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Martin and Debbie Kinally
Martin and Debbie Kinally

Martin and Debbie Kinally

traveled in 16 countries Read more🇬🇧Stourbridge
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  • Martin and Debbie KinallyBertie canters thru KentTraveler
    1211

    Loop bus to Ramsgate

    July 5, 2025 in England ⋅ 🌬 21 °C

    All aboard the loop bus, which links all three Thanet towns, bus right outside the campsite. Ramsgate has a harbour and sandy beach and is a not bad sort of place. They wander along the prom to visit the Tunnels, basically a railway tunnel with extra interlocking tunnels built for bomb shelter in WW2. Any German bomber planes that were returning back home that still had bombs released them on poor old Ramsgate as they passed over, creating devastation, hence the tunnels.
    Unfortunately for them, all the guided tours are sold out today, but the tunnel museum is splendid and, as a freebee, compensates them for their walk.
    Drinkies next as usual in the biggest Wetherspoons in the UK, the former beach Pavilion, yes, that table number is 426. Top up fruit and veg at a long-established greengrocers and back home on the bus ends their first day out by the sea.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyBertie canters thru KentTraveler
    1

    Deal them again please

    July 4, 2025 in England ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Another movin day north to Ramsgate, but what's this? He's driving me south to Deal again. ( no more Deal puns, I hope). Anyway, they are going to visit another bleedin castle and park me up in a nice bay in the car park so they can visit said castle and have a few hours around Deal. Fine by me there's, a cute little German VW opposite! So they stroll the prom as old gits do and it's OK, so they come back along the road parallel to the front and spot a plaque on a former church saying that Chief I Spy lived there which he remembers from his youth as the head of I Spy books, now who remembers them? Is anyone reading this stuff?
    Anyway after a pub visit and a stroll up some rather nice shopping streets with independent shops we head north to Ramsgate and our home for four nights on a commercial site which will be a handy place to visit the Thanet towns of Ramsgate Broadstairs and Margate via the Loop Bus, which will be nice for him.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyBertie canters thru KentTraveler
    111111

    Sandwich Saunter

    July 3, 2025 in England ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    So a saunter into Sandwich is the plan for them today. Not too far for the poor old souls but there is, a bus back up plan. Anyway they make it, and Sandwich is a real joy of a place with churches, mediaeval streets, timbered houses and a river. Was a port back in the, day but like so many places in Kent the river got silted up so ships went elsewhere leaving a legacy of maritime buildings.

    They went into the old Guildhall and an ancient helper lectured them on the history and roman finds in Sandwich for too long really, but hey it was his childhood times. More interesting was the old courtroom pretty much as it was when they hanged pub owners for selling shit beer - more of this later.

    And yes the Earl of Sandwich invented the sandwich when he requested they put his bit of beef between two slices of bread, cos he was late for his tee time at Royal St George's Golf Course (probably). Mart said if it was oss meat between two soft buns it would ave been Muffin the Mule! One for you oldies there.

    So Sandwich is nice they decided over a beer and lemonchello spritz by the river, so more exploring and he decides he wants to climb the church clock tower for a town view as he does, but the church has just closed so it's a no go. Further wandering and the micro pub has just opened so guess what......
    It's the brewery tap of Time and Tide who seem to brew hundreds of beers with saft names, they select a few to taste and they are all thick cloudy fruity hoppy ipas and taste the same.
    Cue a rant from his nibs about this problem, which the barman may or may not have heard. Luckily for him the court is not in session

    Walk back to me in the oss field for a steak N chips night. What a life for them!    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyBertie canters thru KentTraveler
    111

    Wandering Around Walmer Castle

    July 2, 2025 in England ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Well, we woke up to a real change in the weather,  drizzle,  thick cloud, and a drop in temperature of about 15 degrees.

    Today, we're moving on to Sandwich via Walmer Castle, which is just outside Deal.   A National Heritage site, so it's free entry for the cheapskates, and as a nice surprise,  on Wednesdays old gits get a free cake with a cuppa.  So it's brollies out and straight to the cafe for a gooseberry scone and a piece of carrot cake before they look around. 

