I’m lucky to be spending time in Seattle not only at the best time of the year for weather (summer), but also because this is the season when Seattleites celebrate by partaking in street fests (short for ‘festivals’.)
Friendly
One thing I’ve noticed since being here, people are very friendly in Seattle. I don’t know if that’s because I’ve been lucky with the weather and obviously this makes a difference to people’s demeanour, – also I partly wonder if my British accent helps. But then sitting in coffee shops, observing interactions between each other, the friendliness remains – and not in a fake way.
So you can imagine how friendly people were the weekend of the street festivals.
Ballard Seafood Fest – Summer Festivals
Ballard Seafood Fest
The weekend of 11th and 12th July was the Seafood Festival in the Ballard neighbourhood of Seattle. You may remember from this post that I spent a few nights in Ballard, exploring the district.
It was the 41st Annual Ballard SeafoodFest and involved many street stalls selling clothes, jewellery and handmade soaps, etc, kids play areas, places for your pet to cool down, live music on stage and, of course, lots of seafood stalls to buy fresh food.
Band area at the Ballard Seafood Summer FestivalGetting busy at the Ballard Seafood FestYep, even a psychic on hand (but where was she? I waited for her for 10 mins and she never showed. Not very ‘psychic’ of her to not know someone’s waiting) ;0)
There was also a Chiropractor on hand who did a quick assessment and was offering x-rays and one chiropractic session (all priced normally at $300) for just $20! The Dr says he does this every year at the Ballard Fest as a way to integrate the community. So guess who’s paid her $20 and has an appointment coming up??
The resident Chiropractor – recognising that it pays to offer cheap treatments. Good marketing
West Seattle Summer Festival
West Seattle Summer Festival
The same weekend was the West Seattle Fest held at The Junction in West Seattle. Having already explored Ballard’s Seafood Fest on Saturday 11th, I jumped on a bus and headed on down to West Seattle on Sunday 12th July to see what was going on there.
Busy at the West Seattle Summer Festival
Much the same; live music, lots of food, kids rides and a pet ‘cooling station’ – but this time there was also a Farmer’s Market selling local produce – and rather bizarrely a little pen with sheep and piglets inside! No, they weren’t for sale, I suspect they were there for show because of the Festival.
Farmer’s Market with pen of piglets at West Seattle Summer Festival
All in all – it was a really good weekend with beautiful weather (which always helps) and people in high spirits.
Are there any summer festivals where you live or are holidaying? Let us know in the Comments.
Goats Milk for sale at the West Seattle Summer Festival Farmer’s Market.
I’m trying out different neighbourhoods during my stay in Seattle. I recently spent three nights in anAirBNB place in the district of Ballard, Seattle.
My AirBnB joint was perfect; really centrally located and comfortable.
My comfortable AirBnB in Ballard, Seattle
Located about 35 minutes away by bus from Downtown Seattle, it’s a great location to base yourself, and you could even spend a day or so exploring the local area.
Located at 2218 NW Market St (why is it U.S. addresses have impossibly large numbers, up in the 1000s?), I stumbled upon this great little place whilst looking for a cheap place to eat. As they say themselves:
We’re a small, family owned business striving to bring you the best pies possible using fresh, seasonal ingredients as well as tasty craft cocktails in a cozy, Pacific Northwest inspired environment.
And they are, they really are. Natalie Stroeve is the owner and, in the typical American way where everyone is exceedingly friendly, I got chatting to her mum.
Natalie Stroeve – Owner of Pie Bar Ballard with Haendel – staff member. All very friendly!
My daughter’s my boss
she jokes. But you can tell she loves it.
Sausage or Chicken pie, Peanut Butter or Key Lime, the choice is yours!
Yes, what a selection! Take a look at their menu here to get an idea of the types of pies on offer – all are baked on premises. And as you can see, they really are delicious.
Peanut butter pie with raspberry compote, cream and ice creamKey Lime Pie with cream at the Pie Bar Ballard
Oh, and it turns out that Haendel is going to study a Masters in Creative Writing Columbus and took more than a passing interest in my novel Girl Gone Greek. Yes, I truly have an international fan base now!
Haendel of the Pie Bar, Ballard with Girl Gone Greek, my debut novel.
So, if you find yourself in the Ballard area, do pop into the Pie Bar. They offer sit down or take out options and are open until late.
TheTravel Bloggers Greece recent trip to Zakynthos with Zante Hotels 4 U didn’t solely consist of beaches, caves and boat trips – we were afforded the opportunity to be shown around Zante (Zakynthos) Town, the capital of the island.
St. Dennis’s Church and Bell Tower – Zakynthos Town
Built in 1708, the bell tower was one of only three buildings across the whole island that remained in tact (still standing) after the devastating earthquake that shook the island (and the other Ionian islands of Kefalonia and Ithaca) in 1953. Many people lost not only their homes, but their lives.
St. Dennis’s Bell Tower – one of only three surviving structures after the devastating 1953 earthquake
A look inside this gorgeous place shows you the splendour of this Greek Orthodox Church – the biggest on the island.
The splendour of St. Dennis’s Church – Zakynthos Town
St. Dennis is celebrated on 24th August every year and there is a big celebration throughout the town. The tomb of St. Dennis is opened up (he’s in a glass case, don’t worry) and for one day, paraded around the streets. Apparently he still has skin on his face – a truemiracle (or wonders of science, you decide). On that one day, the island comes together and people line up, a queue snaking outside the church for people to come and kiss his feet and make a wish.
The tomb of St. Dennis – opened up on 24AUG every year
St. Nicholas of Molas Church – Zakynthos Town
St. Nicholas is the Saint of the Mariners / sea faring folk. Located in Solomos Square, it was built in 1561 and was the only Venetian designed building to survive the 1953 earthquake. It houses robes worn by Saint Dennis (or Dionysios in Greek) as he also gave his services to this church too.
Church of St. Nicholas – the old Venetian Chuch which survived the 1953 earthquake in Zakynthos
After a wander around, it was time for a well deserved gelato! So we relaxed in the town square for a while, being very Greek and watching the world go by.
***A special thanks to Zante Hotels 4 U for hosting us during our stay in Zakynthos. They can organise all tours and accommodation. Contact them via email: [email protected] or call: 0030 26950 29700 or via their website. As always, all thoughts and opinions remain my own, despite any complimentary services received.***
**For your free Greek islands downloadable packing list, click here.** **Read my post about my Greek Island All Round Packing List – great to give you tips on what to pack for visiting the Greek islands such as Zakynthos**
Want to explore Greece from the palm of your hand? Then you need my Greece’s Best Travel App, designed for iPad, iPhone and Android.
Things to see in Zakynthos – Blue Caves
After all the “Ohhhh”s” and Ahhhhh’s of the previous day, I thought we’d be all caved out. But no. Zante Hotels 4 U drove us to Skinari Lighthouse, the closest point to the Blue Caves and Shipwreck beach.
Walking down the small steps to the water’s edge, we waited as a small glass-bottomed boat came and took us plus a few other passengers (it can comfortably accommodate up to twenty people, but luckily there were only a few of us on this trip, making it easier to spread out).
Taking a right (sorry – Starboard) turn from the lighthouse, we puttered along until we reached the Blue Caves, and yes, collective gasps and ‘Noooo’s! escaped our lips. See for yourselves:
Heading towards the Blue Caves in Zakynthos island, Greece. Crystal clear waters.The amazing Blue Caves in Zakynthos, Greece – no need to guess why they’re called this
Things to see in Zakynthos – Shipwreck Beach
After spending some time going into the caves and getting our pictures, we headed back to the lighthouse, swapped boats and then headed out to Navagio, Smugglers Cove or Shipwreck Beach – so called because in 1983 the ship Panagiotis was stranded there whilst trying to transport smuggled cigarettes.
The beautiful seas of Zakynthos island, Greece
Every corner we rounded, we came across yet more beauty…
…until finally we reached our destination:
Approaching Navagio – or Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos, Greece
Look at the clear, clear waters!
I spent some time swimming, and posing with my newly released novel Girl Gone Greek, (available on Amazon). After about 45 mins (that’s all you need, trust me – especially with the hordes of tourists coming regularly), our boat came to collect us and we were whisked back to Skinari Lighthouse, stopping briefly en-route for another swim in the impossibly blue waters.
