Mieke, Marrie, Caroline and Kit have arrived and sadly as we are without any decent sleeping accomadation yet they are staying in Limes at a village house of a friend (they don't live there). Lovely there, thinking would rather stay there ourselves ........ get away from cement dust. We are currently sleeping on sofa beds in the lounge as bedrooms are no go areas.
Job has started well went to Knossos yesterday, day off today and Spinalonga trip tomorrow. Serious hotel stuff next week.
House - they are 2nd coat plastering on some walls today and adding the concrete columns to the stairwell. The stairs have been poured and look great (or will do when the shuttering has been fully removed). We delayed the Electrician a week and he now starts again on monday so things are moving on. The place still looks like a Greek building site but I am assured that 'all is good'.
Friday 18 April 2008
Friday 11 April 2008
11th April 2008 Latest news
Corrine has been back in Uk on 1st Choice QC Training Course. Great course and starts work in Crete on Monday 14th April Really looking forward to it!
The house continues to evolve. The ground floor floors are concreted as are the old walls that required a new concrete wall for support and the rock walls are also concreted, the hole has been made to install the new stairway to connect the two floors and they will be making the reinforcing and poring the concrete next week. As this is in our bedroom not sure where we are sleeping when I get home. Martin has been working very hard to get the house finished and the Electrician starts on monday. Looking forward to seeing all the progress when I get home.
Our roof garden continues to florish and we will be planting out more of our seedlings this weekend.
1st visitors arrive on wednesday very exciting and we are looking forward to seeing you all over the summer.
The house continues to evolve. The ground floor floors are concreted as are the old walls that required a new concrete wall for support and the rock walls are also concreted, the hole has been made to install the new stairway to connect the two floors and they will be making the reinforcing and poring the concrete next week. As this is in our bedroom not sure where we are sleeping when I get home. Martin has been working very hard to get the house finished and the Electrician starts on monday. Looking forward to seeing all the progress when I get home.
Our roof garden continues to florish and we will be planting out more of our seedlings this weekend.
1st visitors arrive on wednesday very exciting and we are looking forward to seeing you all over the summer.
Archive .....
Thursday, 20 March 2008
Plumbing ....
Plumbing has started, very exciting! Weather here is fabulous, 26 degrees today and expected for rest of the week. Had a quick trip home last week to see Char & Thom and to try and get a job for the summer. Think have landed one with First Choice so thats great!Visitor list is growing, really looking forward to seeing you all here.
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 11:49
Tuesday, 4 March 2008
Hot work!
More rubble moving and very hot work! Another 2 lorry loads to get away tomorrow. We have had a labourer working with us this week so going a little faster. Very strong man named Basilis who works very hard. We have to ask him to rest so we can. Looking forward to his help tomorrow.The weather has been a treat for the last week, most days clear skies and temps in the 20's. Fantastic! Wood burner is cooling down and we can stop heating the water already.
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 10:29
Saturday, 1 March 2008
Furniture
Well its here! We met the container lorry and pickup truck at Neapolis cross roads and guided them in through Limes village as the lorry would not fit down our village road as it was to wide and to high. They had to park the lorry at the big church square, off load onto a pickup, drive it the next 200 meters, then off load again and bring it up our narrow slope of 50 meters. We have entertained the villagers for most of the day. We have had many older ladies, clad in all black passing our house today. The removal guys were stars! Kept good spirits throughout and earnt a well deserved tip. Even the lorry driver helped out, certainly not like the UK. 3 hours later it has filled the small bedroom, living room, dining room, front of our house, balcony, roof space, and our bedroom. We have packaging and boxes everywhere and no idea where to store everything until we have finished downstairs. Saying all that we are very pleased to see our things and will have dinner at our own table tonight for the furst time since 10th October 2007.Martin and I have continued to unpack and are amazed to report that the plants seem to have survived. We have shoots although pale, remind us of albino we definatley have life. The Daphne is in bud, quite amazing. Martin has watered and talked to them and heres hoping they recover fully.So far the main casualty has been our lovely comfy mattress which we have both been looking forward to arriving. It is wet along one edge from the condensation inside the container. Oh well if it wasn't for that the plants would have dried up.We will end today surrounded by chaos, exhausted but pleased with a good days work. The insurance claim starts monday.
