An afternoon in Corfu

Corfu was on the horizon this morning. We had the luxury of sleeping a little later today, since we weren’t due to arrive until lunchtime. Having said that, we had to put our clocks forward an hour too, so really, it all evened out.

We could see land here and there, which always prompts us to get out our phones and look at Google Maps to find out exactly where we are and what we can see. This morning, that wasn’t working too well so I went in search of the ships chart. Having found it, I was amused to find the location of Corfu there - hoping that the officer navigating our course had access to the next page!

We were due to leave on tour at 1pm and went out to meet our guide on the quayside, discovering as we did that we had company today: The Azamara Quest was berthed alongside too.

Just like yesterday, about 20 of us were led by Sophia, driving on a regular sized coach through Corfu town and out towards our first destination. We’d chosen to book places on a tour to the Achilleon Palace originally, but had notice that it’s currently undergoing renovation and our itinerary had been adjusted.

Our first stop was at a viewpoint and site of a former defensive position, known as Canones after the cannon which stood right there by the cafe.

We each made our way through the cafe to the overlook there at the edge and took “the photo” of Mouse Island and the former nunnery which occupies the other island out there. OK.

The second viewpoint from this spot was signposted with a flag. “Airport View” offered exactly that. A view of the runway. We’d heard planes taking off and landing whilst still on the ship and as we’d been driving, we heard one right overhead more than once. I guess it wasn’t a bad view from here, but had we come all this way to watch planes taking off? I don’t think so.

Our principal destination was “Mon Repos”, former home of several high profile Corfiots (First new word of the day!) including British High Commissioners.

But after such a grand introduction, the reality was quite shabby. we thought.

Inside was a little better, though when Sophia explained the same story as my Hero had already outlined to me that the last Greek King, Constantine, having been deposed, sold off the contents of the villa, leaving the Greek government to reimburse him for the remaining value of the property, all became clear. (phew)

So where had that fine Chinese vase come from, then, asked one of our group. The answer was, it was broken in the move!

So actually, the fine items on show here in the museum were relocated from other places, to be exhibited here in, including these fine pieces from the 6-4th Century BC. Remarkable, given their age, don’t you agree?

But really, in each room, the most impressive feature was the view.

However important historically speaking, the dress and portraits of former inhabitants might be, though, to those of us with little prior knowledge of these people, were of little significance.

Sad, but true.

We returned to the bus, parked by the remains of the old basilica.

Which is where I spotted the first mention of the most relevant detail of Mon Repos to those of us coming from the UK. It was the birthplace of our Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, husband of our Queen Elizabeth II.

We returned to Corfu town for the last part of our tour. The bus dropped us off at the entrance to the fortess, at the end of the avenue leading to the main part of the city.

We walked with Sophia down the avenue and turned right along a promenade which fronted the old town.

All the way along here, I was looking up the side streets, noting the banners advertising ? (I had no idea) but all the time thinking they looked like someone had left their washing out to dry!

I don’t know if it was intentional that they were wrapped around the hanging wire or if they had simply blown around there in the wind. Whatever, I’m not sure they were fulfilling their purpose (except that yes, I did notice them!)

From here, we had an hour to spend independently. Free Time. Except, we didn’t really want to shop for souvenirs and I was scared stiff of the pigeons which were everywhere (and very bold). We made our way back to the promenade, found a shady bench where we could sit alongside a lady and her shopping and enjoyed a little people watching.

Around five minutes to four, the lady got up and went to stand at the end of the road, appearing to wait for someone to pick her up. We watched as she waited…and waited…but no-one came. Her body language changed from patient to a bit frustrated; her hand went to her hip and she appeared tired. She returned to a shady spot as the minutes passed and by 4.15pm we were getting worried. I know…silly, isn’t it?

We were due back at our meeting spot at 4.30 pm so were really glad when five minutes later, someone came and collected her! She’d looked so weary, we both wanted her to get her lift before we left!!

All well then, we returned to our bus and were taken back to the ship, where a cool shower worked its wonders and we got a new burst of energy, ready for this evening! Dinner in Chartreuse, followed by the show. Another wonderful day with new people. places and lovely things to remember.

And another early start tomorrow too!