    Unlike many English Heritage sites, this castle has dressed rooms as it is a private residence, and because of this, she couldn't take any photos. 

    Since the 18th century, Walmer Castle has been the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. 

    Notable Lords Wardens include William Pitt the Younger, the Duke of Wellington, W H Smith, and the Queen Mother, and many of the rooms are still decorated as they were when she visited.  It is also where the Duke of Wellington died in 1852, and you can see the chair he was sitting in when he died and his wellies.

    After the walk around the inside, they walked through the gardens,  and they were some of the nicest they have seen and spent quite a while wandering around looking at the unusual plants in the borders. 

    Quick stop at the Sainsbury's in Deal for a restock.  They were tempted by the meal deal in Deal which was ideal at £12 but were dealt a blow when charged more which was not ideal. Delia dealt with the refund so it was a good deal in Deal in the end and they were delighted.

    After this, it's on to our overnight stay at a nursery and farm shop with horses in the paddock opposite outside Sandwich.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyBertie canters thru KentTraveler
    11

    Canter Around Canterbury

    July 1, 2025 in England ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Moving day again, this time we're heading for the Park and Ride just outside Canterbury, they have a dedicated Motorhome parking area where you can stay overnight, that's the plan, until we get there,. The park and ride is great, and so is the Motorhome parking, if you like being packed in like a sardine. The hottest day of the year, yes that is 34 on me dashboard thermostat, and they really could do with a bit of space to sit outside, or even just open the window, so they decided to look up a campsite nearby, and go there instead, spaces available, booked, job done so off they pop to Canterbury, all day parking and return journey for 2 all for £4 , a bargain,
    Canterbury is a mix of very old, old, and quite new buildings with a big shopping arcade full of your normal big names and streets full of quirky old beamed independent shops..
    Obviously, you've got to do the cathedral, quite a bit of money, but worth it. Another building that defies all sense of how it was achieved without today's power tools and mechanical help..
    After a good time spent in the cooler temperature of the cathedral, it was back outside in the blazing heat, well at least for the couple of minutes it took to cross through square to the nearest pub The Buttermarket oldest historic pub in Canterbury but the prices are far from historic! What more could you ask for two pints of Adnams beer, crisps, and Wimbledon on the TV all for £16.00.
    A stroll around the town with a stop in the Primark, for him, not her and it's back to me and on to our overnight stay just outside the town, apparently tomorrow it's going to be cooler, thank the lord for that, me bonse is burning.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyBertie canters thru KentTraveler
    111

    Footprints around Faversham

    June 30, 2025 in England ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Today, theym off to Faversham, but because we're in the middle of nowhere, it means using up some of the kids' inheritance on a taxi. As per normal, no Ubers about, so it's finding a local cab to pick em up. Surprisingly, that goes well, and there is only a short wait for the taxi, so far so good.
    On arrival, they head straight towards the Quays, a footpath that runs alongside the river passing the Shepherds Neame brewery, one of the oldest breweries in the country. Unfortunately, the tide was out, so the boats were grounded in the mud, but it was a lovely location for one of the new build houses and converted barns.
    After this, they walked down the Medieval road, full of timbered houses, lots with interesting plaques on them. Next, of course, they fancied a drink and couldn't do the brewery tour as it's not open Monday's. To be honest, not a lot is open in Favershamon Mondays, so Wetherspoons it is again. They wandered about a bit more but it's so very hot so decide to go back to the van, by this time it's about 4 o'clock, school chucking out time, do you think they can get a taxi, No, they tried every taxi company in Faversham and no one was available for at least an hour. So what to do now to kill an hour or so, they contemplated a meal but weren't hungry, the Nachos at Wetherspoons had filled em up, so decided to try out the Micro pub, Furlongs. A good choice of beer, but instead, opt for a Gin n Tonic and two halves of Cider.
    Back outside in the still hot town, the search for a taxi again. Still no luck, Mart thinks they're all at home having their tea. In the end, a wait about half an hour before the driver who brought em could bring em home , a long day in hot conditions but on the whole Faversham is a nice place.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyBertie canters thru KentTraveler
    2211

