Shortieweb

Server Problems

Tue, 22 May 2012 10:55:00 +0000

If you don't see an update one day it is because my host server is updating the service. I had loads of problems publshing yesterday and I suppose I will have the same today, but it should only be for a couple of days and I'll do my best to keep you informed.
Giannis and I have a gig tonight at Planet bar Tsilivi, but there arn't many coming our way and from what we hear everyone else is the same.
The resorts are extremely quiet compared to last year, most bars and restaurants have around 4-5 people in most evenings.
The Aykanas Village seem to be managing to keep more people in than usual, especially football night! the bars were relativley empty for the Champions League Final, a game that would have filled most bars a year ago, and the bar owners are worrying. We are all hoping it will pick up. Alykes looks a little busier than Alykanas. I think it is a sign of what is to come when the Village goes AI.
I did my bit yesteday and got totally hammered in the Cuba bar after work!! bad move when I'm singing tonight, I feel like I've been punched in the throat.
Nickos had us in fits of laughter doing impressions of Pikey Mike. A Greek doing a Welsh accent is amazing!! Bless.
Against all forecasters predictions, today is a lovely hot sunny day, a little windy, so definatley a Mill Bar day! I wish!!
The Exchange rate is up a bit today in the resorts.1.18 a little better.
Well, I am going to see if this will print and do a little cooking.

Yesterdays Weather - Overcast most of the day, but warm! No! Hot and Muggy. 27 degs
Exchange rate in the resorts - 1.18e.
ATM Watch - All working and operational
Mossie Watch - Not bad at the moment, but I still recommend you pack the protection

Note - Also, please remember to bring your EHIC card and read our advise on our "Coming here on holiday" Page.

Note - Please do not take any notice of the scaremongering about the Euro bailout at the momment. The transition will take months probably a year! not over night, and why would you believe that you cant change Euros to whatever the new currency will be! Do you think that Greece will not accept the Euro. No! The whole thing is rediculous.

Enjoy your well earned holiday and leave the worring to the politicians!

Note - Another thing! please bring sun lotion and creams with you. You will pay up to 20 euros for sun lotion here. Tesco or Asda must be better.

Weather or not?

Mon, 21 May 2012 07:35:00 +0000

The forecasts are totally conflicting at the momment. The 2 I trust in are both saying the opposite. They had us believe that we are in for a heatwave this week but now a change has come.
Meteo, I rely upon for the next 3 days, as for short term forecasting they seem to be the best and they are forecasting nothing but cloud, storms and rain. For overall forecasting I use Accuweather, and they forecast sunshine all week with a little cloud and the chance of a shower on Thursday.
I want believe Accuweather, but!!! Anyway, keep an eye on our weather page, you have 6 to choose from!
A new restaurant opened this week. I think it is called Ellathi and is a Mezethopolio. It is on the beach road opposite Cuba bar, just passed Scandals on the left going towards the beach. It was the old Chindian. I have heard nothing about it yet, but it is good to see another occupied old building.

if you have tried it, please let us know a little about it.

The beach was quiet yesterday. A massive changeover day. Loads going home, let's hope plenty are coming in. 12.30 here outside the Valais and only about 3 sunbeds occupied. This is my favourite spot on Alykanas beach now, Just love it. Not had any time to ourselves as yet and still as white as sheets, but out time will come!

Well! we have to go to town, fridge shopping again. It's a long story, but the fridge we bought doesn't work and we have thrown away copious amounts of food. The problem is that it is Indepenence day here and a bank holiday, so unlike the UK, not much is open.

Speak soon. Shortie

The Cosy Special Yesterday - Sunday Roast Dinner

The weather this morning, well, it's a little overcast but warm and the sun is trying to get
through.

Yesterdays Weather - Hot and Sunny. but clouding over later in the evening. Hitting 27 degs in the afternoon
Exchange rate in the resorts - 1.16e.
ATM Watch - All working and operational

Note - Although not as bad, the Mossies are biting. Please bring protection so that your holiday will not be spoiled by the little blighters.

