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Well a bumper newsletter this month - sent
to over 1200 loyal Agni fans! So what has been happening? Well, it has been a perfect July. Hot days - but
not too hot - and coolish evenings. But, it all ended with an impressive
tropical storm!
During the month we saw two whales swim by -
closely followed by the Greek coast guard! I took a picture of them spouting,
but it seems they were too far away for the resolution of my camera.
Taverna Agni News
It has been really busy! Lunchtimes have
been packed - I did not even have time to take any photos! Those that did not
book a table could not get in!
Customers of the month -
the lady with the orange
hat - with her father!
Then we had the storm. It is unusual for
there to be a major 'tropical' like storm in July - August is more prone to
them!
I didn't notice the guy sitting on the sun bed
holding a glass of wine - when I took the photo - now there is spirit!
The weather
became so bad, that we had to pull all the boats on the jetty out of the
water.
Some retreated
inside - clutching full wine glasses!
Others camped
outside!
Site News
Webcams and new message boards! Yes most of
you have noticed the new message board system. Still having problems with the
jettycam though. I need an old video camera - please donate and you will
reach Agni fame! Take a look under you stairs and look for that old redundant
Sony camcorder!
The accommodation part on the website is
also being transformed. Many local people have shown interest and I now have
over twenty non-commercial properties to add to the site for next season -
from basic apartments to villas with pools. I hope to be able to offer an
easy way to book flights and accommodation on the site at sensible prices.
This year many have complained that the current villa companies are becoming
too greedy - now you will be able to deal direct with the Greek owners!
With so many regularly viewing the
site, it is not a surprise that some would meet up at the taverna. The
following was sent to me by Tuula:
Who would have thought that you could meet
someone who was so similar to you in an internet chat room !! Many seem
afraid of Internet chat rooms. Well from personal experience all I can say is that I have met
through the Agni chat room, some of the funniest and lovely people there
are, all with one thing in common - our love of the beautiful Island of
Corfu. Four of these people, I have been lucky
enough to meet in person. Of course some of you will know them from the chat room but those of you who have never been in chat will be familiar
with their names I'm sure, Chris and Donna , Ali and Andy two great
couples (its ok you can pay me later guys .....Hee Hee) as they also post
many answers to your questions on the message boards.
Well after meeting up with these folks we
have become firm friends and as luck would have it Ali and Andy were going
to be in Corfu at the same time as I was....'Yippeeee' we cried and without
haste we arranged to meet up for Ali's first trip to Taverna Agni (which
she was extremely excited about).
So the day finally arrived and off Ali and
Andy set, driving from Arillas in the north west of Corfu over the
mountains to Kalami in the north east (following Martyn's (another regular
chatter) excellent directions). On their arrival they were full of praise
for the beautiful route they had taken, up over the mountains with fantastic
views of the bays while windy their way down through the
olive groves.
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So we sat by the pool in the warm summer
sunshine and we chatted, you know how us girlies like a good natter!!
Whilst Ali partook of several ouzos!!!! Before we knew it the
time had flown and we made our way down to Kalami bay across the much
talked about board walks !! Watching our step carefully, then taking the
Taverna Agni
boat taxi from the jetty - we were off to see Nathan and the team at
Taverna Agni.
Well what can I say. A wonderful evening was
had by one and all. Excellent food and copious amounts of drink! I don't
need to tell those of you who know the Taverna of the wonderful food
and ambience there, you already know that, those of you who still have to
go all I can say is ENJOY!! you will not be disappointed.
Nathan, Ali and Andy got on like a house on
fire (well I expected nothing less).
So roll on next time, I cant wait, Nathan
you had better restock on that ouzo!!!!!!
*PICTURE OF ALI AND TUULA AT AGNI*
Baby News
Baby Aphrodite continues to grow and change
so quickly. One morning I picked her up and she looked round at me and said 'da-da'. It was an almost
eerie experience and suddenly my life came into focus - I really do have a
daughter now!
- and she is
beautiful!
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What Not To Miss!
Each month 'Chris' the message board
administrator suggests a day out.
"If you are visiting Corfu this month then do
not miss the opportunity to visit the Saint Spiridon festival: Throughout the
year Corfu hosts a variety of feasts and parades. No one is more special to
local Corfiots than Saint Spiridon and the August, parade. It is on August
11th and is in Corfu Town. You need to be there at about 8.00 am to find a
vantage point in the crowds. The parade is headed by local brass bands who
turn out in their splendour followed by dozens of priests elaborately robed
in elegant gowns. The streets go silent momentarily, followed by the sound of
the chiming bell from the church alerting you to the arrival of St Spiridon
being carried in his classical golden casket by a military guard. Such a
majestic event which draws more crowds every year. Just one example of
Corfu's memorable events not to be missed."
