quite slow, pubs , restaurants may not open until May, so unlikely holidays will be allowed at that time..have to wait and see what Boris says today..
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I had my first covid jab yesterday and my wife had hers about 4 weeks ago. They really seem to be ramping up the vaccine delivery in the midlands, so we are hopeful of a San Stef break this year, although appreciate later in the season will probably be safer all round as we keep an eye on all things this year. Its far too early to tell right now, but we are optimistic. Its also good to hear the positive comments coming from the Greek government, which bodes well. Personally, I think that providing we get a digital vaccine ID/Passport sorted out and tie this into negative covid tests before/during/after travel (traveller pays) then we should be close to having much safer travel for all.
Good luck everyone and fingers crossed. Keep safe and well.
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Steven - I see the problem. Looks to me as though you should be OK some time in August, so September would be an option.
Travel companies such as TUI are offering remarkably good terms - refunds or free delays for a variety of reasons, including obligatory quarantine. I don't want to start yet another DIY versus package argument - but it seems to me in the current climate that a package is a safer choice.
It's unfortunate that age is becoming a factor in all this. But there is an argument that younger people have more future, and can better postpone travel than old farts like me who are coming to the end of their Use By dates!
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So Boris now giving speech...no international travel before 17th May, to be reviewed...
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To be reviewed on 12th April..
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The new data on hospitalisation after vaccination is extremely good. 84% effectiveness for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and 94% for the Oxford vaccine. Bear in mind that this data refers to the first wave of injections, so the most elderly or vulnerable.
I'm now cautiously optimistic for summer travel.
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Hopefully Jim. Looks like everything should be lifted on June 21st, providing everyone behaves themselves!
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I personally think that Boris has got it about right. ( about bloody time )
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Hopefully Jim. Looks like everything should be lifted on June 21st, providing everyone behaves themselves!
The Brits behaving themselves, never going to happen, just look out of your window.
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I personally think that Boris has got it about right. ( about bloody time )
I actually do too, Charlie. Just open things up slowly and see what happens.
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The Brits behaving themselves, never going to happen, just look out of your window.
That's what worries me!
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It's unfortunate that age is becoming a factor in all this.
It really isn’t.
You are just jumping to conclusions that those vaccinated will be able to holiday in Corfu whilst those unvaccinated won’t.
So far there is nothing concrete to back that up and all current information points to a negative test will be enough, certainly for this seasons atleast.
And finally let’s be thankful that we opted out of the Euro vaccine procurement program, what a mess we’d still be in if we were waiting on the commission to buy and supply our vaccines.
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It really isn’t.
You are just jumping to conclusions that those vaccinated will be able to holiday in Corfu whilst those unvaccinated won’t.
So far there is nothing concrete to back that up and all current information points to a negative test will be enough, certainly for this seasons atleast.
And finally let’s be thankful that we opted out of the Euro vaccine procurement program, what a mess we’d still be in if we were waiting on the commission to buy and supply our vaccines.
Agreed
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https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1155734/tourism-minister-calls-on-eu-to-move-more-quickly-on-vaccine-passports/ (https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1155734/tourism-minister-calls-on-eu-to-move-more-quickly-on-vaccine-passports/)
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https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1155734/tourism-minister-calls-on-eu-to-move-more-quickly-on-vaccine-passports/ (https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1155734/tourism-minister-calls-on-eu-to-move-more-quickly-on-vaccine-passports/)
Go and watch the Greek Prime Ministers interview that he did with Bloomberg last week. He spelled out very clearly that Greece intends to open up this summer, for foreign visitors that are vaccinated or supply a negative test, all without the need to quarantine. He couldn’t have made it any clearer.
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I understand that.
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Having been last September (a replacement for Disneyworld that was cancelled in April) we now find we may be going again this September as a replacement for a Holiday of a lifetime to Canada in June. Steve goes for his first jab on Thursday as he is diabetic but no sign of an invite for me yet so no chance we will have both jabs by June. However I can honestly say I felt safer in SS than I do at home. Jet2 were very good and organised on the plane and at the airports and everyone in San Stef adhered to the rules (except Steve when he waltzed off to the bakery one morning without his mask and never gave it a thought until he got back!!)
Good luck everyone with your jabs and hopefully as many of you as possible feel comfortable about going.
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Wales has promised that all over 50s will be vaccinated by mid-April which means my wife and I should get done around mid-March. That being the case we looking at Sept though I would love to go in June but I don't think that will be possible.
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Been a few years since we stayed in San stef . We were going to Lesvos on the 16th May . Its an amber island ATM .So TBH we were ok with it being cancelled.
We decided to come back to Corfu as it's one of our favourite places. Not just San Stef but all over the island .We stayed in Moratika in 20-19, and had a brilliant time.
So hopefully on the 17May we will be back ion Corfu 😎😎
I've worked throughout this pandemic , had 3 holidays cancelled . And cancelled one myself as I really didn't want to fly. A friend stayed on Corfu last year for the first time and felt very safe. Much safer than at home. So that was the decider for me.
I'm ready for a really relaxing time now. So here's hoping we can go.
Helen and Graham.
My husband will have had both doses of the vaccination , I will have had one
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Hi Helen,
My wide and I stayed in Moratika in 1987, in a studio. Basic doesn't describe it but we had a great time. Seems like a life time ago.
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Brilliant .. We loved it there . Its definitely a place to return to for us 😁
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So we've made the decision to change our holiday again to next year. There is too much uncertainty here and in Corfu, they appear to be struggling with their vaccine program. We got a good deal at Silver Moon, again, got the type of room that we wanted and got daytime flights, rather than night flights that we had this year. We shall miss all our lovely friends again and of course the fantastic locals, but I'm glad we've finally made our decision.
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Karen, thats so sad lass, but completely understand your thoughts. I think many folks will do the same, way too much uncertainty at the moment, reading Jimbos post, it dont look to good in Greece.
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It is sad Winkie, I hope people can go and enjoy their holidays. It just wouldn't be our sort of holiday, especially if their are restrictions in place, but we have to wait and see, none of us know what will happen..
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Just to be clear - I'm not telling anybody not to go. Corfu's rates are vanishingly small by UK standards. The major infections are in Attica.
Our final decision will be swayed more by flight regulations here and in Greece. If it's vaccination or a 72-hour prior PCR test, I'd rate that as satisfactory.
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No you weren't, Jim. People will make their own decisions. I also read the Corfu forum they have lots of stats and information on there :)
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We're not concerned about the tests , in fact we welcome them, it's just concern about ongoing restrictions that may spoil a holiday for us and fear of becoming ill. John is quite frail now.
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Yes. I guess that's a judgement call we all have to make.
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It is Jim.
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Deb and i are booked in for ten days in September (fingers crossed).
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We went last September for three weeks and had a wonderful time.
This year we have changed May and opted for early June and also have a September booking.
We are vaccinated but will be quite willing to be tested if necessary if it means we can go.
I am loathe to put things off from year to year,who knows if we will be fit enough to travel then.
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Some relevant news - first from the Greek Prime Minister:
“Yesterday (Thursday) we exceeded the milestone of 1 million doses. Greece is moving proportionally faster than many European countries,” Mistotakis said, adding that the question now is how to expedite the process “so that we can build the wall of immunity which will allow us to return to normalcy.” (Ekathimerini)
Greece is also intending to press ahead with vaccination certificates to streamline the way for tourism from May onwards. Parallel with that is a plan to vaccinate all islands -smallest first - and create virus-free zones.
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That's good Jim :)
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Parallel with that is a plan to vaccinate all islands -smallest first - and create virus-free zones.
So that's Corfu being done last but one I think.
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You are right. Aiming for as near 100% by end of June, I think, in the larger islands. The dominant Variant of Concern (VoC) is the UK B1.1.7 virus, which we know the current vaccines are effective against.
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I'm beginning to consider flying over for my usual week late September, (if Ms Sturgeon allows us to leave the country) although I'm still awaiting word on when I'll get my first jab.
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Tiny news snippet: The Greek government has announced that as soon as the vulnerable have been vaccinated, those working in the hospitality industry will be next. Promising.
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Tiny news snippet: The Greek government has announced that as soon as the vulnerable have been vaccinated, those working in the hospitality industry will be next. Promising.
That's good and makes sense, Jim.
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Government adviser reported as saying that it is highly unlikely there will be foreign holidays this year, BBC News.
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Government adviser reported as saying that it is highly unlikely there will be foreign holidays this year, BBC News.
That will go down well on the islands let alone places like Athens. 10% of all Greeks work in tourism producing 6.8% of GDP - you can't say we're shut for 2021 in March.
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I think that Dr Mike Tildesley is right to be pessimistic. The South African variant is emerging in parts of Europe. It's vital to keep it out of the UK.
It's unlikely that the EU will complete its vaccination dawdle until mid-2022 and possibly later. Greece may have to be very careful who it lets in.
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Both of us have had 2nd jab today,but still not brave enough to book anything.
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I think that Dr Mike Tildesley is right to be pessimistic. The South African variant is emerging in parts of Europe. It's vital to keep it out of the UK.
