Our fourth time .. here we go !

[soupdragon]

Hi all

By eck, it's warm........

Bit of a late start this time. Got here 6th of July, mildly lumpy crossing on the Fedon. Staying at the larger bit of the Villa Chrysodimi. Totally shattered, first early flight in too many years of not having flights at all. Bags unpacked and down for tea at Valantis, you all know it's a law we wrote some years ago. Simple chicken souvlaki for Rose and, well, I'd forgotten just how tasty the Halki pasta is mmmmmmmm.

Day 2 rolls on and after a late visit to Dimitri's for some baked goods we settled in for a day of rest (and further sustenance). In the evening we took the short walk to Remezzo for the obligatory pizzas (that's the second law we wrote, there may be more yet). So tasty, makes me think that the purveyors of those discs of cardboard covered in red slime and melted goo that are served back home masquerading as pizza should be prosecuted.

Day 3 stumbles over day 2 who forgot to get an early night.
We started on a quest to find our next Halki holiday. Shocked by the cost of the Olympic package that we had moved (twice), we started checking out some of the Nissia properties. Very nice and, for the time of year we usually come, not a bad price. Then we started looking on Booking.com, some nice properties there too. Hmmmmmm, need to do some mulling over with a steaming hot cup of Yorkshire.
Tea time and we tried Appagio, veal steak and filleted sea bass were consumed and thoroughly enjoyed.

Day 4 picks a fight with day 3 as it was in "his spec". (That's silly so I'll stop it).
As we did little or nothing during our last visit in 2019 other than chill out, eat and drink, we have decided it was such a good plan that we'll do it again. Plenty of time for accommodation research and scratching of heads, then doing the same research again. Should really make notes of the ones we've seen and give each a rating for view, amount of shade and how many millions of steps need to be climbed to reach the destination.
This evening was a long overdue visit to Maria's. They were jam packed (MS Monet, a 52 year old cruise ship had parked up for the afternoon/evening) and were run off their feet but somehow managed to keep everyone fed. Chicken on the spit was our choice but unfortunately they had sold out so we plumped for the chicken in the oven instead. Very moist and very tasty, yum.

Day 5 (yesterday if memory serves me correctly). So much for bringing plenty of reading material to keep us entertained, should have known better as our soon to be written into law of doing nothing all day really kicks in. An event to etch into the annals of time occurred today, the last ever visit of the t(rusty) old Prevellis. Being replaced by the Olympus, first sighting is this coming Tuesday I believe.
Our nosebags were suitably filled by young Mr Christos. Good to see him back on the island, although to us he never left just moved around the harbour a bit. Oh, he says "Hi", by the way. So, stuffed beef burgers for my good lady and a verrry nice chicken souvlaki for me. Bit disappointed as the last time Rose had the stuffed burgers I was contracted in as a second stomach. This time she ate the lot, piggy.

Day 6 brings today. Yay, up to date.....
Once we noticed last night that Christos was still doing Gyros, we simply had to indulge at lunchtime. We were doing so well with the light salads we've been having but a Gyros is a Gyros and that's another law that'll be written up sometime.
Back on the accommodation searching subject. Rose found one that has been under our noses all these years. We previously chose to stay in the upstairs bit of the Villa Nina but Olympic were unable to fulfil our needs for this holiday (details on another thread somewhere). Long story short they offered somewhere that was unsuitable so after some negotiation we decided on Chrysodimi.
Anyway, right next door to Villa Nina is Villa Marigo. Looks just the job for our first foray into Halki DIY. We've done independent before but this will be more than simply booking easyJet and a taxi from the airport.
Liz, if you're reading this and haven't fallen asleep yet. Are you the Liz who's admin on the Facetube site?

Right, that's it for now. Time for a short 50 winks then showers and the obligatory ouzo on the balcony (another of the laws/rules call them what you wish) before tea. Will be Babis tonight and will follow up with some sort of comments in due course.

Ta ta for now Tom and Rose

[soupdragon]

Ahhhhh.
Evening meal is now in the books. One thing I've noticed is that, apart from the fish dishes, there's less choice on the menu's as there used to be. That's not a complaint, just an observation.
Anyway, my good lady was tempted by the sea bream filet which she enjoyed, found a couple of small bones but nothing major. I had another helping of Halki pasta, it really is tasty and makes a very pleasant change from the tomato based pasta dishes that dominate our home diet.
Just having a quick rest to let my stomach accept the fact that it'll have to wait a week and a bit before normal service is resumed, then it's TIME FOR A BREW. It's almost like an announcement from The God's when I hear those words. Can't take too long in the preparation of the refreshing golden fluid or She Who Must Be Obeyed will punish me in the worst possible way (she'll eat all 4 bars of the kit-kat).
Must go and get the kettle on, will chat tomorrow

Cheers Tom and Rose

[soupdragon]

Oh and so there's no confusion....

For golden fluid, read inky black brew that would dissolve your spoon never mind it being able to last long enough to stand up on it's own feet (if it had them).