    Hot, Hot, Hot

    June 28, 2025 in England ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    SATURDAY
    Well, they were really lazy today, very late getting up, so instead of breakfast, had brunch, boy I'm hot today, almost 30 degrees.
    The bus restorers are in full force today and early afternoon come and warn us they're going to try and start the doubles decker parked next to us, it may be smoky they said. Martin started chatting to one of the men who offered to take him on a tour of the sheds, his little face lit up, he even got to sit in the drivers seat. Eventually, after a lot of tinkering with the engine, apparently one of the last buses to be made with a front engine, they got it started. Late afternoon, they walked into the village for a leg stretch and a pint of Ghost Ship. The pub had got a fun day with music and a BBQ a back to sit in some shade under me canopy.

    SUNDAY
    Today is moving day with a couple of stops planned on the way. First up is Upnor Castle, a National Heritage site on the banks of the Medway River. They parked me up and go for a walk to Lower Upnor alongside the river before taking the footpath to Upnor which really is one cobbled road with some beautiful little cottages and two pubs which leads to the castle. It's a little place and not quite such a ruin as they were expecting with rooms and towers with rickety spiral staircases for them, well Martin, to explore.
    They retrace our way up the hill, stopping at one of the smallest pubs seen, that was until you walk inside and find a rabbit warren of rooms and a big pub garden.
    The next stop is the Isle of Sheppy via the elevated bridge. Unfortunately, as it's by the coast and it's a lovely day , top end of the 20's, almost 30 degrees again, there's nowhere to park along the marine drive with camper vans and caravans there for the day, weekend or month by the look of them , so on to our next stop.
    Two nights at Woodhill Campsite just outside Faversham, lovely site, but should be for the price he says, we will see......    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyBertie canters thru KentTraveler
    122

    Restoration House

    June 27, 2025 in England ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Next stop is an AI recommendation tucked away in the back streets, Restoration House and Gardens. Dating back to 1500s it is several houses all connected over the years to form one building. For you bookworms, Dickens based it as Miss Havishams house in Great Expectations. (old Charlie Dickens is big in this part of England). Over the years different owners acquired various bits of building and added a mish mash of furnishings and it is has a lived in unrestored feel to it which is it's charm even the visitors bog is authentic. Huge amount of owners over the years left their mark even (and I kid you not) Rod Hull and Emu from 1984 to 1994!

    After all that a return walk down the High Street and as it's hot, a refreshing pint in a micro pub to round off which was a super visit to a quite wonderful town. Rochester - you've be been great.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyBertie canters thru KentTraveler
    2112

    Rochester for starters

    June 27, 2025 in England ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Wotcher maties, Bertie here to tell you tales of our Kentish caper.
    All packed and we have a decent drive down south Thursday via M1, M25 round North London across the Dartford Crossing and arrive at a small site 4 mile south of Rochester.
    But what have we here on site, not one but 3 old buses on the field, with another five inside some old garages. Well his nibs thinks it's Christmas come early! . The elderly site owner together with a band of equally old cronies are restoring and running various buses for classic vehicle shows. He says we might just spend all our time here and help out, hope he is jokin!

    Well Friday comes and theym off on the nearby train to visit Rochester on the banks of the River Medway. From the station over the river and up the main street of the town, lots of pubs, cafes and fine assorted old buildings it really is very nice. He gets lured into what claims is the, second biggest bookshop in England by a collection of RAF bomber books, and the room of books inside is truly amazing.

    Next stop is Rochester Castle, but ers forgot her English Heritage card, so there follows a few choice words between em which I won't divulge. As it is the castle is quite small but very tall with huge amount of steps and just walls so they give it a miss anyway, and peace is restored.

    Next the cathedral and a very impressive building it is too Parts of it are the oldest in England. Returning to the High Street and Wetherspoons have Thornbidge Jaipur on tap so that's the late lunch sorted.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyPilar de la HoradadaTraveler
    1

    Last Day Drive

    October 22, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    Today is our last day and we're going for a drive up the coast. Were heading for Torrevieja for a look around, well it's a huge sprawling place fullof high rise apartment blocks and rows and rows of restaurants. It's like Blackpool on speed so we drive to the marina turn around and hightail it out of that place. Shit hole rating of 7.5.

