Click for Ryanair website
At first glance the new Ryanair route between Stansted and Patras seems very attractive. Certainly the prices are..... starting at around £8.99, one way. However, I've tried very hard to find out how to get to Patras ( Araxos ) Airport by public transport from Lefkas and come up against an info black hole.
Buses from Lefkas to Patras are only twice a week.... on Fridays at 0915 and Sundays at 1715. One could, of course take a bus to somewhere with more frequent connections to Patras and do it in two hops.
Having managed to get to Patras you then have to get to the airport which lies approximately 40km south west of the city. Unlike Athens, which has a regular shuttle service to and from the airport, Patras does not and local bus information is difficult to obtain. Maybe, during the summer season there will be a shuttle service. A taxi from Patras centre to the airport is around €50.
Until someone from Lefkas has actually experienced these flights and can share the information it would seem to me that the only viable way of using them is for someone to drive you there. A journey time of three or more hours each way and the fuel cost plus the bridge tolls make it quite a big 'ask' of any friends (and don't forget that you need the same favour on your return).
If you're a boat dweller, you could sail down to Patras or Messalonghi and start the journey from there. What you might have to pay for leaving the boat safely in these places is an unknown.
So, until somebody comes up with accurate info detailing how to get to and from Patras Airport I will continue to get either a cheapish last minute seat on a charter flight using Preveza, or, not so ideally, use Easyjet through Corfu or Athens.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Destination Greece....year 1951
CLICK HERE ....or go to 'Video/Photos' to view a short cinema feature of Greece in 1951.... a time when Greece had a King, before the military junta, before any thoughts of being part of Europe. Before the respect given by the world for being the birth place of civilisation and democracy changed into a reputation of being the worst example of greed, corruption and self-interest. How times change...it's fascinating!
Friday, March 16, 2012
Benefits Census
From today's papers....
Between 30,000 and 40,000 of the estimated 240,000 recipients of welfare benefits have failed to register in a census carried out at Citizen Service Centres (KEP). The deadline, which expires today, was not met either because these individuals did not appear at all, or because they lacked the necessary supporting documentation, the health ministry revealed. The same sources noted that of the 700 people drawing a disability benefit for blindness on the island of Zakynthos, only 100 appeared before health inspection committees, of which 60 were discovered not to be blind after all.
I wonder how many of them have spent the last couple of years blaming the corrupt government officials and politicians for the present plight of Greece.
Between 30,000 and 40,000 of the estimated 240,000 recipients of welfare benefits have failed to register in a census carried out at Citizen Service Centres (KEP). The deadline, which expires today, was not met either because these individuals did not appear at all, or because they lacked the necessary supporting documentation, the health ministry revealed. The same sources noted that of the 700 people drawing a disability benefit for blindness on the island of Zakynthos, only 100 appeared before health inspection committees, of which 60 were discovered not to be blind after all.
I wonder how many of them have spent the last couple of years blaming the corrupt government officials and politicians for the present plight of Greece.
Friday, March 9, 2012
What hope is there for Greece?
Reported in today's paper:
NOT SO FAST, PASOK/ND! On Thursday night, while the media's attention was focused on the bond-swap take-up, Pasok and New Democracy (the two main ruling parties) were trying to restructure their own debt in parliament.
During a debate on a bill on livestock breeding, the two parties colluded to insert a rider – a legal provision that has nothing to do with the law in question – into the bill that would allow both parties to restructure their own massive debts by writing off unpaid interest. The rider, which was subsequently withdrawn, was described by Democratic Alliance leader Dora Bakoyannis as "shameful and a direct attempt at a technically legal looting of public money".
NOT SO FAST, PASOK/ND! On Thursday night, while the media's attention was focused on the bond-swap take-up, Pasok and New Democracy (the two main ruling parties) were trying to restructure their own debt in parliament.
During a debate on a bill on livestock breeding, the two parties colluded to insert a rider – a legal provision that has nothing to do with the law in question – into the bill that would allow both parties to restructure their own massive debts by writing off unpaid interest. The rider, which was subsequently withdrawn, was described by Democratic Alliance leader Dora Bakoyannis as "shameful and a direct attempt at a technically legal looting of public money".
Quite incredible actions from those who got the country into the mess it's in. These same people expect the population and the world to believe that they can really change their ways and bring Greece into recovery!
Friday, March 2, 2012
CREW WANTED
This may be of interest for those seeking a bit of an adventure ..... and costs nothing.
Hi,
Just wondered if you could place an ad on Lefkas Life for us. Keith is keen to get 'Two Easy' (catamaran, presently in Vliho Bay) under way back to the UK, probably doing a '1st leg' to the Algarve followed by '2nd leg' the rest of the way.
Just wondered if you could place an ad on Lefkas Life for us. Keith is keen to get 'Two Easy' (catamaran, presently in Vliho Bay) under way back to the UK, probably doing a '1st leg' to the Algarve followed by '2nd leg' the rest of the way.
The aim is to get the boat back by September, where it would stand a chance of selling at the Southampton Boat show with our broker.
So far the plan is to go through the Messina Straits, perhaps Cagliari, Majorca, Gib and up to Alvor in Portugal. The trip should take around 2 weeks subject to wind, We would fund the flights and food but not beer!!! Keith wants at least 2 others, 3 may be better then the watches would be 2 on/2 off. Crew would need to provide their own oilies, we have 4 life jackets on board, also they would need their own sleeping bags and towels.
If you need any more info, email Keith & Pam Meakin at keithandpam.twoeasy@hotmail.co.uk
So far the plan is to go through the Messina Straits, perhaps Cagliari, Majorca, Gib and up to Alvor in Portugal. The trip should take around 2 weeks subject to wind, We would fund the flights and food but not beer!!! Keith wants at least 2 others, 3 may be better then the watches would be 2 on/2 off. Crew would need to provide their own oilies, we have 4 life jackets on board, also they would need their own sleeping bags and towels.
If you need any more info, email Keith & Pam Meakin at keithandpam.twoeasy@hotmail.co.uk
Missing our Lefkas buddies loads, house people don't mix in the same way as yotties!!!!
Love Pam XXX
Love Pam XXX
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