Friday, 29 February 2008
News
Jalopy finally broke down, the head gasget and cam belt had to be replaced. This has taken 2 weeks but we picked the car up yesterday and all things crossed it is running well. We searched for another car but found it very difficult to find one at a good price.On wednesday we went to Iraklion to sign for the furniture container and to go to customs to prove our identities. The furniture arrives saturday morning.We have had a labourer here for the last 2 days with kango chopping rock away from downstairs so we straighten the wall up to be able to make a concrete wall for the stairs. Yes more rubble to move next week. What was an empty space is now filled again with dirt and stone.We have entered the Festival Season, we think this leads up to Clean Monday which is the beginning of Lent when the fasting begins. The towns hold street parties on sundays, this week it is our local town of Neapoli. We are looking forward to seeing the carnival. Last night our local Taverna held a bassouki evening. Jam packed full, great time was had by all. Needless to say we both have a sick note for work today as feeling a little worse for ware. We were up bright and early but I had to return to the sofa to nurse my head and get my balance. I have been murmuring to Martin the 'never again' speech however he has again refused to believe me. Why do men not suffer so badly with hangovers?
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 02:36
Friday, 22 February 2008
Rubble
Well we are about to start loading our 6th lorry load of rubble from the house tomorrow. So glad to get it away shall really be able to see where we are after that. Martin is busy rebuilding some of the internal walls while I keep shovelling. Will take some more pictures and try and show some befores and after.Furniture - well they tell us it has been loaded on ship for last leg of the journey from Athens and should be here next week. Must be taking the long route. Anyway we will believe it when we see it although hope so as we are running out of clothes. When we packed we brought with us enough for a 3 week trip. 3 months later and its all getting a little too familiar and the work clothes are looking worst for wear.
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 05:35
Sunday, 17 February 2008
Snow Thunder Lightning Hail Stones
WELL! Bad weather even for February. We have had a bad day even by UK standards. Thunderstorm above or roof, made house shake. Have loaded a few pics. Freezing cold and lightning storm been going on and off for past hour.
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 10:11
Sunday, 10 February 2008
The Tour Tickets are booked! On hold while we find out what winter and work might bring ...
We have booked our tickets and following advice and the desire to stay in Crete for the summer we now start our Noisey Tour at end of October. Here goes the list but of course there will be a few other plans along the way but below is the ticket we have booked.30th October leave London - DelhiLeave Bombay - Bangkok Bangkok (travel overland to) - Cambodia (travel overland to) - BangkokLeave Bangkok - Hong Kong Leave HK - Beijing Beijing - Xian (travel overland to) - Shanghi (travel overland to) - BeijingLeave Beijing - Sydney Leave Sydney - Alice Springs - Cairns - MelbourneLeave Melbourne - Honalulu (overland islands)Leave Honalulu - Los AngelesLeave LA - Las VegasLeave Las Vegas - New YorkLeave NY - London sometime in 2009We shall be in Thailand for Xmas and New Year - who would like to join us?As we will be in Crete for summer we would love visitors! Give us a ring before you book!
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 00:30
Saturday, 9 February 2008
Wet weekend in Crete
Pouring down. Some good news though we seemed to hve plugged some of the leaks.Still no furniture. DOH!
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 14:12
Tuesday, 5 February 2008
On our way home
We leave for home tomorrow morning. Had a great visit with Char and Thom. Char was very surprised as planned. We have enjoyed our brief visit and only sorry we couldn't meet up with all of you. Apologies to those we missed on this visit. See you all next time or of course see you in Crete.Still no furniture. There was a brief tease of delivery for monday however that has passed by and still not a stick has arrived. DOH! Back to work on thursday - more pictures to follow........
Thursday, 31 January 2008
Char is 21 yrs already
We have made a flying visit to UK to surprise Char for her birthday. We have had a lovely visit with her and Thom. Can't believe our baby got all grown up and is 21 years old already. Sorry not to let on we were coming but a surprise is a surprise. Also apologies to all those we don't get to visit with we have spent alot of time with kids and therefore not much Surrey time left.
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 09:50
Wednesday, 30 January 2008
More ...
