The time has come
We were in Volos the other week, only for just over a day, and we would normally have stayed at the Hotel Aegli but we seemed to have arrived at the same time as a coach party so instead we carried on down the front and came to the Hotel Kypseli. Very nice it was too even if the air conditioning was a tad underwhelming. The heat led Sean to leave the window open all night allowing a particularly vicious mosquito to gain entry and wreak havoc on Junior and myself. Unfortunately I’m allergic to mozzie bites and so my arm looked like I’d had a couple of golf balls implanted under my skin but this was nothing compared to poor Junior who was bitten 5 times on one side of her face and 3 times on her ear. Poor little mite – I hate mozzies 
On the plus side the room did have a bath……..bliss. I’ve not had a bath for well over a year (don’t worry, I have been showering), and so lying in a proper sized bath was just wonderful. I couldn’t get junior out of it until she resembled a prune, she was too busy being a mermaid! The view from the room was also pretty good.
The reason we were in Volos was because we have finally found somewhere to live and we’re moving to the mainland in the next couple of weeks! Oh joy of joys, at long last the search is over. I realise I am now going to have to rename the blog, either to ‘Moving from Skopelos’ or ‘Pottering on the Pelion’, I’m sure I’ll be inspired shortly (any suggestions welcome but keep it clean!).
In a very strange twist, and one which makes me think that all things are pre-destined, we are actually moving to an area which Sean and I drove through when we first visited Greece in 2000 and which we commented at the time was a place we wouldn’t mind living in! So there you go, Greece, in spite of all the recently well publicised difficulties, is still the place for us, it’s just Skopelos that doesn’t suit. As the saying goes “it’s alright for a holiday but I couldn’t live there!” We are, apparently, not island people. I like to explore a country, visit different places, see new sites and when you live on an island you’re restricted in both terms of time and money. Time because you have to travel according to the boat timetable and money because getting back and forth to the mainland for 3 people is a not insignificant cost. Put all these factors together with the problems we have had finding somewhere to settle and I’m sure you’ll understand our decision.
Not a great time maybe to add to the menagerie but Sean couldn’t resist this little one as we both wanted a female tabby. As we now have cats in every colour, perhaps it’s time to stop?
how exciting!!!! Can’t wait to hear more about your move to the mainland. What are the schools like for Junior? will she miss the island? etc etc… anyway, it sounds as if you have it sorted and bravo for moving on and recognising your needs. x
Hi Alice, Junior is quite excited at the prospect of moving (especially as she’ll have the biggest bedroom!). Being 6 she has no worries about changing school or meeting new people as she believes that everyone will love her and want to be her friend. I think she may be right – oh to have such a positive attitude
Well done Helen. I applaud your bravery and courage to make a change when it becomes necessary – many people dont – they just stay put and moan.
I love what I have seen of the Pelion. I will be really interested to follow your progress there and see how it compares to Skopelos. Remember my offer – if you ever want to visit out of season – mi casa su casa.
Sally x
Hi Sally, I think I’ve done my share of moaning
I’ve not really explored the Pelion yet so I hope it will be as nice as people say.
Thanks for your offer about the house – I’m sure we’ll be popping over at regular intervals.
Hi Helen, This is the first time I’m writing you. I have so enjoyed reading about your adventures on Skopelos. My Grandfather was from Skopelos and I have spent some summer vacations there but not since 1987. My parents had contemplated building a house there but never did. Have you ever met my cousin Mary Kriezi or her children, Petros or Demetra Christopolous on the island?
I once spent a lovely Easter weekend on Pelion with a group of Greek friends. I forget the name of the town we stayed in. I lived in Greece for one year while I worked at the American school in Athens. I learned some Greek and got to know about my Greek heritage. I now live in a beautiful town in Arizona.
All the best in Pelion. When are you moving?
Hi Helen, we wish you all the very best for your future on the mainland.
As frequent visitors to Skopelos we value the insight your blog has given us into living there permanently. Greek friends on the island have also cautioned us that life is not always as idyllic as it seems to the summer visitor.
Your blog has also provided us with island news which was much appreciated.
Hi Marianne, thanks for your comments. I don’t think I’ve met your cousin although Sean recognised the name – but there again I’ve not got a great memory for names and he has!
We move tomorrow so things are pretty hectic here at the moment
HI Deborah and Norman, Skopelos is a lovely island and I’m sure that we will be over to visit for long weekends during the summer but we definitely need more than the island can offer and I think we’ll have the best of both worlds once we’re living on the mainland (hopefully).
Thank you, Helen, for taking the time to write considering you are moving tomorrow. Have a safe and uneventful move. Please have the word ‘Skopelos’ in the name of your blog, at least in the beginning, so I can ‘google alert’ it so as to follow your future adventures. Perhaps: From Skopelos to Pelion.
Thanks so much, Helen ( or Elene, as they say in Greece)
I understand your need to move. I lived on both Rhodes (far away!) and Ios, in both cities and villages. We live in Athens, not because it’s beautiful or clean but because most of our needs are met here with regard to employment, transport, access to goods and services and “diversity” (not much, but better than nothing). That’s not to say services are necessarily better — we once lived in an Athens house that had no possibility for Internet. However, Greece is our home for the time being, and we’re trying to make the best of it.
Looking forward to hearing more and all best!
I have also enjoyed following your blog about your life on Skopelos.
We own a small house there but I never felt as though I could live there full time. I admire your stamina, especially with your little girl too. She must be quite fluent in Greek now.
Best wishes for your new venture. I can imagine how excited you are and look forward to reading all about it soon.
Marion
Hello Helen and assorted growing family…I am pleased for you, that this is happening now. We all need something to look ahead to. I lived on Saltspring Island for 8 years in the Gulf Islands and had both my sons there. You have given Junior a safe beginning with a connection to the Islands that will never leave her, or you… All the best on Pelion…it is gorgeous, with so much to explore… I look forward to seeing you all this summer…hugs,Laurie
Just a little note to thank you for the blog over the past couple of years. I’ve been a regular visitor to Skopelos and enjoyed keeping in touch with the island via your posts and pictures.
Thanks also for the vegan recipe pix – I always enjoyed looking at them!
Very best wishes to you and your family in your new venture.
kind regards
Julia
Kat, at the end of the day we have to live here, not just holiday here, so the sun and the sea just isn’t enough is it? If we were retired or independently wealthy (I wish!!) then maybe Skopelos would have been for us. You’re right though, we just have to make the best of it.
Marion, I think a lot of people feel the way you do, at least the ones I know with a house on Skopelos. Most people seem to be put off by the thought of winter on an island and being trapped there in bad weather. It can feel quite claustrophobic. Junior is fluent in Greek and reads and writes it better than she does English!
Hi Laurie, everyone tells us the Pelion is beautiful so once we’ve finished the unpacking, I suppose we should get out and look around! Look forward to seeing you again soon.
Julia, thanks for your kind words they’re much appreciated.