Note - Also, please remember to bring your EHIC card and read our advise on our "Coming here on holiday" Page.

Enjoy your well earned holiday and leave the worring to the politicians!

Note - Another thing! please bring sun lotion and creams with you. You will pay up to 20 euros for sun lotion here. Tesco or Asda must be better.

Happy as a pig in ****

Sun, 20 May 2012 21:05:00 +0000

Those who know me, know why I am so happy this morning. I've been a chelsea fan since 8 years old and was lucky enough to see Chelsea in the FA cup final in 1970 which was drawn against the strongest team in the country at the time, Leeds Utd and we went on to the replay at Old Trafford to win.
A year later Chelsea went on to win the European Cup Winners Cup agsinst Real Madrid. Fantastic memories and although we have won numerous cups recently, after years of drought, this was the one that I wanted. Now finally we are Champions of Europe.

We closed the Cosy Corner to watch the game last night and it was worth it.
Anyway, it's Sunday again, already, and i have quite a bit of cooking to do. Not too hungover, but we did stay for a drink, Andrew had to get up for the breakfast shift! but he's young! and he can sleep this afternoon.
We have a few people coming in from shortieweb today and over the next few days, so that's good.
Also, we had the first people in the Venus the other day and more arriving this week as the season progresses.
Tomorrow is Independance day here and a bank holiday to celebrate. I've had my phone cut off because I didn't get to the town to pay my bill! so I am without it until Tuesday at least. Quite nice really!
It is a little cloudy this morning, but not enough to block the sunshine and it is predicted that this day is the start of a mini heatwave. We'll see.
Right, i'm off to it. Speak to some of you this evening on the Chatroom. See you there.

Yesterdays Weather - Hot and Sunny. Hitting 28 degs in the afternoon
Exchange rate in the resorts - 1.16e.
ATM Watch - All working and operational

Note - Although not as bad, the Mossies are biting. Please bring protection so that your holiday will not be spoiled by the little blighters.

Note - Also, please remember to bring your EHIC card and read our advise on our "Coming here on holiday" Page.

Enjoy your well earned holiday and leave the worring to the politicians!

Note - Another thing! please bring sun lotion and creams with you. You will pay up to 20 euros for sun lotion here. Tesco or Asda must be better.

Surprise, Surprise.

Sat, 19 May 2012 07:35:00 +0000

What a little character Corey is and a lovely family too.
We had a second surprise visit. A VIP TV personality too>
All the way from a small UK village. We couldn't believe our eyes when we saw him enter the restaurant. Privaliged or what!
All the people eating in the Cosy were agog, wondering, "is it really him?"
Well, it was. his first trip to Zante and he's heard how good the Cosy Corner really is.
Yes! all the way from Crinkly Bottom, Mr Blobby!!
He caused mayhem inside the restaurant. But the kids just loved him.
Thanks for coming to see us Blobby! He told us that he liked here so much he would be back. Soon.

Cosy Special Yesterday - Grimsby Cod, Homemade Chips & Mushy Peas. By the way, it isn't a small piece of Cod, it is a slice of one of the giant lemons off our tree.

Yesterdays Weather - Hot and Sunny. Hitting 27 degs in the afternoon
Exchange rate in the resorts - 1.16e.
ATM Watch - At last, all working and operational

Note - Although not as bad, the Mossies are biting. Please bring protection so that your holiday will not be spoiled by the little blighters.

Note - Also, please remember to bring your EHIC card and read our advise on our "Coming here on holiday" Page.

Note - Please do not take any notice of the scaremongering about the Euro bailout at the momment. The transition will take months probably a year! not over night, and why would you believe that you cant change Euros to whatever the new currency will be! Do you think that Greece will not accept the Euro. No! The whole thing is rediculous.

Enjoy your well earned holiday and leave the worring to the politicians!