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 00:04
Tuesday, 29 January 2008
Some pics
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 15:36
Friday, 25 January 2008
Busy busy busy
Busy clearing concrete that we have broken up from the floor and walls. Filled another truck load. Very heavy work! Worth it though. We probably have one more 'good' load left to take out of the house before we can look to concrete the floors. As soon as completely empty we can make a floor plan. We have lots of space although complicated by windows and drainage. The black tar and smoke damage is coming away with the old plaster and we are 'defacing' the stone without plaster so the new coat will take. Dirty work.Furniture is still in Athens ...... all we have to say about that!
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 08:35
Monday, 21 January 2008
Still waiting ....
Furniture still stuck getting quite frustrating now. Dispute still unresolved at the port, so we continue to wait.We have been lucky the weather here has been great. Min of showers and mostly bright sunny days with a top temp of 20 degrees. Went walking at the coast yesterday, lit a candle at a church set on rock by the sea.We are continuing to empty downstairs and have now filled 3 trucks and have approx 20 rubble bags filled and we are yet to start chipping the remaining plaster from the walls or taking down any of the openings. Working hard!
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 02:19
Wednesday, 16 January 2008
16th Jan
Our furniture container is still in Athens. The strikes have buried our stuff and the earliest it will arrive is 21st Jan 08. Happy Days .....Anyway I am the proud owner of a green wheel barrow. Already scratched and dented. We began clearing out the ground floor of our house. Very entertaining for the villagers. 2 truck loads taken to the tip (truck = UK skip) Both of us are pooped out! At least another 1 full load tomorrow and then probably more in the near future when we have chipped off the old plaster and racked out joints ready to redo. Uncovered many large holes in the stone work which Martin will have to fix quickly. Sophia (previous owner) was very sad to see it all cleared. Thinks that the contents could have value. All the old chaps told her no it's rubbish but she is still unhappy to see so many empty cans to be thrown away so Martin took some to her home for her to keep along with a 1960's door which is riddled with woodworm. Not sure of her what purpose she has but it cheered her up. When our PC arrives (in the container) we will start adding images of our progress. We were invited in by elderly neighbours Michelis and Eleni (Donkey Man Mike and wife) when we stopped last load. They live on the corner of our track. Home made Raki, freshly shelled hazelnuts and delcious home made cakes/biscuits soaked in honey and rolled in almonds. They are impressed by our work rate! After an hour and unusual communication Martin and I weaved and wobbled back up the hill home. We are starting to see why they drink so much Raki. It seems to help your joints or maybe if you have enough you can't feel the aches and pains. Anyway we had a great visit with them and was very interesting to see their house. A beautiful old fashioned home. A charming courtyard which has a kitchen, bathroom, workshop and living room (including sleeping area) all opening off separately. Beautiful flowers and outside oven and seating. Honored to be invited in. Will be consulting my books tonight to work out Greek for please visit our Spitti (house).We have also started planning trip and agent is working on our destinations. Final plan should be confirmed next week. Love to all! xx
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 07:07
Sunday, 13 January 2008
Waiting .....
for the shipping container. There has been some 'lightning' stikes at port which has trapped our furniture. We may see our things on the 16th however no one seems to be able to confirm as maybe further action. Greek govt seems to be determined to privatise the port authority, unions don't seem to agree. HoHum.First load of 'crap' being taken on 15th. Strong gloves, bicycle clips and a good torch at the ready! We will be loading truck ourselves. Knackered backds by 16th we expect.
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 06:43
Sunday, 6 January 2008
Back home
and when the furniture arrives sure it will feel like home.We had a great Xmas visit to the UK. Visiting with Char and Thom, staying with friends and seeing our families. Good fun! Martin sadly caught the UK's vomiting virus and lost Christmas Day however kids and their friends made my day very special. Now hooked on Champagne cocktails and having my Christmas lunch cooked for me! The food was delicious and the company delightful. Special mentions to Tim (Char's) and Pete who cooked up a superb meal! Wonder where we shall be for Christmas 2008? Back to Crete 30th Dec for a VERY wet and stormy new year. We have installed a wood burner so nice and cosy and we have started clearing out downstairs. What a mess, going to be quite a job just removing the rubbish. Hoping when its clear we can get a better hold on what to put where. We plan 3 more bedrooms and bathrooms, we shall see. Lots more features have been uncovered although some have sticky remains of fire on them from all those years of Raki distilling and meat smoking. Anyone got any hints on how to remove smoke tar from stone?The weather is clear and bright but turned cold at a min of 7 degrees. We should be back to 16 in a couple of days. Looking forward to that!It is Olive harvest time and the villagers are busy picking, storing and sending harvest to factories for process. One of our kindly neighbours bought us Oil and Raki and cakes. Delicious!The furniture is in Greece just not sure where. Rumour of delivery on the 10th. It's the 10th and still not here. DOH!
