Arillas Forum
Welcome to Arillas => Arillas general information => Topic started by: NickBoardman on June 18, 2015, 12:58:44 AM
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Never sure whether things like this are true or just scare mongering. I always take cash anyway.
http://money.aol.co.uk/2015/06/17/greece-travellers-must-take-cash/
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Scare Mongering and absolute PIFFLE!!
Thanks Nick , for bringing it to our attention. These "Doom n Gloom" boys , in my opinion, go far out of their depth more than often.
Hmmm? - A travel expert at Money Super Market says "Ensure you take cash" - I just wonder if he is the same guy that does the ads?
Negg
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Scare Mongering and absolute PIFFLE!!
Thanks Nick , for bringing it to our attention. These "Doom n Gloom" boys , in my opinion, go far out of their depth more than often.
Hmmm? - A travel expert at Money Super Market says "Ensure you take cash" - I just wonder if he is the same guy that does the ads?
Negg
It wouldn't surprise me Negg if it was the same guy! I think the top nations are worried that Greece will show that they can cope alone!
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I think its very important to take extra cash in the current climate. Nobody knows what will happen whether its scare mongering of fact. I always keep a minimum of €500 and top up when I pass a cash machine that is working. Its a fact that the ATM's may not have cash in them. Cash is king when there is a possible crisis.
I have ordered extra cash today and I will try to make sure I will always have between €700 to € 1000 at hand. I suppose I can do this because I am returning in September and even after that holiday I will have some left for the following year. They can always be changed to drachma's.
The most important thing is to keep going to Greece.
I don't think that all of the articles below can all be "piffle"
http://www.mirror.co.uk/money/take-cash-greece-post-office-5899459
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3127221/Warning-British-tourists-Greece-nears-bankruptcy-Holidaymakers-warned-cash-incase-cash-machines-switched-off.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/11566983/Holidaymakers-warned-to-take-cash-to-Greece-amid-financial-collapse-fears.html
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Travel-g189398-s601/Greece:Banks.And.Money.html
http://www.express.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/577227/British-holidaymakers-issued-fresh-warnings-over-risky-travel-to-cash-strapped-Greece
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I have to agree with Terry W .It would be no help running out of cash and then saying maybe it was not scaremongering after all!Remember that there are always safety deposit boxes available.
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I'm afraid I agree that cash will be king. It's unlikely that Greece will pull out of the Euro before the end of the summer, but a run on the banks is always possible. With favourable exchange rates at the moment it seems to make sense to me.
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would I be better taking sterling or euros though?
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we normally take both, but maybe it won't be so easy to exchange???
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Jo, we take the bulk of what we normally spend in euros, we take a fair amount of sterling as well....we call this our "just in case money" ha ha.
The exchange rate has been so good lately that this year we have bought more euros to also cover our October visit. I think the problems that are envisaged will only effect those relying on cash machines as they might not be filled on a regular basis.
It would take quite a long time for Greece to exit the Euro Monetary Fund and go back to the Drachma.
Val x
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Euros apparently as the banks may start limiting the amount people can withdraw and that his why ATMs may be closed or limited.
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I agree with Terry cash will be the safest option this summer,it maybe scaremongering but if enough people listen then a run on the Greek banks might be indefatable just like Cyprus. Remember if like me, this is your hard worked for family holiday why take a chance on it being spoilt or the worry of what if whilst you are there. I for one will being taking my money in euro's, so I can enjoy relax in my favourite place and spend it in the local economy. Being an old scout nothing with being prepared.
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Scare Mongering and absolute PIFFLE!!
Hmmm? - A travel expert at Money Super Market says "Ensure you take cash" - I just wonder if he is the same guy that does the ads?
Negg
I"m not a financial expert and I do not watch the news or read newspapers for the last few years....
If I were a UK bank I would advise all uk travelers to change their sterlins in to euros in the Uk not in Greece.... the profit of the exchange rate is staying in the country's bank. If you all take sterlings abroad and have them exchanged there.... then theprofit is on the Greek (eurozone) bank.
