Welcome to your 'Virtual Corfu' - helping you
through your long wintry wet months! Actually I should not jest - for
Corfu's October has been a little wet.
Some were disappointed.
Others made the most of it, and waited for the glorious sunny days that soon
emerged and more than rewarded the patient. Corfu at its best. October is actually my favourite
month - it is quieter and the crowds have gone, letting the island to return to its natural untouched beauty.
So now the season has ended. Taverna Agni is
closed and I am sitting here on the front steps, looking out to sea on a
glorious warm November evening. Yes the newsletter is late again. For this I
do not apologize , as a short spell in hospital (stress they say???!) delayed my writing
waffle!
But now, I am back on all four and treat you to this months
exciting glimpse of Corfu life!
So what has been happening you ask? September was its usual
beautiful self.
Much quieter than the main busy summer period of July and August. The
weather perfect, beaches quieter - time for us to really enjoy the Taverna. The
highlight of September though was a wedding.
Over 200 people were invited to
enjoy the romance of a Greek Taverna Agni wedding. It is impossible to pen the emotion
and ambience of that day. News even reached the British papers - the
quality ones I hasten to add!
During October - other that the rain, it was time for us to
unwind. We enjoyed it. It was time after a busy summer to reflect on working
here - and why we do it! Many ask what is it really like to live and work on
Corfu. My response is often a little unexpected!
My typical day during the
summer months is probably no different to many others who strive to earn a
living on Corfu. Firstly of course, for the six months summer season May to
October - we work seven days per week. That may sound a simple thing.
Working from Monday thru to Friday and just as many have the weekend off, we
carry on through to the weekend with Sunday - our busiest day as the
finale - then just as you
are exhausted, you start all over again! Not a moment off - not even an hour.
Our
day starts at 9am in the morning goes through to lunch (yours not ours!)
carries on till the evening and we wait until the last guest leaves - often long past
midnight. We finish clearing the tables, stocking the fridges and then we
sleep. I almost forgot, at some time we have to eat!
When running a taverna - it is amazing how many people sitting at
our finest front table with a chilled beer or glass of wine in hand, call
me over while almost horizontal in their chair. 'Nathan' they cry 'I would do
anything to swap places with you. Working in such an environment with
that view and no
stress.' How narrow minded and one-sided their viewpoint really is. We work
hard serving people everyday. Some mornings I wake - not able to face
anyone. I pour a coffee and sit at the front. I gaze across the sea absorbing the wondrous beauty and
power that draws so many back to Corfu.
My gaze shifts down the beach.
Already there are couples on the beach claiming the first of the day's sun
beds. They spot me. Ah, you must be Nathan they cry. Soon my day starts again
and conversation flows. Do not get me wrong, as difficult as it sounds and
as long as the summer is, I love it. The challenge of serving the public
while on holiday! I would not swap my life for anything. A solid 6
months of working during the summer is rewarded by a 6 month winter. We work hard, but play hard -
well until month-in-law starts the olive harvest!
So what plans for the winter? It is an exciting time. You
know how hard we work during the summer, so you can imagine just how much we look
forward to our winter! We embrace the winter - in fact cannot wait. So again
what plans? At the moment, we are still living above the Taverna. During
the summer months it makes sense for us to be close by. We converted the
upper part of the building some years back into a modest apartment - ideal
for Eleni and I and of course Aphrodite our daughter. During the winter
though we return to our house at Loustri just above the Agni bay. During the
summer it is rented. Over the next few days, we will be driving back and forth
with our personal belongings. Moving home - amazing how long it takes and
what we deem essential. Once there in our cozy home - winter truly begins. Winter for me is time for me to do things that I want to do -
time to do things that i had been meaning to do! For this winter, this
website! My passion, hobby and focus of my spare time. The pages nag
me for an overhaul and I intend a complete revamp. New graphical menus and
much more content with many exciting new additions. The Taverna of course
requires ongoing maintenance and during the winter we continue to improve
and repair the existing structure. Painting is generally left until the start of the season
- as it would soon be spoiled by the winter storms. But, major building work is carried out now. For this
winter I know I promised to take it easy, but we are planning to remodel
the kitchen!