It's unlikely that the EU will complete its vaccination dawdle until mid-2022 and possibly later. Greece may have to be very careful who it lets in.
As of 17th March there have been 351 cases of the SA variant in UK up from only 2 at the end of December, so its here already. Clearly we're using track&trace more effectively to keep the numbers to that low figure as they say it spreads far quicker than the original virus.
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That's right. The UK variant is B1.1.7 and the vaccines are pretty effective at combating that, but not so good against the SA variant - although still better than we would have dreamed of a year ago.
It's tough if you have to choose to pay the rest of your booking, pay extra to change it at this stage, or scrap it and lose what you have paid.
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Cost us £100 to change, but the holiday was cheaper, next year, so saved £40!
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Hi Karen. Did you rebook in stamatis? We've booked for next year. But slightly later. July 11th. Hope we meet up. Going to miss seeing again in July.
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Well, that's us moved to next year!
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Wise moving your trips methinks, not looking promising this summer :'(.
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https://metro.co.uk/2021/03/22/lockdown-people-travelling-abroad-without-valid-excuse-face-5k-fine-14285368/
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Is the main update still April 12th?
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Hi Lesley,
Yes it is. Some restrictions are easing from next Monday (29th March) when we'll be able to meet up to 6 people in our gardens once again. The government have announced this morning that the £5k travel fine will come into affect to coincide with this easing next week, but we still can't travel right now anyway, so just a financial warning for people thinking they might travel I guess.
The government are also in talks right now (according to Matt Hancock this morning) with a Global Travel Taskforce, the findings and recommendations of which will form the decisions to be announced on Monday 12th April. But, as with most of these discussions you can expect most of the detail to be leaked out beforehand.
Fingers crossed for a positive update.
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I posted earlier in the Yammas Bar that the UK Government roadmap to recovery has hinted at international travel by 17th May. My wife and I were lucky enough to have our holiday in San Stefanos just last September. With restrictions in place I would say it was a success and not a problem at all, even at the airport.
Anyway, we are booked to go in June this year if Boris allows it. If not then we rethink our holiday plans. I do understand people's concerns however.
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and Air France will add direct flights to Crete, Heraklion from April 17th - so looks like Greece are 'hoping' to open up to Tourism.
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Hi Karen. Did you rebook in stamatis? We've booked for next year. But slightly later. July 11th. Hope we meet up. Going to miss seeing again in July.
Hello Paul and Ruth. We go on 1st coming home on 15th, so we'll have a few days together! Managed to get daytime flights and our studio for 3! Yes we will miss you both too! Xxx
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Well, that's us moved to next year!
It's not looking promising at the moment, fingers crossed for everyone!
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Wise moving your trips methinks, not looking promising this summer :'(.
We will know more hopefully, on 12th April so people can make their choices .
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The Greek TV reports the 1st Israeli tourists are to arrive today obviously via Athens - so looks like Greece is expecting to open. Everything now depends on each Governments criteria re travelling....... Kathimerini news today....... Oh yes and Charles & Camilla arrive tomorrow - believe the agenda is sit down meal for those around the world invited on the evening 24th followed by 25th March large Parade, to mark 25th March but especially this year being 200 years of Independence. Parade in Athens, Military Parade fly by's etc. We are invited to enjoy whilst at home by Livestream TV. Can only think it must be Essential Travel!
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Wonder what the protocol is for other European countries e.g. France, Germany, Poland, where covid rates are high,are they going to allow their citizens toy travel abroad this year?
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Germany are considering no travel - however the first holidaymakers arrived into Mallorca a few days ago. It's another wait and see.
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It will be interesting to see the Spanish figures in a couple of weeks or so.
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I must say that it's not looking very good for this summer. Greece is now at the highest infection rate it has been, and rising - currently 193 per 100,000. Reuters states that 8.1% of the population have been vaccinated. The vaccination rate is about 25,500 per day. Obviously, these numbers are heavily weighted by the high levels in the Athens-Thessaloniki region, and probably unfairly reflect on the Ionian Islands.
But, in that overall context, given that rates in Continental Europe are worsening, it seems to me unlikely that the UK government will want to open up much before September, if then. Only my opinion, of course, but I think the numbers speak for themselves. The pandemic was spread by air travel, and hence it's not easy to justify opening it up too soon.
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I must say that it's not looking very good for this summer. Greece is now at the highest infection rate it has been, and rising - currently 193 per 100,000. Reuters states that 8.1% of the population have been vaccinated. The vaccination rate is about 25,500 per day. Obviously, these numbers are heavily weighted by the high levels in the Athens-Thessaloniki region, and probably unfairly reflect on the Ionian Islands.
But, in that overall context, given that rates in Continental Europe of worsening, it seems to me unlikely that the UK government will want to open up much before September, if then. Only my opinion, of course, but I think the numbers speak for themselves. The pandemic was spread by air travel, and hence it's not easy to justify opening it up too soon.
Totally agree Jim
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But then the Telegraph has this this morning (Saturday 03/04/2021):
"Foreign holidays for vaccinated" is the headline in the Daily Telegraph, which looks ahead to Boris Johnson's travel announcement on Monday.
The paper understands that people who have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus could require fewer tests if they want to holiday in countries deemed to be low-risk and may not have to quarantine when they return from countries classed as medium risk, including popular Mediterranean resorts.
Any guesses as to whether Greece will be red, yellow or green?
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Well - As of today (5/4/21) we still don't know about foreign travel. However, I'm pleased that my haircut booking for 13th April is going ahead.
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He (Boris) always said the update regarding travel would be addressed 12th April - it was Social and other Media outlets saying otherwise......
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I doubt they will be green, Jim...
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I have this evening wasted about one hour of my life listening to Boris telling me sod all.
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Surprised you bothered to tune in
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To be fair to Boris - no easy task - he doesn't waffle as much, and he does seem to be listening more to people who know what they're talking about.
The Press this morning was forecasting news on travel, but, unsurprisingly, that turned out to be as accurate as the Daily Express forecasting cataclysmic weather.
The Greek infection rate is up by one point to 200 per 100,000, with 8.3% of the population fully-vaccinated. So a lot remains to be done.
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Yes, they were saying there would be news on travel today..
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Sadly, not us this summer, due to a wee health issue :'(. Hopefully get back to the friendliest village we have ever visited next year. Fingers crossed for all of you folks who have made plans for this season. 8)
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I hope we can get next year Winkie. I know it won't bother many, but it's the potential of testing both ways, restrictions etc that puts me off and John's health to take into account.
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The hints are no testing, or just lateral flow, and no quarantine for those who have been vaccinated. Fine by me!
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The hints are no testing, or just lateral flow, and no quarantine for those who have been vaccinated. Fine by me!
Let's hope so :)
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Vaccinations are picking up on Corfu. At the current or expanded rate it should see high coverage by July, or possibly before.
The Greek tourism minister said yesterday that the plans are to allow those vaccinated in without tests, or unvaccinated following a negative PCR test. Although lateral-flow tests may be used, PCR follow-up will be fast for positive cases.
Generally good news, I think.
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Vaccinations are picking up on Corfu. At the current or expanded rate it should see high coverage by July, or possibly before.
The Greek tourism minister said yesterday that the plans are to allow those vaccinated in without tests, or unvaccinated following a negative PCR test. Although lateral-flow tests may be used, PCR follow-up will be fast for positive cases.
Generally good news, I think.
It is good news Jim :) I wonder what the proof of vaccination requirement will be..
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Followed swiftly by the UK government hinting that a lot of PCR testing may be required. Looking today, tests cost between £70 and £135. TUI is offering a £70 service for people with bookings.
Various airports are offering testing facilities.
However, if one outgoing and two returning tests are needed, even with TUI that's £210 per person. That's likely to stop a lot of travel in its tracks, methinks.
But if a lateral flow test before departure and one PCR on return is needed, that's a lot cheaper.
There is no distinction in the outlined plans between those vaccinated and those not vaccinated. That surprises me.
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Grant Schapps on BBC news, says they need to drive down the cost of the PCR test, for travellers..
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So everyone will need a pre travel test, before travelling home (type of test not known yet) and a PCR test, on return, even if returning from a green country, average cost, £120...
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There's not mention of test before returning - just a PCR test after arriving back, or two if returning from an amber zone. Nobody sane would go to a red zone!
Ideally, regions would be separately coded. At the current levels, Corfu would probably be amber and Attica red. But by (say) July Corfu will probably be green. However, there are three flights a day to Athens or Thessaloniki, so how do you stop people flying to Corfu and then staging on to Athens and back? Indirect flights have been a problem with the UK's current border controls.
I think that the rules for outgoing passengers should be dictated by the airline and/or the host country. I would like to know that people on my flight have been vaccinated or tested.
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Grant Schapps was suggesting a test before returning from holiday, a lateral flow test, which we can now get free and take with us.
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There's not mention of test before returning - just a PCR test after arriving back, or two if returning from an amber zone. Nobody sane would go to a red zone!
Ideally, regions would be separately coded. At the current levels, Corfu would probably be amber and Attica red. But by (say) July Corfu will probably be green. However, there are three flights a day to Athens or Thessaloniki, so how do you stop people flying to Corfu and then staging on to Athens and back? Indirect flights have been a problem with the UK's current border controls.