The sterlin would be getting weaker if a lot of pounds goes abroad and vice versa.
That's a roole we learned at school when I was about 17 years old... just a thought. perhaps today's economics have changed.
Never the less, Greece remains one of the safest and full of hospitality countries in the world.! With or with out cash you are going to have a great time especialy in Arillas.....
If you ever run out of money you can always pay us later or next year. I'm sure some of you have done it allready in teh past.
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I agree with Chezpil - better to be safe than sorry. We had intended to take plenty anyway as the Euro has had such a good rate we have been buying some every month in preparation.
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I'll take the time to read those articles, around the end of October , Terry. (Not sure which year though!)
When the last big "scare" was going on , around April/May , we were in the throes of buying a "new to us" car. One "scare" said that Greek banks had no money to issue ,but we were able to take, over the counter, a large 4 figure sum. The next day we took 500e each from a cash point in Sidari.
Did I not read , a topic somewhere, that said 2 more cashpoints now in Ag.Stephanos?. Surely not for decoration purposes only?
It is true , however that more "ex-pats" are returning to the UK. Mainly not due to any euro scare but because most are uneasy with the constant changes in tax law and various unknown bills and land tax etc etc . Frustrating, for example, not being able to pay a water bill because the system is down and then being fined 2e for a late payment. A definite WOTSTHATALLABOUT. (Frustration we deal with in Corfu much better than the UK)
I am sure you'll update yourself with all the gen when you're here and separate the piffle from the waffle! - I love these words.
Be well , may see you , either in a Punto or look out for a "boy racer" in a white Fiesta.
Cheers
Negg
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Never the less, Greece remains one of the safest and full of hospitality countries in the world.! With or with out cash you are going to have a great time especialy in Arillas.....
If you ever run out of money you can always pay us later or next year. I'm sure some of you have done it allready in teh past.
No situation would stop me going to Arillas, and the words of Dimitris are so true. You can't put a price on the safety and hospitality of Arillas, but I am now tempted to run out of money every time we eat at Brouklis. :-)
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Yes Sonia.... because the exchange rate has been so good to us we are also taking more money than usual to spend in Arillas, don't really know how we will manage that though because we eat every meal in the local tavernas and only keep water in the fridge.....sorry we do have milk as well, for my very early morning coffee as I sit on the balcony watching Arillas awake. Someone once asked me why I buy a small bottle of water from the bar numerous times a day, instead of going up to my room for a refill, when she had seen me buying two litre bottles from the bar for the room. My answer was....."because I can".
I could always buy something extra special to take home with the extra money this year though. Maybe I will buy some fluffy dice for "the boy racer" to go with his Fiesta or Punto.
Terry....can only totally agree with you.
Val x
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Well said Dimitris, the person we're stating with has already confirmed no problems expected, as if............
............ one question though, the UK Driving License laws changed this month, I asked the person we normally hire a car from & they hadn't heard anything about it. Just suggested I bring as many documents as I can with me. So that's my O Level Certificates, DBS Clearance & 50m Breaststroke Certificate bagged up :)
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I think its very important to take extra cash in the current climate. Nobody knows what will happen whether its scare mongering of fact. I always keep a minimum of €500 and top up when I pass a cash machine that is working. Its a fact that the ATM's may not have cash in them. Cash is king when there is a possible crisis.
I have ordered extra cash today and I will try to make sure I will always have between €700 to € 1000 at hand. I suppose I can do this because I am returning in September and even after that holiday I will have some left for the following year. They can always be changed to drachma's.
The most important thing is to keep going to Greece.
I don't think that all of the articles below can all be "piffle"
Thanks Terry, I only take cash any way…but yes just keep going to Greece.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/money/take-cash-greece-post-office-5899459
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3127221/Warning-British-tourists-Greece-nears-bankruptcy-Holidaymakers-warned-cash-incase-cash-machines-switched-off.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/11566983/Holidaymakers-warned-to-take-cash-to-Greece-amid-financial-collapse-fears.html
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Travel-g189398-s601/Greece:Banks.And.Money.html
http://www.express.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/577227/British-holidaymakers-issued-fresh-warnings-over-risky-travel-to-cash-strapped-Greece
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That's articles has made me chuckle .