    We come back down the coast and stop at Cabo Roig for a look at the beach, unfortunately we are too high up to warrant walking down the steps so take a couple of pics and move on.

    Next step Pilar de la Horadada, a lovely little bay with a watchtower at the end of the beach, no bars open so we head on to Lo Pagan, town of the mud baths for lunch before heading home.

    I'm hoping for a last sit in the sun when we get back but the weather has turned and we have dark cloud's, getting ready for the rain that's forecast for all day tomorrow, good job we're coming home.

    Before we start the packing Fi wants to try out the electric bike so Martin gets her sorted and off she goes, doesn't take her long to get the hang of it and before we know it she's off around the block.

    Well its been a great holiday, good company, lots of laughs and good times, now to thrash the boys at trivial pursuit.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyPilar de la HoradadaTraveler
    1111

    Mud, Mud Glorious Mud

    October 20, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    SUNDAY
    This morning, we're going to Pilar de la Hordada to have a look at the Vintage Car Display. Lots of lovely well-kept cars and motorcycles. We even found a VW Golf GTI in red, just like we had, and Martin sold while I was in hospital having Sarah.

    After this, we went to Lo Pagan to bathe in the mud baths in the Mar Menor. The mud is rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium, good for its healing properties, and also smelt like rotten eggs. There is a long walkway out into the lagoon, on one side is the sea and beach and on the other are little bays with boardwalks leading out into the salt water of the lagoon with a mud bed . The idea is to wade ito the water a pick up the mud and smother the body in it, then get out and let it dry before re-entering the water to wash it off. Well, Mark went first up to his knees, then Martin he started smothering it everywhere, then Fi started off in the water before covering herself up to the knees. I, on the other hand, resisted the ordeal due to the smell. They did actually all say how smooth their skins felt after the experience, I will forgo this experience, but it was fun to watch.

    Back home for a meal in tonight and a lovely sunset.

    MONDAY
    Last night I had made the decision I was staying in today as my knee is hurting and after being unwell during the night I think it was a wise decision. Martin is also staying here, we are resting and he is going for a bike ride this afternoon. Fi and Mark are going for a ride up into the mountains and around the lake. She has taken some beautiful pictures. A meal out tonight, Mexican, Martin says it's the best meal of the holiday, which is nearly over.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyPilar de la HoradadaTraveler
    1
    1

    San Pdro del Pinatar

    October 18, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    FRIDAY
    Today we're visiting the market at Pilar de la Horadada, you see some funny things while driving, like Spiderman climbing over theroofof a local villa.

    The market is a hive of activity full with stalls packed to the brim with fresh fruits and vegetables in amongst the clothes and shoe stalls. We picked up some fruit the headed on to our next stop at San Pedro del Pinatar.

    San Pedro del Pinatar is a lovely town with a huge beach and promenade. We walked along he promenade stopping for a drink at a beachside bar. After paddling along the beach t the windmill at the end,it's time for an ice cream before heading home for a meal in tonight, spag bol cooked by Fi, and very nice it was too.

    SATURDAY
    Today we had thought about going into Pilar de la Horadada tonight to watch the grand parade of floats down the High Street but on reflection I decided it might not be a good idea for me as parking would be a pain and would mean a lot of walking and standing. So we elected to go for a nice meal instead.

    The boys are going to watch the Baggies on TV so Fi and I are going to check out another market at La Zenia. It was huge, twice as big as yesterday's. On the way back we stopped at Playa de Mil Palmers to have a look at the beach. Beautiful sand and a very large beach.

    A restful afternoon either spent napping or around the swimming pool and a lovely meal tonight a Ameli in Campoverde.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyPilar de la HoradadaTraveler
    1
    1

    Mar Menor

    October 17, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 18 °C

    Today we're going for a drive to Ma Manor , the largest salt water lagoon in Europe, we start by driving through Los Urrutias to find a recommended restaurant called Ruf Mari, a must with the locals, especially if you like seafood . Unfortunately we only wanted a drink and a snack so no chance of trying the seafood. It was a very popular place and by the time we left was half full with senior citizens enjoying their lunch.

