Quite a lot of Greek and Cypriot food and drink specialities were happy accidents, and here’s another…
In 1957, Nestle representative Dimitris Vakondios – attending a conference in Thessaloniki – found himself without access to a kettle to make himself a fortifying coffee. After seeing his boss demonstrating a shaker for mixing milk and chocolate powder to make the Nesquik drink for children, Dimitris borrowed the device. He wondered whether he could use it to blend instant coffee with water. When this successfully created a foamy mixture, he added more water and a few ice cubes to create a tall cold coffee drink – the first Frappe.
Now 7 October has been designated Frappe Day. If you’ve never tried one of these Greek / Cypriot iced coffees, we recommend adding them to your holiday wish list. Somehow although they’re easy to make at home, they never taste quite the same.
Authentic Recipe
Mix 1-2 teaspoons of Nescafe instant coffee granules, a little sugar and water to a foam in a cocktail shaker or with a whisk. Add ice cubes and top up with water or a water and evaporated milk mixture. Serve with a straw.
Our Variation
We like adding a little cocoa powder to make our own mocha version. For an even more creamy version, add a little Greek yogurt – yum!
Photo taken at Muse in Paphos… one of our firm favs. One frappe with milk, the other without.
If you plan to visit Cyprus next summer, the next two Thursdays are significant dates for easyJet customers. With flights from regional airports around the UK including Luton, Gatwick, Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh, an average aircraft age of only 6 years, and family-friendly policies such as free carriage of car and booster seats, and their low-cost ‘hands free’ option if you are happy to travel light, this airline is a popular choice for flights around Europe.
easyJet ‘Hands Free’
This allows you to check in hand luggage for a flat fee at the airport. There are advantages for both the airline and traveller…
Travellers can take toiletries and liquids in larger sizes than 100 ml without the faff of putting everything into zip lock bags. It also saves you lugging hand luggage through security and departures. And you can still take a small under-the-seat laptop or handbag on board. If you haven’t brought a bag, you will be provided with a small plastic bag at the bag drop for your valuables and essentials. You will be called to board after the ‘Speedy Boarders’ with your luggage tagged as ‘Priority’ to come off the carousel first.
For easyJet it eases the congestion in the cabin overhead lockers, and adds another small ‘extra’ charge to your booking.
To take advantage of the best rates, check out Availability Calendar and Contact Us to ask if we can reserve your preferred dates. Once agreed, we promise hold them for 24 hours which will allow you to book your flights.
Then set your alarm for Thursday morning and hop onto the easyJet website… early risers get the best flight deals!
Good luck!
Our photo shows an easyJet Airbus A320 turning over Pissouri on its flight path to Paphos.
Tip: to see a great aerial view of Pissouri on arrival, it’s often best to choose seats on the right-hand side of the plane.
One of the pleasures of warm evenings outdoors is lying back on a lounger or relaxing in a hammock and gazing up at the night sky. Because there’s much less light pollution than in more populated locations, and frequent cloudless skies, the viewing is often rewarding. Switch off the garden and pool lights, pour yourself a chilled drink and enjoy sky-watching in comfort…
The constellations, the moon, meteor showers and the International Space Station can all be seen easily with the naked eye, although you may find the villa binoculars enhance the experience.
The Constellations – any time of year
If you’re new to star-gazing, there is a variety of apps which use your smart phone or tablet camera to assist you in identifying the constellations, for example Google Sky Map.
Perseid Meteor Shower – every July and August
Photo: Dominic Alves
The Perseids are one of the brighter meteor showers of the year. Coming from the direction of Perseus, these tiny fragments from the Swift-Tuttle comet provide more than one meteor every minute. The peak dates for spotting these shooting stars is around August 9 to 13, although they can be seen on any dates between July 17 and August 24.
Our tip: Concentrate on one small part of the sky, rather than scanning too wide an area. Spot one and a multitude usually follow!
International Space Station – any time of year
Photo: NASA/Bill Ingalls
The International Space Station is most easily seen within a few hours of sunrise or sunset because the sun reflects off the space station providing a good contrast with the darker sky.
The space station looks like an aircraft or a very bright star moving across the sky, although moving in a straight line and 30 times faster.
If you visit NASA’s excellent Spot the Station website, you can find up to date spotting information such as this below to help you decide exactly when and where to look. (For Cyprus viewing you need to choose Nicosia as the location.)