Chill , I just don't know what they get out of trying to worry people I really don't ...................
PS . I am saying this as a born worrier !
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I am not travelling until next year but I always like to get info from the country of origin if possible, find it hard to believe what I read in, or hear on the news.
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thanks dimitris, putting our mind at rest. but we all know we are in safe hands in arillas.
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A comment below from Jimbo on the San Stefanos website. Hope he doesn't mind me putting it on:-
Withdrawals were 3 billion between Monday and Thursday alone, and the banks have asked the ECB for more liquidity assistance. One commentator said that if they didn't get it the banks might close on Monday.
I've been saying "take cash" for months, and frequently accused of "scaremongering." Now that the Greek crisis is high on the news agenda every day maybe people will recognise that there could be problems and inconvenience for a while.
Unfortunately, the situation is causing significant damage to Greek tourism. AgStef has a large loyal cohort of people who go back, but I know from contacts in the village that bookings are lower than hoped. If there is a banking melt-down, our Euros in hand will be be extremely welcome.
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I always take Euro's to Arillas, with a little home currency, also Plastic for emergencies.
I wonder how plastic will go down?
Regards
Bill & Marion
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I have just come back from Sidari with e1500 drawn from 3 different accounts as e500 each.
(We look after Villas here and pay their bills)
Not a problem.
To say " I am not worried" is of no help to anyone, so bring cash if you feel that it removes any pressure from you and thereby helps to improve your time here.
Break time is precious so do all you can that you feel will put you at ease.
Negg
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It will be good to see both again, Bill and Marion. I hope you both behave this year 🍸. 🍺. 🍻. 🍷. 🍦
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I wonder how plastic will go down?
Regards
Bill & Marion
Probably a darn site better than I "go down" with some people. (I must learn to be more serious)
Have a good time here , you guys!
Negg
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Oh no - don't go changing Eggy, I love your sense of humour. Your threads always make me giggle. Got the words of that song by Billy Joel going around in my head now!
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i will be bringing my euros and sally back to Arillas in October
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Anyone just seen BBC news if that is not scaremongering don't what is, telling g everyone to take cash run on banks rec hope it's settled one way or another on Monday cant be doing Greece any good all this speculation
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THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING !
THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING !!!
Val x 😅
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THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING !
THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING !!!
Val x 😅
Ha Ha Val, Love it
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Val n Bill , even if they are it will not affect the Greek laid back attitude.
NOBODY WILL BE "RUSSIAN" ANYWHERE!!!
Negg
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I look at it this way, if we (tourists) take euros with us, then that will leave more actual cash in the Greek banks for the locals, should they wish to withdraw it.
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...........so bring cash if you feel that it removes any pressure from you and thereby helps to improve your time here.
I just think that bringing cash (euros) might help remove pressure on the Greek banks , rather than myself. As Dimitris so wonderfully put it, our Greek friends would not allow a minor issue such as having no money to ruin our holiday!
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I cannot see that the current situation will make a lot of difference to us tourists.....the only thing that might affect us is if you rely on the cash machines to supply your Euros.
They might not be filled regularly, and it's plain from the news items we see on TV that there will soon be a "situation" when all local machines will be empty for long periods.
I don't think our friends in Arillas will let us down. After all if you have Travellers Cheques or Sterling to change I am sure those of us who bring only euros will be spending them...... so no shortage of cash in the village.
The likes of car hire places, coach tours and the larger establishments would be willing to cash them.
I can only say ....bring Euros and hire a safety deposit box, which is what we have done in the past.
Val x
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Where does anyone recommend for safety deposit boxes. Some accommodation have them, some don't. Martin
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Try Theo at Arillas Cars. He has boxes in his office and is very central in the village.