Stavros Taverna in the village of Kampi was our next visit of the day where we didn’t eat, but enjoyed a coffee overlooking the amazing headland. The area has a huge cross erected there to commemorate those who lost their lives during World War II and the Civil War that followed. The views here were amazing too:
View from Stavros Taverna – Kampi – ZakynthosBook your private villa in Zakynthos – click on the image to find out more
***A special thanks to Zante Hotels 4 U for hosting us during our stay in Zakynthos. They can organise all tours and accommodation. Contact them via email: [email protected] or call: 0030 26950 29700 or via their website. As always, all thoughts and opinions remain my own, despite any complimentary services received.***
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Things to see in Zakynthos, Greece. Blue Caves & Shipwreck BeachThings to see in Zakynthos – Blue Caves & Shipwreck Beach
This post was originally published in JUN 2015. It has been revised and updated in JAN 2018.
Come and celebrate the opening of Athens Airport newest bar
Travel Bloggers Greece were offered. Advocate/Burson-Marsteller, P.R company to Athenian Brewery were handling the launch of the new Heineken Star Bar at the International Departures level of Athens International Airport. So on a Wednesday afternoon, Elena Sergeeva – co-founder of Travel Bloggers Greece and creator of Passion for Greece – and I found ourselves being transferred by a nearly empty bus from the Centre of Athens to the airport.
Alas, we weren’t flying anywhere, but it’s nice to dream. We did have to bring our passports, however, in order to be allowed Airside – where the Heineken Star Bar is located.
Delicious buffet food on offer at Heineken Star Bar – Athens International Airport
Meeting fellow Travel Bloggers Greece members, we mingled, sipped beer (I’m not much of a beer drinker to be honest, so passed mine onto my fellow travel bloggers who were only too happy to take it of my hands!) and feasted on a delicious buffet spread. Taking in the surroundings, we listened as Menno Lammerts van Bueren – Marketing Director of Athenian Brewery gave us the run down:
Menno Lammerts van Bueren – Marketing Director Athenian Brewery
The separate extra design space, dominated by the colours of Heineken green, provides an atmosphere that emphasizes enjoyment and above all … the next adventure journey! The star at the entrance, the green light bar and comfortable seating ensures the Star Bar promises a break from the fast pace of each trip.
All passengers on non-Schengen flights can now, before boarding, enjoy their favourite beer in the unique and pristine Heineken Star Bar in association with Autogrill.
Despite not being much of a beer drinker, I can see the Star Bar’s appeal. Airports can be noisy, crowded spaces and this is designed in such as way as to maximise space, to be able to sit and watch the world go by (even with a soft drink if you wish). Located in the middle of the gate area, even with people milling around and boarding flights, it still doesn’t feel cramped or stressed.
Gift
And the next day, what should be delivered as a “Thank you” gift? Yes, a great travel bag, diary and Heineken t-shirt – great quality and comfortable, also pretty stylish. Oh, don’t forget the pen and, of course, the bottle of Heineken (now, where’s my Travel Bloggers Greece friend to give that to?)
Saturday 16th May 2015 saw another coming together of the Travel Bloggers Greece to meet new members and exchange ideas.
This time, we were hosted by Grecotel Pallas Athena Hotel again, and treated to the art exhibition China Meets Greece, arranged by fellow Travel Bloggers Greece members Eley Yuan and Kevin Miao of travel blog Meet Culture. Kevin and Eley work hard to build an international culture exchange between East and West through events, art and music – believing in the importance of bridging understanding. Eley stresses she sees many similarities between Greek and Chinese cultures such as the ancient philosophies, traditional music and the importance and value of relationships and family, to name but a few. More can be read about this duo here.
One such event organised by them was the China Meets Greece Artwork Exhibition.
Kevin, Eley and artist Qinghua (Ioanna) together with the Marketing Executive of Grecotel
Eley, Kevin & Grecotel’s Marketing Executive met us in traditional costume, introducing us to the artist – Qinghua (Ioanna) Lin. Various watercolours were on display ranging from nature scenes (also Greek paintings the artist has undertaken), animals and people.
My paintings are inspired by the Greek landscape, especially the sunsets.
Greek paintings
Whilst detailed, some paintings lacked any background (‘blank painting’). Ioanna stressed she paints objects this way as it gives more significance to the object painted, with no background distractions.
Wandering around her exhibits with Chinese music softly accompanying and setting the scene, it was impossible not to feel ‘Zen’d out.’
Food at the China Meets Greece exhibition
And of course, a buffet lunch of a combination of Chinese and Greek food was served. Odd? Not at all. Munching on noodles, chicken, rice, salad and a selection of cheeses with good company, what more could one want from an afternoon, and a successful blogger’s meeting?
Great selection of food at the China Meets Greece art exhibitionGreat to bring the Travel Bloggers Greece together at the China Meets Greece exhibition
China Meets Greece Exhibition is running from 16th May to 3rd July 2015 at Grecotel Pallas Athena.
As part of our Travel Bloggers Greece weekend away at Montanema Handmade Village, we were afforded the opportunity to take a walk (rather hike!) deep into the ravine valley of the Agrafa Mountains, where Montanema is located.
Location of the Agrafa Mountains
Part of the Pindos Mountain Range in Central Greece – the Agrafa Mountains, where Montanema Handmade Village is located, are near the tiny village of Neochori. This in turn is approximately 30 minutes from the bigger town of Karditsa. Our guide – Konstantinos – was from Karditsa and he met us outside the swimming pool of our Handmade Village to take us deep into the forest.
Those of you that know me, I’m not really a hiking sort of person – but the views on this hike made me re-think this outdoor activity. This, coupled with the fact that the Agrafa Mountains have been nominated as one of the cleanest areas in the world, leant to beautiful fresh air and magnificent views.
Waterfalls
In the distance, the sound of rushing water could be heard. Yes, a waterfall was near and along the trail down to the waterfall, Konstantinos regularly stopped to point out wild herbs and flowers.
The travel bloggers hiking down to the waterfalls and stopping en-route to admire the scenery of t he Agrafa Mountains
As you can see from the pictures, the views were truly amazing:
Imagine living here! Nestled in the Agrafa Mountains, Pindos Mountain RangeGorgeous nature / hibiscus on our walk from Montanema Handmade Village into the Agrafa Mountains
And then, after a good 45 minutes of walking, the source of the rushing water came into view:
Water flowing through the Argafa Mountains, hiking from Montanema Handmade VillageThe source of all the fresh water provided to Montanema Handmade VillageI made it! Hiking down the base of the Anthohori Gorge
Well – going back uphill took longer, but ironically didn’t feel too long. Maybe it’s because it’s easier to walk up than down?
A delicious meze lunch awaited us out by the pool when we returned: all ingredients locally sourced and, in keeping with the name of the resort – hand/homemade: local sausage, fresh salads, pandremeni feta dip and homemade extra strength tsipouro! Very enjoyable after a morning’s hike.
The members of Travel Bloggers Greece who joined in were:
**A special thanks to Montanema Handmade Village for hosting us during our stay in the Agrafa Mountains. As always, all thoughts and opinions remain my own, despite any complimentary services received. **
Many of you will know that I belong to a great travel blogging network – Travel Bloggers Greece. We’re a group of bloggers who aim to share our knowledge and help promote Greece to the international market. Recently, we all took part in our inaugural trip to do just that – members of Travel Bloggers Greece were hosted by Montanema Handmade Village in the Agrafa Mountains, part of the Pindos Mountain Range near Lake Plastira in Central Greece, not far from the town of Karditsa.
What is a ‘handmade village’?
Montanema Handmade Village is nestled in the green-clad gorge of Anthohori – a magical spot in the heart of the mountains, just 4.5 kms from Lake Plastira. Keen hiker and mountain lover Christos Athanasiadis discovered the peaceful area in 1999 and teamed with his friend Dimitris Panagopoulos, together they planned and designed the village that you see today: completely ecofriendly, each of the thirty-three stone cottages (ranging in size to accommodate one person, a couple up to a family) have tiles roofs, fireplaces or woodburning stove and intricate woodwork carved into the stone walls, and antiques. Privacy is guaranteed. All cottages are linked via pathways – making the whole experience very Little Red Riding Hood!
Montanema Handmade Village is nestled in the green-clad gorge of Anthohori. Sunrise is beautiful here!
Meals and food
Meals were taken in the Fournia Dining Room – with its panoramic vista of the valley below. All the food was locally sourced and homemade – including the bread, honey from local bees and even ingredients needed to make pasta such as eggs, sheep’s milk and local flour.
Yes, I even had the opportunity to milk my own sheep! Preparing fresh food with locally sourced farmers for Montanema Handmade VillageBreakfast is served at Montanema Handmade Village in the Fournia Dining RoomHow about a mezdes of dishes for lunch at Montanema Handmade Village?