Example ISS sighting information from NASA
Alternatively, if you have an Android phone or tablet, download ISS Detector Satellite Tracker free app which can sound an alarm 5 minutes before the Space Station is due over your location.
Thought you knew the Cyprus coastline? Surely no-one knows it like Andreas Papadopoulos. The detail in this meticulously researched app is fantastic – search for disabled access, public transport, picnic sites, watersports, sunbeds, WiFi. Plus maps, route planner, photographs, tips and a whole lot more.
Free demo version includes Pissouri Bay Full version €2.29 or £1.99 | For iOS and Android
Alix Norman | Cyprus Mail
“If you’ve lived in Cyprus for more than a year, you know exactly which beaches you prefer. Looking for a pebbly shore, and a quiet day by the sea in Larnaca? Then Oroklini Beach is the place to be. Eastward bound, and in search of sand, snorkeling, and facilities on a Blue-flagged beach? Fig Tree Bay’s a good choice. Or if you’re after total peace and quiet near Limassol, and in possession of a 4×4, then it’s down to Ayios Yiorgos. But here’s the thing: even if you’ve known the island your whole life, there are hundreds of coastal spots still to be discovered. Or, if you’re a tourist, you probably have little notion of just which beach suits your needs. And that’s where the new app, Cyprus Beaches, comes in extremely handy…”
Don’t get caught out by Ryanair’s latest sneaky change – from 13 June you will only be able to check-in free of charge 2 days before your flight. Make sure you set yourself a reminder as it’s something that could easily get overlooked in your packing frenzy.
It’s all explained in this screen grab from MoneySavingExpert:
Is your precious annual holiday the chance to lose yourself in a good book?
If so, we have a small library with a selection of reading material to suit a variety of tastes including autobiographies, thrillers, detective novels, chick lit, light reads, local travel guides, and comedy books.
So whether you prefer to read lying down on one of our comfy loungers or stretched out in the villa hammock; or alternatively sitting up keeping an eye on proceedings from a balcony seat, or chilling half-in and half-out of the pool at the Roman steps; you should be able to find a comfortable spot to relax and immerse yourself in the book of your choice.
The Sunrise by Victoria Hislop
As usual with Victoria, this is a meticulously researched novel woven around the human side of the tragic events of 1974. Set in Famagusta and Varosha which were favourite celebrity hangouts in their heyday (much like the South of France today). In those heady times the popular beach resort was regularly visited by all the glitterati of the time, including film stars such as Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward.
Beginning prior to the invasion, when Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots lived happily side-by-side in mixed communities, despite some political tensions, it shows how dramatically lives were changed by the Turkish invasion of the island.
Guests will find hardback and paperback copies of Victoria’s excellent book in the villa library.
Abandoned Cyprus Airways Trident at Nicosia Airport
Crossing the Green Line
Even today Cyprus remains a divided island, with a ‘buffer zone’ patrolled by the United Nations and the world’s only remaining divided city: Nicosia.
You can visit Northern Cyprus via the crossing point in the capital’s Ledra Street. Take passports and be careful not to take photographs near the border. We do not advise driving over as your rental insurance will not be valid.
Another option is to take an organised tour, such as The Original Red Bus Tour from the eastern resorts which offers a full day guided tour to the Venetian walled city of Famagusta and the ghost resort of Varosha. It’s shocking to stand on the beautiful beach and see the dilapidation of the once thriving high-rise hotels behind the barbed wire. If you’re happy to make an early start, you can drive to Protaras and pick up the bus there.
The Edge of Heaven by Gordon Honeycombe
The well-known former ITN newscaster was a regular Pissouri visitor in the 1970s, choosing the area as the location for his fifth novel.
Those who remember him from his serious news days, may be surprised to find that parts of the novel are rather racy!
50 Things to Do in Cyprus on a Sunny Day by Chris Alden
As a former Cyprus resident, with an insight into the culture through his Cypriot family, Chris’ travel guide offers a wealth of suggestions and tips.
Although we have a print copy in villa library, you may be interested in buying the eBook version for yourself as it includes regularly-updated web links.
With the warmest climate of all the Mediterranean EU countries, Cyprus is an attractive year-round destination offering something different throughout the seasons. The best Cyprus season? That really depends what you look for in your perfect holiday… Whether your passion is experiencing natural beauty, exploring culture and history, lazy relaxation at the beach, action-packed days filled with sporting activities; or a combination of all of the above, we aim to help you decide the perfect time for your visit.