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 08:29
We both thank all Char and Thom, Family, Friends and Work colleagues for the great send offs you gave us. Neither wanted to leave our but thought asking for that much leave was just too much .......Ferries booked, Jalopy is packed however, Corrine is sick! May be the thought of the ferry journey. We now leave Blighty tomorrow.Our journey began with managing to catch the early ferry from Dover, Calais for 4pm the usual Noisey disagreement over Corrine's map reading and we arrived in Troyes 8.30pm for a lovely meal and a good rest. Hotel had secure parking and 4 stars. Out of season midweek cheap. Happy!Next stop Foyes just past Modena, Italy. Another great hotel. The journety through the Mount Blanc Tunnel and through France wnt without incident. Great scenery, views, roads! Italy wa a little hairy. Milan at rush hour - an experience. Think Martin may have Italian blood as he seems to match their driving technique - fast, furious and without fear. I however mostly sitting in passenger seat with hand over my eyes. He is not letting me drive often, something about wanting to get there this week and in one piece.Next stop Brindisi and the ferry to Patra, Greece. Passed without incident and caught the night crossing, Greece by morning. Great crossing, calm, quiet and slept most of it. Great to wake to sunshine on the water passing small islands as we go.Patra to Athens. Another easy journey although the drive through Athens to reach the port of Pireius was a little harrowing. We held our nerve and reached the port in time for the friday 7th Dec evening ferry. Crete for the morning.8th Dec 2007 - 6am Heraklion harbour. Jalopy has done a grand job!
Note from the Barkers -25 November, 2007After 25 years of following us around the globe, the Noisey's have suddenly turned the tables and are going to have us chase them for a while. Very clever of them to wait until we're too old and have a nipper in tow. Hmmm...almost sounds like a crafty escape plan to me.Fortunately for us, this blogging business is going to keep us clued in as to where they are and what they are getting up to. Watch this space with us and live vicariously through the Noisey's as they explore our amazing planet, taking loads of pictures and making frequent entries here, on the long road to Houmeriako and the "Roaring Forties".Of course, once settled, they will be under constant threat of unannounced visits by those of us who are unable to get enough of them through this blog. They will also be traveling with our very best wishes, and a warm bed (and a plate full of "Hotlinks") waiting for them on their return to the old country. How lucky we are to have friends who make it so hard to say goodbye. Bon Voyage!Tim, Jo & Remy Remster"No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other's worth." ~Robert Southey
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 04:07
Labels: Word from the Barkers
Tuesday, 20 November 2007
17th November
We had a fab time on saturday. Thank you all for making it a great night!
As you all now know we have many plans and we will keep you updated via email and this blog - so don't forget to save it.
Plumbing ....
Plumbing has started, very exciting! Weather here is fabulous, 26 degrees today and expected for rest of the week. Had a quick trip home last week to see Char & Thom and to try and get a job for the summer. Think have landed one with First Choice so thats great!Visitor list is growing, really looking forward to seeing you all here.
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 11:49
Tuesday, 4 March 2008
Hot work!
More rubble moving and very hot work! Another 2 lorry loads to get away tomorrow. We have had a labourer working with us this week so going a little faster. Very strong man named Basilis who works very hard. We have to ask him to rest so we can. Looking forward to his help tomorrow.The weather has been a treat for the last week, most days clear skies and temps in the 20's. Fantastic! Wood burner is cooling down and we can stop heating the water already.
