Back home now!
Don - I'm not from the Blue Toon, originally from Glasgow but now in Crossford, just west of Dunfermline. Never been to BT but did spend a lovely week in Portsoy with my wife and Dad a few years back. I intend to golf up there in the next year or so.
Tony - Donna and Spiros have their station halfway between the stream and Mistral, more or less outside Waves. They said they wanted to try the "other end" and were pleased with how it was going. I'm not sure who Costas is but the brolly dolly at the Havana end is an older Greek woman whose children collect the money.
Everyone,
Other snippets,
There is a new bar opened on the cliff walk to Arillas called Akrotiri (or maybe Astotiri can't remember) It is stunning with cracking views over Arillas Bay to its front and San Stef bay to its rear. It opened at beginning of season and does serves food - although we only had drinks. For those needing directions, it's staight up the hill beyond Tsaros apts and Elpitha bistro, and turn left for 60 yds at cliff path to Arillas - a very spectacular and beautifully appointed pitstop.
If anyone fancies a trip to the Isle of Ericousa its worth it for a change scene and even slower pace of life. If there are serious walkers then the circuit of the island is 6 miles and although hilly it can be done. The main beach is very peaceful - fell asleep on it
Even quieter beach is beyond that to the right as you sail into the harbour. We had a lovely lunch in the Oasis which was busy with locals - it was good to see the owner put his 10 year old boy on a moped with polly bag of 4 Mythos for the harbour workers. When he returned, part 2 of the task involved a repeat journey, this time with 4 filled baguetes...I liked the order of priority.
Anybody who is a fan of Zorbas should note the dancing is as good as ever, the food is still as tasty with Pavlos and Billy showing their usual impish sense of fun. If you are looking for Dimitra, dark haired girl who worked there last year, she now works in Havana in the evening - she's passed her accountancy exams and ready to make the world her own
Little Prince is as busy as ever with Dimitri still marshalling his troops to all his guests satisfaction - what a great man he is.
And finally some instances why we love San Stef and are going back to stay with Aristoula at Olgas next year....
1) Donna (the lounger) met us and said to my 8 year old son....."How is your new puppy that you were picking up the day after you got home last year?" Just how do she remember these details, it's beyond me.
2) Dimitra (ex Zorbas), she nearly accidentally chopped my hand off in in the ice cream box in Havana, after she apologised she recognised me and asked me how my son was by name, again how does she remember the name after a year and after six visits to Zorbas last year.
3) Olga's, Aristoula is the most perfect hostess. Keeps in the background, makes sure you want for nothing, plays peaceful quiet music that floats gently around the pool and treats all the other guests the same whether they be first timers or regulars. It's easy, lazy family fun with her.
4) Maria in Kappa travel. Quite simply amazing. We met her every day to cash a cheque. Last day, a gift from her to my family with beautiful card and address details to keep in touch.
5) and lastly, as I agreed with friends John and Maria and family whom we met up again with this year, all you do is, "just arrive in San Stefanos, switch it on and it works"
I've been blessed to travel to lots of places in the Med, USA, Asia, Caribbean where I've done my usual thing as I do in San Stef but SS is a place where the locals reciprocate by the bucket load. They make us feel welcome, humble and happy.
This was our 3rd visit and it works
Loftyscot, Fife