Winter (November – February)
Yes – you can snow ski in Cyprus! With an elevation of 1952 metres, head for Mount Olympus in the Troodos Mountains where there’s a choice of four ski slopes: Aphrodite: 150 m (nursery) | Hera: 350 m (nursery) | Hermes: 150 m (intermediate) | Zeus: 500 m (advanced)
But what everyone wants in a winter break is some sun… At lower levels, pick a sheltered spot on a typical sunny winter’s day, and you’ll find it warm enough to top up your tan.
For water-based activities remember to pack your wet suit. At all times of the year you can find wind-surfing, kite-surfing and paddle-boarding in the coastal resorts.
Planning your excursions to avoid rain showers, this is a good time of year for winter nature walks and scenic drives, particularly along the coast and around the salt lakes. It’s also the season to spot the Greater Flamingo at Akrotiri, Larnaca and Oroklini lakes. Look out for a black one among the pink… it is believed to be a mutation and may be a unique specimen in the wild.
[We do not do winter lets, but you should be able to get a good off-season hotel deal.]
Spring (March – May)
This is arguably the most colourful Cyprus season… lush green fields, carpets of flowers including the most delicate of wild and rare orchids, along with an abundance of yellow mimosa. It’s also capers picking season… (Did you know they are flower buds?) On hillside terraces and valley floors you can watch the vibrant lime-coloured growth emerging from the woody grape vines, just as there’s pastel blossom on the many fruit and nut trees. Spring is the ideal time for countryside nature walks and driving tours.
Different regions have local specialities… Cyprus tulips are grown around the village of Polemi near Paphos, and roses around Agros for making into rose water. Polemi Tulip Festival takes place in March, and Agros Rose Festival at the eastern Troodos village in May.
It’s also the season when nearly 400 species of migrating birds arrive en route from over-wintering in Africa to their breeding grounds in Europe.
And with warmer temperatures, longer days, and less rain than in winter, thoughts naturally turn to outdoor activities. These range from ancient World Heritage historical sites with Greco-Roman remains such as Kourion amphitheatre and Paphos archaeological site to family-friendly attractions such as Paphos Zoo and Sparti Rope Park in Platres forest.
For an adrenaline fix you could learn a new sport on during your Cyprus holiday… maybe try out paragliding with a tandem flight, and if you’re bitten by the bug, progress to elementary and club pilot courses with Cyprus Fly Adventures.
Cultural events for Cypriots focus around Orthodox Easter. In the supermarkets and bakeries you will see special traditional Easter treats for sale, often with tasting samples to try. You can even buy ready-dyed red eggs for the Easter egg-cracking game (which is played like conkers on Orthodox Easter Sunday). And visitors are welcome to visit the local churches to see the flower decorations. In towns and villages around the island Cypriots get together for a pre-Lent picnic, an Easter communal meal and family events. For Pissouri residents this includes games, competitions, music and dancing in Pissouri Square, plus the annual married vs singles football match. If you get the chance, we recommend heading to Paphos harbour for the Kataklysmos celebrations (Festival of the Flood/Pentecost) where the water-based family fun includes our favourite – the greasy pole challenge – the aim being to run along the pole and grab the flag at the end.
While children happily venture into pools and sea in April, adults usually prefer the swimming temperature from May. Days are sunny and comfortably warm, and on hotter days you’ll welcome a cooling breeze. Remember to bring a few warmer clothes for after sunset.
Summer (June – August)
At the height of summer, it’s hot hot hot! Take a few tips from the Cypriots – rise early, enjoy a long siesta in the hottest part of the day, find shade where you can, wear a hat, drink plenty of water, and do everything at a slower pace. In the local vernacular: “Siga, siga!” (“Slowly, slowly!”)
Active holidaymakers can enjoy refreshing water-based activities – either in a pool or at the seaside – paddling, swimming, snorkeling, sailing, diving, surfing, water-skiing, kite-surfing, not forgetting the family favourite – visits to water parks. When you’re ready for a break from the beach, you can escape the heat by heading inland to the cool of the Troodos Mountain pine forest where there are walking trails alongside babbling trout streams, icy pools and cool waterfalls, plus Sparti Rope Park for forest-based family zip-wire fun.
A favourite peak season adventure for beginners is to sample a PADI discover scuba diving taster. Qualified divers can progress through more advanced courses, with wreck dives and night dives available. Other ideas for an active holiday include trying out kite surfing, wind surfing, stand up paddle boarding or jet propelled flyboarding.