Olives wise, you may remember that the trees only fruit every two
years. We get some olives of course during the off years, but this season
is our bumper crop. All hands will be needed to tend our 600 tress. If you
thought the summer sounded hard - you should come and help us with the
olives!
Ouzo
Ouzo is a social drink - not to be drunk on
its own - rather with friends, and preferably with a small Meze.
An Ouzo Meze usually consists of a small pate with a few olives, feta
cheese, local sausage and if you are lucky some grilled Octopus. Picking at
these nibbles, helps keep the effects of the alcohol from overwhelming you
and enables you to sit, drink and talk for hours in a profoundly calm state
of mind where all is beautiful and life is fine. This not just a drink, but
a part of Greek life!
If you do not like the taste of licorice,
then ouzo is not for you. Fennel extract is the main added ingredient. Ouzo is drunk with ice and water. When you
add water, the ouzo turns a milky white. How much to pour in is a matter of
taste, so when Ouzo is served, the water is always served separate, leaving
the drinker to mix the ratio to their taste.
Occasionally, you will meet a taverna or
kafenion owner who makes their own ouzo. Watch out. Though they call it
ouzo, it is really 'raki' or 'tsipuro' and does not have that licorice
flavor one associates with ouzo. It is made in homemade stills and goes down
smooth but it's effects are rapid and powerful. One glass won't hurt, but
two might kill you!
Strangely, it is a drink that does not travel and your
desire for ouzo will soon end the moment you step on the plane home!
If you view the website message boards, then
without a doubt, you will know 'Phil'. He has spent most of this summer
helping me organise and administer the website boards. The information that
can be gleaned from reading the boards and the quality of the answers to the
questions asked is astounding. Thanks to all and we looking forward to a
busy winter helping even more with their Corfu holiday Questions.
Message Boards.
During Phili's recent trip, meeting some of
the website fans, the most amazing storm engulfed the bay. Power was lost
and it was not until two days later that the cables were repaired.
Once power was restored, the cameras were in.
No, not to film Phil's bash, but for a travel program. A Chanel four camera
crew came to see how Eleni cooked. In true 'Floyd' style, the kitchen moved
to the beach!
Amazing how many spectators came and watched -
which particularly infuriated the producer - he shouted to move them on!
Guess who tested the finished product!
That evening, we were treated to the most
amazing light-show over the Albanian mountains.
In just a few moments, the sky completely
changed colour - showing a reflection of the sunset on the other side of the
island.
Web Site News
The Chat Room
If you are a regular site visitor, then I am sure you have noticed the web
site chat room. But, have you ever tried it? Or maybe just wondered what
goes on inside! To put your mind at rest, Denis our web site Chat room admin
member is here to give you a brief insight to what goes on.
Basically, the chat room serves a twofold purpose. Firstly, it is a place
where you can catch up with the latest news from Corfu and reminisce about
recent holidays.
Secondly it is for people to ask questions about Corfu, with people who
visit the island regularly.
There are a friendly bunch of regulars who drop in and chat, including some
who live on Corfu (Nathan himself often makes a guest appearance !) With
such a diverse group, it is easy and fun to keep you up to date this winter
with what's going on. When the news has been told, the conversation turns to
life in general and current affairs! It's a great way to spend a short
while keeping in touch and exchanging ideas and so much friendlier than
e-mail. So if you are a newcomer to the site and feel like asking a question
or two or just want to chat to fellow Corfu lovers then pop in, you will be
more than welcome. Those site regulars who have never visited a chat room
before why not pop in and give it a try and maybe you will discover a new
side to the site.