I think that the rules for outgoing passengers should be dictated by the airline and/or the host country. I would like to know that people on my flight have been vaccinated or tested.
Why? You’ve had the vaccine to protect yourself, you are now protected. There will always be an element of risk and there will always be the chance that you may be sat next to somebody who hasn’t been vaccinated for medical reasons. That shouldn’t be your concern.
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If they haven't been vaccinated they should have been tested, I think. That gives me, at least, a safer feeling. I don't know what others think. After all, vaccination doesn't give 100% protection against catching or spreading the virus, although it does give 100% protection against serious illness or death. Airlines could certainly demand it, for the sake of their cabin crew.
Surely, the probability of other passengers being protected is definitely my concern.
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As an addendum - it would make sense if people who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons could have a free NHS test.
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Why? You’ve had the vaccine to protect yourself, you are now protected. There will always be an element of risk and there will always be the chance that you may be sat next to somebody who hasn’t been vaccinated for medical reasons. That shouldn’t be your concern.
As Jim said, it is a concern. We can still catch the virus, after vaccination and can become ill, or be asymptomatic and pass the virus on to others , who may not have had the jab.. We are protecting ourselves and others, we may come into contact with..
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As an addendum - it would make sense if people who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons could have a free NHS test.
Yes.
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If you’ve been vaccinated you are covered from serious illness or death, isn’t that what we’ve been told ever since the vaccines were approved?
There’s a multitude of illnesses, some more severe than others, that can be passed from one person to the next and we don’t have the right to demand to see other people’s medical records for these illnesses.
At some point each and every one of us is going to have to take control of our own levels of risk. If you are vaccinated and still scared of travelling just incase you may come into contact with an unvaccinated person, then you are going to have to deal with that, or not travel.
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The vaccine won't cover all varients of the virus, that is why we won't travel abroad, in the near future.
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The vaccine won't cover all varients of the virus, that is why we won't travel abroad, in the near future.
Thats fair enough and understandable. It’s you taking control of your own acceptable levels of risk. It’s what everyone should be doing.
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Thats fair enough and understandable. It’s you taking control of your own acceptable levels of risk. It’s what everyone should be doing.
Yes it is :)
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How can I asses the the risk if I have no information about whether someone else is a potential spreader during a pandemic?
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This conversation could be sorted easily.
Vaccine passport, no vaccine no travel, simple!
There are exceptions which have been mentioned before.
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This conversation could be sorted easily.
Vaccine passport, no vaccine no travel, simple!
There are exceptions which have been mentioned before.
Simple Charlie :)
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I would imagine that on any flight you're going to have a mix of the vaccinated and the unvaccinated for whatever reason (pregnant, medical reasons and those who refused the vaccine). You have to assume that the unvaccinated would have had to provide a recent negative test result to get on the flight, however about a third of people who have the virus don't show any symptoms and a test doesn't show that they have it either. That being the case and knowing that the vaccines aren't 100% affective you're always going to have to accept a risk as things currently stand.
I'm with D&G on this one. We all have to make a judgement and accept the risk if we want to fly.
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Yes TB, it is a personal choice, depending on your circumstances and existing health issues.
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How can I asses the the risk if I have no information about whether someone else is a potential spreader during a pandemic?
Everyone is a potential spreader whether they are vaccinated or not remember.
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about a third of people who have the virus don't show any symptoms and a test doesn't show that they have it either.
The PCR test WILL detect asymptomatic cases.
Vaccination reduces spread by about 75%.
Risks cannot be assessed without information.
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Well not exactly surprising and what we were expecting, JET2 have now cancelled our flights on 21st June. However, as they've done for the previous two times last year, no hassle and we get a full refund in the next few days. I've been really impressed with their customer service during the pandemic.
Now trying to get in contact with the villa owner to see if we can re-book in September when hopefully the travel situation will be a bit better, at least we will both have had our 2nd vaccination by then.
4th time lucky? ;)
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The Greek health minister has just announced that Greece will start vaccinating over 40s in June, providing supplies go to plan. Good news for everybody.
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I'm more and more confident that we'll get away in Sept now.
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They also reported Greece will reopen May 14th for Tourism - not sure of requirements so far. A pilot scheme into Rhodes was launched yesterday so we also wait for updates on how this goes.
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The Government will probably lift quarantine restrictions for travellers who have been vaccinated or test negative for Covid-19 from Monday 19 April.
This will apply to travellers from the EU as well as the USA, UK, Serbia, United Arab Emirates and Israel (for which there is already a bilateral agreement) and is the official recommendation to be discussed by the committee of experts which is meeting on Friday.
So it is more than likely that from Monday, when the previous Civil Aviation Authority NOTAM expires, travellers from the EU along with the five aforementioned countries will be able to enter Greece at nine airports without having to undergo mandatory quarantine after arrival on the condition that they have proof of vaccination or present a negative PCR test performed less than three days prior to their trip. The nine airports are are Corfu, Heraklion, Chania, Rhodes, Kos, Mykonos, Santorini, Athens and Thessaloniki. The same will apply to those arriving by land at the two main entry points. (Enimerosi 15/04/2021)
Greece has now vaccinated about 11% of the population. There are signs that infections may just be starting to tail off, although it's a bumpy road.
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I read yesterday that Greece plan to vaccinate all adults on the islands in the Aegean Sea by 30th April and to open to visitors thereafter.
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I think the plan announced earlier was to do all islands by June/July and to ensure that worker in the hospitality industry were vaccinated.
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From Monday self tests are available for all workers/employees in certain categories : Hairdressers. Beauticians, shop workers, catering (Take out only available presently). There is a platform where the owner registers their staff and weekly they log on and report via their AMKA (That's a bit like N.I.) the results of the test via a Government platform. More details are available on the Enimerosi website for those that maybe interested.
There is also reported that for the Easter holiday weekend (Easter being May 2nd) self testing or a certificate showing vaccination will allow families to travel to their village for the holiday.
Normally we will receive an 'official' update Friday evening.
Happy Friday All 8)
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Thanks for your updates Lesley, I'm very hopeful we will see you in September. We have both had our first jabs, and steve got Covid last November and was really ill for about 2 months so he must be crawling with antibodies!
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Some people are having emails from Tui changing bookings for the end of May and June.
So far we have not heard anything to suggest our June holiday is not going ahead.September is booked but too and hopefully not in doubt.
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I suspect with fewer bookings in the early part of the summer the operators will want to reduce the number of flights. They need about 75% capacity or they are losing money.
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Greece on Amber list, to be reviewed in 3weeks...
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Yes. That's probably not what the Greek tourist industry wanted to hear.
Greece is at last report on 116:100,000 case. Portugal, which is green-lighted is on 23:100,000. So that gives us some kind of scale. At the current rate of decrease, and the rate of vaccination (16%) I may be wrong but I don't see much chance of a green light before the end of June.
Tui has negotiated cheaper testing with various companies. Here, for example, is the Chronomics list:
WHAT ARE THE PACKAGES?
There are four packages available, as follows:
• GREEN – £20 per person. Contains 1x pre-departure antigen (rapid flow) test for your journey back from your holiday destination and 1x PCR test for day two after you return home.
• GREEN+ – £60 per person. Contains 1x PCR test for your journey to your holiday destination, with courier costs seven days a week included, 1x pre-departure antigen (rapid flow) test and 1x PCR test for day two after you return home.
• AMBER – £50 per person. Contains 1x pre-departure antigen (rapid flow) test and 2x PCR tests for days 2 and 8 after you return home.
• AMBER+ – £90 per person. Contains 1x PCR test for your journey to your holiday destination, with courier costs seven days a week included, 1x pre-departure antigen (rapid flow) test for your journey back from your holiday destination and 2x PCR tests for days 2 and 8 after you return home.
The pre-departure antigen (rapid flow) tests will include test verification and certification to fly back to the UK. As well as the testing packages required for your return to the UK, you can also select kits that include an additional PCR test for your journey to your holiday destination, should that be required by the destination you’re travelling to.
I think it is a little disappointing that no provisions have been made for people who have been vaccinated, but I understand the reasoning.
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I don't think much will change by early June, which is when the 3 week review is due. There will be some who can quarantine for 10 days, on return, but many can't...
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We have flights for 2 weeks from 8th June and had The Perros booked directly, with car hire from Dimitra & Manos, but following the Amber announcement we've had to postpone once again. Whilst we're not working at the moment, friends travelling with us are and the self-quarantine on return makes it untenable at the moment.
But, we have our 25th Anniversary coming up in July and we're hopeful we might be able to make it then if things have relaxed significantly and the virus is under more control. We found San Stefanos for our 10th Anniversary, so would love to celebrate our 25th there once again.
Fingers crossed...
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Good luck Richnsare!!
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TUI only showing holidays starting from 7th June
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We have a flight only with Tui , June 7th, Newcastle ... we can only travel if things go green... I would put our chances at around 33/1 ....Haway the underdog! .... It’s the hope I can’t stand 😀
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Over the weekend along with other Greek destinations, charters have started to arrive. In Corfu we had flights on both Saturday & Sunday from Paris, Dusseldorf, Brussels and Zurich. Today Monday 17th there are 2 flights on route due in within the next hour from Gatwick & Manchester.
