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Messages - grahame

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1
Plakias / Re: Maybe the last time?
« on: October 28, 2016, 10:45:47 AM »
We have just returned from Plakias (11-25 Oct). It was the latest we have ever been but we were really lucky with the weather, 20 - 29 degrees and sunny with only one cool evening. Resort was quite busy. We enjoyed meals in Lysieos, Minoiko, kri Kri and Sifi's all have which have changed very little.  Most evenings were spent in the Livikon with top man Dionysis though we did enjoy drinks at the Nufaro.
We enjoyed our "normal"walks in the olive groves, water channels and hills but found it was getting tougher as the years have gone by.
What we found had changed was the total rejection of the anti-smoking laws in all the Tavernas and bars. As a non-smoker this ruined many meals and after dinner drinks. Greece has the most stringent anti-smoking legislation in the EU. They simply do not enforce it or make any attempt to comply with it. Ashtrays were placed on every table contrary to the law and no attempt was made by staff to stop people smoking even though it was obvious that it was offending the majority of diners.
Prices have gone up quite a bit. Beer was 2.80 to 3.80 euro for a large one one which is dearer than my home City of York (significantly if you take Sam Smith's bitter which is only £1.90 a pint!) I was also upset to see the demise of Muses Taverna. Speaking to Adonis he said that he can't get any staff so he was doing all the cooking with one person running front of house. Consequently people were getting annoyed at the long wait for food and bills. The food quality was suffering too as he was rushed off his feet.
We have been to Plakias 8 times in 14 years. We love the village, the countryside and the people but we think that this will be the last time.
But......................

2
Gossip / Re: Mythos
« on: April 28, 2016, 03:36:24 PM »
For those of you who live in the north west, Booths supermarkets sell Mythos.

3
Holiday Companies / Re: Small Planet Airlines
« on: September 09, 2013, 11:20:03 AM »
I'm going to be happier once I get to Gatwick and see the flight on the boards...at the moment, Gatwick's departures schedule doesn't appear to have anything for 11.20 on the 17th but Olympic Holidays have confirmed they do.......I'll leave it to you to decide but we're turning up anyway !!!
Flight QS3054 has departed from LGW for the last few Tuesdays. (last week it was an hour late). If you look at Gatwick's website tomorrow it will be listed under "Smartwings". I'm on the same flight on 1st October. My tickets show the return flight as Smartwings/Small Planet P7488 leaving Heraklion at 1650. However the only flight leaving Heraklion for the last few Tuesdays has been "Smartwings" flight QS3055 which is obviously the return leg of QS3054. The funny things is you cannot see these flights listed under "arrivals/departures" at Heraklion airport or track the flights through any of the flight tracking websites! I would much prefer to fly Smartwings than Small Planet. Hopefully Olympic will have finally got their act together after a disastrous summer of flight cancellations/delays.
Grahame

4
Holiday Companies / Re: Small Planet Airlines
« on: August 30, 2013, 09:47:54 AM »
Mike is right, QS flights are Travel Services. I've just had my flights changed from 0955 P7487 Small Planet to 1120 Travel Services QS 3054. I'm happy not to be flying with Small Planet but annoyed that we will get to Plakias 1hr 30 mins later. Also I will hit the M25 road works during the rush hour! On my flight amendment letter though it still shows the return flight as P7488 at 1650. This is rubbish as you  normally always return on the same plane that you arrive on. Gatwick arrivals show this as QS 3055 (Travel Services). Olympic really are hopeless!
Hello Grahame,

With Olympic you can't assume you will return on the flight you arrived on.

As has been said on this forum many times, Olympic using "Mickey Mouse" airlines Ltd (with apologies to Walt Disney) is doing their reputation no good at all and if they have any business sense at all they will address it.

Don't expect any compensation by the way.

Mike

Hi Mike,
Totally agree with you. Olympic have ruined so many peoples holidays this year by using rubbish airlines. Unfortunately, if you do not want to go to Plakias independently then Olympic are the only option, and you can often get a very good deal. On my last two bookings with them they have changed both the carrier and the flight time! It was a shame that First Choice pulled out as I never had any problems with them. It wouldn't surprise me if Olympic go under, they have had so many complaints this year with people stating that they would never book with them again! Small Planet Airlines are liable for massive payouts for delays but will probably get away with it being based in Lithuainia/Poland.
Grahame

5
Holiday Companies / Re: Small Planet Airlines
« on: August 29, 2013, 08:55:58 AM »
Mike is right, QS flights are Travel Services. I've just had my flights changed from 0955 P7487 Small Planet to 1120 Travel Services QS 3054. I'm happy not to be flying with Small Planet but annoyed that we will get to Plakias 1hr 30 mins later. Also I will hit the M25 road works during the rush hour! On my flight amendment letter though it still shows the return flight as P7488 at 1650. This is rubbish as you  normally always return on the same plane that you arrive on. Gatwick arrivals show this as QS 3055 (Travel Services). Olympic really are hopeless!