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 10:29
Saturday, 1 March 2008
Furniture
Well its here! We met the container lorry and pickup truck at Neapolis cross roads and guided them in through Limes village as the lorry would not fit down our village road as it was to wide and to high. They had to park the lorry at the big church square, off load onto a pickup, drive it the next 200 meters, then off load again and bring it up our narrow slope of 50 meters. We have entertained the villagers for most of the day. We have had many older ladies, clad in all black passing our house today. The removal guys were stars! Kept good spirits throughout and earnt a well deserved tip. Even the lorry driver helped out, certainly not like the UK. 3 hours later it has filled the small bedroom, living room, dining room, front of our house, balcony, roof space, and our bedroom. We have packaging and boxes everywhere and no idea where to store everything until we have finished downstairs. Saying all that we are very pleased to see our things and will have dinner at our own table tonight for the furst time since 10th October 2007.Martin and I have continued to unpack and are amazed to report that the plants seem to have survived. We have shoots although pale, remind us of albino we definatley have life. The Daphne is in bud, quite amazing. Martin has watered and talked to them and heres hoping they recover fully.So far the main casualty has been our lovely comfy mattress which we have both been looking forward to arriving. It is wet along one edge from the condensation inside the container. Oh well if it wasn't for that the plants would have dried up.We will end today surrounded by chaos, exhausted but pleased with a good days work. The insurance claim starts monday.
Friday, 29 February 2008
News
Jalopy finally broke down, the head gasget and cam belt had to be replaced. This has taken 2 weeks but we picked the car up yesterday and all things crossed it is running well. We searched for another car but found it very difficult to find one at a good price.On wednesday we went to Iraklion to sign for the furniture container and to go to customs to prove our identities. The furniture arrives saturday morning.We have had a labourer here for the last 2 days with kango chopping rock away from downstairs so we straighten the wall up to be able to make a concrete wall for the stairs. Yes more rubble to move next week. What was an empty space is now filled again with dirt and stone.We have entered the Festival Season, we think this leads up to Clean Monday which is the beginning of Lent when the fasting begins. The towns hold street parties on sundays, this week it is our local town of Neapoli. We are looking forward to seeing the carnival. Last night our local Taverna held a bassouki evening. Jam packed full, great time was had by all. Needless to say we both have a sick note for work today as feeling a little worse for ware. We were up bright and early but I had to return to the sofa to nurse my head and get my balance. I have been murmuring to Martin the 'never again' speech however he has again refused to believe me. Why do men not suffer so badly with hangovers?
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 02:36
Friday, 22 February 2008
Rubble
Well we are about to start loading our 6th lorry load of rubble from the house tomorrow. So glad to get it away shall really be able to see where we are after that. Martin is busy rebuilding some of the internal walls while I keep shovelling. Will take some more pictures and try and show some befores and after.Furniture - well they tell us it has been loaded on ship for last leg of the journey from Athens and should be here next week. Must be taking the long route. Anyway we will believe it when we see it although hope so as we are running out of clothes. When we packed we brought with us enough for a 3 week trip. 3 months later and its all getting a little too familiar and the work clothes are looking worst for wear.
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 05:35
Sunday, 17 February 2008
Snow Thunder Lightning Hail Stones
WELL! Bad weather even for February. We have had a bad day even by UK standards. Thunderstorm above or roof, made house shake. Have loaded a few pics. Freezing cold and lightning storm been going on and off for past hour.
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 10:11
Sunday, 10 February 2008
The Tour Tickets are booked! On hold while we find out what winter and work might bring ...
We have booked our tickets and following advice and the desire to stay in Crete for the summer we now start our Noisey Tour at end of October. Here goes the list but of course there will be a few other plans along the way but below is the ticket we have booked.30th October leave London - DelhiLeave Bombay - Bangkok Bangkok (travel overland to) - Cambodia (travel overland to) - BangkokLeave Bangkok - Hong Kong Leave HK - Beijing Beijing - Xian (travel overland to) - Shanghi (travel overland to) - BeijingLeave Beijing - Sydney Leave Sydney - Alice Springs - Cairns - MelbourneLeave Melbourne - Honalulu (overland islands)Leave Honalulu - Los AngelesLeave LA - Las VegasLeave Las Vegas - New YorkLeave NY - London sometime in 2009We shall be in Thailand for Xmas and New Year - who would like to join us?As we will be in Crete for summer we would love visitors! Give us a ring before you book!
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 00:30
Saturday, 9 February 2008
Wet weekend in Crete
Pouring down. Some good news though we seemed to hve plugged some of the leaks.Still no furniture. DOH!