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Over the weekend along with other Greek destinations, charters have started to arrive. In Corfu we had flights on both Saturday & Sunday from Paris, Dusseldorf, Brussels and Zurich. Today Monday 17th there are 2 flights on route due in within the next hour from Gatwick & Manchester.
That’s fantastic news Lesley. Let’s hope the village fills up quickly and that Corfu goes on the next green list.
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Just seen the LGW fly over on route towards airport - It's a lovely mild day with a clear blue sky to welcome them.......
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Hopefully we will start to see people on the beach then-is Vicky open yet Lesley? And now I know you look for the planes flying over we will remember to wave when we fly in! ;D
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Yes - I watched the TUI flights from Gatwick and Manchester arrive within minutes of each other! They left just after 6 this morning and arrived ten minutes early.
Both had very unusual landing patterns: The Gatwick plane crossed southwards somewhere between Sidari and Roda, flew down the spine of the island, passing the airport on its left, then eastwards and back north over the channel between Corfu and Albania on its downwind leg - south-easterly at 10 knots today - then turned 180 degrees and landed on runway 16 from the north. The Manchester plane flew down Ionian to the west of Agios Stefanos, crossed eastwards literally straight across the airport at 3,000 feet, turned left to the north and landed as the Gatwick plane did.
That's slightly puzzling, because there was no other traffic, and no reason I could see for not doing a straight-in landing from the north. Maybe ATC were practising approaches - they've had nothing apart from flights from Athens and Preveza for six months! Still - great sight-seeing for the passengers.
The landing from the north is classified as moderately difficult because of the hill just before the runway. The normal glide-slope is 3o - the angle the plane descends to the touchdown zone on the runway. The approach from the north on runway 16 is a 3.5o descent - i.e. steeper. Runway 16 also has a deferred touch-down - the thick strips indicating exactly where to land are further from the threshold of the runway, meaning there's less room to land. So they really have to stick the wheels on the target, or they'll have to do an exciting go-around. Fun!
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Yes seen some MAN flight arrivals - they were more than happy with their arrival & lovely to see some new faces but those we know over in resort....... It has been a sunny day with a bit of a breeze but around 23c....... Happy Monday All x
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Great to see return of the visitors 8)
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The 1st Cruise Liner arrived today, Tuesday 18/05 at the Corfu Port - just watched on Greek News. I expect Paleocastritsa will be busy later......Oh and the ATM between Tasty Corner and El Greco is up and running for the Summer (the little thngs in my life) !! Happy Tuesday All x
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B.A from LHR on route due to touch down around 15.00 hours will keep a look out up there..........
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Prices dropped dramatically on TUI site!
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Hi everyone, four of us have booked to go to the Jasmine in mid-July, and we have made the decision to still go if possible and even if it is still Amber we have all had both our jabs and feel the risk is minimal.
We actually all went last year as well when we had the travel corridors and it was one of the best holidays I have had in San Stef it was very peaceful with a few bars and restaurants open in fact we felt safer in San Stef than in the UK at the time, we all followed the rules and the Jasmine staff were amazing and I can see no difference this year.
If we end up not going for whatever reason I will not holiday in the UK due to the blatant profiteering from the UK hospitality sector and don't see the point of spending a fortune to spend a week or two in probably rubbish weather, and being ripped off for food and drink.
Anyway, hopefully, we will be sunning ourselves in the beautiful San Stef in mid-July.
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Enjoy Glenn!
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Absolutely agree Glenn1, after much deliberation we also got away last August to Romanza and enjoyed the atmosphere and felt very safe. This year we have 2 weeks booked from the end of July at Fedra Mare and will be able to travel even if still amber as we will also be double jabbed, I work from home and my wife will be off work upon return (teaching asst) so can self isolate if they are still the rules then.
That said we will make the decision nearer the time based on what is happening here and there and assuming our flights still operate. Hopefully the position will be clearer by then and fingers crossed it will be green. Looking forward to making more memories.
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Good luck and enjoy BAJ!
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As far as we know our holiday is still on from 11th.June
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Probably. TUI flights from Doncaster start on June 7th.
Personally, we won't go in September if it's orange. I think the insurance implications are too challenging.
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Probably. TUI flights from Doncaster start on June 7th.
Personally, we won't go in September if it's orange. I think the insurance implications are too challenging.
Yes Jim, I agree..
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I have just been informed by TUI that my flight from Newcastle on the 10th June is now cancelled. There was no alternative flights on offer, just simply "we have cancelled your flight".
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The skies today as a clear blue today all showing the flights arriving here into Corfu - many from European hubs, but great to see even Easyjet Bristol arrived on time yesterday evening, so today we have London, Manchester and Heathrow flights all on time mostly early...... good to see more faces around the area......
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Bad news Rod, seems TUI not waiting to see what he next traffic light announcement is.
I wonder how many passengers are on the flights from UK at the moment, bearing in mind the current advice and restrictions. We were due to arrive today flying with BA, we were not going owing to the requirement for isolation on return and current amber status. BA cancelled our return flight a couple of weeks ago, consolidating to one flight on the Saturday so we had a refund on that one. We waited to see if the outbound flight was cancelled, which it wasn’t so had to cancel myself and take a voucher for that flight. I can’t imagine these flights from UK are anywhere near full. My wife has got a bit fed up with me today saying; we should have been at The airport now, we’d have been in the air now, we should be on the transfer now etc. At least it’s sunny here and I poured us Chocolate tequila after dinner as a consolation! She is still sulking though.
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It's a great shame BAJ..I thought things would be back to normal this summer and we are so disappointed to have to channge our holiday again.
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Life's to short to miss Sanstef.......Been coming for thirty years, and are due out for a month on Friday 4th June.
Two weeks quarantine will be worth every minute.
We can't wait.
Mick
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Life's to short to miss Sanstef.......Been coming for thirty years, and are due out for a month on Friday 4th June.
Two weeks quarantine will be worth every minute.
We can't wait.
Mick
Enjoy your holiday Mick!
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Bad news Rod, seems TUI not waiting to see what he next traffic light announcement is.
I wonder how many passengers are on the flights from UK at the moment, bearing in mind the current advice and restrictions. We were due to arrive today flying with BA, we were not going owing to the requirement for isolation on return and current amber status. BA cancelled our return flight a couple of weeks ago, consolidating to one flight on the Saturday so we had a refund on that one. We waited to see if the outbound flight was cancelled, which it wasn’t so had to cancel myself and take a voucher for that flight. I can’t imagine these flights from UK are anywhere near full. My wife has got a bit fed up with me today saying; we should have been at The airport now, we’d have been in the air now, we should be on the transfer now etc. At least it’s sunny here and I poured us Chocolate tequila after dinner as a consolation! She is still sulking though.
TUI simply said "holiday cancelled" (even though it was flight only) with no alternative. Ironically I then booked flights from Manchester for Friday 11th June with TUI. It's a bit of a hassle travelling from Newcastle to Manchester but we are desperate to get away. I informed Fedra Mare and job done. Fingers crossed that there is not another cancellation.
As a footnote, I am being refunded my cancelled holiday but I am pursuing a compensation claim as the notice Tui gave me was 14 days. I think I'm entitled to £110 per person.
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Rod why would you claim compensation after getting a full refund, the airlines are struggling enough as it is
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Thanks Karen
We were out for two weeks last September and it was Brilliant. Weather was superb and our greek friends were so pleased to see us.
After all the pleasure they have given us over the years, it seams only right to try to help their economy a little.
Everythings arranged, flights, paperwork, tests, accomodation, and a car waiting for us at the airport, thanks to the lovely Valantis at Corfuexplore.
Counting down the hours!
Mick & Eileen
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Yes my thoughts too Compensation? as soon there wil be only as 40 years ago, a few Government run National airlines from main UK hubs as it was back then LGW, LHR, MAN and GLA and then maybe once per week. We will all then pay the price in more ways than one...... it will go back to a system of those that have money will pay and everyone else whom has had a fantastic 35 years of enjoying budget and non frills airlines staying home. This just won't be Greece but everywhere...... we all need to think long tem what is best.......
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Mick, have a safe journey! If you have time, please give us a little update on what's happening in the village, what's open etc.. 8)
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Our holiday for 11th June cancelled on Friday.
Not rebooking because we are already booked for September and we really have no idea what the position is going to be for the rest of June.
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Ryan air BHX arrived today here along with other UK flights and of course as everyday now from European hubs, over the weekend it was reported into CFU there were 44 flights International flights so yes down on YOY but great to see car hires passing and there are visitors here...........
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Rod why would you claim compensation after getting a full refund, the airlines are struggling enough as it is
Because I'm paying £300 to get to Manchester and back. That will be the days when airlines are struggling.
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Because I'm paying £300 to get to Manchester and back. That will be the days when airlines are struggling.
Oh and just look at the thread "don't fall foul".