Cheers Tom and Rose

[muriman]

Tom, keep the news coming! To those still checking the Halkivisiting Proboards site it's good to have an update, especially given the gap of covid-caused time since we last saw Halki. Am currently trying to work out possible trip in late Sept/early Oct, but accommodation options seem limited: from your researches, any suggestions suitable for 2 people, preferably on the harbour-front, would be welcome.

Muriman.

[soupdragon]

Depends if you're bothered about having a private balcony? One property we did look at that's with Olympic, Anna's house. On the harbour with great views but from what we've read, the two rooms on the upper floor share a balcony. Not sure about what the ground floor is at the moment but will try and find out. Nissia have some good properties suitable for 2-3 people. Some are higher up, some don't have a view, some are a bit more expensive so would depend on your budget. There's also Villa Afroditi that's semi hidden away between Theodosia and La Piazza cafe bar by the ferry ticket office. House Gallini might be another option, set above the Jio herb shop next to the Black Sea taverna. Some good comments but the upstairs sleeping platform could be a bit tight for space.
Any other queries, give me a shout.

Cheers Tom and Rose

[muriman]

Thanks, Tom. I may end up pursuing something with one of the agents - we have previously rented villas on the "hotel side", usually through Zifos Travel which closed some time ago. Don't go to any trouble, but if you happen to be walking towards the hotel along what I call the "middle" route (not taking the lowest loop path which ends up climbing steps next to what I think is the Alexandros), you come to a point where you turn left and go down some steps (at the bottom of which the path swings right and passes next to what is now the Villa Takis (formerly Erah), then the Margarita and Nitsa and police station). Now, just before you get to the top of the steps just mentioned, on your left there's a high wall behind a property which I think (but not sure) was called the Maritina. It used to have a notice outside with owner's contact details but I now know that the ownership changed last year. If there's any info there about new owner or any contact details for renting it could be useful - a PM message if you prefer. But as I say, you are welcome to ignore this in favour of enjoying your holiday!

Graham

[soupdragon]

No problem Graham, will be walking back that way I'm sure so will re read your directions and see what I can find out. Don't hold your breath though 😉
I've had a dig around in what's left of my brain and I remember the steps you mentioned. We actually have the Takis on our potential list for next stay. Will report back tomorrow.

Cheers Tom and Rose

[soupdragon]

Trouble afoot regarding the Prevellis replacement. After inspection prior to it's first voyage on the "barren line" the vessel (Olympus) was deemed not to be seaworthy.
Talks are ongoing......

Cheers Tom and Rose

[soupdragon]

Can't comment on the last post as I'm not sure what the point of her post is.....Anyway

Day 7 begins bright and breezy. After a late breakfast of marmalade/jam on Dimitri's oh so tasty bread rolls and a cup each of the best drink in the world we, well I, do the washing up before returning to the chill out zone that is our balcony. Oh just remembered, we had a banana with our conserves too by the way. Part of the new healthy lifestyle we're attempting to slowly slide into.
Once our bums have become suitably numb it's time to venture out into the temporary world that we always wish could last longer and have a wander along the path towards our old home from home, the upstairs bit of Villa Nina. The accommodation next door (to the right as you look at the harbour) is one we have ogled at on many an occasion and is a property we're seriously considering as our next base for future visits. It seems to be just what we're looking for. Out of the way, not too much sun, cracking view and no internal stairs. Thus far we've only seen it on Airbnb but the cost is reasonable. I believe that Liz (where are you?) has made this her temporary home while on the island so I'm eager to hear her comments about it.
On our return, a stop at the supermarket to replenish stocks of tomato, onion, feta cheese, tzatziki and not forgetting a fresh bottle of ouzo was in order. Lunch comprised of all the above purchases, apart from the ouzo (makes the bread go soggy).
Another 50 winks were needed to allow that lot to sort itself out, after which a good hour or so of watching people go about their daily business was the order of the day.
Showers followed by a glass of freshly purchased ouzo on the balcony set is up for our evening meal. Somewhere with a little shelter tonight as it's started to blow a hoolie. As it turned out Valantis was just the job, Rose had her first helping of lamb chops (how she's resisted this long I will never know) and I had the drunken chicken. Never had it before, at least not that I can recall. Regardless, it was very tasty and I'd certainly order it again. Rose enjoyed her lamb chops. It's lamb in the form of chops so what's not to like, she says.
We've just finished our late evening brew accompanied by some, wait for it......................................................smarties. Orange flavoured smarties no less. Never seen them before but not to worry eh?
Being of a certain age, my bladder is telling me to finish this off for the night.

Will have an update for Graham tomorrow (hopefully) but for now, it's night night

Cheers Tom and Rose

[soupdragon]

PM sent Graham

Cheers Tom and Rose

[soupdragon]

Day 8.....