The Resort is also in the process of opening their Cellar Hedos which will sell local wines and local produce. Also the possibiliy of hosting wine tasting!
Cellar Hedos at Montanema Handmade Village
Peaceful night’s sleep
With no white noise such as passing traffic, the only sound that lulled me to sleep was the whisper of the wind through the surrounding forest. Spooky? Not at all. Tucked up in my duvet in my kingsize bed, watching the fire crackle I truly felt as if I was in a Disney cartoon.
My beautiful bedroom at Montanema Handmade VillageBedroom/living area in my cottage at Montanema Handmade Village
Travel Bloggers
As mentioned, this was the inaugural trip of Travel Bloggers Greece whose aim was to experience this beautiful place, and to bond. The location provided the opportunity to do just that – to get to know each other and our area of expertise, to offer advice and another member, Dimitrios Asithianakis of Photography Traveler ran a really helpful workshop You and Your DSLR Camera, helping us to improve upon our images.
Other travel bloggers present – all offering a different aspect to travel blogging in Greece include:
A Greek Adventure– Travel blog for adventurers, sports and trips in Greece, but not only. Be sure to check them out
Family Goes Out – Specifically look at family holidays in Greece
Meet Culture – A Chinese couple that promote Greece to the Chinese market. This link is in English
Passion for Greece – Founding member of Travel Bloggers Greece – Elena Sergeeva – shares her passion for Greece through her personal site
My Greece My Travels – Founding member of Travel Bloggers Greece – Marisa Tejada – shows us her Greece and other destinations
Montanema Facts and Advice
Montanema Handmade Village is a brilliant place to come as an individual – especially if you want to lock youself away and write, for example!
It’s very romantic for a couple – even maybe an alternative honeymoon destination if you’re into the outdoors ie: hiking. Think of coming back to a log fire in your little cottage every night.
Log fire at the foot of your bed at Montanema Handmade Village
The Village is in the process of developing a spa (the local mountain water is beautiful), and also building a Conference Centre. I cannot think of a better place to host a conference.
Family Goes Out can offer you more advice on families coming to Montanema. In my opinion, it’s probably suitable for slightly older children as opposed to very young kids – but there may be those that disagree.
The Village is approximately 4.5 – 5 hours drive from Athens. It is near Karditsa, and whilst it may not seem a long way by the map, BE WARNED: the road from Karditsa up to the village itself is barely a rough track, so this takes time to drive. Once off the highway, the road can become very twisty/turny as you navigate the Pindos Mountain Range.
It’s possible to travel by train from Athens to Karditsa. There are two a day, at an approximate price of 24 Euros one way. The journey can take nearly 4 hours. Please note: You may have to change trains once – direct trains are minimal.
By bus (to Karditsa) there is one every 4 hours from Athens and the journey takes up to 5 hours. Prices from 18 – 19 Euros one way.
Cost: Prices range from 100 Euros per night to 260 – depending on the size of the cottage and time of year. You have a choice of whether to include meals or not, and there are reguarly special offers. Check out Montanema’s Online Bookingservice for available dates.
*All prices correct at the time of publishing this post*
Be sure to contact Montanema to arrange a pick up from the bus or train station. When we were at the Village, it had literally been open only a few months. I asked the Manager if a pick up from the station was possible and she assured me that if people give the Village/Resort plenty of notice, then it can be accommodated.
My advice:
Hire a car and drive from Athens. Plan a day either side for the journey and stop at Lake Plastira to partake in their horseriding or paddle boat activities.
The moody and beautiful Lake Plastira
****The Village is nestled in a valley and the road to get to it, once turned off from the Lake is pretty hair raising and not particularly well paved. Be aware of this – and make sure you’re a confident driver****
Would I go back?
Yes – although I would go with someone who drove! I wouldn’t feel particularly comfortable driving myself. Or I would go for a full week and travel by bus, ensuring the hotel could meet me at the station. Once there, I felt completely immersed in nature and felt anxieties and stresses slip away – so I know that if I had longer, I would be totally Zen!
Thank you, Travel Bloggers Greece, for arranging this experience, and to the other travel bloggers who helped make the trip memorable.
**A special thanks to Montanema Handmade Village for hosting us during our stay. As always, all thoughts and opinions remain our own, despite any complimentary services received.**
Friday 17th April 2015 loomed bright and early for me. Those that know me will know I’m not an early bird – at all. However, today was special: a dear acquaintance and fellow author was visiting from the U.S. – it was Sonia Marsh‘s first ever visit to Greece, and to make the experience even more memorable, Elena Sergeeva of Passion For Greece arranged for us to be hosted by Athens One Day Cruise.
What’s an Athens One Day Cruise?
You may well ask! In the past I’ve not really been a fan of organised trips (remember my preference to travel by container ship over a cruise?) but Athens One Day Cruise offers exactly what it says: a cruise lasting most of the day from Athens to three Greek islands: Hydra (where no cars are allowed, only donkeys as transport, or get walking!), Poros and Aegina. It’s a great idea actually, especially for people who don’t have a long vacation in Greece, are staying in the capital and want to make the most of their time here – without travelling 5 or more hours to the further islands like Paros, Naxos or Santorini. It gives a taster of the Greek islands.
This is why, at 7:45am, myself and my new friend Sonia Marsh found ourselves at Flisvos Marina on the South Coast of Athens (Athens One Day Cruise has a separate departure point…it doesn’t depart from Piraeus, like all the other commercial ferries and cruise ships).
Sitting on deck, looking out to Flisvos Marina – our departure point for Athens One Day Cruise
The vessel
We sailed on the Platytera Cruise ship – the capacity is for well over three hundred people. They have a sun deck, a ‘cafeteria’ area with the chance to purchase duty free goods from the shops, and then the ‘a la carte’ dining area below.
Our Day
After locating the ship, we boarded – accompanied by a saxophonist playing on deck – and posed for photographs with two traditionally dressed Greek men and women. So far so good – if not a little ‘staged’ for my liking…but I can see how tourists would find it interesting.
Settling onto the deck, my friend and I marvelled at the scenery around us and viewed the rising sun, whilst waiting for everyone else to board. It was a good job we arrived 45 minutes early (you can tell we’re not Greek!) as pretty soon after we were on board, the queue to get on was huge.
We couldn’t sit outside all the time as we gently cruised out – it was very cold still at 8am. So we took ourselves inside the top deck and and hour and a half later, we reached Hydra.
Departing Athens – bound for Hydra – Athens One Day Cruise
Hydra
Hydra is in the Saronic islands of Greece, very near the Peloponnese. The main town is Hydra Port which caters to the tourists and offers small hotels, restaurants, tavenas and the ubiquitous donkeys that transport the locals, goods and also the occasional tourist who wants a ride (Hydra allows no cars). Mandraki is another tiny town on the island, population in 2011 – eleven people.
Coming into Hydra
As you’ll see from the photos, we had a great time just chilling and drinking coffee. We had about an hour and a half on the island, no long – but enough as a taster.
Locals with their donkeys on Hydra – Athens One Day Cruise
Next stop: Poros
Lunch
A buffet lunch was served in the a la carte dining area on the way to Poros (which took just over one hour). As you can see, the food was delicious. We were acompanied by a two man band playing and singing a medly of tunes.
Buffet lunch on Athens One Day Cruise
Poros
Slightly disappointingly we only spent about 55 minutes on Poros – it didn’t matter to me because I’ve been here before, and will come back again in the future. Read more about it here. But there was enough time for another frappe and gaze out to sea.
Aegina
Aegina was our third and final island. We had longer here and passengers had a choice of two optional excursions on the island: nature or historic. Again, Aegina is an island I’ve been to in the past and so I chose to relax with yet another frappe, and gelato! Read more about Aegina here.
We then slowly cruised back to Athens at about 5pm, after a long day. The weather had warmed up somewhat, but still, being out in the open can be a little chilly.
Returning home after a long, but enjoyable day. Athens One Day Cruise
Facts and advice
Don’t wear summer dresses (unless in August – but even then take a pashmina or wrap scarf). It gets chilly.
The One Day Cruise costs €99 euros per person for one day from 8am to approx. 6pm. It includes:
Live music throughout the day
Greek traditional dancing on the return journey
Buffet lunch
Pick up / transfer from any Athens Hotel
Visit to three islands
My only observation – being familiar with Greece – is that I think it should concentrate on quality time in two islands, namely Hydra and Aegina and cut out Poros. There seemed little point in going to this island for approx. 55 mins. Also, the Athens One Day Cruise website does not provide any idea of costings. You only get this once you go through the reservations procedure online.
