Greetings from a beautiful Autumnal Corfu. An exciting and news packed newsletter this month - especially the launch of our new villa and accommodation business: agni-travel.com. September has been a little wet, but  an enjoyable month. More on all of this later. I had some problems sending out last month's newsletter. If you missed out and have not read it then please do: September newsletter

After last month's celebrity visit by 'Noel Edmonds', I thought it would be  a struggle to do better! I needn't worried as 'Fatos Nanos' was soon in Noel's place! Fatos who? You cry. Even I had to search CNN for an answer - he is the president of Albania!

The party arrived on a large ketch, escorted by two Greek naval gunboats. Within seconds of them anchoring in the bay, two commandos in a rigid raider came skimming across the water to our jetty. Fortunately, there were only a few people in the Taverna as it was around 6pm - normally the kitchen is closed! We watched in amazement as they stealthy searched the beach for 'terrorists' among the sun beds, while clutching automatic weapons with dangling hand grenades to the ready. Another boat came to the jetty with a host of officials. After a brief introduction, I was told they needed a quiet table for dinner. I nearly said 'sorry you need a reservation' but by this stage I was being eyed up by a huge, gun wielding, scar faced  commando! They wanted a table for eight, away from the already arriving evening diners and another table for the bodyguards - who promptly ate and drank more than anyone.   We provided a large meze seafood spread - including of course our Albanian mussels. They now have the presidents seal of approval!  Four hours later, Fatos wanted to meet the kitchen staff - some of whom are Albanian. Later he signed our visitors book with the following entry:

"Delighted to taste the spirit of Taverna Agni. Best wishes, Fatos Nanos. 06.09.02"

Did he pay? Yes - by credit card!

September is always a such a beautiful month. The island starts to loose its tourist grip and returns to its quieter natural self. This month though it rained - although it was not cold. Even in the rain, many enjoyed themselves.

At the end of the month we watched the annual round the island powerboat race.

As many of you may know, the lovely Tuula has been helping me with the website. She has updated many of the resort guide notes and is continuing to help with our new venture. The site though has suffered a little during the month at the hands of a determined hacker. I seem to have plugged the leaks now and fixed the problems they caused. Now that the Taverna is quieter, I am planning a great site re-vamp. I am changing the look and feel of the site - including the navigation. I also have lots more content to add. My new digital camera - a Fuji 602Z, bought over by my parents, takes stunning shots and I look forward to using it and adding the pictures.

Now at eleven months. She is walking about six steps or so on her own - occasionally clutching chairs and furniture for support. 

Perithia is a deserted village. It is located high up, off the main road between Kassiopi and Acharavi. It is strange driving in the mountains,  coming across this deserted village with a few sheep and a couple of  Tavernas in the middle! It is interesting walking around just wondering  about those who used to live there.

HOW TO GET THERE BY CAR

Follow the main coastal road out of Kassiopi, continue on this road until you reach the EKO petrol service station, this will be on your left and the General tourist office is opposite on your right, you will see the signposts for Loutses and Old Perithia, the turning is on your left immediately after the service station. Follow the road up to new Perithia, this is not far, turn left at the fork in the road, you will see the signs, go through the new village.

Continue on this road up the mountain to Old Perithia, you will pass through Loutses on your way. The road is narrow in parts and extremely windy so go careful!!Driving up the mountain side you will witness spectacular views all around you as you climb up to the village of Loutses.

Broken down houses line the roadside. In faded sun bleached shades of summer offset by the brightly coloured flowers in hot pinks, oranges and red tones. Take time to look at the traditional Greek village of Loutses. Stop off for a cold drink in the local Taverna there, the welcome will be as warm as the drinks are cold.

As you continue on your way up, up and up!! Winding through the hills, lush green vegetation of olive and cypress trees surrounds you, contrasting with the stark grey of the stone and rocks on the mountain side. The road starts to trail down after the climb, there nestling between the mountains almost valley like in appearance is the village of Old Perithia. A secret place of years gone by. Perithia was built in Byzantine times around the 14^th century when people fled their coastal homes in fear of the pirates raiding their coastal villages. Even when this threat subsided the villagers were still not able to return to their original villages and homes due to an outbreak of malaria carrying mosquitoes. Old Perithia grew and boasted eight churches, each one belonging to a different family in the village. There was a school, a police station and even a court. Over 1,500 people lived in Perithia.

In 1912 the village was made part of the Municipality of Kassiopi. As tourism developed, down on the coast, more of the village inhabitants and families moved down to the 'new' coastal resorts. By 1955 the village was occupied only during the summer months. After these months the remaining villagers would come down to their olive groves to harvest their crops. By 1975 most of the villagers had moved further down the mountain and only a few remained.

Today there are six people who live in the old village throughout the whole year, they tend the local crops and look after live stock.

WHAT'S THERE

Two Tavernas sit in the main village square. Walk through the roughly cobbled paths to find them.