    We went for a walk down to the sea front and was surprised to sea a fabulous new boardwalk stretching out into the sea. The water was clear allowing us to sea the jellyfish and sea grass growing underneath it.

    From there we continued on the coast road around the Mar Menor right to the end. We thought it would be very similar to driving down to Key West, a road along a narrow strip of land with the sea on both sides. Oh how wrong we were. The strip of land consisted of a dual carriageway with high rise apartment blocks and hotels on both sides, no chance of seeing the sea or the lagoon. It was like Benidorm on speed but without the people. No one about and most the shops and restaurants were closed, not what we expected and not to our taste. We drove to the end and turned around.

    On the way back we stopped at Euromanga at one of the only restaurants open, a bit of a novelty as it was shaped like a boat, but we had a nice meal and Fi and Mark had a Paella . We then drove home in time to pop to our local restaurant bar for some luve music courtesy of Brian Bennett, and to get our first pictures of a Spanish sunset.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyPilar de la HoradadaTraveler
    11

    Torre de la Horadada

    October 16, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 20 °C

    After a safe arrival Monday, landing just before a torrential rain storm complete with thunder and lightning we arrived at the villa. A lovely 2 bedroom detached villa in a quiet street complete with sun terrace and access to a swimming pool 4 doors up.
    We popped up the road for some food and a drink before turning in for an early night,

    TUESDAY
    A restful day starting with a trip to the supermarket for supplies, then off to explore the local area. A spot of lunch in bar and back to the ranch to chill. Martin and Fiona have tried out the swimming pool while Mark and me stayed home, I made use of the upstairs solarium. Take away Indian for tea, very nice.

    WEDNESDAY
    Today we are taking a trip to Torre de la Horadada for a walk along the prom, and what a great prom it was, stretched as far as the eye could see, if only I could walk it. Martin, Fiona and me trek down the stairs to the beach while Mark waits at the top. Lovely sandy beach and a good size, well it had to be done, Fiona and I went for a paddle. Then back along the prom stopping for refreshments on the way back to the car,

    Next we're driving out to the marina at Salinas de san Pedro. To get to this we had to drive across the Salt flat's which had flamingos wading across them. One of them contained pink water, the colour change was due to the alge growing in them.

    Back to Campoverda to Ana's for a three course meal for the huge sum of €9 each, a bargain.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyCreteTraveler

    Homeward Bound

    September 24, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    After an early start and waking to a magnificent sunrise, the best of the holiday, and I've seen practically all of them, we get ourselves in gear for an early departure. We make our way to the main road on the island and head for the airport about 160 kilometres . It's around 4 hours, but we want to take our time.
    The views again are great as we travel up and down the mountains. We decide to stop for a breather, stretch our legs, and have a drink. We find a lovely little harbour village called Panormos. We park up and walk down to the harbour to find a taverna and have a drink with a portion of Dakos.
    We're now heading for Almyrida, which is where we had our first holiday in Crete. We remembered quite a bit of it. Pizza for lunch overlooking the sea.
    We drove on through Kalyves and Souda, where we spent our first night in the docks was one of the hugest cruise liners I've ever seen.
    Had to wait a while for the check-in gate to open, but the customs and security went quite well with no queues, a small delay taking off but a good flight, now the drive home. Unfortunately, road works and two diversions due to road closure made the journey longer than anticipated, but we are home safe and well.
    Two weeks in two locations on the East Coast of Crete, great weather, great locations, and great food. We think we've done Crete now, so we're looking forward to discovering a new Greek Island soon, Ta ra a bit.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyCreteTraveler
    1
    11