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 14:12
Tuesday, 5 February 2008
On our way home
We leave for home tomorrow morning. Had a great visit with Char and Thom. Char was very surprised as planned. We have enjoyed our brief visit and only sorry we couldn't meet up with all of you. Apologies to those we missed on this visit. See you all next time or of course see you in Crete.Still no furniture. There was a brief tease of delivery for monday however that has passed by and still not a stick has arrived. DOH! Back to work on thursday - more pictures to follow........
Thursday, 31 January 2008
Char is 21 yrs already
We have made a flying visit to UK to surprise Char for her birthday. We have had a lovely visit with her and Thom. Can't believe our baby got all grown up and is 21 years old already. Sorry not to let on we were coming but a surprise is a surprise. Also apologies to all those we don't get to visit with we have spent alot of time with kids and therefore not much Surrey time left.
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 09:50
Wednesday, 30 January 2008
More ...
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 00:04
Tuesday, 29 January 2008
Some pics
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 15:36
Friday, 25 January 2008
Busy busy busy
Busy clearing concrete that we have broken up from the floor and walls. Filled another truck load. Very heavy work! Worth it though. We probably have one more 'good' load left to take out of the house before we can look to concrete the floors. As soon as completely empty we can make a floor plan. We have lots of space although complicated by windows and drainage. The black tar and smoke damage is coming away with the old plaster and we are 'defacing' the stone without plaster so the new coat will take. Dirty work.Furniture is still in Athens ...... all we have to say about that!
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 08:35
Monday, 21 January 2008
Still waiting ....
Furniture still stuck getting quite frustrating now. Dispute still unresolved at the port, so we continue to wait.We have been lucky the weather here has been great. Min of showers and mostly bright sunny days with a top temp of 20 degrees. Went walking at the coast yesterday, lit a candle at a church set on rock by the sea.We are continuing to empty downstairs and have now filled 3 trucks and have approx 20 rubble bags filled and we are yet to start chipping the remaining plaster from the walls or taking down any of the openings. Working hard!
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 02:19
Wednesday, 16 January 2008
16th Jan
Our furniture container is still in Athens. The strikes have buried our stuff and the earliest it will arrive is 21st Jan 08. Happy Days .....Anyway I am the proud owner of a green wheel barrow. Already scratched and dented. We began clearing out the ground floor of our house. Very entertaining for the villagers. 2 truck loads taken to the tip (truck = UK skip) Both of us are pooped out! At least another 1 full load tomorrow and then probably more in the near future when we have chipped off the old plaster and racked out joints ready to redo. Uncovered many large holes in the stone work which Martin will have to fix quickly. Sophia (previous owner) was very sad to see it all cleared. Thinks that the contents could have value. All the old chaps told her no it's rubbish but she is still unhappy to see so many empty cans to be thrown away so Martin took some to her home for her to keep along with a 1960's door which is riddled with woodworm. Not sure of her what purpose she has but it cheered her up. When our PC arrives (in the container) we will start adding images of our progress. We were invited in by elderly neighbours Michelis and Eleni (Donkey Man Mike and wife) when we stopped last load. They live on the corner of our track. Home made Raki, freshly shelled hazelnuts and delcious home made cakes/biscuits soaked in honey and rolled in almonds. They are impressed by our work rate! After an hour and unusual communication Martin and I weaved and wobbled back up the hill home. We are starting to see why they drink so much Raki. It seems to help your joints or maybe if you have enough you can't feel the aches and pains. Anyway we had a great visit with them and was very interesting to see their house. A beautiful old fashioned home. A charming courtyard which has a kitchen, bathroom, workshop and living room (including sleeping area) all opening off separately. Beautiful flowers and outside oven and seating. Honored to be invited in. Will be consulting my books tonight to work out Greek for please visit our Spitti (house).We have also started planning trip and agent is working on our destinations. Final plan should be confirmed next week. Love to all! xx
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 07:07
Sunday, 13 January 2008
Waiting .....
for the shipping container. There has been some 'lightning' stikes at port which has trapped our furniture. We may see our things on the 16th however no one seems to be able to confirm as maybe further action. Greek govt seems to be determined to privatise the port authority, unions don't seem to agree. HoHum.First load of 'crap' being taken on 15th. Strong gloves, bicycle clips and a good torch at the ready! We will be loading truck ourselves. Knackered backds by 16th we expect.