But if your holiday preference is to switch off and just chill out, you can relax either poolside or at one of the many Blue Flag beaches.
Hot summer evenings outdoors are one of the delights of this time of year… whether you’re having a barbecue in the garden, dining at your favourite restaurant, having a sunset drink with friends, star-gazing, or going out to an open-air show. Catering for a range of tastes, you can visit Kourion ancient odeon for a Shakespeare Festival in June, or a Greek Drama Festival in July. And at amphitheatres around south-west Cyprus, including Pissouri, there is a popular summer programme of live musical performances, mostly by ‘tribute acts’ from the UK.
July and August are also the peak months for turtle nest hatchings, with the eastern end of Pissouri beach hosting returning females. Normally taking place overnight, maybe once a season a lucky few get to witness a host of tiny baby turtles on their precarious journey from land to sea.
If you have a turtle enthusiast in the family, do consider taking a turtle cruise on board Atlantis from Paphos. George is brilliant at finding turtles, knowledgeable and interesting. His 2-hour sunset cruise is a worthwhile and memorable holiday experience.
Autumn (September – October)
Those who can holiday whenever they like may regard this as the perfect Cyprus season… The temperature is climbing down from the summer highs, with such a gradual cooling of the sea that swimming remains comfortable into November. The full programme of events and activities continues, beaches and restaurants buzz, it’s reliably hot and sunny, with the added bonus of lower humidity than the peak months.
It’s also still warm enough after sunset to enjoy al-fresco evening activities such as open-air concerts at the amphitheatres, scanning the sky for constellations and shooting stars, and outdoor dining in restaurants and tavernas.
In the rural villages you can join in with traditional festivals of thanksgiving for the harvest. Pissouri, surrounded by vineyards, celebrates a seasonal Grapes Festival where tables are set up in the village square for a huge community dinner. The nearby village of Anogyra, specialising in a jelly-like sweet made from carobs, holds a Pastelli Festival. Although traditionally for local inhabitants, visitors are welcome. There may also be stalls selling locally produced specialities, with the opportunity to try before you buy – always a good notion!
In the larger towns there are autumn festivals too… Along the Molos seafront there’s a week-long Limassol Wine Festival with food and wine tasting, music, dancing, games and entertainments. Alternatively there’s the September Paphos Aphrodite Opera Festival, in front of the castle at the harbour.
Birdwatchers can again enjoy spotting opportunities, with a seasonal influx of many species returning to over-winter in Africa and The Middle East.
It’s also the ideal time to get out and about on foot, before late-season rains begin to make some walks muddy and difficult – a good example being a trek along the Akamas Gorge with its spectacular and scary balancing rock.
A visit to Pissouri amphitheatre for one of the summer ‘tribute act’ shows is one of our favs. There’s something magical and special about a live musical performance, and when it includes so many familiar tunes, you’re on to a winner.
Just off Pissouri Square, the magnificent modern amphitheatre was built as the village’s ‘millennium project’. With a sea-view backdrop from the tiered stone steps, shows begin in daylight and continue through sunset, finishing under floodlights. A great community get-together, the atmosphere is lively and relaxed – with chat, banter, singing and dancing. Everyone takes cushions to sit on (a must for comfort!), plus cool boxes with drinks and snacks.
Pissouri Tribute Act Concerts: 2018 Season
26 January | Phil Collins and The Songs of Genesis: Andrew James | Platea Tavern
Andrew James has been a performing since 1994, starting his tribute to Phil Collins at the end of 2006.
His repertoire includes:
In The Air Tonight | Don’t Lose My Number | Another Day In Paradise | I Can’t Dance! | Invisible Touch | Turn It On Again | Mama | Sledgehammer (Peter Gabriel) | All I Need Is A Miracle (Mike And The Mechanics) | Dance Into The Light | Wear My Hat | Can’t Hurry Love | Two Hearts | Sussudio | Easy Lover | Against All Odds | Groovy Kind Of Love | Both Side Of The Story | Abacab | No Son Of Mine
“The best Phil Collins tribute I’ve ever seen. Vocals, image and mannerisms spot on!! Plus a high energy show guaranteed to get everyone singing along. Highly recommended!!”