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Where pool meets the sea! - thanks for the photo Amy.
July Report
I am adding to
the website a report about each of the summer months. This will offer you an
informed choice concerning the ideal time to visit Corfu. The following is
based on my nine years of living in Corfu:
July is possibly the hottest and busiest month
for Corfu. The first two weeks see daytime temperatures of low to mid 30's.
Evenings are warm. Without air-conditioning it may be difficult to
sleep. Glorious sunny days give way to busy beaches and packed Tavernas. The
sea is warm and settled. During the evening the cicadas chirp.
The second two
weeks see daytime temperatures of mid 30's - and evening temperatures not
much less! Occasionally the daytime temperature will reach the 40's - not
for the faint hearted! High humidiy may make it feel even hotter! To find a table at the tavernas you will need to
book. The bath is at bath temperature.
During July, you will notice that the tavernas are full
with long tables. Gone are the couples who frequent the quiet Tavernas
during May and Spetember - now that the schools are closed, whole families
holiday together - often dining out with friends.
Ready for a hectic lunch!
Staff Report
This months report is about George - who
works for us during the day.
George is 17 years old and has worked for
us for 3 years. His main duties are to help guests moor up their boats
and serve drinks. As you approach our Taverna jetty, wave and he will come
running out to you. During the winter months - when the Taverna is closed,
he studies at school as an electrician. His hobbies include -
football (he is a member of the Kassiopi football club), motorbikes and
girls! Many of which seem to flock to the Taverna just to meet him! - and I thought
it was because of our food! His love of the Taverna is well known and you
will often see him 'working' on his days off! His nickname is 'Skoleeki'
- which in Greek means little worm!
Alex did not like his July newsletter
picture - so here is another one of him serving lobster spaghetti and
champagne!
Pet Passport in Practice
Have you ever wanted to
take your pet away on holiday? Tony and Kandy - took 'Trig' to Corfu - this is
how:
We took our Springer 'Trig' on a six week trip via Dover/Calais (one of the designated ports for
the scheme) through France, Switzerland, Italy and Greece. Firstly, this is
written on the assumption that you are well down the road with your passport
application have had the rabies jab and blood test results - six months
prior to travel, are up to date with annual jabs, have a microchip, and have
applied, and are in liaison with your regional DEFRA (old MAFF) office.
The Blood
Test You need to ensure you have time to have
the rabies jab, 28 days later the blood test, and three weeks later the
result. If the first jab does not take (ours was ok), you need a booster,
and a second blood test. As the blood test lab fees are £62.52 its worth
delaying the booster, but ensure you have 6 months clear after the
successful blood test, before travel.
DEFRA
Our Worcester office were very helpful indeed, and
confirmed each stage in writing for us. Basically, you need to ask
for, and return, the application form, which is quite detailed, and states
your intended route. You then need your passport document, and a
translated copy for each other country. They are sent to your vet a
week before travel, and he has to complete them all. Takes a good half
hour - at cost, plus brief examination that the dog is fit to travel.
Packing the
dog We have a Mondeo and only 2 passengers.
With more, you would need to think carefully. It gets very hot in the boot
section under what is a glass roof (believe me, we brought 4 friends down
from Kassiopi to Agni with 1 in the boot!!) We arranged the car so Trig had
half the rear area behind the front passenger seat to himself. Covered in a
pet tarpaulin (but still the HAIRS!!), with his own window, and room to lie
right out. We could then put cases behind the driver with his bed on top
(and still have rear vision), and fill the boot, plus keep the parcel shelf
in. It kept him in the shade, with good access through the rear door for
pit stops.
Hoverspeed
Dover - We chose this as the fastest, shortest
route, unsure how he would fare, but it was excellent. On arrival at the
port check in, we were given out Pets Travel yellow paw sticker for the
passenger sun blind, and ushered round in a special lane. Trig was scanned,
and the number checked against his rabies blood test cert. Papers stamped,
and we then drove what was back out of the port so he could exercise. We
then came back in, to queue for the ferry, but he had to remain in the car
(as technically abroad then I guess). We had packed our valuables in hand
luggage, so we could leave the car windows all a couple of inches open, on
the car deck, (no access on voyage) and on arrival 45 minutes later, he was
snoozing quite unconcerned. Coming back there was a fair old chop, but he
was still fine.
Calais
Not stopped outward bound. On return a jovial Brit who commuted each day
met us in the passport lane, and checked the scan to the paperwork again,
sent us for a stroll, and then again, into the port and remain in the car.