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Agree with Jean. The deposit boxes at Arillas Cars are public facing, so very difficult to tamper with in such a public position. Central to everything, so convenient to get at on a regular bais. We used them in 2002 and 2003 with no problems at all. Since then we have not used a deposit box, and brought travellers cheques for the bulk of our money. May rethink a bit this year, but probably not.
Phil
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When we stay at Bardis sun their deposit boxes are usually opposite the bar. Saying that, I haven't used them since 2007.
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Arilas Cars have the safest boxes I have ever seen abroad.The bank style vault doors that enclose them look impregnable and the charges are very low.
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Today's newspapers are really scaremongering. We will be in Arillas for the eleventh time come what may. If we are stranded then I can think of no better place to be stranded!
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Nice idea Terry! we all know that Arillas and our friends there is the best place to be whatever the situation, perhaps everywhere in Arillas could start accepting sterling, if it would help them! Dimitris might have a queue of borrowers soon! What a typical gesture though. If we all spend 10per cent more this year, maybe that would help!
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Today's newspapers are really scaremongering. We will be in Arillas for the eleventh time come what may. If we are stranded then I can think of no better place to be stranded!
Love the idea of being stranded in Arillas! I think so long as people keep going to and take cash for emergencies it'll be fine. I just hope those running business will be ok too.
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Not a bad idea, of places accepting Sterling, Dylan. Not sure what legal implications could be, if any.
(I could change sterling for euros but the exchange rate would be poor , e1.32, as that was the rate I got many months ago)
However, with the current exchange rate still hovering around that e1.38 mark you will certainly get even more value for money than last year.
Whatever happens , as has been said many times, Arillas locals will look after you.
Negg
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Greek banks closed all week,limit of 60 euro per day at atms ,If heading to Arillas wise to take extra cash even if its a fight to get the locals to take it.Eurozone and Greece are at a standoff and as greek PM said The dignity of the Greek people in the face of injustice will send a message of hope and pride to all of Europe
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http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/06/28/eurozone-greece-limits-idUSA8N0Z302P20150628
Foreign card holders will be allowed to withdraw the maximum limit set by their banks!
Reuters that the withdraw limits is only for greek card holders.
todayin Arillas tourists could take money out of our ATM....
I also saw a refil bank car going to fill up with money.
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I also saw the ATM being filled today, and withdrew some money from one ATM in San Stef yesterday. Might be a problem in rhe cities but seems fine here.
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There was still money in the ATM yesterday (Sunday), and I will check again tonight. The worst part for me at the moment, is listening to the local people, who are very worried about the decisions that will be made over the next few weeks. There is also a lot of worry that people will now cancel holidays to Arillas. The situation is changing day by day, but life in Arillas is as
good as ever. So don't cancel any holidays. We are back in September and I will also be booking for next year. This lovely country really needs you. Just bring plenty of Euros.
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I found this on BBC News, hope it's useful. It backs up Dimitris post.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-33205269
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http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/06/28/eurozone-greece-limits-idUSA8N0Z302P20150628
Foreign card holders will be allowed to withdraw the maximum limit set by their banks!
Reuters that the withdraw limits is only for greek card holders.
todayin Arillas tourists could take money out of our ATM....
I also saw a refil bank car going to fill up with money.
Once I get there you can withdraw from my personal cashpoint Dimitris, you just insert food and wine instead of a plastic card and cash comes falling out! Can't wait!
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Yes Graham..... That's just the way we will be working too. 💶 = 🍲🍷🍺 = happiness.
Val n Bill x
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Given the news that the Greek people have voted No and the strong advice to take cash I was just wondering about the pre-paid card. In the past we have taken Euros and withdrawn at the cash point and was planning to take only cash with us in September. But a friend suggested the pre-paid card - I don't know a great deal about it but I am understanding it works a bit like a debit card??
Does anyone know if there are places in Arillas who will accept this? How will it affect them? Are we best sticking to our original plan of taking Euros? Is it worth doing?