Note - Another thing! please bring sun lotion and creams with you. You will pay up to 20 euros for sun lotion here. Tesco or Asda must be better.

That's better

Fri, 18 May 2012 06:40:00 +0000

That big yellow thing is back in the sky and it's making me smile.
There,s a little breeze but the forecast is a mini heatwave over the next week or so and then we will hopefully be moving into that dry, hot zone! Bring it on!!!

Yesterday was a horrible cold and windy day again and it was the first time we had to put the heaters on!! I hope it's the last too. Only good thing is there are no mossies about!

Hi to Brian and Nellie who got here 2 days ago. Great to see you both. And sadly, bye to mitch and Ian who I think are back later in the year.
Many are not coming out this year because of the financial state of everything, everywhere, however, many are realising how important their holiday is to them and they are stretching their pockets and finding ways to get their all important holiday and lovely to see them it is.

Polly pocket, Pat and Andy. Great couple who we will remember dearly left yesterday and a couple they met here and bonded with for the duration of the holiday, Lawrence and his good lady, who have been good customers at the Cosy for as long as we've been open. Sad to see them go. Some people become part of the furniture!

Sorry i missed you guys yesterday and I cant believe you have gone already! Hayley, Lee and the girls are a special family and it is always good to see them. Hayley loves giving me a load of stick, but water off a ducks back!! Hope to see you again soon guys. I felt for you, with the weather on your last couple of days, but I know you wouldn't let it spoil your holiday. Speak soon.
I cant believe the stats for the webcam!
2 days ago we had over 600 hits form various locations. I will try to improve it and I am waiting for our electrician to set a a connection so I can re-locate it showing a little more of what is happening. A few using the chatroom, c'mon, don't be shy, get on there and say hi! have a chat with other members. You have things in common to chat about you know.

Cosy Special last night - American pulled pork. Marinated for 10 hours then slow roasted for 12 hours, this delicious hand of local Pork is served with a section of the crispy marinated cracklin, and a handful of the tender soft pork, pulled from the bone, with homemade BBQ sauce, or spicey yoghurt salsa, Chips & Salad and pitta bread or wraps

Yesterdays Weather - Cold, very cold and wet. Bloody horrible and 22 degs!!
Exchange rate in the resorts - 1.16e.
ATM Watch - Still 3 out of 4 working. Waiting for Alykes car Rental Alykanas

Although not as bad, the Mossies are biting. Please bring protection so that your holiday will not be spoiled by the little blighters.

Also, please remember to bring your EHIC card and read our advise on our "Coming here on holiday" Page.

Please do not take any notice of the scaremongering about the Euro bailout at the momment. The transition will take months probably a year! not over night, and why would you believe that you cant change Euros to whatever the new currency will be! Do you think that Greece will not accept the Euro. No! The whole thing is rediculous.

Enjoy your well earned holiday and leave the worring to the politicians!

Another thing! please bring sun lotion and creams with you. You will pay up to 20 euros for sun lotion here. Tesco or Asda must be better.