6
Holiday Companies / Re: Small Planet Airlines
« on: July 30, 2013, 03:35:49 PM »
Small Planet fiasco continues! 0955 from LGW to Heraklion cancelled due to no Small Planet plane available! Replaced by Samair ( Slovakian) flight CCS3036 scheduled for 1330 but left at 1430.  Some people have been bumped off other flights due to downsize of aircraft and told they could cancel and get a refund or go with alternative flights involving a long wait/alternative airport and get £25 compensation! The customer care from Olympic is disgusting!

7
Holiday Companies / Re: Small Planet Airlines
« on: July 25, 2013, 04:30:16 PM »
Just found a post on the Small Planet Airlines Facebook page that says that SPA fights from Birmingham and Gatwick will be taken over at the end of July by Greenjet. This is confirmed on their website. http://www.greenjet.gr/NewsEvents/tabid/406/language/en-GB/Default.aspx

They are a new company with their headquarters in Athens - fingers crossed !
Thanks for your response Arnaki.
Grahame

8
Holiday Companies / Small Planet Airlines
« on: July 23, 2013, 12:34:33 PM »
Hi,
Have booked two weeks at the Irida departing from Gatwick on 1st October at 0955 with Small Planet Airlines (SPA) Flight P7487. I've read some terrible reports of SPA particularly with flights to Skiathos and kefallonia. Has anyone flown out of Gatwick with SPA, and what was your experience?

9
Where to eat...or not! / Re: Fix
« on: September 22, 2012, 12:14:18 PM »
The Panorama taverna in Mythios stocks Fix, ok, but I prefer Mythos!
With regard to Red Wine, Mouses's house used to be good but they changed it a few years ago and also stopped chilling it. ( light Red chilled is much better in hot climates IMO) Gio-Mar also has a very nice red, it reminds me of a Chillean Merlot!

10
PlakChat / Mythos
« on: September 15, 2011, 04:00:38 PM »
Quote from: Daniel
Shopping at Booths in Ilkley this week and found Mythos on sale at 10 pounds for 6 bottles.

Could not resist the offer !!

Now Saturday afternoon and the first sip of Mythos since May......

Ahhhhh.

But only 4 and a bit weeks to go before the first real drink at Sifi's.

On another subject, we are pleased to hear that Sirocco's has re-opened, even without George's son as front of house.
It was closed in May when we were last there but speeking to George and Maria, they did plan to open early June.

It looks loke they have got going again.

It will be interesting to see what has changed

We think that it was the best place to eat in Plakias, so let's hope that it still is.

50cl bottles of Mythos on sale at Tesco @ £1.69 each or 3 for £4.00.
Better than £3.20 for a pint of Greene King IPA at my local!

11
Plakias / Holiday Report May 2011
« on: June 15, 2011, 02:28:47 PM »
Quote from: B.Edelsten
Plakias Report
We have been going to Plakias for twenty years, either May or September, and staying at Elgini Studios for the last ten. Ironically, we moved out of Plakias because it was getting too busy and noisy. The visit this year was a bit weird; partly because the weather was so poor, and partly because Plakias was so quiet, there was little incentive to spend an evening in Plakias, thus acerbating the situation.  It can be debated whether it was quiet because of the weather or because of the financial situation. On Saturday 14 May, which was a nice sunny day, Souda Bay which, like Plakias bay, had no sun umbrellas or sun beds set out, had only about 25 people spread along the whole length whereas, in previous years, the beach and sun beds had been fairly well populated with many cars lining the road side.  

Because the winter has been so wet, the wettest for 40 or 50 years depending or who you speak to, instead of lying on the beach and swimming, we did lots of walking among the profusions of wild flowers. At least it looks like a bumper olive harvest in the autumn though we heard one complaint that this means the price paid for olives will be very low.  

I have posted some pictures on the Internet: http://edelsten.org.uk/PhotoAlbums/Crete-2011/

Being inside most nights, I decided to keep a diary. First couple of days below:

Sun May 1

The journey from Heraklion airport to Plakias took 1 hour and 40 minutes,  inlcuding a stop to fill up with petrol and where I could, though not always where I should,  maintaining a steady 100kmph. It is always quite a joyful experience, on the Spili road, on the downward slope, turning off to Koxare, going through the gorge,  Osomatos, Legkoyia  and, finally, with windows wound down letting the herby aromas,  we are rolling down the main road into Plakias where the sun, bouncing off the waves, is dazzling in its brightness.  We stopped at the supermarket before the Alianthos, partly because parking is easy but also because the vegetable shop there has the best choice; non EU-compliant cucumbers which taste of cucumbers and big red squishy tomatoes which, when topped with local feta and olives, complete the perfect Greek salad. Then onward to Elgini, up the impossibly steep drive way, unload and up the steps to room No. 5, beer on the balcony and flop. It is a long journey from the north east of Scotland.