Thanks
Ursula x
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I've used Pre-Paid cards in the past, as long as somewhere takes cards them you should be ok. Perhaps a mix of card & cash might be an idea. From my own view I'm bringing cash to last us our 12 days, with a back up of some sterling & debit cards just in case.
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All the advice in the press at the moment is to take cash, I think that doing this will help the business establishments because it will keep the cash flowing in the village.
A card payment of any sort would go straight into the business owners bank and the way things are going with the banks restricting withdrawals in Greece could cause problems.
The cost of a safe deposit box is not a lot...and passports, tickets and valuables such as jewellery and mobile phones are safe as well.
Val x
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Good advice , Val. Bringing euros will keep up the cash flow for local business owners.
Negg
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Even P&J are bringing extra cash, but not a suitcaseful (which we don't have, anyway.) We don't believe that we will have any bother at all, but will stay a few days in front of what we spend this time. (Usually we get more cash when are nearly broke - thank you Eggy for all the times you have rescued us from our lack of planning.)
Nobody, not even the EU, know exactly where the OXI vote will take us. But I feel sure it is the start of the regeneration of the Greek economy, and in the meantime we must enjoy the wonderful hospitality and welcome the Greek people give is for nothing in Arillas and the whole of Corfu and Greece.
Phil
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Good point well made!!! keeping the cash flowing in the village. Cash Euros it is. Thanks folks for your advice
Ursula
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Nobody really knows what will happen over the next few weeks in Greece and Arillas. Taking Euro's is a must. I took a lot more than usual and I also topped up every time I passed the ATM. I paid for car hire with cash and for everything else except the Hotel balance. I use a pre paid FairFX card to get money out of the ATM and also topped this up online so that I knew I had a good exchange rate.
If you are going in the next few weeks try to take as many Euros as possible because paying cash will help the local people. We gave bigger tips than normal as we felt "guilty" that us Brits are in a good position, with a good exchange rate, whilst local people were restricted on their cash withdrawals. It is a big worry for the the people in Greece and I had many conversations about their fears and worries. We all have to hope that a solution is found, this week, to keep Greece in the Euro.
Try to drink Corfu beer instead of Mythos, as the brewery needs your support. The buoyant supplies of beer to the large cities of Greece have dropped considerably which is hitting production at the brewery.
Lastly don't cancel your holiday. Arillas is better than ever and they need our support. We are back in September and we have booked for for 2016. Arillas still has that "Special Magic" that doesn't cost a single Euro.
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Very well said , Sir!
Negg
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We are here at the moment. There is a rumour some places may stop taking card payment as banks may charge too much . Definitely bring plenty of cash. No problems with ATM's at moment. Prices similar to last year.
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We are here at the moment and concur with the above myself I am trying to keep the micro brewery busy but is causing a slight headache now and again
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Not a problem chezphil, you can also keep the supermarkets busy by buying your Paracetamol for said headache! Enjoy!
Sandra and Jim
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This morning I had to go to Corfu town for some hardware shoping ( cooker spareparts , gas special tubes etc)
Everything I wanted was there... I also noticed that The ATMs had no queues at all, all gasstations were open for business . The supermarkets were full with goods.! I stopped at a cafe for a quick capuzzino... I overheard all the talking of the locals .. everyone was saying how untrue is what the massmedia is doing right now and how much harm they can do to the greek tourism by scaring everyone.
I'm writing this as I do get daily emails from friends from all over the world asking me if they are safe to holiday in Greece....
Greece is still one of the safest countries to have your holiday with family and friends.
Greeks have the experience of many thousands of years to treat their visitor with the famous PHILOXENIA ( hospitality).
In Arillas you have nothing to fear all places this week are busier than last year , our hotels and self-catering Accommodation are fully booked until the end of August- beginning of September.
Thanks for your support!
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Well I have just got our holiday money for Sunday. I've agreed with the Horizon to pay in cash and bringing extra. Like Terry I will likely tip better this year and drink local as much as our livers will permit. I myself am 100% behind the Greek people and hope they get the deal they need to support their beautiful country.