Jax Walker on Facebook
24 February | Rod Stewart Tribute: Pete (Chick) Henstock | Platea Tavern
A Cyprus regular, Pete (nickname Chick) Henstock performs his singing tribute to Rod Stewart in venues around the area. His wife Angie will be performing later in the season with her Bootleg Blondie show.
From Rod’s extensive catalogue of hits:
I Don’t Want To Talk About It | Maggie May | Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? | The First Cut Is The Deepest | Hot Legs | Some Guys Have All The Luck | You’re In My Heart | Tonight’s The Night | Have I Told You Lately? | Sailing | This Old Heart Of Mine | Handbags And Gladrags | You Wear It Well
9 – 14 March | 70s Glam Rock Tribute Show: Rob Cairns | Cyprus Tour
After winning stars in their eyes as Marc Bolan, Rob Cairns has been fine-tuning this unique show over the last 10 years.
Highlights:
T Rex: I Love To Boogie | Get It On | Ride A White Swan | Metal Guru
David Bowie: The Jean Genie | Life On Mars | Heroes | Let’s Dance | Ziggy Stardust | All the Young Dudes
Cockney Rebel: Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me)
Sweet: Ballroom Blitz | Wig Wam Bam | Blockbuster
Rod Stewart: Maggie May | The First Cut | Stay With Me
Roxy Music: Virginia Plain | Love Is The Drug
10 March | Neil Diamond Tribute: Johnny Dee | Platea Tavern
Johnny Dee can be heard on Radio Cambridgeshire most days, and will be touring Cyprus with his Neil Diamond Tribute Evening in March.
Listen out for:
Sweet Caroline | Cracklin’ Rosie | Song Sung Blue | Love On The Rocks | Forever In Blue Jeans | Beautiful Noise | If You Go Away | America | Cherry Cherry
31 March | Whitney Houston: Micki | Platea Tavern
Micki as Whitney‘s tribute to the Queen of the night features Whitney’s classic hits:
I Wanna Dance With Somebody | How Will I know | Run To You | The Greatest Love Of All – and of course the timeless smash hit – I Will Always Love You.
15 April | The Johnny Cash Show: Stu Edwards | Platea Tavern
Stu Edwards‘ set typically includes these hits of the man in black:
Cry Cry Cry | Help Me Make it Through The Night | Ring Of Fire | Tennessee Flat Top Box | Boy Named Sue | Orange Blossom Special | Cocaine Blues | Jackson | I Walk The Line | Ghost Riders in The Sky
Feel free to click for a pre-show listen on his website.
21 April | Barry White: A-Kay | Platea Tavern
Re-live some of the greatest and memorable songs from A-Kay as Dr Love:
Never Going To Give You Up | You See The Trouble With Me | My First, My Last, My Everything | Let The Music Play | In Ecstasy | When You Lay Next To Me | Practise What You Preach | I’ll Do Anything You Want Me To | Just The Way You Are | Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love
Lyin’ Eyes | Best Of My Love | Take It Easy | Life In The Fast Lane | Get Over It | How Long | Hotel California
“What a concert tonight. Little Eagle were superb at the Melbourne Assembly Rooms. Not just a concert and tribute to one of the greatest bands ever… but a fabulous show from start to the final finish – after 4 well deserved encores. Great music, harmonies, guitar playing and such a rapport with our capacity audience.”
Andy Heafield: Melbourne Assembly Rooms
9 June | George Michael Tribute: Andrew Browning | Pissouri Amphitheatre
Andrew Browning presents a faithful and accurate recreation of the magic of George Michael. A winning finalist in ‘Stars In Their Eyes’, Andrew’s performance contains all the hits from his early days in Wham through to his hugely popular solo career. He has appeared on numerous television programmes with his tribute, having been invited personally to appear in the official music video “As” alongside both George Michael and Mary J. Blige.
So many classics for Andrew to choose:
Wake Me Up | Careless Whisper | Last Christmas | Freedom | Jesus To A Child | Faith | Praying For Time | Amazing | I Knew You Were Waiting | Outside | Don’t Let The Sun Go Down | Fastlove | They Won’t Go When I Go | A Different Corner
13 – 20 June | The Brit Invasion Band: 60s Music | Cyprus Tour
The Brit Invasion are a professional five piece band showcasing a wide repertoire of classic British Mod/Pop/Rock music from the 1960s to present day.
“A journey through time of British music”.