Monday 2 May
It was a long winter in Crete, some say the wettest for 50 years, with quite a bit of snow still lingering on the hills and (hopefully) the last of the winter rains only the week before. It had been a bit weird watching the weather from home where temperatures in April were sometimes warmer than Crete, while in SE England temperatures reached 27 over the Easter weekend. However, we were going to  benefit from all water because the fields and verges were a profusion of flowers and the air heady with the aromas of herbs.

Almost the first thing we noticed when we arrived in Crete was how green it was, much greener than last year, in May 2010, which was after a particularly dry winter. Where last year there had been dry brown dusty tracks these were now tracks with verges of green mixed with a wide variety of flowers. And up the slopes and on the hills, greens of various hues predominated.
 
On our first full day we did our orientation walk; up through the tracks and terraces of olives at the back of Elgini, up to Sellia for coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice (sunshine in a glass) then back via a different route through the tracks above Souda, stopping frequently to look at the plant life, stuff we would struggle to propagate at home, here nonchalantly growing at the edge of the path. There were also lots of what looked like wild oats and barley and other tall grasses amongst all the flowers. The olive trees were well on the way to a bumper harvest, though many had infestations on mites which produce white fluff on the stems.

In the evening we headed into Plakias to top up with food items missed the day before - the brain is always a bit fuzzy when we first arrive, had an orange juice at the beach bar (which, at E3 each, will probably not be repeated and, while the sound system is impressive, the choice of music less so- but it is good sunset photo taking point), souvliki on the sea front then beer at Ostracos. For a local May Day holiday, Plakias was rather quiet, no sun beds out on the beach yet, a few places not yet open and the cafes and tavernas with only a few customers. It was just us and two others in Ostracos. Signs of the times perhaps or is it still a bit early in the season?

Bruce Edelsten


Holiday Report May 31 - June 14 2011
Just back from 2 fantastic weeks in Plakias and i thought I would update the Forum on latest news etc.

Flights
We flew LGW with Strategic Airlines. Left on time and arrived on time o/w. I/w left early and arrive early!!! Comfort was not quite as good as Monarch but ok.

Transfer
Arrived at Heraklion at 1715, bus left at 1830 (no Rep) arrived at Plakias 2100.

Accomodation
We stayed at the Irida where we last stayed about 8 years ago when it was First Choice. Now has new pool which was very handy as it was hot! Maria and Manolis as friendly as ever. We noticed a bit more road noise that before and there was some noise up to 2300 at night due to Manolis having a beer or 2 with friends by the pool. Didn't bother us as we having a last glass of wine or 2 on the balcony!

Weather
28 - 35 degrees by day and virtually all sun down to 25 at night.  

Plakias
We had not been back for 4 years so noticed some changes. The town was the quietest we had seen it and the "Brits" were definately in the minority. The new development on the front was not as obtrusive as I imagined and I heard that the developers had gone bust so were only completing what they had started. Quite a few new commercial premises, new shops next door to Irida and a new carwash a 100m further down. We wondered if we would be remembered after 4 years but within 20 minutes of arrival were greeted by several waiters etc and Adonis (Mouses) came out of the kitchen to buy us a beer. New "Front of House" at Mouses - Gerry and son Sifi, very nice but we missed the sense of humour of the previous crew. Denis and Emma at the Livikon were as great as ever. Prices had gone up, but as I said we had not been there for 4 years and a lot of the increase was due to conversion back to a devalued pound. For those interested, wine(500ml) was 2.50 at Mouses and Sifi's, 3.00 at Medousa, 3.20 at Sofia and 4.00 at Kri Kri and the Livikon. Mythos was 2.00 at Lamon, 2.80 at Mouses, 2.70 at the Livikon and 2.50 at others (Sellia etc). Food was reasonable, 6-9 Euros for mains etc and 4 for greek salad. Most disappointing lunch was at Gio-Ma. We normally have our lunch there on the first day, mixed appetisers, used to be 8 euros but now 12 and no sausage. no octopus and no prawns!! I don't know if it had changed hands but I didn't see Manolis the 2 weeks we were there.
We did lots of walks in the area which was hard going due to the heat, but kept off the weight off after large consumption of food, beer and wine!
There appears to be a bit of a "sun beds" war going on at the "Far End" with sand being moved to create new areas. Not sure what was going on as I don't spend hardly any time on the beach.
All in all a great 2 weeks. It was fantastic to return after 4 years.