The chat room is monitored for offensive behaviour and anyone who is causing
even slight offence is warned and then if the behaviour continues the person
is banned. This ensures that the room is family chat room and suitable for all. Of course it's a fun place and
as such we want you to have a laugh and a joke just as long as it's kept
sensible.
So, why not register and drop in, I am sure you will find it a nice way to
spend an hour or two and make new friends.
Corfu
Paintings
Many asked about the painting used for September's
Newsletter. Well it was a presant from a very good friend of ours: Jani
Tully Chapman. The keen eyed, will have noticed that I was using it during
the summer as the background for our evening menu. At the end of the season,
she presented this following one to Alex.
(Click to enlarge)
Jani is planning to offer prints of some of her
Corfu favourites.
House For Sale - Kalami
It is not often that older properties are
offered for sale - especially when they are located so close to the beach. A
treat.
Kalami
beach is the front garden.
This property is a two
storey house, large open-plan room downstairs with store room adjacent and
toilet/bathroom.
The First floor is accessed from a traditional outdoor staircase to a
covered porch/verandah (Bodzos).
The main door leads through a hallway to
the kitchen on the left and the bathroom and three bedrooms.
Naturally the views are beautiful. Not so dramatic as higher up the
hillside, but peaceful due to the close proximity to the sea.
Square meters to be confirmed but an estimate of 160 - 200.
Prime water-front location.
Building in sound structural and cosmetic condition - lived in and
maintained continually. Water and electricity connected. Only works required
is modernization to suit required taste
For details, contact
Sofri
The Pulse
The November issue of 'Pulse' which is the Anglican Church
monthly newsletter has been added to the site.
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Agni Travel
Our very own Agni Travel moves
from strength to strength. After a very successful summer, we are adding new
properties for 2004
to our listings and concentrating on the North-East coast. Currently we have
over 30 properties for you to choose from. All handpicked to ensure a
perfect holiday. The following are some of our latest for you to savour!
Kerasia Beach Villas - Kerasia
Sleeps 2-4 each
From 441 Euros per week
This unique villa is positioned in a stunning location, with direct access to
one of the North east coast’s best (blue flagged) beaches, and is well
sought after. The long and curved elegant bay is fringed with lofty trees
almost hiding the few buildings behind this lovely shore. With clear sea and
good swimming this is the perfect location for a mid morning dip or snorkel.
Kerasia beach villas are set in large gardens of olive trees - just a
stones-throw from the beach.
Draped in bougainvillea and shaded by eucalyptus and ancient olive trees, the
villa is divided into four, almost identical, two bedroom apartments: “Eleni”,
“Kyriaki”, “Dinos” and “Popy”.
All bedrooms have French
doors opening onto either a private patio or balcony, and enjoy a sea view
partly obscured by the trees.
This location is perfect for families holidaying together but preferring
separate accommodation. All apartments are traditionally furnished in local
style, and with two barbeques in the grounds, ‘al fresco’ dining a pleasure!
Only a 25 minute walk away is Agios Stephanos, essential for food supplies
and a choice of four restaurants and two cocktail bars. An exchange office,
two boat hirer agents and gift shops are also to be found on the harbour
front of the fishing village.
Kerasia Beach Villas offer everything needed for a laid-back holiday in one
of the most beautiful corners of Corfu.
More>>
Villa Anastasia - Sinies
Sleeps 3-7 people
From 1652 Euros per week
Villa Anastasia enjoys extensive and far reaching views across the sea
towards the Albanian mountains and is ideally located within a five minute
walk from the village of Sinies where there is a supermarket, couple of
kafenions and the village bakery. The resorts of Agios Stephanos and
Kassiopi are within a ten minute drive.
This exceptional house with private
swimming pool stands amongst olive trees above the coastal road. The Villa
is set on two floors, and once up the short flight of steps leading from the
driveway to the ground floor, it opens up onto the spacious lounge and
dining area.