All in all, I would recommend the cruise for those of you staying a short time in Athens and want a taster of what the nearby islands are like.
**A special thanks to Athens One Day Cruise for hosting us for the day. As always, all thoughts and opinions remain my own, despite any complimentary services received.••
For two Greek Easters, I’ve been invited to spend my time with Angela and Nikos – owners of boutique hotel Kokkini Porta Rossa – located in the Old Town of Rhodes.
| Originally Written in APR15 | Updated in MAY17 |
Regular followers of my site will know I’ve been to Rhodes before, when researching for Rough Guides in the summer of 2014. I fell in love with the place, hence any chance I have to go back, I jump at it. Imagine my delight when Angela and Nikos invited to host me! A quick search on the internet gave me a great fare with Ryanair, who now have a base in Athens (read about my experience with them here).
Kokkini Porta Rossa is more than a hotel
Upon arrival in Rhodes, I found that the hotel had sent a private taxi for me – what a nice way to start my little holiday! Christos was very friendly and pointed out many sights along the way, stopping occasionally for me to take photos of the beautiful scenery.
Beautiful scenery on the drive from Rhodes airport
Kokkini Porta Rossa is an old knight’s residence and is located right by St. John’s Gate in the Old Town of Rhodes – known locally as the “Red Gate” – Kokkini Porta in Greek. The establishment offers only five suites – all named after people who have previously lived in the house – one on the ground floor, suitable for people who don’t like to climb stairs, the remaining four on the first floor.
Nikos and Angela met me on arrival and offered me a homemade herbal iced tea which I drank lounging in the stunning lounge/dining area.
Dining area of Kokkini Porta Rossa Hotel – with open plan kitchen – making for a homely experience
My Kokkini Porta Rossa apartment
I could barely contain myself when Angela led me to my 52 square metre apartment – Deniz. On two levels, Deniz can accommodate up to four people and as well as its own private living area and seperate bathroom, she has the added unique feature of the hayat – life in Arabic: the covered wooden balcony which overlooks the castle walls, the small church opposite the hotel dedicated to the Knight of St. John and the sea in the distance.
Deniz also offers another smaller sitting area with scatter cushions, creating an ambience of peace, quiet and relaxation.
Main living area of Deniz bedroom – Kokkini Porta Rossa Hotel – Rhodes Old Town
The ‘hayat’ area looking out over the street – where the Arabic ladies could watch the world go by without being seen. Deniz room – Kokkini Porta Rossa hotel
The “hayat” from the street. All mine! Kokkini Porta Rossa Hotel – Rhodes Old TownBedroom in Deniz – Kokkini Porta Rossa Hotel in Rhodes Old Town
It’s worth noting here that all rooms offer Coco-mat bedding and a choice of pillows with a pillow menu. Angela and Nikos think of everything.
**Update – 2017**
I’ve now had the opportunity to stay in another two suites of theirs:
A post shared by Rebecca – Travel Writer (@beyondbex) on
Gastronomy
My breakfast every day was healthy and consisted of ingredients all locally produced, with Angela’s homemade jams and honey sourced from Rhodes and surrounding Dodecanese islands.
Fresh fruit or vegetable juice is also provided – I loved my beetroot juice!
The emphasis is entirely on the individual – no restrictions on what you can and can’t mix or eat. Angela goes to great pains to provide one with quality food – and when you make your reservation, you are specifically asked about any allergies, or merely what you do or don’t like to eat. The booking process from start to finish is a very personal one.
Home-made marmalade and a choice of two honey’s. Note the middle one has a spoon – with the pollen seperated! It can be added if needed. Kokkini Porta Rossa Hotel – RhodesScrambled eggs for breakfast – various herbs gave it a delicious kick. A choice of chicken or quails eggs. Kokkini Porta Rossa Hotel – RhodesYogurt and fruits, beetroot juice and honey for breakfast – Kokkini Porta Rossa Hotel – Rhodes
The Kokkini experience
I was invited to dinner on Saturday night at the hotel and feasted on a delicious medley of dips (taramasalata and carrot), then main meat dish with vegetables.
Delicious assortment of home-made dips – Kokkini Porta Rossa Hotel – RhodesMain course – just the right size! – Kokkini Porta Rossa Hotel – Rhodes
The Kokkini Experience – as I have termed it – is one of a kind. A luxurious unique residence, yet without the pretence and pomp and circumstance that sometimes accompanies accommodation of this type. It honestly felt as if you had been invited to spend some time in someone’s beautiful home.
Angela and Nikos were attentive, yet unobtrusively so. Sitting reading in my room one afternoon, I was delighted to hear the baby grand piano being gently and expertly played by their son – Paris…home for the Easter vacations from studying Classical Music in Cyprus.
I have come away thoroughly relaxed, and have made new friendships. During my stay I wouldn’t hesitate to ask anything of Angela and Nikos: bicycle rental, the best places to walk around the Old Town, the history of the building and to even get to know the people themselves (after all, it’s the human quality we’re all interested in, and this is what makes Kokkini Porta Rossa so unique: it manages to mix professionalism without being remote and distant).
Kokkini facts
My room – Deniz – from 15OCT to 30th April starts from €230, increasing to €380 in August (High Season).
This includes Welcome Drink and homemade breakfast. Also, a small leaving gift presented upon departure.
Minimum stay is two nights.
Prices differ depending on which room you decide to stay in, but range from €170 to €380 depending on room and season.
Farewell Departure Gift from Kokkini Porta Rossa – a selection of local produce
Book your Kokkini Experience here (note: I will receive a small commission, but at no charge to you).
Looking for a hotel experience in Athens? Check out:
**I met Angela and Nikos on a previous visit to Rhodes in October 2014 and was shown the hotel before it opened in March 2015.
A special thanks to Angela and Nikos for hosting me during my stay in Kokkini Porta Rossa. As always, all thoughts and opinions remain my own, despite any complimentary services received. **
I recently visited Rhodes in the Dodecanese chain of islands in Greece. The fantastic Aegean Airlines flies domestically on these routes, but Ryanair has recently opened a new hub in Athens serving Thessaloniki (in the north of Greece on the mainland), Rhodes and Santorini islands, amongst others. It’s a good option for a cheaper alternative.
**This post includes affiliate links which means I will be compensated should you choose to utilise them. This is at no extra cost to you and in no way affects my experience with the airline.**
I’d actually flown with them before – again to Rhodes – at the end of 2014, but have to say, I was not impressed. I know they offer cheap fares, but the mentality seemed to extend to the level of service as well, almost as if the unwritten smallprint read:
You’ve paid a cheap fare, what do you expect?
It was hard to coax a smile out of the crew on that flight – this recent experience couldn’t have been more different.
Have you ever experienced a delay with Ryanair? Then you could be entitled to compensation.
I’d decided to pay an extra €10 Euros to reserve my seat. Past experience showed me that 1A was the best seat: Window, with nothing else in front of it. It also entitled me to Priority Boarding.
My bag was hand-baggage size, which was a relief as I’d heard that low-cost airlines sometimes make their hand baggage dimensions less than other airlines. It was nice to be one of the first to board.
My self-branded acceptable cabin-baggage case for Ryanair flight, with Athens Airport monthly magazine
Here, let me help you with that
came a broad Irish accent. I turned to find a smiling stewardess assisting me with placing my luggage in the overhead compartment. This was a first! My past experience has witnessed people struggling to squash their bags inside.
I settled into my seat, watched as the rest of the passengers boarded, noting how said Irish stewardess greeted everybody – I mean everybody – with a smile, checked their assigned seat and directed them to it.
Boarding Ryanair at Athens International Airport – view from my 1A window seat
Ready for take off
Once we were all buckled in, the crew gave their safety demonstration. As I was in the front row, I was told individually where to find my life jacket. A lot of importance was placed on the demonstration: you know how people tend to merely sit there, listening to their iPod, reading a magazine or gazing into space? Well, I’ve worked for airlines before and know how rude it is to be standing in front of a plane load full of people, not paying the slightest bit of attention to you. Out of politeness, I always focus my attention on the ‘manual’ safety demonstration. And actually, it’s for our own good anyway.
Ryanair makes a point of asking people to pay special attention:
And if you are listening to headphones, we ask you to please remove these now
YES! I wanted to punch the air. At last, one airline at least is politely asking those who’re constantly plugged in to give them their full attention.
Ryanair Inflight experience
OK, you have to pay for snacks on Ryanair, but we all expect this. easyjet are the same, and increasingly many more airlines are too. For example, Icelandair have introduced a tiered fare system in Economy. The cheapest fare – for anywhere on their route – is without food and you have to purchase everything on board, even on long haul flights. Note: Icelandair do not accept Debit cards, even if they have the Visa symbol on them.