In that cars park outside the cafι and duty-free, you can always have one
eye on the car, both ends. Apparently this route was popular for some 80
new European Crufts entrants, who passed through in their curlers, (the
dogs!).
Passport
Please? Only the British seem to care all
that work and cost just to go home!
Hotels en
route We took 6 nights down to Venice, and 2
back. We used the Ibis chain most of the time, one x Formula One, and one
Mercure in France. They all accepted dogs without question, and we were
quite surprised really. We just took his bed into our room. Some even said
he could come in the restaurant but we wanted SOME peace! Last, and first
thing, we would march him on a short lead off site, and Ibis are usually out
on the edge of towns, so lots of walks, some really nice. It took 4 tries
in Northern Italy around the lakes, and we had to upgrade in fact. Hotel
Golf in Lac di Iseo has dog rooms really nice, with a terrace overlooking
the lake!
Food
Anything fresh has a limited life.
Blue Star
Ferries Dogs free, can go on the promenade but
not in cabins. The main thing we learnt is that there is a camping on deck
facility where there is plenty of fresh air, natural light, power points
and 24 hour access all the camper vans and refrigerated lorries etc. and
many sleep there. We had booked a cabin, (very nice and no regrets), but
you cant then book camping on deck in advance as well - its at the
discretion of the loading officer. From Venice it was quite a to-do wait
till the end etc. but from Corfu, dhen pirazi! A few wistful parakelos
helped! There are 4 little blue wooden kennels in a row on the camping deck
with well savaged doors for the dog accommodation. Supposed to wear a
muzzle in public places too. Trig is a softy, and no-one asked for it, but
if yours is a bit testy, especially in strange surroundings it is probably
wise, and we did see some.
Most dogs stayed all
day tied to the prom deck railings and seemed very happy loads of fresh
air. And they could always return to the car if you fancied a dip in the
pool on the return (daylight) trip.
Those with campers
obviously slept there but Trig? Well the stewards serve dinner from
about 7 to 9 pm and breakfast from 7 to 7 am - - - - - - - - - - and he
is real quiet! 24 hours at sea is a long time You can stroll on the camper
deck and mooch (it seems) with loads of great smelling huge tyres Hint of
Warsaw Poland, Eau de Sweden, etc., and litter bins !
Corfu and
the heat - Trig is over 13, and on medication,
but he managed very well. We booked a private typical apartment last Sept.
at the back of Kassiopi, so we had instant access to countryside fewer
local dogs to meet, and a marble balcony, that was in deep shade from 12
noon onwards, with a breeze.
We didnt take Trig
out with us all day every day, as not fair to him or us, but at 8 am EVERY
DAY, he woke us for the 2/3 mile walk to Imerolia beach for an hours
swimming! We had the beach to ourselves, and it was a very happy time. A
short walk at about 6 pm, as still hot, and then another about 2 am before
bed! Friends have a lovely old boat The Acco if you know her, and we sailed
to Ericousa twice with different friends, and down to Kerasia for a day, and
Trig LOVED all that.
Other dogs
Best avoided on the whole either running loose or chained up they
didnt seem too friendly, and are not really trained to be, and you are a
stranger on their patch.
Food
English tinned food and bix in all the supermarkets chum, pal etc., and
Trig had raw mince, and cooked chickens for treat.
The French
Vet (or where ever) Started to dominate the
conversation, and was best got over with. Has to be no less than 24 and
no more than 48 hours before travel. We called into Verdun, and police
directed us to the local practice at about 5pm. It was open till 7, and
somewhat bemused, agreed to fit us in at the end of surgery. What we learnt
is that (some way from the ports) not all vets speak English !! and whilst
we can get by in French, the instructions down-loaded from the internet in
French for the vet, were VITAL. Even then, we had to reassure him another
blood test was not needed! He thinks our Government is crazy! Super
practice, several vets very busy. We said we would tell all the Brits to
come to him and he begged us not to !!!!!
Summary -
Much easier than we thought. I had visions of
sleeping in the car in the odd lay-by cleaning up in the High Street,
fighting to the death with the local hounds but no it really was trouble
free, and LOVELY to have him with us. Cant wait to repeat. If you have
any queries, happy to help.
Tony, Kandy and Trig.
Links:
www.petplanet.co.uk/petplanet/news/french_form_pr.htm
This is the French Tiks and Bugs form you will need for the vet on return
to the UK
www.dogsaway.co.uk.
www.day-tripper.net
www.paws4travel.co.uk
Pets Helpline Tel: 0870 241
1710
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