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The BBC and Sky news are both reporting that NO new countries will be added to the green List and Portugal going on the Amber list
What a Joke getting fed up of this I feel this is more of an political decision due to the fact that the EU has not put the UK on their white list
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Just listening to Simon Calder on the news and he said with the latest announcement there will probably be thousands of jobs lost in the travel industry 😢 hopefully popular destinations will go green by july
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TUI holidays now starting from 21st June.. makes no sense if we're not having a review for 3 weeks..24th June..
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Thursday 3rd june, Greece still on amber list
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Thursday 3rd june, Greece still on amber list
Yes, I wasn't really surprised , however..the FCDO don't advise against non essential travel to Corfu, so that is something..
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I'm surprised that anybody's surprised. Greece's infection rate is much higher than Portugal's.
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TUI holidays now starting from 21st June.. makes no sense if we're not having a review for 3 weeks..24th June..
Now they've changed them back to the 4th...
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Is that the 4th of July ?
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I think everybody including the tour operators simply don't know what to do. A change from green to orange wouldn't be too bad, but from orange to red would be financially catastrophic. We'll go in September if it's green, but absolutely not if it's orange. The rules re Portugal have just demonstrated how quickly things can change.
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Is that the 4th of July ?
It's June..they keep changing the dates..I guess they are as confused as us, I don't know if they fly half empty planes?
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I think everybody including the tour operators simply don't know what to do. A change from green to orange wouldn't be too bad, but from orange to red would be financially catastrophic. We'll go in September if it's green, but absolutely not if it's orange. The rules re Portugal have just demonstrated how quickly things can change.
The government said there would be a green watch list, giving 2weeks notice of countries moving off the green list, that hasn't happened for Portugal and to be honest, if infection rates rise quickly, they shouldn't wait 2 weeks to make changes. We just have to accept that countries can be moved to amber or red, at a few days notice..
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I have received an email from Tui saying my wife and I now require a negative covid test prior to our departure to Corfu. Regardless of the fact that we are both fully vaccinated. They claim this is the Greek government's new update. Is this correct?
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Hello Rod. On the GOV.UK site it says you don't require one of you are fully vaccinated and 14 days have passed since your last jab, but they don't always update that very quickly.
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Also not updated on travel.gov.gr...
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Also not updated on travel.gov.gr...
Thanks Karen. Yes I have also checked the website. I popped into our local Tui office and they also said no test required to Corfu if you are fully vaccinated. This email is totally confusing the whole thing.
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Crazy isn't it..the entry requirements on the TUI site as of 4th june, says you don't need one..
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Have the murmours of not having to isolate on return to the UK if you’ve had both jabs given a bit of hope ???
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Have the murmours of not having to isolate on return to the UK if you’ve had both jabs given a bit of hope ???
I think it’s only a matter of time, surely. Hopefully sooner (ie now) rather than later.
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The sky is busier this morning, as it's a clear blue sky we can hear the flights arriving and departing and I enjoy waching the live airport webcam. Just watched the BA from LHR arrive, following shortly will be Easyjet from LGW and then 2 Ryan flights 1 from EDI and the other from BHX. Along with quite a few European arrivals this morning. Looking at the flight board looks to be a busier day at the airport today, Saturday.........
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I saw an Air Baltic A220 arrive this morning. Wonderful plane. It's actually the Canadian Bombardier C3 manufactured and branded by Airbus. All composite design, very fuel-efficient. Three seats one side and two on the other. Perfect.
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Enimorosi reports around 50 flights due throughout today into CFU. Lets hope some of these passengers then head this way........
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We should be arriving on Mon 26th July with Jet2 flights from East Mids that I booked last year. They are currently scheduled to restart flights on 15th July, but it’s any ones guess whether they will or not. So as a back up plan I have just booked outbound flights the day before from East Mids with Ryan Air (went with the Sunday flights as they are flying that day at present). I figured it was worth the gamble as the flights cost £5 each today! If Jet2 don’t cancel I’ve lost a tenner, if Jet2 do cancel then I will book a return flight with Ryan air and add cases post booking. I will still save hundreds of pounds. Determined to get there if at all possible. If you can get out and back in July there are lots of £5 flights to Corfu available, then add cost of cases in the plus package (£50), so £110 return with a 20kg case and prebooked seat.
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and lots of accommodations are open as direct bookings have been able to enjoy holidays since 15/05 when Greece opened for all.....
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and lots of accommodations are open as direct bookings have been able to enjoy holidays since 15/05 when Greece opened for all.....
Yep, we are booked in at Fedra Mare (since last June I think)
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Sounds like the perfect plan, BAJ!
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TUI are now showing holidays, mainly from Manchester and Newcastle, with an odd Gatwick one. The first Stansted one is August 30th...We like the security of a package holiday, but it seems we may have to start looking at independent travel.
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I’d definitely be looking to book independent this year, some great flight prices about with the budget airlines. Also lots of availability for accommodation at the same great value as always.
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I’d definitely be looking to book independent this year, some great flight prices about with the budget airlines. Also lots of availability for accommodation at the same great value as always.
Thank you. :)
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The Times are reporting this morning that quarantine free travel for the double jabbed will start on 26th July for UK citizens. This would be fantastic news and long overdue.
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The Times are reporting this morning that quarantine free travel for the double jabbed will start on 26th July for UK citizens. This would be fantastic news and long overdue.
Hope so, that would certainly make it a more realistic prospect for those who are willing and able to go but can’t at present owing to the quarantine period.
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TUI are now showing holidays, mainly from Manchester and Newcastle, with an odd Gatwick one. The first Stansted one is August 30th...We like the security of a package holiday, but it seems we may have to start looking at independent travel.
Karen, I understand what you mean about the security of a package holiday, especially in these uncertain times. We book whichever works out best for us and are quite comfortable going independent. Most of the owners will roll any deposit over if you can’t go, I paid deposit for Anatoli for a holiday that should have happened in July last year, rolled it to May this year and now rolled to next May. Plus you get your pick of accommodation. As for flights, that’s a double edged sword, paid for at time of booking and only refunded if they cancel the flight. However worth checking current airline policies as they all seem to be offering some degree of flexibility to change bookings.
Worth looking at if it’s something you can do, some bargain flights about at the moment. What’s your preferred departure airport, I’ve sadly been keeping an eye on which flights are actually arriving in Corfu at present.
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For us it is really inconvenient to go DIY - although we have done it. Only TUI fly from Doncaster, which is a massively more convenient airport for us - it's 50 minute drive, all on good roads or motorways. Leeds-Bradford is horrible to get to, and a much less pleasant airport all round. Manchester involves driving across the M62 - which is inclined to congestion and road-works, and probably needs a hotel overnight as well.
Tomorrow we should have been on the 07:00 plane from Doncaster for three weeks at Nafsika. The dreadfully cold weather in our part of the UK makes it all the more painful. How nice it would have been to drive through the dawn with the car heating on and fly away to 30o and a beach. Miserable year. Let's hope things pick up before long. Want a Mythos. Now.
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Totally understand that, East Mids is 20 mins away for us so much easier to fly from. Fingers crossed Jimbo that TUI flights start from Doncaster and you can get a September holiday perhaps.
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TUI are showing flights from Donny from July 23rd. We've got a September booking, but who knows what the situation will be?
East Midlands is not too bad from Hull - but there are the vagaries of the M1 to cope with. We flew from there once - stayed in a nice little hotel the night before. Early morning there was a fox running about in the field we could see from our bedroom window. Small airports are so much nicer an experience unless you want fifty duty free shops. Donny rarely has more than three flights' worth of people in the big departure/gate area, which has runway views. Very few delays, a two-minute taxi from the gate to the runway rather than about twenty minutes at Gatwick or Manchester. There are usually two or three TUI planes based there - so the crew are fresh and cheerful, and it's only about two hours fifty minutes to Corfu. Not much shopping: one place flogging perfume etc, a Smiths and a Wetherspoons. I flew a lot in my main working life, and frankly you can keep big airports. My main hates were Schiphol (huge walk to get to a gate), Detroit (vast and unpleasant, with the rudest staff anywhere) and Gatwick (crowded and basically horrible). Same goes for Heathrow - though I did have a good time the day after Terminal Four opened flying BA to the Caribbean - there was nobody there but the maybe twenty people on the flight. Gillie's first ever flight was with me from Luton. It was a night flight, and the fruit-machine in the departure hut (it really was, then) got stuck on a winning position and kept spewing out money. We had so many coins I suspect they had to take on more fuel.
Greek island airports are getting a bit flash, and nowhere near as much fun as they used to be. Remember the days when the Rep's instructions were "Check in, then climb through that hole in the fence and get a drink at the taverna just up the hill. When you see your plane land it's time to go through departures."
I do hope the regional airports can survive this awful period. People who only fly from London airports or Manchester don't know what they're missing.
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Thank you BAJ. We go from Stansted, it is 50 minutes away, Gatwick is at least 3hours, which makes it a long journey home for us and not the easiest place to get to.
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Love that Jim..We went from Luton when it was like that! ;D
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Thank you BAJ. We go from Stansted, it is 50 minutes away, Gatwick is at least 3hours, which makes it a long journey home for us and not the easiest place to get to.
Bad news at present then Karen, in the last week there have been a total of zero flights arrive in Corfu from Stansted. Not even any from Luton.