    Last Full Day

    September 23, 2024 in Greece ⋅ 🌬 24 °C

    As today is our last full day, we're making the effort to get up and out earlier. Well, some of us are. It's the first time Martin has been up before 9,
    We're heading to the south coast to check out some beaches so we can sit and catch some rays, and Martin can have a dip.
    After driving along the coast road, the first place we stop at is Limanski, we park, up next to the tiny harbour, and stroll along the prom of the little town. A beautiful small sandy beach full of sunbeds and umbrellas, coffee bar, and tavernas. We stop for a coffee and orange juice whilst deciding whether to stay here or move on. We decide to move on. Big mistake. We continue along the coast looking for sandy beaches, but they have now turned into shingle. Our last chance is Agias Fotias. We pull off the main road and head down the steep single track bumpy lane to a small car park overlooking a postage stamp sized shingle beach, oh no, we both decide the trip down wasn't worth it and make up our minds to come back home to Sitia and go to the beach just down the road.
    The scenery on the way home was quite spectacular and just showed how high up in the mountains we had driven.
    After a spot of lunch, we spent a couple of hours reading and relaxing on the beach, and Martin got his dip.
    A lovely last night meal of pasta and risotto overlooking the harbour finishes off 6 enjoyable days in Sitia.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyCreteTraveler
    11

    Two Lazy Days In Sitia

    September 21, 2024 in Greece ⋅ 🌬 22 °C

    SATURDAY
    Saturday is going to be a lazy restful day at home.
    I was awake really early again, in time again for another sunrise and also in time to watch the Ferry arrive and dock. Although it was a car Ferry there were only people boarding a line of at least 50 people. It was a case of if you blinked you missed it, the Ferry was only in port for about 15 minutes.
    Just before lunch we take a walk around Sitia again then stop for a drink, not to Martin standards but beggars can't be choosers as craft beer or even a dark beer non existent here. We walk back via the beach Martin found, it looks okay so we may have to pop down there later, now it's back for lunch.
    Martins getting itchy feet so off he goes for a walk around the harbour.
    Tonight we're eating at Zorba's restaurant, it's a traditional taverna and soon fills up with regulars and locals. Zorba the owner himself appears later, looks about 106 so tells you the food must be good, melted cheese starter, forgot the name, and Moussaka and Greek Salad for us both, probably best meal of the holiday.
    A lovely restful day, just what was needed.

    SUNDAY
    We we'e going for a south coast fora little excursion today, Sunday, but I woke super early this morning, 5 am, another sunrise. I'm feeling a little unwell and didn't fancy it so we just had another quiet day on the balcony, but then of course Martin gets itchy feet and goes for a walk, today he's heading for the fort that's overlooking the marina. Fantastic views from up there, I don't think I would have made that climb.
    When he gets back I'm feeling better so we head off down to the beach and sit and soak up the sun for what's left of the afternoon.
    A meal out at Zorba's again tonight, another good one. Fried cheese starter, Chicken and Mushrooms in cream sauce for me and Mixed Meat Grill for Mart. Free pudding and Raiki as well.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyCreteTraveler
    1111111

    Toplou Monestry and Vai Palm Beach

    September 20, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Today we're taking a trip to the East coast to Vai Beach and the Palm Forest. We travel up to the top of the mountains , literally, we can go no higher.
    On the way we stop at a view point and a nice German lady offers to take our photo, we then return the favour and take hers. We then stop to have a look around Toplou Monestry, an active monestry producing organic wine with a museum with works of art depicting the orthodox church and wonderful manuscripts. It has a lovely courtyard with the tallest cactus I've ever seen, they also have some statue including an anchor, not as good as Netherton's though.
    From there we stop at Itanos Beach, very tiny beach with it's own Archaeological ruins.
    We then continue on to Vai Palm Beach where we have lunch and spend the afternoon on the beach, himself even manages a dip, then it's back home to sit on the balcony for the night people watching,    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyCreteTraveler
    1
    111

    Strolling Through Sitia

    September 19, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    I was just about up in time for sunrise this morning after a restless night in a very warm bedroom.
    We're going to explore Sitia today when we can be bothered, we start with a walk along the prom checking out the eateries as we go, there's a lot of seafood on the menus here.
    We walk out to the furthest point then start wending our way back through the town. Oh, this is different to Ag Nik. Like at home there are a lot of empty shops and restaurants and it's not because we're coming to the end of the season.
    After realising we've done a lap of the town we head back to the apartment for a spot of lunch. Martin decides he's going for another leg stretch I've chosen to stay here, he can walk faster and further without me slowing him down. When he comes back he's found us a nice beach to try just up the road.
    Before we head out for our evening meal we watched the huge harvest moon rise over the harbour colouring the sky pink.
    Tonight's meal is in a traditional cuisine restaurant right next to the floodlit harbour wall, and what a feast it was, it defeated us both, huge portion and not expensive.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyCreteTraveler
    11