Chatroom

Thu, 17 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

It was great to see people using the Chatroom yesterday. I never managed to get on there as after playing with 2Short the other night my staff kindly sold all the food and left me with a hell of a days cooking, not complaining mind, nice to be busy, but we had a midweek roast as well and with the other work I never got out of the kitchen until late and then it was out shopping for more goods. It was about 10pm before I managed to get out the front, leaving Jules struggling practically on her own with the place nearly full, but she got through it.
So! I never got on the chatroom until late and then everyone had finished talking, but anyway, that is what it is there for, you, not me, but I will try to be available most evenings to answer any questions or just to say hi. Don't forget the time difference though.
Very sad. A dead Loggerhead Turtle was washed up on Alykanas beach yesterday. I never saw it but I have seena photo or two. The botanists were on the beach with it but nobody knows what happened to it yet. Apparently it didn't seem to be damaged in any way. So sad, I have yet still to see a turtle on the island! but I'm glad I didn't see this one.
Some sad goodbyes yesterday. It has started already!
Pat (Polly Pocket) and Andy leave today after 2 weeks that seem to have gone so quickly.
Mitch and Ian, back again and great to see this lovely couple.
A little warning!
I was shocked to hear this yesterday. As you know if you read my blog, the weather was terrible the day before yesterday. Windy, cold and rainy! The sea was rough as hell and obviously the beach was empty, all water sports closed and boat trips cancelled!
Well you'd like to think so! Except the Shipwreck boat trip organised by the big holiday company here that I won't name!!! but you probably know who it is!
Greed obviously has set in! they took a boat of what I have been told was about 150 passengers on the trip which would normally be cancelled in those conditions. the ones we spoke to said it was horrible and that there was no way you could enjoy it. The sea was rough and some were feeling sick and it was freezing cold and wet.
I've never heard this before. Usually notice would be given and the trip cancelled, but 150 people at the moment is a lot of money.
Please, if you book a trip like this, ask if you have the right to cancel or if they will cancel for you in the event of poor weather and ask if your money will be refunded.
Always check prices of excursions against those of the local tour operators as sometimes you can pay well over the top through your holiday company. The same goes for things like car hire.
I am wondering if the reps here are warning people not to take ice with their drinks! There are unusually large amounts of people refusing ice and sternly too as if you are offering them poison or something.
As far as I know most of the bars and restaurants here use ice companies that use treated water and the rest like us make our own form treated spring water. I thought that I would let you know as on a hot day there is nothing like an ice chilled drink, it's part of the holiday thing! so, take no notice of this nonsense and enjoy.
As far as profit goes, you get the same amount of alcohol, ice or not, in your drink and we use cans for soft drinks so you get a full can, so no rip off either. All mixers are free with your spirit except things like Red Bull of which you will receive the can. Cant be fairer than that.
Anyway, we are heading into an overcast day, it may brighten up a bit but we'll see. Over the next 2 weeks the forecast looks good with the odd day of maybe showers and a little cloud but all in all, good and sunny.

Yesterdays Weather - Some sun, some cloud and a little cooler especially in the evening. 25 degs
Exchange rate in the resorts - 1.16e.
ATM Watch - Still 3 out of 4 working. Waiting for Alykes car Rental Alykanas

Although not as bad, the Mossies are still biting. Please bring protection so that your holiday will not be spoiled by the little blighters.

Also, please remember to bring your EHIC card and read our advise on our "Coming here on holiday" Page.

Another thing! please bring sun lotion and creams with you. You will pay up to 20 euros for sun lotion here. Tesco or Asda must be better.

First one out of the way

Wed, 16 May 2012 07:25:00 +0000

Gig that is. I'm a bit croaky this morning though. It's beena while since I have sang that much. I think the last time was Bandzaid and then we only done a few songs. We were a bit worried as we hadn't played or practiced for a while but it all came back to us and we had a good time.
A very quiet Kalamaki spared us an audience that we thought we may not get so all went well.
Tsilivi was dead when I passed through it last night. I've seen more people about in the winter there, however, it was early. It is quite frightening when you see the affect that the recession has had on the island, but I don't suppose we are alone, I would imagine most of Europe is suffering too, but the devastating affect the All Inclusive hotels have had in these areas has absolutely killed these resorts. The holiday months are nw squeezed into 4 and then the fight for the little custom means all bars and restaurants are struggling to survive. I spoke to at 2 bar owners in Tsilivi last night who told me they will not open next year and they are the only 2 that I bumped into!
Shame. AI is like a Cancer. It killed Spain and now is destroying Greece too.

If only you could hear that last piccie. Giannis, still on form rattles out his island famous Freebird solo without a hitch! great stuff. My god I need a haircut!!!
Yesterday we introduced our new Burger, The Rueben Burger. And delicious it is too if I do say so myself.