I was so chuffed when I saw Mini-Cheddars on the menu. Living in Greece, it’s hard to find these and I always place an order of these with friends who go home…so imagine my delight when I could purchase on board! A nice little start to my mini-break.
Snacks available on Ryanair. Delighted with Mini-Cheddars!
To top it all off – the clear views on our 40 minute flight were spectacular. And despite such a short flight, and despite having to do so much in a short space of time, I have to say, the crew were friendly, professional and didn’t show their stress at being so obviously busy.
View from Ryanair – take off from Athens International AirportView from Ryanair, flying towards Rhodes from Athens
And in case you’re wondering, the flight back was as equally professional.
And did you know?
Ryanair offers some of the cheapest Duty Free goods.
How come?
Well, the friendly crew member told me that it’s because Ryanair is the world’s biggest scheduled airline, hence they can afford to keep the cost of Duty Free goods down. (Note: I dunno if this is because the crew receive commission on goods they sell and they were keen to get me to purchase, but that’s the cynical side of me slipping out. I will check the prices next time I fly and research it).
Thank you, Ryanair. It was a pleasurable experience, both outbound and return. It made a nice start and end to my mini-break. I will be using you again.
Helen is originally from Cornwall, UK, and spent some years in London before moving to Dublin, Ireland in 2003. There, she was swept off her feet by an Italian – Mr M. In late 2013 they packed up and moved to Italy in search of sunshine and great wine. Now she is an expat in Italy where she blogs about her initiation into the Italian lifestyle, language and culture at Truly, Madly Italy. You can also follow her on Facebook and Twitter
A new life as a expat in Italy – a not-so-dolce vita
What happens when a girl from Cornwall meets a boy from Rome, in Dublin? Having met in 2006, we married in early 2009, then had a baby girl at the end of 2010. We were quite settled, having bought a house north of Dublin. But, with a young baby to care for, we missed the support of family. Sundays always seemed hard; friends would be with family for roast dinners, but we were trying to find ways to amuse our little girl. Before long, it became clear that we would try to move closer to family – either mine or his – and that left us two choices, Rome or Cornwall. In the end, we chose Rome. I would become an expat in Italy.
Frosinone
Sadly, it’s not really Rome (he lied to me!) but a city south-east of the capital, Frosinone.
This was my husband’s home town – not exactly a beauty-spot to become an expat in Italy, but we were fortunate to have the offer of a rent free apartment. A part of the original family home, it had been rented out to students since his parents had moved out to the countryside. This was the clincher; having somewhere to live meant our outgoings would be minimal and we could therefore take time finding work (not to mention our feet). Neither of us had jobs lined up in advance, other than the possibility of some English-teaching for me. Mr M. worked as a horse-vet in Ireland, a career that is almost non-existent in Italy, so he was looking at a change of species, if not a change of job altogether. I’d originally worked in theatre, then had trained as a yoga-instructor, but I planned to concentrate my efforts on learning Italian for at least the first six months, with maybe some teaching to keep me going.
Why become an expat in Italy?
It wasn’t just family that drew us to Italy. There were the obvious attractions – better weather, nicer lifestyle, the food. We also envisaged opening our own business here, along the lines of a small-holding come B&B (an agriturismo – with a yoga studio on the side). 16 months’ in, things have unfolded and developed in all kinds of ways, and the over-riding feeling at this point in the ‘journey’ is simply one of relief – that we’ve made it this far, have an income and plans-in-progress.
Dreams vs Reality
Living as an expat in Italy is an experience. I wasn’t particularly well prepared, and I can see now that having Mr M’s family (good jobs, beautiful houses) as the role models for our move was a tad delusory. The reality about working in Italy is that unless you work for the state in some capacity – in teaching, or the medical profession, or in one of the various police forces – you’re looking at low wages, insecure contracts and even uncertainty around getting paid. These factors are driving young people abroad quicker than you can say ‘Ryanair. The Premier Renzi’s recent ‘Jobs Act’ promises better conditions for both employees and employers, and a minimum wage is apparently on the way, so there are tenuous hopes that the country will soon emerge from this long dark tunnel.
Italy’s small businesses
The real wealth here – in every sense of the word – lies in Italy’s small businesses, and one of the pleasures of living here is seeing the kind of businesses in operation that I haven’t seen in the UK since the 80’s. On the ground floor of our apartment block there is a butcher, beside us a newsagent, bar and dry-cleaners. Down the road, the Cartoleria – stationery & gift/toy shop, the Tessuti & Tendaggi shop – fabric & curtains, the pizzeria forno al legno, even a Miele appliances repair-shop (though I’d question if that’s not a front for something else…)
English teaching – and zero hours contracts
I did make a brief foray into the English-teaching field, first at a language school, but a combination of low pay, zero resources, and humourless colleagues left me grateful it was only till term-end. I was told immediately by the owner that the pay-rate was €25 an hour “but I can only pay you €11.50” which was somewhat baffling.
She was referring to the many deductions that make up an Italian busta-paga (payslip). However, I was being employed on a 5-hour-per-week contract, and simply couldn’t grasp that I would be fully-taxed (around 45%) on so few hours. Five hours that were helpfully spread out over 4 days so it was a lot of to-ing and fro-ing to bring home about €65! Still, at the beginning, when you’ve zero income and ever-decreasing savings, you gotta be grateful (kind of) for whatever’s going.
I was later offered teaching on an adult’s course, through a reputable English-teaching association (the Italian arm thereof), working a few hours weekly over 6 months. This was, overall, a positive experience. Taking on a new environment in a foreign language is all good and necessary….but so is being paid! Four months’ on since the course ended, and having worked several extra (unpaid) hours for exams and administration, I have just received the first half of my wages. I knew it was to be paid in a lump-sum – seemingly with that type of ‘occasional’ contract, wages are usually paid this way – but to receive just half of it, four months’ after the event, (and not far off a year since I started the course) is, to me, a joke.
Mr M’s been quite fortunate, relatively speaking; he did work experience with a small-animal vet, and that led to him being taken on, casually (alas no contract). The positive thing is that he’s been able to cross-over from horses to small animals with relative ease. Though he, too, has fallen foul of the ‘occasional contract’ nightmare; last summer he took on some extra veterinary work for the State, a job that was completed last autumn. He’s still waiting on the pay-cheque.
Work for yourselves
For us, it’s clear that we will only survive here, in the long-term, by working for ourselves. I’m in the process of setting up a home studio in order to continue my voiceover work, as thanks to the internet, I can live here but work for clients anywhere in the world. In addition, my blog has gone from being primarily a journal (and therapy!) to becoming a resource for other expats in Italy and learners of Italian.
Mr M may well open his own practice down the line, and elements of our original plan remain; perhaps we will get that country pile with yoga studio, vets’ clinic and a pig out the back! Who knows? We’re going with the flow and doing what it takes to make it work.
Helen really wishes she’d read this before moving to Italy
When in Rome…
Ci vuole tempo
as the Italians would say. It takes time, lots of time. From the seriously crazy driving, to the stray dogs on the street, to the litter all over the place and graffiti everywhere, there’s a lot to adjust to and a lot not to like.
Italy is famous for its complex bureaucracy, and this is a major thing to cope with and get one’s head around. It’s both complicated and opaque. When I first moved to Ireland I thought things were difficult – that now seems laughable. By the time I left Ireland, there was almost nothing that couldn’t be done online, from taxes to insurance to ordering a cab. Here, mountains of paperwork are still the order of the day, with photocopying and form-filling and ‘evidence’ being required at every turn. And I think I’ve probably got it easy, as I’m an EU citizen. According to John Hooper, author of The Italians, simplicity is viewed with great suspicion here in Italy.
If something is too straightforward, there has to be a catch. (Note from Bex: Oh Helen! It’s so true in Greece too!)
And there are, apparently, perfectly valid socio-historical reasons for this tendency. None of which make your fourth time standing in line at the Ufficio Motorizzazione (Motor Office) any easier!
But back to the positive
With spring in the air it’s easier to focus on the good stuff of Italy. Grazie Dio! The weather is gorgeous, as there are actual seasons here – yes, I WILL wear my summer skirts! Yes,we WILL eat outside most nights and spend many weekends at the beach in the coming months. Not bad. We really are getting the lifestyle that we craved.
Our little girl now speaks Italian better than me, and though it’s hard work, my own grasp of la bella lingua is slowly improving, which means I can tick off one of my life-long goals – to speak a second language.