Where did that lady from the other post go? More spam ☹️

Not much to report really. Had a bit of a secret mission to locate a long lost accommodation for an unnamed member on here. Ah, he's posted on the thread asking me about it already, hey ho and another ouzo we go 😁
While we were checking out the location for Graham we did a bit more searching ourselves. There really are plenty of options of accommodation to suit all tastes here. Some are right under your nose but others need a little effort to be stumbled upon. The short list for our next stay is growing (this is a good thing), it might make our decision a bit more difficult (this is also a good thing, as extra options allow for flexibility) but we'll work things through and pick one. Now where did I leave that pin?
Lunch was provided at reasonable cost by Dimitri, cheese pies for a treat. Got some apple pies at the same time so as soon as I finish writing this drivel I'll get the kettle on and we can get stuck in.
While we were out doing our "big shop", we stopped and took a seat near the front of the harbour. We knew the Stavros was due in and it was most entertaining watching the comings and goings. I'm amazed at how they managed to get all the bits of a bed on that little truck. We didn't see any of the components fall off as they drove off, mind you there was a daring helper standing on the back holding everything down. Can you imagine HSE back home allowing that, they'd be pulling their hair out. By the time they'd had several meetings and discussed how to proceed and implement any changes that were required to the operational blah-blah-blah. The bed on the truck would be delivered, unloaded, unwrapped and set up in the correct location before the HSE had even had the chance to discuss who was going to chair their emergency meeting.

And breathe......

After a short afternoon snooze and a cleansing shower we indulged in our usual ouzo on the balcony. I think that was actually one of the very first rules/laws to be implemented on our holidays. It's a very good one, I recommend it to the (sadly) dwindling audience on this wonderful forum.
A very short walk down the steps led us to Remezzo once more and we simply couldn't resist the pizza that is the mainstay of this establishment. Tuna, pepper and onion for me and the special for my better half. I don't need to tell all the regular visitors to Remezzo about how nice their wares are but for those who are reading my strange ramblings for the first time, just know these are VERY fine pizza/pizzas (is it a countable or uncountable noun?).
Time for an intermission while we have our apple pies......................................................................................
That's enough, very nice pies. Is pie a countable or uncountable noun too? Well I've counted and we had one each. Hmmmmmm 🤔
Time to finish my cup of Yorkshire and finish off the snooze that I'd started this afternoon. Enjoy 🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬🇷

Cheers Tom and Rose

[carol]

Thank you Soupdragon for your very entertaining updates / blog, rest assured I will get in touch with Liz and tell her this forum has returned to life 😁 Keep posting please it is great to hear from you and I hope you continue to enjoy your holiday and find suitable accommodation for next year, best wishes to you both, Carol.

[soupdragon]

Stupid chrome mobile browser.

Just lost half an hour's worth of waffle, too tired to start it again. Can't even remember most of what I'd written ☹️

I think I'd said that Id missed a couple of days out as one sometimes just rolls into another. And that I got the feeling that I was talking to myself in an empty room apart from Muriman who chipped in. I know technology moves on but Facetube, for me anyway, will never replace a plain honest forum ...

Carol.....
Is Liz also admin on the Facebook site? If so I have a query or two for her.

Our search for non Olympic based accommodation has changed focus. We've now decided that personal comfort is more important than getting burnt to a crisp on the balcony so one of our requirements is for the shady side of the harbour. That does limit our choice somewhat but do be it.
One thing we've noticed this visit is that the menu's are more limited than previously. We're on the verge of repeating our choices in a couple of venues. The standard of the food though is well up to the mark. A particular shout out goes to Christos at Magefseis. On the subject of food, we returned to Valantis where Rose has the fillet of red snapper which she thoroughly enjoyed and I had the simple yet tasty chicken souvlaki.

Tiredness is now taking it's toll, not due to the rocket fuel Valantis calls his aftershave by the way. He must have had a couple tonight as he had a twinkle in his eye.

Will post again tomorrow. There's something about ferries that got lost when the browser went wonky so I'll see if I can remember that bit.

Cheers Tom and Rose

[carol]

Hi Soupdragon, yes Liz is Admin on the Facebook page, I have just messaged her as unlike many I don’t belong to that one, I much prefer the slower pace of life on here 😎

[soupdragon]

Sadly though, these forums seem to be a dying breed ☹️.

Somewhere in the back of my mind a little light came on this morning and I recalled what I was going to say about the ferries.
The long delayed replacement to the Prevellis is supposed to making an appearance today but I'll believe it when I see it. The journey time from Piraeus is around 24 hours and the Olympus is still moored there so I don't think it'll be here for it's 18.50 slot. On a positive note, the Stavros pops by a couple times a week. Seems based out of Rhodes and does Symi and Kastelorizo regularly, first time we saw her there was much shouting and more than one attempt to dock. A nice surprise was the appearance of the newly renamed Speedrunner Jet, does the Crete-Rhodes route a few times a week. Although seems to be a more regular visitor this week. Looks very posh, all sleek and from what I've seen on the marine traffic app, quite fast too, 35 ish knots seems to be quite a lick for a vessel that size.
Time for a bit of breakfast now, marmalade and strawberry jam on Dimitri's oh so tasty bread rolls followed by a banana. Oh and all washed down with a cup of Yorkshire

TTFN Tom and Rose