2 handmade burgers mustard topped,, 1/4lb of warm homemade salt beef, a medley of grilled mushroom, green peppers and onions, 2 slices of American Cheese topped with our house burger sauce! "Top Bombing" as Big Dave would say!
I missed the arrival of two regulars who have been every year since opening and I hope many yet.
Brian and Nellie, bless have become part of the Cosy Calendar and I always enjoy seeing them. Brian always smiling. Maybe I'll see them tonight. Picture to follow.
Anyway, I won't keep you any longer, I'll be looking out for you on the chatroom tonight while I'm working. please be patient though, I have to work in between but I do watch the screen everytime I pass.

Yesterdays Weather - Not too bad. Cloudy with sunny spells and a little rain last night. 25 degs in the afternoon. As you can see by the piccie, better at the momment.
Exchange rate in the resorts - 1.16e.
ATM Watch - 3 out of 4 working. Waiting for Alykes car Rental Alykanas

Although not as bad, the Mossies are still biting. Please bring protection so that your holiday will not be spoiled by the little blighters.

Also, please remember to bring your EHIC card and read our advise on our "Coming here on holiday" Page.

Enjoy your well earned holiday and leave the worring to the politicians!

Another thing! please bring sun lotion and creams with you. You will pay up to 20 euros for sun lotion here. Tesco or Asda must be better.

Wet, cold and rainy!

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:15:00 +0000

What a change! 31 degs 2 days ago now it feels bloody freezin'. The forecast is showing change tomorrow though, although hot and sunny, not quite as hot as it has been, but typical May stuff and that's good news anyway.
If you hear any stuff about the collapse of the euro and all the caution, take no notice. It will affect me long before you and I'm not frightened. We'll worry when or if it happens.
Anyway, the webcam is working properly now! hooray, i just need you lot to use the chatroom a little more. I will try to get on there when I'm here and most mornings when I'm doing my paperwork. Over 200 people logged onto the page yesterday and only 3 people used it. Just say hi and wait, or contact someone to join in a chat by message! I don't know! all I can tell you is that once it starts you will enjoy it.
At last. They are filling the Alykanas ATM as I type. I'm not sure when the other ATM'swill be working but it should be soon and you'll be the first to know.

The T-Rex challenge starts officially next week with a few changes, well, one change actually.
We are introducing a second challenge. We noticed that some were going for the challenge and fallingat the hurdles. I've seen a guy eat 80% of the meal in 10 minutes and then stop for a rest and that was it! many people can eat lots fast but hit the wall. So we've decided to sell the T-Rex on it's own as a challenge. No chips and no fried eggs.
If you eat it all it is free! The catch is that you have to eat it all in 20 minutes instad of 40 minutes as with it's big brother!
So! we now have the T-Rex challenge! and the new T-Rex fast and furious challenge.
If you fancy a try, let me know.
Giannis and I have our first gig tonight in Revelry Rock Bar in Kalamaki. We've only practiced once in the winter, but we feel confident that we'll be OK.
Right, OK, Just heard that the new ATM in Alykes is now working at Alykes car rentals, so 3 working and the other one apparently imminent.
Well, it's the kitchen for me! loads of cooking and prep before i go to Kalamaki.

Yesterdays Weather - cold, cloudy and rainy. 24 degs n the afternoon, cardigans from 6pm
Exchange rate in the resorts - 1.16e.
ATM Watch - 3 out of 4 working. Waiting for Alykes car Rental Alykanas

Although not as bad, the Mossies are still biting. Please bring protection so that your holiday will not be spoiled by the little blighters.

Also, please remember to bring your EHIC card and read our advise on our "Coming here on holiday" Page.

Anoter thing! please bring sun lotion and creams with you. You will pay up to 20 euros for sun lotion here. Tesco or Asda must be better.