Nowhere is perfect, Helen! (i.e. “get a grip girl!”)
as my blog-followers have often reminded me.
To me, it really is a simple case of knowing the pros and cons, then making a decision and getting on with it. I’m proud of the move we made, and proud that we have got this far. With a little luck, we may even get to taste that dolce vita.
Note from Bex: Posting this, I found myself nodding in agreement! Bureaucracy, people being NICE to you? Things EASY to do? Hmmm, this is suspicious, don’t trust it. I think it’s a Mediterranean thing: they only trust things immediately within their circle – and yes, history plays a vital role in formation of this thought process.
Having said that, the Greeks – once they like you – can not do enough for you. Thanks for sharing this Helen, it’s been a fascinating read.
Fast, safe, and fun. The Trikke provides a unique, personalized way to get around Athens, and lets you set the pace and location of your tour.
I’d already experienced a Segeway tour, so I was intrigued by this new concept – therefore when brothers Nikos and Konstantinos Sarafidis invited me to experience their tour of the Athens Riviera, I jumped at the chance.
I decided to interview them first, to find out more about this intriguing concept:
Chatting to Nikos and Kostantinos Sarafidis about the Scooterise concept
The brothers
Konstantinos Sarafidis
studied Mechanical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, an Ivy League University in the United States. He obtained a Masters in Finance at Tulane University. He went on to gain valuable work experience as a Mechanical Engineer in the Design, Quality Control and Sourcing Departments at TUMI Inc Headquarters in New Jersey and went on to work with Porsche Cars North America Headquarters in Atlanda, GA.
He later decided to follow the entrepreneurial path and founded a company (Scooterise!) with an innovative concept to explore opportunities in the Greek market. He feels when the time is right, he would like to develop the concept in other locations throughout Europe and the world.
Nikos Sarafidis
Nikos is an entrepreneur focused on innovative ideas. After realizing that the global economic turmoil was shifting the status quo such as obtaining higher education and multiple degrees, the path of entrepreneurship was essential. He studied Economics and graduated from Deree College (Athens, Greece) with a BA in Economics.
He has co-founded two companies; a web company and Scooterise – offering Products and Services based in Sustainable Transportation.
Nikos, why did you decide to bring the Scooterise concept to Athens?
Actually, Kostas was into new tech stuff, vehicles, new processes, technologies, due to his Mechanical Engineering background. So, the concept in the beginning was much more high tech, and was focused to the Greek market. However, we shifted to address the whole incoming tourism idustry by now providing experiential tour services called the Scooterise Experience. The main concept is that we employ different kinds of electric vehicles and create /design themed tours for different kinds of personalities and type of groups; couples, business related groups, families or even students. Addressing the question “why”, the answer is simple: Because we love to provide this kind of service, it is very fun, entertaining, educational and extremely different from any other tour out there. All our tours are private and guided.
What are your job titles and roles?
Kostas Sarafidis: CEO
Nikos Sarafidis: Sales Director
We actually have interlapping roles. Businesses nowadays have to be very agile so as the owners, we manage and delegate all work to our colleagues. The main focus of Kostas is Strategy & Operations and Nikos focuses on Sales and Business Development.
What do you hope people can gain from a Scooterise experience. What are you trying to achieve?
We believe Scooterise is a unique and entertaining life experience designed with the creativity, knowledge and vision to makes our tours unforgettable. We are trying to achieve a higher standard of what we call “Tour Service” on a worldwide basis. And to put the Greek benchmark out there!
Scooterise is more than just a ‘fun way to see the city.’ Tell us about your bigger plans for the future, and how you see it fitting into the environment?
We wish to expand the Scooterise concept in the Greek islands and in Mediterranean countries. We then can say we have achieved “exporting” a Greek touristic concept outside our country. This will be a big accomplishment and reward for our continuous efforts. (I also seem to remember discussing with these extremely affable individuals the possibility of airport staff utilising Scooterise trikke’s!)
So what’s the Scooterise experience like? Kostas and Nikos met my Travel Bloggers Greece colleague Elena Sergeeva of Passion for Greece for a fun day. Alas, unusually for Greece, it rained the whole time! But as the Scooterise motto goes:
Nothing can stop us!
Learning how to use the Scooterise trikke, in the rain!
Learning how to use the trikke took a matter of minutes.
Practising on the Scooterise trikke before we’re ‘let loose’The Athens Riviera tour
And we’re off! Through the rain, nothing can stop us.
The Scooterise Athens Riviera Tour takes one along the south coast of Athens and on a sunny day, you can stop at Lake Vouliagmeni for a dip in the reputed healing waters.
Priced at 98 Euros, the price includes:
An Electric Trikke vehicle • Helmet • Bottled water• Safety instructions and brief orientation at the beginning • Photos and Action Camera live video footage taken on tour are sent for free electronically • Third party liability insurance • Light Lunch or Drink, Transportation cost included.
**A special thanks to Scooterise for hosting us. Passion for Greece and I were guests of Scooterise and look forward to another trip – hopefully the Scooterise Athens Food Safari, and with better weather! As always, all thoughts and opinions remain my own, despite any complimentary services received.**
Sunday 15th March 2015 saw another Travel Bloggers Greecemeet up to discuss and share ideas, how we can positively promote Greece and work together. This time we were invited to Grecotel Pallas Athena in dowtown Athens, to experience the Cretan art of Alexandros Androulaks, a Cretan artist.
Alexandros showed us his works of art – my particular favourite being entitled “Despite the Recession,” depicting Greeks dancing and having fun, despite what is going on around them. I felt his Cretan art made an important statement.
Alexandros Androulakis “Despite the Recession”Artwork of Alexandros Androulakis
Cretan food
Afterwards we were also treated to a delicious buffet meal of various Cretan dishes. Where to start?! With the cheese, olives and bread? Octopus stew? Or how about gamopilafo, a special Cretan risotto served exclusively during weddings on the island?
Snack anyone? Grecotel Pallas Athena at your serviceWow – WHAT a Cretan spread! Thanks Grecotel Pallas Athena
Bloggers
Great crowd in Travel Bloggers Greece – Grecotel Pallas Athena hotel
It was wonderful to connect with other bloggers – both Greek and expat – and share ideas and discuss our different blogging styles, and draw from each other’s experiences.
Alexandros Androulaks’s exhibition will be running until 15th May 2015. Grecotel Pallas Athena plans to showcase different artists every 2 months. Check here for my last post where we were hosted by Grecotel – and take a look at their themed rooms!
Half English, half American, Lucy is the author of www.lucysmilesaway.com She has spent the last six years travelling and most of that time is spent getting lost and making friends who can read maps. She has spent a lot of time travelling in Asia and Europe, interspersed with trips back to the United States to eat Reeces Pieces and visit family. She only returns to the UK when she’s in need of a really good fix of cheese. Aside from the blog, you can see what she’s up to on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
She shares with Life Beyond Borders what life is like in Cambodia.
It was early morning, the sun beginning to creep in through the wooden slats that made up the walls of my rented apartment in the south of Cambodia. The broken fan that I’d superglued back together kept me reasonably cool as I felt my boyfriend’s kitten snuggle into my neck. I went to scoop her in for a cuddle before a horrifying thought hit me as I began to wake up.
Lucy, you are in your own apartment, this kitten does not live here. That is not a kitten nuzzling you. This might be a rat.
A second, desperate and pleading thought came in;
Please, please don’t be a rat.
It was, indeed a rat. There were many advantages of living in Cambodia. This was not one of them.
I hadn’t planned on living in Cambodia when I set off to travel SE Asia in the January of 2014; I’d drawn up a loose itinerary – Thailand, Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam and then probably on to Australia. But when I stumbled upon an opportunity to work for a school in Cambodia that I cared deeply for, I hung up my backpack and decided to stay.
Teaching in Cambodia
Finding an apartment was an interesting process; I’d roped in the help of one of the local teachers at the school and together we hunted for the right accommodation – me perched on the back of his motorbike as we zoomed around the city of Sihanoukville avoiding stray dogs and potholes.
For around $200-$300 a month, there are some beautiful homes on offer; large apartments with air conditioning, bathrooms and kitchens, no rats. But, I was ambitious; I was determined to keep costs low and had given myself a budget of… $60. We journeyed from dismal apartment block to dismal apartment block, until we stumbled upon a room for rent in a converted barn. It wasn’t much more than four walls with a mattress and fan, but I didn’t need much. The owner, an Australian nicknamed Salty scrawled the wifi password on the wall: Flatophedz. He grinned.
We shaved my friend’s head once. It looked like he had a flat head. We honoured him with the wifi password.