    Mooching Around Mouchlos

    September 18, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    Today's moving day, we're driving to Sitia our home for the next 5 days.
    We're driving along the coast road to beach check, or at least we were going to until we took a wrong turn and ended up on the main road which is more inland, and of course we couldn't get off it for quite a few killies. We double back to our original destination and wish we hadn't bothered. We set off again and this time turn off down the steep mountain road towards Mouchlos. A winding, narrow in parts, and bumpy road which ends in a beautiful little village straight out of the set of Mamma Mia. We walk around the bay, popping our heads into the little church, big enough for about 20 people. There's a couple of tiny beaches and a good 20 or so bars and restaurants, and after seeing the Deadlos Craft Beer sign ( our favoured beer in Crete) of course we had to stop a have a beer.
    After our libation we continue the journey to Sitia.
    First impressions, it's smaller than Agios Nikolias and more residential than touristy but there is a big harbour and our new apartment overlooks it, but even more, there's only 1 flight of stairs!! Hurrah!!
    The apartment is quaint, I think the word is, after the Ag Nik one, and full of nick naks but it's clean and has a great view and is right in the centre of all the bars and restaurants.
    It's starting to cloud over and gets a bit humid as we unpack and within half an hour we have, thunder, lightning and rain, but on the upside there's also another rainbow when it stops.
    A short walk up the road tonight for some traditional food overlooking the harbour with the moon reflecting on the sea. Cheese pie and Tzatziki for starters, then Kleftiko for me and a disappointing Steak and Chips for Martin, followed by free chocolate pudding, watermelon and Raiki, what more could you ask for.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyCreteTraveler
    11

    A Day At Rest In Agios Nikolias

    September 17, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Today we're having a restful day in Agios Nikolias, we have blue skies and white puffy clouds. After spending the morning reading and people watching on the balcony we get our arses in gear and go for a walk to the beach bar we found Sunday.
    The water is still and crystal clear so we both have a quick paddle before taking a seat to again sit and watch the world go by. There's something to be said for having a bad knee and not being able to walk far. Sitting people watching again and taking silly selfies, enjoying a beer.
    We've made the decision to have lunch that way we needent go tonight, after we have to pack as it's moving day tomorrow,.
    Martin has a pasta dish with smoked pork and local cheese and I have a Gyros portion, slightly bigger than I expected.
    A gentle walk back and up the stairs from hell for the last time. We'll miss the fabulous view and the lovely town, but not those stairs .
    It's a beautiful balmy evening with a full moon reflecting on the sea, a perfect last photo of Agios Nikolias    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyCreteTraveler
    1

    Spinalonga

    September 16, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    This morning I was awake before the sunrise so I managed to get some more pictures and watch a cruise liner dock at the same time.

    Today we're going for a ride up the coast to visit the island of Spinalonga, yes I did say island which means a boat trip. The views on the way were stunning. We parked in a town called Elounda right next to the jetty where the boats were leaving from. The boat trip takes about 25 minutes, not too bad.

    Spinalonga is an uninhabited island, originally built as a fortress in the Venetian ere. From 1903 until 1957 it was used as Leper colony. Today the derelict and crumbling buildings have become quite a popular tourist attraction with many boats arriving daily. The average time spent on the island is an hour, which is long enough as there isn't much to see and nowhere to buy refreshments.

    We had lunch in Elounda a nice town not as big as Agios Nik. We then drove on to Plaka, a one road town, glad we didn't decide to stay here.

    The weather's started to take a turn for the worse, the clouds are forming and turning dark. On the way home there's some spots of rain but we managed to make it home before the heavens opened. The road outside the apartment was flooded and the sky was black, we ended up with a rainbow.