Webcam-ish

Mon, 14 May 2012 08:25:00 +0000

Monday again and we should go shopping at Lidl! but no thanks. Every Monday it is packed with business owners buying cheap water and soft drinks! We'll leave it a couple of days and pay a bit more for it.
Very busy yesterday, Sunday roast, over 100 this early in the season is good but we had a fairly quiet Saturday and I think we can expect a quieter one tonight so it evens out a bit.
The police were out in force the other night, just to try to make it a little harder for everyone eh! no, really i think they just like to let everyone know they are there at the beginning of the season, fair play I suppose, but they did dish out a couple of tickets, so we all know nothing has changed this year and we must behave ourselves.

Hayley, Lee and the girls were in after watching their team City take the Premier League title so they were in good spirit. I knew I would get another chance to get a picture.
The weather is a little overcast this morning, but last night!! Mate! it was so hot! 25 degs at 10pm! in May! ouch, not ready for it yet.
The webcam is working again. You will see a picture on the Chat & Webcam page but it will not refresh yet. I have my expert working on it to see if he can make it happen! The problem is that the software that I use doesn't support auto refreshing and I have'nt a live feed facility so it may go back to the same as last year yet. However, you can refresh the picture yourself. Just right click on the picture, then click This frame, and then click reload frame.
Anyway, i hope we will sort it soon.

Yesterdays Weather - Hot sunny with a little bit of cloud, reaching 31 degs
Exchange rate in the resorts - 1.16e.
ATM Watch - Montes Alykes working onlystill

Note!! - 2 new ATM's have been fitted in the area. 1 in Alykanas and 1 in Alykes, both at the Alykes Car rental office. The owner believes that these machines will be filled this week, however, i contacted the bank and they cannot give a definate date but confirmed that they will be filled shortly.

Although not as bad, the Mossies are still biting. Please bring protection so that your holiday will not be spoiled by the little blighters.

Also, please remember to bring your EHIC card and read our advise on our "Coming here on holiday" Page.

Cant believe it's May

Sun, 13 May 2012 07:30:00 +0000

The weather is outstanding and the temps at night are good too. I know I keep harping on about it but we cant believe how nice it is and although the forecasters keep telling us, rain and storms nothing has happened yet.
Giannis and I have our first gig Tuesday at the new Rock Bar in Kalamaki, Revelry. We haven't practiced and we haven't played with the band much this winter, so it will be a good run out and a test for the old tonsils! (and the memory).

Going this morning we have Liliie and her Mum and Dad and behind them is Graham with his daughter Nicola and Grandaughter Odell.
On the right is Lynn and Pete. Pete is a right character, dry as hell and really funny. Pete used to be Roadie for Wayne Fontana, so he is famous as far as I am concerned. Bless.
I hope to have the webcam up and running today or tomorrow, just waiting for the electician to fit me a lead.
The new waterpark or splashpark is a big hit with families at the Alykanas Village. The only complaint we have heard, is that one of the features is a little dangerous, I don't know why or what, but maybe it is nothing. I will try to find out. The whole place has been refurbished and although I haven't seen it yet, apparently it is very nice.
We have Hayley, Lee and the girls over at the moment and I failed to get a picture of them the day they arrived but I'm sure we'll get them next time they are in. Thanks for the stuff Hayley.
Well, that controversial Sunday roast day again. Plenty of bookings this week so I have to get cooking and prepping.

Yesterdays Weather - Hot sunny with a little bit of cloud, reaching 30 degs
Exchange rate in the resorts - 1.16e.
ATM Watch - Montes Alykes working onlystill

Note!! - 2 new ATM's have been fitted in the area. 1 in Alykanas and 1 in Alykes, both at the Alykes Car rental office. The owner believes that these machines will be filled next week, however, i contacted the bank and they cannot give a definate date but confirmed that they will be filled shortly.

Please be warned. Because of the heat at the moment, Mosquito's are a problem in the evenings. If you wear mossie deterrents they will not affect you, and believe me it is worth it. Don't let a few Mossie's spoil your holiday.

Also, please remember to bring your E111 or whatever it is called now and read our advise on our "Coming here on holiday" Page.