Located in Otres, a tiny village just outside of the city and a ten minute walk to the beach and the school I was working for, it was perfect. It was right on an estuary, which meant incredible views with my morning coffee.
Cambodian village Otres – on the estuary
I lived with a Cambodian family. We didn’t speak much of each other’s language, but most mornings the grandmother and I would start the day with a cuddle in one of the hammocks strung around the deck and chatter with each other in little single-word conversations. One time before school, I took her shopping on the back of my motorbike at the row of little market stalls down the road to buy vegetables and a hammer. I never knew why, I never saw anyone fixing anything. When it broke, it broke. This included the wifi and for some time, the water and electricity.
To my absolute delight, I managed to locate an old blender; the entire family would watch in amusement as I blended up spinach and dragon fruits for a breakfast health kick. I’d watch her in amusement as they caught fish off the deck and barbecued them. I never quite got used to fish for breakfast.
I also never quite got used to watching grandma bludgeon the fish to death, or coming down to find that the sink was a temporary home for the crabs they were eating for lunch that day, but it charmed me to no end each time.
On my days off, I spent the time at the beach, watching bubbler crabs run up and down the sand, leaving intricate patterns, or scheming with the other ex-pats to come up with ways to fundraise for the school. My favourite event was building an arena in the grounds of where I lived and inviting people to buy an egg for a dollar and allowing them to egg us. Yes, it was ridiculous.
Sunset in Cambodia
The next morning, grandma was overjoyed, scurrying around and collecting all the eggs that had been thrown but not broken. We had a lot of egg-fried rice that week.
The time came when I had some bad news from home. My own grandma wasn’t doing very well and the decision of whether or not to go home was suddenly my main priority. I assessed my options, but quickly reached a decision. If Cambodia had taught me anything, it was the importance of family.
As a regular traveller, both long and short haul, I’m always on the lookout for well made, comfortable and versatile clothing. When Diane’s collection came to my attention by fellow traveller and author Savannah Grace, I was keen to get in touch with Diane, place an order and interview the clothes designer. Her clothes are great because one piece can be used as various looks.
signature collections embrace chic, smart styling to give glamorous detail to multi-function. These timeless, easy care, wrinkle-free pieces are perfect for any occasion and a must-have for travelling light.
Diane has worked in the Canadian Fashion Industry for over 20 years.
Diane, what inspired you to start designing travel clothing. Have you travelled a lot yourself?
My inspiration began from my experiences travelling and as I expanded on the collection my biggest influence have been my clientele. My customers let me know what their dream travel pieces are and I create my interpretations. My clientele give me feedback on the fabrics and the cut of each design so I can perfect the patterns.
Travel pants – long…
..that become culottes. Diane Kroe Travel Clothing.
Travellers embrace a huge cross section of ages and genres (luxury to backpackers, for example). What clientele are you reaching out to and how can Diane Kroe attract these travellers?
I sell to women of all ages, sizes and walks of life. Because my product is high quality and in the mid to high end price range I tend to attract a more mature clientele. Women with affluence and they tend to do more luxury travel than pack packing. Though I do have many younger women buying my designs they tend to be more quality driven and prefer to buy less and choose well. I mostly attract these customers by participating in retail shows that are Canadian Designer oriented where shoppers are prepared to pay for Canadian Made quality. I am also launching a new ecommerce website and will partner with luxury travel brands and higher end fashion bloggers. We will have Style ambassadors for our clothing who are women of affluence that travel often like to network and have a following.
Diane Kroe Travel Clothes. Travel top, jacket and belt
How does this impact your pricing structure?
My pricing structure is based on quality rather than quantity. My customers always tell me how many times they have cleaned out their closets and always treasure their Diane Kroe pieces. That to me is my success….timeless designs that last.
Since your boutique store opened in Toronto in 1998, how has Diana Kroe grown?
I now sell my collection to thousands of customers across Canada and around the world and am currently expanding my business model to include an ecommerce platform. I decided to automate my business and minimize my overhead and maximize my profit margin by creating a business model that works for my lifestyle. Less stress more fun is my motto. I also sell and design Signature collections for Canada’s leading Spas and resorts which is a fun sideline for me between my show seasons. I have a great team of full size models that work for me at all my shows and a production manager who oversees my designs and they are being made. We also have new team members on board once the new website is ready to handle marketing and our brand ambassador program.
Pants become a catsuit – belt becomes a shrug! Diane Kroe Travel Fashion
Where do you see Diane Kroe in the future i.e.: a European flagship store?
I would prefer to venture away from Bricks and Mortar business models only because the retail sector is in a down slide and not looking promising for the future. My goal is to have Style/ brand ambassadors world wide spreading the word about my products and making money to help finance their wanderlust lifestyles. I am also collaborating with other designers to create related products that compliment my collection. …. Like the best carryon suitcase ever and the perfect travel bag and accessories. My new website will have a blog featuring all these new products as they come to fruition.
I am really happy with my purchases – as you can see.
Diane would like to offer 20% off all purchases from her website to anyone who reads my article. All you need to do is quote the code LBBBEX in the box where it asks for a discount code.
Nikos Bakoulis is the co-owner of The Clumsies – a newly opened, prestigious bar housed in an old 1919 neoclassical mansion, located in central Athens near Monisteraki and Panepistimio metro stations. It’s actually hidden off a small square in Praxitelous Street, #30.
[A] bartender is not only judged by the impeccable execution of a recipe, but also by the way he connects with customers.
Bartender Nikos at The Clumsies
Nikos used to bartend in 2012 with fellow co-owner Vassilis Kyritsis. This was their philosophy – and the Clumsies was born as follows:
…bring them [Vassilis and Nikos] into contact with three industrious businessmen in the hospitality sector: Lefteris Georgopoulos, Thanos Tsounakas, and Giorgos Kaissaris. Stir gently, then serve.
Friday, 27th March 2015 was Travel Bloggers Greece’s second networking event – held at The Clumsies, and it was with pleasure to attend.
Networking with, amongst others, Tresor Hotels & Resorts and Living Postcards as well as Travel Bloggers Greece at The Clumsies
Food and wine tasting at The Clumsies
We were treated to wine tasting with small mezes (meat, many specialities of cheese and olives) by Nikos – himself an award-winning bar tender. Among the crowd were Tresor Hotels and Resorts and Living Postcards. We kept oursevles busy networking, whilst Nikos ensured we were kept up to speed with the Santorini white and red wines on offer.
“The Room” at The Clumsies
The highlight of the evening was then being led upstairs to a private area. Sounding quite sinister – “The Room” is anything but.
The two roomed private area is like stepping into a ‘Gentleman’s Club’ and can host up to ten people for an evening. Decked out with feature fireplace, bookcase, billiard table and vinyl LPs, the mood here is somewhat more formal.
“The Room” at The Clumsies“The Room” – Clumsies Bar. A slightly more formal atmosphere
With jazz music accompanying us in comfortable seating, Nikos proceeded to create a concoction of cocktails, tailor made to suit the individual: rum, vodka or gin based with a variety of ingredients.
Bartender Nikos at The Clumsies attending to our cocktail needs in “The Room”
“The Room” can be hired out for 100 Euros a night and includes your own cocktail waiter (that’s 10 Euros each for ten people! What are you waiting for?!). Cocktails and food are extra.
Many thanks to the Travel Bloggers Greece team for organising – once again – an interesting evening with great company.
Check The Clumsies website for reservation information, opening times and special events.
hands-on Cultural Tourism Experiences [in Greece]. DGC promotes Greek culture by showcasing the history, archaeology, art and gastronomy that set Greece apart from the rest. DGC’s unique tours weave together the very best of the Hellenic experience for discerning travelers looking to immerse themselves in Greek culture.
On a rainy Monday evening in February 2015, Licensed Tour Guide Sotiris Karkanias and Marketing and Sales Co-ordinator, Michael Tanteles met myself and other members of Travel Bloggers Greece to take us on a ‘mystery tour.’ Despite the rain, I felt quite excited as the duo refused to give us even a hint of where we’d end up!
Walking tour
As it was raining so hard, and as we’re pretty familiar with Athens, Sotiris kindly kept our walking tour brief, but also interesting. I didn’t know – for example – that Athens received its name after a competition the Goddess Athena had with Poseidon, over who would protect the city.
Poseidon gave a gift of a spring of seawater, whereas Athena gave a gift of an olive tree as she touched the rocks of the Acropolis. This is why you will see many olive trees in Athens, especially as you wander down Ermou, the famous shopping street in Athens.
