Mid 1994 and I arrive in Corfu to be greeted by Keith at the airport, the Corfiot airport in those days was a little basic but functional - I remember even though it was early morning when we got off of the plane it was so hot and humid - the staff were smoking air-side which was a surprise.

We got into Keith's Daihatsu van - one of those really small ones, I remember thinking 'How the hell did he drive this from the UK'..

It started to become light just as we left the airport - I though we were in a war zone as the place looked so rough, Plaster falling off of most of the buildings and general bad looking structures but I have to say the roads were really clear of rubbish and the general state of things was very good.

As we drove toward Sidari I was full of questions - remember though that Keith had just done a full nights work and was tired, probably a little drunk too as that's the way things went over there probably even to this day although I understand they do have breath testing equipment on the island these days, at least they claim to have it.

After an hour or so of driving over the mountain I was dropped off at my apartment and shown in, I went straight to bed.

Later that day I was awoken by birdsong - opened my shutters (after working out what they were) and went out onto the balcony, good lord.. what a breathtaking place I was in! Paradise, the place is STUNNING.

Green, fresh smelling and quiet - I was overlooking an olive grove although I didn't know at the time what it was.. I was most impressed.

An hour or so later I realised that I was sharing an apartment with a couple, Steve and Caroline:

It didn't take long to realise that these were nothing less than very nice people - they welcomed me and we always got on very well.. bloody hell - can things get much better that this? what a start.. heaven.

Prev - Next >>