    By the time we were ready to go out for a meal the streets had dried and the sky was clear. We walked back to the bar with craft beer and sampled another couple of different bottles, and then ate in a restaurant overlooking the lake. pizza for me and Cretan meatballs and rice for him, but instead of being ball shaped they were cylindrical and he described them as four turds in the snow!!! A lovely day nonetheless.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyCreteTraveler
    11111

    A Stroll To Ammos Beach

    September 15, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Still feeling lazy so we're sitting on the balcony again people watching but we need exercise so its off for a stroll to the beach around the bay from the apartment.
    It doesn't feel quite so hot today as there's a good breeze and quite a few clouds.
    We past the marina, boy there's a lot of boats packed in bobbing about on the beautiful blue sea.
    The beach is small and again has fine shingle instead of sand but the water is crystal clear.
    We walk right to the end of the bay and find a bar selling 'Dedalos' the local craft beer, well it would be rude not to try some. A table right next to the sea and a lovely view. The beer makes us hungry so we try a few small plates. Tzatziki, Pitta Bread, Cheese Pies and Dakos, a dish of bread, soaked in water and topped with tomatoes and Feta cheese and drizzled with olive oil. Sorry no pictures, it disappeared too quickly.
    A gentle walk back past the Cathedral and home in time for Martin to watch the Baggies thrash Portsmouth and go top of the league.
    Also managed to catch the latter stages of the Solheim Cup golf. Yank victory so not so good. Still full from lunch and me not fancying another trip downstairs, Martin pops to the supermarket for supplies and we have a salad at home, he managed to pick up a couple of bottles of local wine. 1.5 litres of cooperative Cretan wine for 2.5 euros.
    I'm moon watching, its almost a full one.
    Those stairs are killing me. Karen it's another 'Hill of Terror ' .    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyCreteTraveler
    11

    Irepetra

    September 14, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Today we are going to drive up through the mountains to the south coast.
    On the way we stopped to look at the view of the turquoise blue lake, only spoilt by the surrounding fields covered in plastic greenhouses.
    We then continued on to Irepetra, a much bigger town than we were expecting.
    We walked along the front on the look out for a bar for a drink and a spot of lunch. We found one right by the sea where we could people watch and parrot watch, the bar has two.
    Again made the mistake of ordering 2 large beers, but we also tried the Gyros to soak it up.
    A drive home along the coast beach watching.
    Still full from lunch we decided to stay on tonight and have a snack. Did manage to get a sort of sunset, we're facing the wrong way.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyCreteTraveler
    111

    Very Lazy Friday

    September 13, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Well, I've managed my second sunrise, and this one had a surprise for me. A luxury yacht had docked overnight. Well, I had to get the details, so I downloaded an app. It's owned by the Ritz-Carlton group, very luxurious, and only 300 passengers.
    I've had a very lazy day, infact a pajama day, well nightie in my case. I've sat on the balcony all day people watching and reading. Martin went for a good walk this afternoon down to the beach at the other end of town.
    This evening, we went to a local traditional restaurant then onto the bar next-door to our apartment for a bit of live rock music. Great night of heavy metal music with Brian Meacham a fantastic guitarist with a superb backing track covering Deep Purple, ACDC, Van Halen, Black Sabbath, Floyd, Bon Jovi, Metallica, Queen, nods to Hendrix, Nirvana and more. Superb guitarist from Shropshire!! The sound he generated was awesome. Rock on. 😊    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyCreteTraveler
    1
    1

    In Search Of Decent Beer

    September 12, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Today we're taking it easy, neither of us slept well due to the heat, only consolation to that was I did get pics of a lovely sunrise.
    We are going in search of a bar selling craft beer which Martin has found on the web. We start with a leisurely stroll around the harbour opposite the apartment, which we can see, second picture the one above the pharmacy, second floor.
    We come across two large statues, one is the statue of Europa, the other The Horn Of Almathea both with mythical stories attached to them. We continue around the coast to a small beach, not sand more shingle but the water is a beautiful blue/green colour and crystal clear.
    We head back towards Lake Voulismeni in the centre of town where we had our meal last night. The bar we we're looking for is in the road behind so we had a good view of the lake while enjoying our drinks.
    Back to the apartment for a chill before our evening meal.    Read more

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