Plaka
We then found ourselves being taken into the dark back streets of Plaka. Far from being afraid – it was with intrigue that we entered Tripodon Street, the oldest city street in Europe that has retained its name for over 2,500 years! This street boasts many private mansions and is right under the Acropolis.
Stopping outside one, Sotiris and Michael rang on the bell.
Here we are!
And our host opened his door and invited us into his 19th century neoclassical home. This was the highlight of the tour: Discover Greek Culture have a special arrangement whereby visitors are shown around this wonderful home, offered hospitality and the history of the house is explained.
Outside the 19th Century neo-classical home – with the Acropolis rock in the backgroundWandering into the living room in our Discover Greek Culture tour – yes, with resident cat
The Pièce de résistance
We were led into the dining room to settle in, drink wine, eat Greek cheese – but as we entered, we let out a collective gasp. When the home was re-designed, parts of the original structure were discovered – and these were incorporated into the house today, by way of glass flooring to allow the excavation work below to be seen. If you suffer a little from vertigo, I would suggest not looking down too often!
Settled on the glass flooring – with ancient ruins beneath!
This tour was part of Discover Greek Culture’s bespoke programme: The Heritage Dinner. All in all, I would recommend this tour as it is not just an impersonal wander through the streets (although this can be nice), Discover Greek Culture are unique in that they’ve gone one step further; working with hosts who want to go that bit further, by openng their homes up to visitors and giving one a different and more personalised view of life in Athens, and Greece.
We wound the evening up really quite late, we were so busy chatting and swapping ideas. We came away having made new friendships, and promising we’d be back in the spring when we could utilise the rooftop garden and drink wine with the Acropolis in the background.
Thank you – Discover Greek Culture – for introducing us to this unique tour and I’m sure we’ll be back for more!
Travel Bloggers Greece were guests of Discover Greek Culture for the evening. The full Hal Day tour is The Heritage Dinner Tour and prices start from €220.00 including dinner in that magnificent dining room.
“…an Australian visual artist and qualified theater set designer. His theater work had him designing in opera, short films, dance and plays. Mathew has had many solo exhibitions and is at the moment looking for more mainly in Greece but also mainland Europe. Over the last ten years Mathew has lived in London UK, Tallinn Estonia, and Sydney Australia. At the moment he is living in Heraklion city (Crete), Greece and has settled there for a few years.”
I had the fortunate opportunity to meet Mathew when he was visiting Athens from Heraklion, Crete where he currently lives. His Greek series of artwork is being shown at the Grecotel Pallas Athenahotel until 13MAR, and I decided I wanted to know more about him.
Mathew Halpin – talented artist
Mathew, you’ve lived in various places globally, as well as Europe. What is it about Greece that draws you to her?
I came to Greece with my partner who is Greek. We had many countries to choose from but because of the climate we chose Greece. At first I really struggled with culture shock living in Heraklion (Crete). I found the pace of life too slow and I was not getting artistically stimulated. After a year I started to slip into a more Greek routine. Now I love Crete and am keen to move to Athens in the next couple of years. I love the chaotic nature of Greece; the beautiful neglected old buildings mixed with ugly new ones, the food and fresh produce.
A quality life can be had here without spending a fortune.
(It’s so nice to find & interview another talented Grecophile!)
“Pin-Up” (one of my favourites). A parody on the super thin models of today
You walked us through your Greek Series of paintings and they all appeared—to me at least—to represent a certain theme: the irony of what is happening to Greece at the hands of others. Was this the ‘muse’ for the Greek series?
When I first moved to Greece, my mentality was what I had been led to believe by foreign mainstream media. I believed that Greeks were lazy and should pay their tax. Now, after getting to know many locals, my mind has completely changed. Most Greeks are very hard working and, by nature, busy people. With tax I understand why people don’t like to pay it.
Why work hard to pass your money onto a government that is filling their own pockets?
The Greeks have been taken advantage of for so many years that they are naturally suspicious. Maybe if we had a government that is seen to be doing the right thing, people would feel better about contributing to the country.
Some of my paintings reflect the injustices inflicted onto the Greek people. Other paintings show what the Greek people have done to themselves.
The Greeks, I think because they have always struggled, look to the future and tend to neglect the past. A horrible tradition I see a lot on Crete is families holding onto their old family houses. They dont want to sell them and they don’t want to pay to maintain them. So beautiful architecture is left to fall down.
Neo-classical building – remenant of the past, with a reflection of the future. Mathew Halpin
All your work has an underlying political theme—or more obvious one in the case of the Greek Parliament building encased on its own island! What is it about the political that makes you want to represent this through art?
Athens Parliament building on an idealic island all by itself – unaware of what’s going on. By Mathew Halpin
I feel very strongly that Greece is being used as a model for political control by bigger countries like America and Germany.
The debt we have was not made by the people and the people should not be responsible for paying most of it back. Most European countries have huge debts. Why must the Greek people be made to suffer? We need the previous corrupt political powers to go, and start with a party with no previous corruption. My painting No Regrets looks at Germany for once again draining Greece of its wealth with no payment for previous horrendous crimes. It also looks at Washington for lending money that could never be paid back. The central banks lend money that did not exist and then expects people to pay it back in real suffering.
The world’s monetary system is only benefiting a few very greedy people.
Do you see yourself staying permanently in Greece?
I have been happy in Crete, but now I wish to move to Athens.
I have a dream of making a deal with someone who owns an abandoned Neoclassical house in the centre. I will renovate for a deal where I don’t pay rent. I did this in Heraklion and the owner is very happy. So I see myself here for a few years yet. The longer I am here, the harder it will be to move. And yet I don’t want to get stuck in my ways, so therefore moving keeps you fresh. Who knows?
For now, I love Greece and her people.
Any upcoming exhibits in Europe or worldwide?
I have been focusing on my net presence for the last year. I would love to find a gallery in Athens to represent me. The next exhibition is likely to be in a great space in Heraklion this summer.
Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my questions Mathew – it was great to meet a fellow Grecophile, and one who cleverly encapsulates what is going on in this country through his art.
You can read more about Mathew here and here. Also follow him on Twitter
**Disclosure: I received a discount for this product in return for an honest review.**
My regular followers will know that back in 2015 I re-branded my site from Leaving Cairo to Life Beyond Borders Blog. As my site’s pimarily a travel blog, I decided I wanted to celebrate this re-brand by purchasing a personalised wheelie bag.
What better way to showcase my site than wheeling around on public transport and at airports?
Hmm, but where to buy one?
As I’m based in Europe, I researched my options and came across some great U.S. companies, but shipping would have cost me a fortune. Google pointed me in the direction of Personalised Luggage. Based in the north of England, this suited me perfectly: I could have my wheelie bag delivered to the UK and collect when I returned for the holidays! (They do ship to other European destinations, but this option suited me better).
I contacted them by email and received a reply within 24 hours.
We discussed my options: Small, Medium or Large case and I decided a Small cabin-baggage sized bag was the best option for me: at only 3.4kg in weight and a capacty of 52 litres, it would suit my needs for those little trips I make, plus maximum exposure around the airport for my blog – no checking the bag in to be hidden in the depths of the Hold.
Personalised Luggage cabin bag – interior.
I had my image already designed, so I forwarded this in a JPG format – they also accept High res PDF. Within 24 hours I had two designs to choose from: small or large. I knew for me the large format would look brilliant!
And I was not disappointed.
Within 4 days of contacting them, emailing my design and choosing the best option, my case was couriered out to me, and received two days after being sent – well wrapped to prevent scratching.
Opinion
Before seeing the actual case, I was a little disappointed I could not have the logo on both sides (the reverse has a matt black finish) – but upon seeing the final product, I couldn’t have been happier! Yes, I did receive glances as I wandered through Paddington train station and through Heathrow…I felt proud to display my brand through a cabin wheelie.
Personalised Luggage at LHR airport. Luggage tag my own
What about fitting everything in?
Well, all my hand baggage fitted inside, it’s comfortable to pull along and this is made even easier by the 8 wheels it boasts. The only downside is that is has a habit, when on a train or bus and not flat, to trundle off by itself! But this applies to all eight-wheeled cases – I’ve had them before.
Waiting with me at the gate in LHR. My personalised luggage. Luggage tag my own
Will I order another one?
Yes, I think I will in due course. **Update: Since early 2016 I have owned a Medium sized one too – so I have a cabin baggage and medium hold baggage – take a look in the image below!**
Thank you very much for your professional service, Personalised Luggage, and for anyone looking for something similar, whether for business or fun, don’t hesitate to check them out.
And if you decide to purchase one after having read this post, do mention to the company you discovered them through me!
