Yamas

This is not my usual "travel" blob as it is just a cheeky break away from the terrible summer we've been having  in old Blighty. I write it for no one other than me and Crispy as an aid memoir as we descend into our dotage. If anyone else wishes to read it then thats fine by us.

We have been lucky enough to travel to many places on this amazing planet of ours and memories fade. Things are forgotten. We were talking over dinner about the fascinating places we have seen and some of them the details  have been lost to us. Not our peregrinations or travels but the short breaks and holidays.  Hence I shall record them all, travels or not, from now on.

 This wasn't a planned break but the summer in old Blighty has been terrible. I needed some sun on my bones and Dear Old Crispy agreed that a warmer climb would do us both the world of good. After a quick perusal of the interweb cheap flights to the sun kissed island of Corfu were found and booked within the hour.

11 nights in Greece, perfect as we both love Greece.. We have visited Corfu in the past and really like this busy and popular island. It's a big island as Greek islands go but holds lots of hidden treasure away from the popular and touristy Kavos and Faliraki type resorts. 

We were here 2 years ago on our peregrinations from Montenegro to Athens but that time we didn't actually leave the ferry port but used Corfu as an easy way to travel from Sarander in Albania to Igoumenitsa on the Greek mainland (the alternative was a difficult and circuitous land border deep in the mountains).

I did a little research for a place to stay that suited our needs and settled on Agios Gordios. A small resort on the south West coast almost directly opposite to Corfu town.

The flights from Manchester were uneventful other than a 4 hour delay because there was a problem with the planes cabin pressure computer. Good old Easy Jet quickly found an alternative aircraft and although delayed we eventually arrived in Corfu non the worse for wear.

 The accommodation I chose  is private and secluded. Perched on the steep hillside above the gorgeous little seaside town of Agios Gordios. A very steep 2km hike from the beach. I thought Crispy would grumble at the walk home from the beach but she loves it. Since she completed the Camino she has joined a gym and is now even more keen than I to exercise and keep the old bones  moving. She's a star and looks amazing for her efforts. 

The short time here has been amazing. Lazy days, beach time, snorkelling and of course a quad bike.  I think the thing that makes our Greek or Turkish holidays special is the opportunity to use a quad. The rules here in Greece, like everywhere, are tightening and helmets are now compulsory on motorcycles and atv's. We, being good law abiding people wore our helmets as the law demands (but only on the main roads and not on the small rural roads that criss cross the island. Its too hot and spoils the fun). We spent most of our time on the smaller roads,  where there are unlikely to be police,  searching out the quieter beaches and villages. 

I  can honestly say after a fairly comprehensive exploration of the island, that the nicest beach and best snorkelling was where we were staying at Agios Gordios. Soft clean sand, crystal clear water and lots of marine life below the waves. Crispy is an excellent snorkeller now and readily follows me into the rocks and sea caves. I am so pleased for her as a whole new amazing world lies below the surface of the water. Greece is by no means Thailand or Malaysia in respect of marine life but it is still incredibly beautiful. Plus the fact that nothing in the Mediterranean wants to bite or eat you which is always a bonus. Crispy isn't too Keen on anything that wants to bite. Sting or eat you.

As a footnote the delay at Manchester has resulted in a £700 compensation payment from Easy Jet. Not bad for a flight that only cost £39. As such whilst we were on the beach I have booked a cheeky few nights in October to Marrakech, Morocco. A place we have wanted to visit for a long time but have never got round to. It seemed silly not to and we are looking forward to it.

 

Bare and Crispy signing off, Agios Gordios, Corfu, Greece.