Thanks for a wonderful site, which I love to visit as often as possible.
I returned from my second visit to Sidari 2 weeks ago - how I miss it already!  I went last year, in May and again this May - I sensed a feeling of deja vu, from the moment I arrived last year - uncanny!
I had previously been to Kavos in 1986, before it was invaded by the younger generation - a shame as it was relatively unspoilt back then.
Last year - and this - I stayed at the Alexia Palm Grove in Sidari.  I had gone on my own but soon met up with people over there, who were very interested in my 'courage' to go it alone.  I actuality prefer doing this, it leaves me time to do my own thing, not having to hang around waiting on others - I can go where I please and when.  I also find more people tend to chat with you when alone.
Last year I met a lovely couple at the Alexia, Del and Norma from Looe, Cornwall.  We hit it off immediately so I wasn't alone for long.
We loved it so much last year, that we kept in touch afterwards and arranged to meet up again this year, same place, same time etc.
On getting off the plane at Corfu airport, it really did feel as though I had come home - I had missed the place sooo much.
There was the usual delay, as expected, for baggage; you'd think they might have extended the airport a little by now.  Still, who cared, it was just nice to feel the heat coming through the windows as we waited on our baggage - an hour's wait, I may add.
Then it was out to the waiting reps - Airtours in my case - followed by another hour's wait on everyone arriving at the coach.  It was a gorgeous evening, about 6pm, so to stand outside the coach and wait was no great trouble - or perhaps I'm easily pleased?  Who knows?
The journey, as always, was great - stunning scenery and those roads, I'll never again complain as I drive round a bend here in Scotland!!  The only slightly scary bit was when the coach driver turned towards Rebecca's Village and drove over the old  rickety bridge - we had visions of going in the water.  You can actually hear the traffic go over the bridge from the Alexia, it is a deep rumble and one couple last year insisted it was gunfire from Albania!!
On my arrival at the Alexia, the owner Alex came out to greet me - yes, he had remembered me from last year.  Del and Norma had arrived 2 hours before me, so I ran to greet them - what a welcome, I was home!
As is sometimes the case, there were a few changes.  The barmen from last year, Costas and George had left, to be replaced by another Costas.  He was a friendly young man, as we find all Greeks to be.
We were walking down to the supermarket at the crossroads, when we heard a cry coming from the Black Horse bar - this was 'our' Costas, the previous year's barman at the Alexia.  It was so good to see him and great he remembered us from last year.
Needless to say, we had many a good night in the Black Horse.  I have told you about the previous Costas, who died - so sad.  He was a lovely man.  George also came into the Black Horse, he is in the throes of starting a riding school, so the best of luck to him on his latest project.  He was busy handing out cards and leaflets, sadly he didn't have his horses there for us to have a ride on before we left.  There is always next time.......unless he has changed to something else by then, knowing him.....
He did come to the Alexia's Greek night (every Tuesday) to do his dance in the ring of fire after Alex and (new) Costas did theirs.  This was great as some others who had been the previous year had travelled up especially from Roda - a popular place, the Alexia.
At the end of our first week, Del and I were in the Black Horse (Norma was in bed with a sore throat) and I thought I was seeing things - a huge flash of lightning, followed by thunder!!  We did have some rain during the first week but this storm was like none I've ever seen before.  It started about 9pm and lasted at least 6 and a half hours, it was amazing.  This, of course, was our excuse to be 'stuck in the Black Horse'......along with another Alexia couple, Joyce and Colin.  Costas gave us a lift back to the hotel when he finished at 2:30, then we went into the Alexia bar - just to say hello, of course!!!  Norma heard the squeals of us racing to the bar as we went through 6 inch deep puddles.
At least the storm cleared the air for the rest of our holiday and each day after that just became warmer and warmer - bliss.  So I did manage to come home with a tan, although it is now  beginning to fade........aahhh!
After our experience with reps and excursions last year, we didn't attend the reps' welcome talk, we preferred to book our own excursions.  Princess Travel, down from the BP garage, are very reasonable.  They also have the best exchange rate that we know of.
We did the East Coast cruise, which was great.  Del and Norma also went on the boat trip to Corfu town and the Beach Barbeque - I had been on this last year and thoroughly enjoyed it, as did they.  Next time we fancy the trip to Kefalonia.  The trip to Paleokastritsa is fantastic also, by the way.......
Our favourite place to eat is the Three Little Pigs, where they break off from serving to do Greek dancing, ring of fire and plate smashing.  I see from the guestbook you were there the other night, I'm jealous!!!  We had been there last year and yes, they remembered us also.  Nicos, one of the waiters, had sat beside Del and Norma on the plane last year.  He had said he was going to become engaged - this year he is.  He has even invited us to his wedding in Corfu next March - gosh, we'd love to go but not sure about the cost of getting there out of season.  We do have accommodation arranged if we do manage to go - again at the Alexia.  Alex said we can stay there, really nice of him.
We had a very painful and poignant night (Sun 19th May) saying our goodbyes, before we left next day - we hate goodbyes at the best of times but this was like leaving our family.
I now have my photographs, copies sent to Del and Norma.  They sent me a copy of the video, so we can relive our holiday over and over.  We are looking forward to returning as soon as possible, we love Sidari and the people so much.
Once again, thanks for a fantastic site, which I love reading.  Thanks also for the mention of the Mimosa, we fancy going there next time as it is more central.  The Alexia is way up near Rebecca's Village, but on the main bus route - a couple of hundred yards or so from the Black Horse.  Thank you for taking the time to read this - I could actually go on forever about my love for Sidari and the feeling of homesickness I have for it, as you have found yourself.  I just hope it doesn't get too spoiled by the tourist industry, like Kavos did.

Regards
Sally
 
 
 

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