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 06:43
Sunday, 6 January 2008
Back home
and when the furniture arrives sure it will feel like home.We had a great Xmas visit to the UK. Visiting with Char and Thom, staying with friends and seeing our families. Good fun! Martin sadly caught the UK's vomiting virus and lost Christmas Day however kids and their friends made my day very special. Now hooked on Champagne cocktails and having my Christmas lunch cooked for me! The food was delicious and the company delightful. Special mentions to Tim (Char's) and Pete who cooked up a superb meal! Wonder where we shall be for Christmas 2008? Back to Crete 30th Dec for a VERY wet and stormy new year. We have installed a wood burner so nice and cosy and we have started clearing out downstairs. What a mess, going to be quite a job just removing the rubbish. Hoping when its clear we can get a better hold on what to put where. We plan 3 more bedrooms and bathrooms, we shall see. Lots more features have been uncovered although some have sticky remains of fire on them from all those years of Raki distilling and meat smoking. Anyone got any hints on how to remove smoke tar from stone?The weather is clear and bright but turned cold at a min of 7 degrees. We should be back to 16 in a couple of days. Looking forward to that!It is Olive harvest time and the villagers are busy picking, storing and sending harvest to factories for process. One of our kindly neighbours bought us Oil and Raki and cakes. Delicious!The furniture is in Greece just not sure where. Rumour of delivery on the 10th. It's the 10th and still not here. DOH!
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 08:29
We both thank all Char and Thom, Family, Friends and Work colleagues for the great send offs you gave us. Neither wanted to leave our but thought asking for that much leave was just too much .......Ferries booked, Jalopy is packed however, Corrine is sick! May be the thought of the ferry journey. We now leave Blighty tomorrow.Our journey began with managing to catch the early ferry from Dover, Calais for 4pm the usual Noisey disagreement over Corrine's map reading and we arrived in Troyes 8.30pm for a lovely meal and a good rest. Hotel had secure parking and 4 stars. Out of season midweek cheap. Happy!Next stop Foyes just past Modena, Italy. Another great hotel. The journety through the Mount Blanc Tunnel and through France wnt without incident. Great scenery, views, roads! Italy wa a little hairy. Milan at rush hour - an experience. Think Martin may have Italian blood as he seems to match their driving technique - fast, furious and without fear. I however mostly sitting in passenger seat with hand over my eyes. He is not letting me drive often, something about wanting to get there this week and in one piece.Next stop Brindisi and the ferry to Patra, Greece. Passed without incident and caught the night crossing, Greece by morning. Great crossing, calm, quiet and slept most of it. Great to wake to sunshine on the water passing small islands as we go.Patra to Athens. Another easy journey although the drive through Athens to reach the port of Pireius was a little harrowing. We held our nerve and reached the port in time for the friday 7th Dec evening ferry. Crete for the morning.8th Dec 2007 - 6am Heraklion harbour. Jalopy has done a grand job!
Note from the Barkers -25 November, 2007After 25 years of following us around the globe, the Noisey's have suddenly turned the tables and are going to have us chase them for a while. Very clever of them to wait until we're too old and have a nipper in tow. Hmmm...almost sounds like a crafty escape plan to me.Fortunately for us, this blogging business is going to keep us clued in as to where they are and what they are getting up to. Watch this space with us and live vicariously through the Noisey's as they explore our amazing planet, taking loads of pictures and making frequent entries here, on the long road to Houmeriako and the "Roaring Forties".Of course, once settled, they will be under constant threat of unannounced visits by those of us who are unable to get enough of them through this blog. They will also be traveling with our very best wishes, and a warm bed (and a plate full of "Hotlinks") waiting for them on their return to the old country. How lucky we are to have friends who make it so hard to say goodbye. Bon Voyage!Tim, Jo & Remy Remster"No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other's worth." ~Robert Southey
Posted by Noisey's Tour at 04:07
Labels: Word from the Barkers
Tuesday, 20 November 2007
17th November
We had a fab time on saturday. Thank you all for making it a great night!
As you all now know we have many plans and we will keep you updated via email and this blog - so don't forget to save it.
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