Corfu and sunny Greece

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CORFU Sunday 3rd May 2015

Before going to bed last night it was another time change - clocks forward an hour so we can be
on Greek time.
Having left Messina, we travelled along the Messina Strait around the toe of Italy and travelled towards the island of Corfu.
Another glorious day greeted us, a late breakfast before heading off into Corfu
Town.
Corfus main income is from tourism with its main export is olive oil.
The shuttle dropped us at the Spilia gate near the old port. The old quarter is likened to Venice with its tall houses and narrow alleys and the
British influence is evident with the bandstand and the cricket square (an all weather strip now). Our walk took us from the 'New Fort' a 16th century Venetian
construction with the British barracks on top. We came through the narrow streets to the Liston, an Arcade built by the French at the beginning of the
19th century in imitation of the Rue de Rivoli in Paris. The Liston looks out onto the Spianada (Esplanade), this holds the cricket pitch, a legacy from the
British where games are still played most Sunday's in summer. We came upon the bandstand further south before crossing the road (take your life in your hands)
to view the 'Old Fort'. Until recently, this was the preserve of the army but is now open to the public (at a charge), it is derelict now, even the Greek chapel
where Prince Philip was christened has been abandoned. There is a great panoramic view of Corfu town from the top. The fort is divided from the mainland by a sea
moat. On walking back towards the cricket square we came across a little oasis, a garden (Bosketo) dedicated to Gerald Durrell, the founder of Jersey Zoo who
lived on Corfu for a number of years. I think as we walked back down into the town all the other tours arrived into the Old Town. We found a small Taverna for
coffee and Baklava, an experience in itself with the owner (Spiros) and his wife speaking no English (at all) - thank god for picture menus.
A beautiful island in total contrast to Messina.
Next stop Dubrovnik

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