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Bad news at present then Karen, in the last week there have been a total of zero flights arrive in Corfu from Stansted. Not even any from Luton.
I know, I don't understand why..supply and demand, I guess..
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Jet2 have just updated their site that they expect the next traffic light review to be on 15th July, so have extended their cancelled flights up to and including 18th July pending the review.
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Flying home this evening.I've had a wonderful time,met up with old friends and made some new ones. It was worth all the hassle. Forget all the hoops you have to jump through and come if you can.I haven't seen a newspaper or watched the news for two weeks and I haven't missed all that gloom and doom that is fed to us daily.
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Flying home this evening.I've had a wonderful time,met up with old friends and made some new ones. It was worth all the hassle. Forget all the hoops you have to jump through and come if you can.I haven't seen a newspaper or watched the news for two weeks and I haven't missed all that gloom and doom that is fed to us daily.
Brilliant, enjoy your last day. where did you stay?
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Limani, behind the Church.
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The Times are reporting this morning that quarantine free travel for the double jabbed will start on 26th July for UK citizens. This would be fantastic news and long overdue.
I hope thats true would be lovely to get away x
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Bad news at present then Karen, in the last week there have been a total of zero flights arrive in Corfu from Stansted. Not even any from Luton.
Karen, I have to amend the above, a Ryan air flight arrived from Stansted this evening!
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Karen, I have to amend the above, a Ryan air flight arrived from Stansted this evening!
Hoorah!! ;D
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Limani,behind the Church.
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Limani,behind the Church.
Are they the ones owned by Fantasea Kosta or his sister? It will be our first time this year stopping at that end of the village, have always stayed opposite end up the hill at Romanza and once at Teresas. Will miss Romanza but not the track from the beach to Romanza or the road way at the end of the evening.
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Are they the ones owned by Fantasea Kosta or his sister? It will be our first time this year stopping at that end of the village, have always stayed opposite end up the hill at Romanza and once at Teresas. Will miss Romanza but not the track from the beach to Romanza or the road way at the end of the evening.
I believe they are owned by Kostas, basic, but fabulous uninterrupted views over the sea.
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Are they the ones owned by Fantasea Kosta or his sister? It will be our first time this year stopping at that end of the village, have always stayed opposite end up the hill at Romanza and once at Teresas. Will miss Romanza but not the track from the beach to Romanza or the road way at the end of the evening.
We have stayed at Barras, Thomas Bay and Athina but have stayed at Paralia Apartments our last two visits and they are absolutely stunning 😍 I wouldnt stay anywhere else now and cant wait for August 13th (fingers crossed)
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We have stayed at Barras, Thomas Bay and Athina but have stayed at Paralia Apartments our last two visits and they are absolutely stunning 😍 I wouldnt stay anywhere else now and cant wait for August 13th (fingers crossed)
Paralia look very nice indeed, do they have any for two persons or are they all larger? Do they come with a price tag to match their appearance?
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Paralia look very nice indeed, do they have any for two persons or are they all larger? Do they come with a price tag to match their appearance?
Hi i think most of them are for 2 Lesley on the forum could tell you more she sorts everything for us 😃
They are at the higher end of the price range but worth every penny x
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Hi i think most of them are for 2 Lesley on the forum could tell you more she sorts everything for us 😃
They are at the higher end of the price range but worth every penny x
Aren't they owned by Spiros at Condor?
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To answer both questions yes they are owned by Spiros from Condor and yes they do have studios for 2 persons, the ground floor ones have their own individual splash pools these are more expensive you can p.m. me if you wish to check prices and availability. The top floor also have studios for 2 persons however these do not have pools but you are welcome to come next door to Vicky's to use the pool, sunloungers and bar. just pop in and see me on reception.
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Thanks Lesley they do look lovely.
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Thanks Lesley they do look lovely.
They are amazing I highly recommend them, go on treat yourself, YOLO xx
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They are amazing I highly recommend them, go on treat yourself, YOLO xx
Haha! Tempted! Do they overlook the beach?
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Yes they are between Vicky Apartments and Delfino Blue x
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Yes they are between Vicky Apartments and Delfino Blue x
I thought so, sounds lovely!
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To answer both questions yes they are owned by Spiros from Condor and yes they do have studios for 2 persons, the ground floor ones have their own individual splash pools these are more expensive you can p.m. me if you wish to check prices and availability. The top floor also have studios for 2 persons however these do not have pools but you are welcome to come next door to Vicky's to use the pool, sunloungers and bar. just pop in and see me on reception.
Thanks Lesley, will bear in mind for the future as already booked up for this and next year.
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If you are on Instagram Spiros has posted a brilliant aerial view showing the apartments and pools and the new VIP suite x @paralia.luxury.suites
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I was looking for a specific video and I found this. Ten years ago, when life was different:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRouqyB4KbY&ab_channel=jimhawkins2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRouqyB4KbY&ab_channel=jimhawkins2)
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I was looking for a specific video and I found this. Ten years ago, when life was different:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRouqyB4KbY&ab_channel=jimhawkins2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRouqyB4KbY&ab_channel=jimhawkins2)
And I think I spotted the lovely Gillie :)
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You did!
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You did!
Haha!
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I was looking for a specific video and I found this. Ten years ago, when life was different:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRouqyB4KbY&ab_channel=jimhawkins2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRouqyB4KbY&ab_channel=jimhawkins2)
Really enjoyed that this morning after last nights thunderstorms here !
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I was looking for a specific video and I found this. Ten years ago, when life was different:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRouqyB4KbY&ab_channel=jimhawkins2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRouqyB4KbY&ab_channel=jimhawkins2)
Excellent, we have stayed in Arillas several times at Bardis Sun Studios, for a few years when we had the girls with us we did a week in Arillas and then a week in San Stef.
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Yes they are between Vicky Apartments and Delfino Blue x
I always thought they were Delfino Blu! Me and Steve have looked at them whilst we are at Vicky and he was sure he had stayed there with a mate in a previous life! They look lovely, but we love Vicky, and Lesley!
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we love Vicky, and Lesley!
As do we all!
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I always thought they were Delfino Blu! Me and Steve have looked at them whilst we are at Vicky and he was sure he had stayed there with a mate in a previous life! They look lovely, but we love Vicky, and Lesley!
I can (and do ) shout and wave to Lesley from my terrace xx
She's our person holiday godmother !!
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Ah bless you all - thanks for your lovely comments and looking forward to seeing as many of you that make it over, I am over at Vicky's most days now for a couple of hours each morning and the bar and pool are open all day - unfortunately though due to the Covid procotols we are unable to offer our book library however if they (the Government) give us the go ahead then I will let you know. Happy Wednesday x
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Right, hoping it will be 3rd time lucky for us.
We initially had Ryanair flights booked for 2 weeks in June (my Birthday) that we moved due to Amber restrictions; rebooked for 2 weeks in July (our 25th Anniversary - our first visit to San Stef was to celebrate our 10th anniversary) moved again due to the same reasons. We're bringing friends with us this time and one is still working and not able to quarantine on return. So, based on the latest update on easing restrictions and the assumption (I appreciate its a gamble) that either quarantine will be eased or fingers crossed Corfu might be moved to Green status, we've changed our flights again (last chance before charges will apply) and hopefully having a week in August.
If things don't dramatically change again by the end of August, who knows we might even squeeze in a cheeky return towards the end of the season. So, keeping fingers firmly crossed and hoping as many people can make it during the next few weeks 😎
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Richnsare, you should be good for August, we are all eagerly anticipating the announcement ref quarantine. We will be going at end of July in any case, but no quarantine on return will be welcome.
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Hope you get your holiday Richnsare! 8)
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Ah bless you all - thanks for your lovely comments and looking forward to seeing as many of you that make it over, I am over at Vicky's most days now for a couple of hours each morning and the bar and pool are open all day - unfortunately though due to the Covid procotols we are unable to offer our book library however if they (the Government) give us the go ahead then I will let you know. Happy Wednesday x
What are the rules on singing and dancing now ? Im just asking for a friend ……………. ;) ;) ;)
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Right, hoping it will be 3rd time lucky for us.
We initially had Ryanair flights booked for 2 weeks in June (my Birthday) that we moved due to Amber restrictions; rebooked for 2 weeks in July (our 25th Anniversary - our first visit to San Stef was to celebrate our 10th anniversary) moved again due to the same reasons. We're bringing friends with us this time and one is still working and not able to quarantine on return. So, based on the latest update on easing restrictions and the assumption (I appreciate its a gamble) that either quarantine will be eased or fingers crossed Corfu might be moved to Green status, we've changed our flights again (last chance before charges will apply) and hopefully having a week in August.
If things don't dramatically change again by the end of August, who knows we might even squeeze in a cheeky return towards the end of the season. So, keeping fingers firmly crossed and hoping as many people can make it during the next few weeks 😎
The news today seems to be hinting that the quarantining for the double jabbed will cease as of 19th July, I think it is to be confirmed tomorrow ?
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I haven't seen where the singing and dancing ban has been lifted yet.. :)
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There is a site called realgreekexperiences.com ,can't copy the link, where there is a section about new rules for dining, nightclubs and entertainment in Greece..it's not clear to me if this includes the islands..