Grahame

12
PlakChat / Local bus to Chania?
« on: May 13, 2011, 03:34:16 PM »
Quote from: jann
Quote from: grahame
Quote from: jann
 thanks Stuart and Hilary,  you have really confirmed what I thought, I successfully went on the local bus to Chania several years ago. The timetable I have now shows the last return to Plakias from Rethymnon as 2.15 pm so would have to catch the very early  7am bus from Plakias. However I'm told it could change anytime so would be good if there is a later one.

I have been to Aghia Galini  and Phestos  before, but on a motorbike, and did the Spinalonga trip whilst staying further east in Ierapatra.

Spinalonga is well worth seeing by the way !

I may end up hiring a car, but I find it much more fun using the buses really.

Thanks again, I can't wait, 10 days to go!!!!

Hope you have a good trip too ( I may even be back myself in September)

Jann  

Jann,
Glad you had a great two weeks in Plakias.
How did you get on with the local buses? What daytrips are possible from Plakias?
We have done Rethynon before but nowhere else.
What are prices like in Plakias now. I've heard that alcohol and petrol have gone up but what effect has that on Taverna prices?
18 days to go................
Grahame

Grahame,

Afraid I only managed Rethymnon on the bus too.  It's possible to go to the crossroads after Koxxari Village on the Rethymnon bus and change to one going to Aghia Galini but I never was confident enough about being able to get the return Plakias bus which leaves Rethymnon at 2.15pm.

as it was so early, the only trip available was a jeep safari ! but the boat have started and you  can go to Preveli or to Loutro from Plakias, or to Gavdos island.
There will be more available now including Samaria Gorge, see Adonis at Anso Travel he's very helpful.
The taxi to Myrthios was 5 Euros I chickened out and only walked back!!
To Sellia the taxi was 12 Euros there and back.

As far as I can remember prices for alcohol and food were similar to last year, and  petrol was 1.78 a litre .

Mouses did a 3 course meal for 2 including half a litre of wine for  19 Euros which was excellent value.
Most main courses were around 6 to 8 euros.Gyros about 2.50 (the best are at Kyma)
half litre of wine was about 3.80 but in the bars a bit more.

Hope you have a wonderful time, it was very quiet but starting to get more busy as I left.

Jann

Thanks for the info' Jann.
It will be great to return after a gap of 4 years.
Grahame

13
PlakChat / Local bus to Chania?
« on: May 13, 2011, 01:20:56 PM »
Quote from: jann
 thanks Stuart and Hilary,  you have really confirmed what I thought, I successfully went on the local bus to Chania several years ago. The timetable I have now shows the last return to Plakias from Rethymnon as 2.15 pm so would have to catch the very early  7am bus from Plakias. However I'm told it could change anytime so would be good if there is a later one.

I have been to Aghia Galini  and Phestos  before, but on a motorbike, and did the Spinalonga trip whilst staying further east in Ierapatra.

Spinalonga is well worth seeing by the way !

I may end up hiring a car, but I find it much more fun using the buses really.

Thanks again, I can't wait, 10 days to go!!!!

Hope you have a good trip too ( I may even be back myself in September)

Jann  

Jann,
Glad you had a great two weeks in Plakias.
How did you get on with the local buses? What daytrips are possible from Plakias?
We have done Rethynon before but nowhere else.
What are prices like in Plakias now. I've heard that alcohol and petrol have gone up but what effect has that on Taverna prices?
18 days to go................
Grahame

14
Plakias / Strategic Airlines
« on: May 13, 2011, 08:27:28 AM »
Quote from: Arnaki
Hi Jann,

Thanks for your reports and the answer to the baggage question.  You must feel like an early pioneer aviator, bombarded with questions about the experience!  Our flight from Manchester is 10.30am ish, but you give me hope that it might be moved earlier.  I'd smuggle you back to Kostas in my suitcase if I could....

Arnaki

I booked my holiday with Olympic in November when the flights were showing with Monarch. The baggage allowance was 15kg unless you paid a supplement to up it to 20kg. I got my tickets last week (we fly out LGW 31 May 11.25). The tickets show a luggage allowance of 20kg. I have been told previously that your luggage allowance is that which is shown on your ticket. Either Olympic have made a mistake or Strategic allow you a greater allowance on the Gatwick flight.
Grahame

15
Holiday Companies / 2011 price hike
« on: February 28, 2011, 09:18:51 AM »
Quote from: grahame
Olympic website now showing flights operated by Strategic Airlines.
They are an Australian company!
The plot thickens.
Grahame

Flight times by Strategic airlines now showing as 0955 from Gatwick.
When you do a "dummy" booking no flight supplement is shown. On my invoice for the same flight on the same day, I'm paying £19 supplement! Do you think Olympic will refund this supplement (ha ha !)

Grahame

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