The owners have taken great pride in
restoring this house as it is also their home during the winter months. As
you settle into the relaxing surroundings you will notice the red brick
floor, well used open fireplace, comfortable sofa's and satellite TV - all
attractively designed and furnished. Just off from the lounge is the fully
fitted kitchen with hob and oven, fridge/freezer, washing machine and
microwave oven. This winter 2003 - 2004 the owner is planning to rebuild the
kitchen and give it more space, making it modern yet still keeping it
traditional with the rest of the interior of the house. Also on the ground
floor is the single bedroom with French doors leading out onto a private
patio area at the side of the house and a bathroom with shower and wc.
Breakfast should be eaten outside on the balcony
taking in the passing ferry boats too and from Corfu town.
To one side of the house and just off from the kitchen is a built-in-BBQ and
small shaded area, but the main steps lead you down to the swimming pool and
sun terrace with furniture and sun loungers for you to while away the hours
of pleasure swimming in the private pool or just catching up on some
valuable family time together. You will not want to leave this heavenly
villa.
More>>
Villa Tassos - Kerasia
Sleeps 2-6 people
From 665 Euros per week
We were delighted to discover this
villa, which occupies a truly magical spot above the road from Agios
Stephanos to Kerasia, just a twenty minute walk from the former and a mere
fifteen minutes from the latter, along the border of the prestigious
Rothschild estate. Villa Tassos offers a good standards of accommodation
surrounded by natural settings and with easy access to a good choice of
beaches, shops and tavernas without the need to hire a car.
The accommodation is simply furnished but well looked after. Villa Tassos
comprises of three bedrooms: two twin bedded rooms and one double bedroom,
all with plenty of hanging space, each having French doors leading out onto
the paved surrounding patio.
From this area you get a glimpse of the
shimmering sea below, obscured only by the luxuriant vegetation of this
domain.
More>>
Cochelli Villas - Avlaki
Sleeps 2-4
From 539 Euros per week
Located on the headland that separates the two beaches Avlaki and Coyevinas,
on the northeast corner of Corfu, standing proud is Cochelli Villa. This
large handsome villa is divided into four apartments, two on ground level
and two upstairs via a wrought iron spiral staircase.
Avlaki beach, with its two tavernas, wind sailing, sun beds, and boat hire
is easily reached on foot in approximately eight minutes and Coyevinas
pebbly beach in the opposite direction in ten minutes. Neither of these
beaches even seem to get busy, and the sea here is amongst the cleanest in
the whole of Corfu!
If that is not enough … Cochelli also boasts its own swimming pool with
sunbeds,
With
such an attractive setting, it is quite conceivable that you might choose to
while away your entire holiday here!
More>>
Kalami Studios
Sleeps 2
From 275 Euros per week
Set on a beautiful bay and
enclosed by verdant headlands, Kalami is a pleasant little resort, with the
accent still very much on peace and relaxation. Here, there is a good choice
of taverna's and a selection of boat hire and water sports available from
the shingle beach front.
The Kalami Studio's are located
at the back of the village and amongst well-tended gardens with many
flowering shrubs and trees, yet only a few minutes walk downhill to the
supermarkets, bars, restaurants and beach. This secluded accommodation is a
perfect choice for those planning a relaxing beach holiday on Corfu, where a
car is not essential.
What more could you want as
you are enjoying your glass of wine on the private balcony?
There are eight studios in total:- four front facing towards
Kalami Beach with two on each level. These are rented by the week. However
Agni Travel can also offer you to rent one of the four rear studios by the
month! All the studios are set out the same inside.
This simple block of studios is detached and offers an ideal base for a
relaxing holiday by the sea with private balconies for al fresco meals, and
unfussy accommodation for couples or families who wish to relax on a
traditional Greek holiday.
For weekly Rental details, click here:
More>>
For monthly rentals, the price per studio with a
maximum of 2 persons starts at only 475 Euros per month. For details, click
here:
More>>
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Moonrise over Albania.
Alex serving.
Dinning at Taverna Agni during October
evenings. Certainly warm enough to enjoy sitting outside.
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