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So it looks like today is the day. Grant Schapps to make a statement on travel at 11:30 today.
All the papers reporting that it will be no quarantine for those double jabbed when returning from amber countries. A PCR will still be required on day 2 of returning home. Children of those double jabbed will still need a PCR but again no quarantine. Full details at 11:30.
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Thank you for update 11.30 UK time so 13.30 hrs here must keep my laptop on UK TV today....... all crossed for you all and us too over here x
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So it looks like today is the day. Grant Schapps to make a statement on travel at 11:30 today.
All the papers reporting that it will be no quarantine for those double jabbed when returning from amber countries. A PCR will still be required on day 2 of returning home. Children of those double jabbed will still need a PCR but again no quarantine. Full details at 11:30.
Fingers crossed, we will be going in any case at end of July for 2 weeks so hopefully won’t have to quarantine on return
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Schapps has spoken. Quarantine free travel for children and the double jabbed can commence from 16th July. Get booking those flights ;D
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Good news, typo D@G its 19th July. Plus only a day 2 test
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Good news, typo D@G its 19th July. Plus only a day 2 test
Correct, typo.
I think a pre departure test is still required in Corfu along with the day 2 test on return.Not ideal and personally think it should be lateral flow test only, but it’s progress atleast.
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Yes, pre-departure test still required, but they can be done at the village clinic. 30€ I think I read somewhere.
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The advice against travelling to Amber countries will no longer be "essential only." So there will be no difference between Green and Amber apart, from their colour, obviously.
Excellent news for Corfu!
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The advice against travelling to Amber countries will no longer be "essential only." So there will be no difference between Green and Amber apart, from their colour, obviously.
Excellent news for Corfu!
Indeed it is Jim. I suppose the amber or green status is a consideration for anyone booking a holiday now who isn’t too fussed where they go, as the danger is a move to red whilst away.
Let’s hope it is sustainable over the summer and autumn.
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Also adults who are not fully jabbed don’t need to self isolate on return from green but will have to from amber. So the younger adults who have only had one jab will more likely be heading to green destinations I expect.
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Great news!
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For anyone travelling with kids, here’s the guidance for them:-
Children under the age of 18 will not have to isolate when returning to England. While the recommendation that people should not travel to amber countries is being removed, children aged 4 and under will continue to be exempt from any travel testing. Children aged 5 to 10 will only need to do a day 2 PCR and 11 to 18 year olds will need to take both a pre-departure test and a day 2 PCR – as is the case for arrivals from green list countries.
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All great news for anyone wanting to travel. But just remember this is all one way i.e. England can do what they like, but if the in-bound country says "no" you are stuffed! Yes, I know not positive, but would you really want to make decisions without all the "pros and cons". Some here seem to think things only matter if they agree with their views ....
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and good news for the likes of people similar to myself who want & need to work. OK I will need to wear a mask behind my little reception area but I can suffer that. Hope to see many visitors soon.....enjoy your weekend.......
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Lesley, bad news and good news-Steve and I have cancelled our holiday in September in the old block...cos there was 1 room available in the new block so they easiest thing to do was cancel and rebook -we will be in the new block after all ;D We have just paid so see you in September (and if we can have the end room again that will be the cherry on the icing on the baklava! )
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and good news for the likes of people similar to myself who want & need to work. OK I will need to wear a mask behind my little reception area but I can suffer that. Hope to see many visitors soon.....enjoy your weekend.......
Yes excellent news Lesley, it must be a huge relief to so many of you. I was reading on another group how Ag George and Arillas were comparatively busy this week to ag Stef as the former had German and other European tourists. Hopefully AS will catch up soon. Do you know when the first Jet2 guests arrive at Vickys yet?
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and good news for the likes of people similar to myself who want & need to work. OK I will need to wear a mask behind my little reception area but I can suffer that. Hope to see many visitors soon.....enjoy your weekend.......
Hopefully the lifting of travel restrictions is good news indeed for you and the lovely people there Lesley. But no matter what is said here on the forum it will make little difference. It's the media here (or lack of it) that really matters and personally I think things are finely balanced. With luck these recent events are early enough and the numbers big enough for you all there to have some kind of season, albeit very little in the scheme of things with it being so late. I wish you all well and hope things turn out okay.
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Well Jet2 say our flight is going a week on Monday and check in is open. So it’s time to get the cases out of the loft and order some Euros. 😁
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Well Jet2 say our flight is going a week on Monday and check in is open. So it’s time to get the cases out of the loft and order some Euros. 😁
Aaw..great news!
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Yes we have Jet2H arrivals from Monday 19th onwards.......
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Well Jet2 say our flight is going a week on Monday and check in is open. So it’s time to get the cases out of the loft and order some Euros. 😁
Fantastic
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Greek PLF landed in my emails today for Monday flight, Facebook group reporting it comes back immediately now so no more anxious waiting for 10pm the night before!
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Greek PLF landed in my emails today for Monday flight, Facebook group reporting it comes back immediately now so no more anxious waiting for 10pm the night before!
Oh that’s good news as was always a worry.
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I'm still considering a week in the village mid-September. I'm double-vaccinated, but unsure what tests etc (and costs) are required at the moment to allow me into Corfu and home to Scotland? Obviously things can (and will) change before then, but I'm just trying to work out if a week is cost effective.
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We are still hoping our 4 weeks in September is on.
We have booked 4 weeks next May/June too.
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Hello Maggie and Andy nice to hear from you it's Pat nPete Little Prince with the Yorkshire flags hope to see you in September fingers crossed 🍷🍷XX
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So now we know that Greece and Spain stay on the Amber list. Whether there's any logic in the decisions, who knows? The UK levels are currently officially 260:100K and Greece 176.
We're in the odd position that there are strictures, including PCR testing, on returning from a country with lower levels than the UK. Where we live, in Hull, we have the third highest level in England at 525:100K. Corfu has had elevated levels over the last few days, but the highest is less than 10% that outside my door!
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Got our pre-departure test at the surgery tomorrow morning 🤞
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Got our pre-departure test at the surgery tomorrow morning 🤞
Good luck!
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Got our pre-departure test at the surgery tomorrow morning 🤞
Hope it all went ok.
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Hope it all went ok.
All sounds like panic, calm down, calm down.... ;D
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Both negative, no Covid hotel for us
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Both negative, no Covid hotel for us
Phew!!
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Those living in the South Yorkshire or Humberside area will be pleased, like me, to see that the TUI 07:05 flight from Doncaster began yesterday!
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Yes Jimbo we monitored the flight yesterday morning only took 2hrs 37mins landed 30mins early must have been strong tailwinds.
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That's right. It took three and a half hours to get back!
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Yes swings and roundabouts Jim.
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Whilst we're thinking of holidays, can we please spare a thought for the poor people of Greece who have lost their homes in the fires. Be careful disposing of your rubbish, as Lesley has mentioned...
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Whilst we're thinking of holidays, can we please spare a thought for the poor people of Greece who have lost their homes in the fires. Be careful disposing of your rubbish, as Lesley has mentioned...
Its heartbreaking to see :(
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It is heartbreaking...
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We witnessed the huge fires in the Kalamata area many years ago. It was like arriving in Hell. Many of those were started deliberately for insurance purposes; let's hope it's not so now.
Corfu has a lot of olive trees, and those are full of oil, so they burn like torches. All the more reasons for extreme care. The sun shining through one broken glass bottle can trigger an almost unstoppable inferno.
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BAJ can you tell us all about the PCR test? i.e Where did you have it, how much did it cost , how do you get your results? And most importantly , are they gentle shoving the lolly stick down your gullet? ;D When Steve had Covid I did the test on him and nearly choked him to death!!
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BAJ can you tell us all about the PCR test? i.e Where did you have it, how much did it cost , how do you get your results? And most importantly , are they gentle shoving the lolly stick down your gullet? ;D When Steve had Covid I did the test on him and nearly choked him to death!!
Hobbes, do you mean the pre flight test in resort which is lateral flow or the day 2 PCR test after return?
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Both-however I can see your comments about them on other threads! The day 2 test-do we have to self isolate until we have the result? Only Steve is supposed to be going on my nephew's stag do the day after we get home!!
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Both-however I can see your comments about them on other threads! The day 2 test-do we have to self isolate until we have the result? Only Steve is supposed to be going on my nephew's stag do the day after we get home!!
No you don’t need to isolate. Just take the test and send off. No need to worry about if or when you get the results.
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Both-however I can see your comments about them on other threads! The day 2 test-do we have to self isolate until we have the result? Only Steve is supposed to be going on my nephew's stag do the day after we get home!!
The test we had done in the village clinic to fly back was a gentle nose swab, as was the random test I had at Corfu airport on arrival. The PCR test at East Mids airport was a much more thorough delve about in throat and nostrils!
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Hello everyone just had an email from tui to say my holiday is cancelled flying out of East Midlands 24th of September getting a refund as this is the second time of it being cancelled just booked flights with jet2 now got to find accommodation we were staying at Tereza
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Sorry to hear that...I think more people will be going independent. TUI have certainly let many people down..