Gary
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Thank you Dimitri, the truth and the press reports are always very different! best wishes.
This morning I had to go to Corfu town for some hardware shoping ( cooker spareparts , gas special tubes etc)
Everything I wanted was there... I also noticed that The ATMs had no queues at all, all gasstations were open for business . The supermarkets were full with goods.! I stopped at a cafe for a quick capuzzino... I overheard all the talking of the locals .. everyone was saying how untrue is what the massmedia is doing right now and how much harm they can do to the greek tourism by scaring everyone.
I'm writing this as I do get daily emails from friends from all over the world asking me if they are safe to holiday in Greece....
Greece is still one of the safest countries to have your holiday with family and friends.
Greeks have the experience of many thousands of years to treat their visitor with the famous PHILOXENIA ( hospitality).
In Arillas you have nothing to fear all places this week are busier than last year , our hotels and self-catering Accommodation are fully booked until the end of August- beginning of September.
Thanks for your support!
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We are ignoring all the media hype, just as we always do. We just hope the Greek people have a good outcome from all that has transpired in the last few days.
You can be sure that what ever happens we will be returning for our two weeks on the 24th and two more weeks in October......and also as many times as we can in 2016, and then every year after as usual.
It doesn't matter what we will be spending in the future....euros or drachma, it's all money.
See you soon Dimitri, Val and Bill x
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Thanks Dimitris I'll show this Billy, he's taking way too much notice of thew news here, see you next week
Sharon x
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Well we will Soon be back in Arillas , Table 13 Next Thursday at Brouklis
We will Eat Drink and Possibly be merry (if the Boss lets us)
So looking forward to waking up from this Media Hype that continues to be banded about.
My sister messaged me the other night to ask if I had any info about how things were in Arillas (she will be with us)
they had read that provisions were low on the Greek Island.
I sent her the only reply I could....WE ARE OFF TO ARILLAS THERE WILL BE NO NEED TO WORRY....Just make sure you have enough to Spend, you're going to need it because we are going to have a fabulous time.
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Like John says Eat drink and be merry and i wouldn't read anything into reports of low provisions as the food is grown locally ,the beer is brewed locally and the hospitality is certainly provided locally,what more do you need...enjoy!
I will be in 3½ weeks time.
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Thank you Dimitris, very helpful information. Our first time in Arillas, we get there on the 17th and can't wait!
Hope to see you for a meal during our stay, the reviews for the Brouklis are excellent. Oh, and we are taking lots of euros as I dont want to panic :) x
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Welcome to the forum jojobunny! You have made an excellent holiday choice. We arrive on 20th so please say hi if you see us x
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Thank you very much Jo and yes, I will come and say hello if I spot you
Jox
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Thank you Dimitris for the reassuring report!
Suzy X
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Have a great time at The Horizon, Gary and Caroline. Just remember that Marinos likes to keep bushes neatly trimmed. :-)
(http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n179/terrylwarner/20150622_161429_zps5cqsaeqy.jpg)
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Enjoying Arillas right now and the only thing there is a shortage of here, which is usually in abundance after midday is the breeze!! The storm is obviously in the media teacup. Happy to report all food, drink and provisions available along with the warm Arillas welcome!
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My parents are on Lesvos at the moment and no problem at all there either.
I did say it was all media hype a few weeks go and I think I upset a few :-( .
I know its easy for me to say when I am not going on holiday to Greece but our media , well worldwide media as a whole , love to spread panic I think !
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Good one Terry, sure that isn't your handy work or do you only trim at the Brouklis after a few drinks?
Gary
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Just used the ATM in Arillas 45 mins ago, withdrew 150 euros. No problem.
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I have already prepared myself with cash as the exchange rate has been very kind and all my beer/vino and Heidi's cider/vino tokens are ready to be spent with some gorgeous meals thrown in 8)
Just a quick 36 sleeps ;)