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Today 73 new cases in Corfu..575 cases so far this month ...
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I wish we could get a breakdown of where the infections are.
Greek national level is 208.
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Hello everyone just had an email from tui to say my holiday is cancelled flying out of East Midlands 24th of September getting a refund as this is the second time of it being cancelled just booked flights with jet2 now got to find accommodation we were staying at Tereza
You will probably be able to book directly with Tereza if you still want to go there.
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We have booked flights only with jet2 now we will have to get intouch with tereza not sure if i have the correct email address
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So it looks like the 1st Jet2 flight out of Edinburgh took off early this morning, although it may have stopped off at Newcastle to pick up further passengers.
With that good news along with my Vaccination certificate arriving yesterday, it looks like we will be on our way from the 2nd September at the 4th time of trying
Here's hoping there will be no further setbacks between now and then!
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So it looks like the 1st Jet2 flight out of Edinburgh took off early this morning, although it may have stopped off at Newcastle to pick up further passengers.
With that good news along with my Vaccination certificate arriving yesterday, it looks like we will be on our way from the 2nd September at the 4th time of trying
Here's hoping there will be no further setbacks between now and then!
Well that’s good news they are flying from Edinburgh again as we ended up going with Ryanair from Edinburgh as both Jet2 and TUI cancelled us from Edinburgh in august. Was worth it though we had a great time as usual, only just back.
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Best of luck Steven! 8)
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Having had our holiday cancelled by tui we have now booked independently for the first time booking our own flights and apartment we are staying at the anatolia has anyone stayed there before and how was there stay and the apartments
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Having had our holiday cancelled by tui we have now booked independently for the first time booking our own flights and apartment we are staying at the anatolia has anyone stayed there before and how was there stay and the apartments
We must have stayed there 20 or more times over the years, so I guess that says something. However we have only ever stayed in the upstairs accommodation as the views were so superb. Very handy for their Kamini bar, Nafsica food and pool, and of course a number of other restaurants nearby (Manthos of late being one of our favourites). A lovely family run place who are such nice, friendly and helpful people. We’ve always asked them to organise travel from and back to the airport.
However the apartments are your basic typical Greek apartments and may not suit everyone. Then again they are also great value for money!
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Thank you for your lovely review . We are so looking forward to staying this side of the village, just one more enquiry do they have hairdryers in the apartments?
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Thank you for your lovely review . We are so looking forward to staying this side of the village, just one more enquiry do they have hairdryers in the apartments?
Afraid just the warm breeze... No dryers.
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Anatoli is lovely. As GB2 says, very friendly. My only criticism would be that the rooms are quite small - but with lovely views down to the sea.
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Thanks for all the information after being cancelled twice for the last 2 May holidays t nafsika staying this side is a first for us
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It's lovely in the old village. Quiet - great places to eat - and the beach just a few yards away. :-)
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Not stayed at Anatoli…….yet. Had to cancel two bookings there owing to flight situation at the time, last July and this May. Have now booked for next May, Whit week, will tell the better half to pack her travel dryer. As others have said Kamini bar great for pre or post dinner drinks, we called in several times this year having gone in to introduce ourselves to Peter and confirm our deposit move to next May.
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Kamini has lots of regulars - many of them locals or people who've been going there for donkey's years. And just a few steps away are: Nafsika, Mistral, Beachcomber and Fantasia.
We stayed at Nafsika for a month once and probably only went into the main village three or four times! It's more like Greece used to be in the old village - not crowded, sociable and very relaxing.
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Kamini has lots of regulars - many of them locals or people who've been going there for donkey's years. And just a few steps away are: Nafsika, Mistral, Beachcomber and Fantasia.
We stayed at Nafsika for a month once and probably only went into the main village three or four times! It's more like Greece used to be in the old village - not crowded, sociable and very relaxing.
An interesting one as I can now see the other side of this coin. I’m sure there will be many who prefer the hustle and bustle of the “other end”. That being the case and if the OP is one of them and wants to stroll down the “other end” every night, then they could find it a bit of a chore. In the very old days we used Helana’s as our supermarket and took it quite badly when it closed that we had to walk “all” the way to the corner…. Last time we were there (2019 seems an age) I think we went down to road to the other end once. We did actually go to the bakery a few times more, but went via the beach. A lot depends on what you are looking for from your stay. Add to Jimbo’s list Manthos and the Waves, and of course if you walk up the steep hill next to Anatoli you can visit Akrotiri (we did it a couple of times for breakfast!), it's enough for us two oldies.
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Add to Jimbo’s list Manthos and the Waves
Whoops - that's what comes of typing too fast and not engaging the brain! (What's left of it). Unless you're staying at Nafsika, where breakfast is included, one thing I do like is walking in the early morning to the bakery to get some apple pie, or bread, or whatever. The smell of fresh bread is wonderful. I've even done that from Tsaros, which is fine going down but a calf-busting climb going back. The morning light and peace is one of the things I love about Greece, and it's nice to catch the village coming to life, with sweeping and washing - and the baker's van loading up bread for all the tavernas.
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Kamini has lots of regulars - many of them locals or people who've been going there for donkey's years. And just a few steps away are: Nafsika, Mistral, Beachcomber and Fantasia.
We've had a lot of good meals this holiday from all over - not going to reopen that debate - but I have to say that the meal tonight at Fantasea was incredible. Worth the extra few metres to walk.
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Hiya Pat and Pete!!
We were only wondering if you would be there when we are.
Be good to see you after another iffy year of ups and downs.Keep that bar stocked Mike and George!!xx
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Hello Maggie and Andy nice to hear from you it's Pat nPete Little Prince with the Yorkshire flags hope to see you in September fingers crossed 🍷🍷XX
Cases are down now,taxis booked here and there,room sorted with the boys so all systems go.Yammas.
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I'm not quite quite sure where cases are down! But have a great time...
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I'm not quite quite sure where cases are down! But have a great time...
From the loft? ;D
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Could anybody tell me if the laundrette is open this year
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Could anybody tell me if the laundrette is open this year
Yes.We used them. Very efficient.
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Yes every day 08.30 - 17.00 hours
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Yes we missed the laundrette last year so I hope they stay open for our three weeks-not 4 as planned thanks to Tui but no matter we had £706 refund for the trouble.
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Great, friendly, service at the laundry and they rely on the Brits for a good deal of their income. Nice to pack the luggage and not have a big pile of washing to deal with on return!
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Bad news everyone Dominic at the Thomas Bay had a heart attack last night and sadly passed away R l P Dominic so sad.
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Just read about Dominic at the Thomas Bay. He was a great man. Had many a good conversation with him. RIP Dominic
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The amount of bureaucracy involved in getting away this year rivals Yes Minister.
By far the stupidest is the UK entry PLF system. I followed the advice earlier seen to do it and save it in advance, ready just to post within 48 hours of return. BUT, when I had got as far as possible, the kindly government informed me that it would only last 8 days after which I would have to do it again. Great! I will now rest content with having a log-in, and hope the internet is working in the village. The Greek PLF was easy, logical and swiftly done and acknowledged.
In what way will my return details change? I'm coming from the same place to the same place. I could do that in advance, print it, and answer the question "Have your details changed?" on entry.
Oh for the days when you could turn up at the airport with a passport and a ticket. Even TUI's previously excellent Print Your Boarding Pass system had changed to 48 hours before departure. When I was flying for work I used just to go to the airport with my passport. My ticket, booked by somebody else, was waiting at the Customer Service desk.
These days you need a holiday just from the effort of arranging one!
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Just too much hassle....
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Well we are off tomorrow and hopefully all my necessary forms have been filled in accurately and have been both printed and saved to screen shot format.
Only one company is being accepted by the Welsh authorities and it is booked,though I hear that testing my no longer be required from next month.
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Well we are off tomorrow and hopefully all my necessary forms have been filled in accurately and have been both printed and saved to screen shot format.
Only one company is being accepted by the Welsh authorities and it is booked,though I hear that testing my no longer be required from next month.
How exciting. Hope all goes well and you have a great time...
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My main moan is the stuff that's pointless. Like the fact that a vaccination pass's barcode times out after 30 days; am I mysteriously going to become unvaccinated after a month? Like the fact that it says it's a 2D barcode; I have yet to see a 1 or 3 dimensional barcode, oh, but come to think of it, the expiry time-out actually makes it a 3-D barcode, because it has two spatial and one temporal dimension.
See you in the Princess Bar, Maggie.
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The extra form filling took me less than 120 minutes total and cost £167 in extra tests etc for my family of 4 this year.
Worth every second and £ extra to get our 3 weeks away and the locals were over the moon to have us back.
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I agree completely. But the testing is pointless and the paperwork could be cut down.
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Will i need international driving permit to hire a car or bike over in San stefanos
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I did in Cyprus l last year as that's what Gov.UK said, which did surprise me at the time. In hindsight I don't think it was needed as nobody asked to see it.
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This gov site (https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit) indicates/states not for Greece (or Cyprus), mind you it has no last update on the page...
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Will i need international driving permit to hire a car or bike over in San stefanos
No you won’t. Your uk driving license is fine.