Playlist favs:
Tainted Love | Lazy Sunday | Gimme Some Lovin’ | Town Called Malice | Itchycoo Park | Stay With Me | Hi Ho Silver Lining
“Absolutely fantastic band – such a great choice of songs in the set list plus you can really see they have a passion for the music and are having fun. Definitely recommend.”
Amy Barrett on Facebook
23 June | Simon and Garfunkel Tribute: Mike and Danny | Pissouri Amphitheatre
Mike and Danny magically capture the vocal harmonies and legendary guitar melodies that are so unique to Simon & Garfunkel.
Memorable songs:
The Sound of Silence | Bridge Over Troubled Water | Mrs Robinson | Homeward Bound | The Boxer | Cecilia | Bookends | Scarborough Fair
30 June | Bob Marley: The Reggae Matic Band | Pissouri Amphitheatre
Reggae Matic was formed a year ago by keyboard player Kamar Bromfield. An experienced reggae and soul musician, he has worked with Dawn Penn, Aswad and the late Gregory Isaac.
Typical set list:
No Woman No Cry | One Love | Get Up, Stand Up | Sun Is Shining | Buffalo Soldier | 3 Little Birds | I Shot the Sheriff | Jamming | Red Red Wine | Can’t Help Falling in Love | Could You Be Loved
10 July – The Police Academy – Pissouri Amphitheatre
The Police Academy recreate and reproduce a high energy Police experience that allows audiences to enjoy and immerse themselves in some of the best known songs ever written.
“All killer, no filler” set highlights:
Roxanne | Message In A Bottle | Every Breath You Take | King Of Pain | Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic | Walking On The Moon | De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da | King of Pain | The Bed’s Too Big Without You
“Saw you yesterday at Cobo. Brilliant. Loved it.”
Paula Fleming on Facebook
12 – 22 July | Jersey Boys: Big Guys Don’t Cry | Cyprus Tour
Big Guys Don’t Cry will be back with Jersey Boys based on the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.
Hits include:
Who Loves You | Walk Like a Man | Oh What a Night | Big Girls Don’t Cry | Let’s Hang On
“You guys were brilliant. Thank you for a lovely evening!”
Fiona Moore on Facebook (posting about the 2017 Pissouri show)
20 July | The Story Of The Beach Boys: Beach Boyz | Pissouri Amphitheatre
In The Story Of The Beach Boys lead vocalist Tommy Read will lead you through the history of America’s biggest pop band The Beach Boys. Learn how the group began, how their songs were constructed and about the private lives of boys themselves interspersed with hit after hit.
During the party, tribute act Beach Boyz will perform hits like:
Good Vibrations | I Get Around | God Only Knows | California Girls | Kokomo | Surfin’ USA | Then I Kissed Her | Fun Fun Fun | Don’t Worry Baby | Sloop John B | Wouldn’t It Be Nice
“WOW just WOW these guys are as close to the real thing as you will ever hear, top musicians and the harmonies and falsetto by the lead singer is on point.”
Warren Luis on Facebook
31 Aug | Dire Straits Tribute: Money For Nothing | Pissouri Amphitheatre
Money for Nothing was formed in 2000 as a tribute to Dire Straits. Fronting the band is the brilliant guitarist and Mark Knopfler sound-alike Aled Williams.
Memorable numbers include:
Sultans Of Swing | Brothers In Arms | Walk Of Life | Money For Nothing | Romeo And Juliet | Private Investigations | So Far Away
“Make no mistake, they are good, very good”
The Observer
13 – 18 September | Bootleg Blondie | Cyprus Tour
Married to Pete (Chick) Henstock whose Rod Stewart gig is listed above, Angie Henstock performs her own occasional set as Bootleg Blondie.
Expect renditions of:
Heart Of Glass | Call Me | Rapture | One Way Or Another | Atomic | Hangin’ On The Telephone | Sunday Girl | Picture This | Denis | Union City Blue
Complete Madness are now in their 25th year. A quick look at their website shows a pretty full programme of gigs for the next two years. And their Facebook page has plenty of testimonials from happy followers, some who have seen them several times over.
The big favs:
Our House | It Must Be Love | Baggy Trousers | House Of Fun | My Girl | Night Boat To Cairo | One Step Beyond |Driving In My Car | Embarrasment | Cardiac Arrest
“Can’t wait for more of this great group next year.”
Debbie Turner on Facebook
? September | Boy Band Legends | Cyprus Tour
? | AC DC Tribute: Thunderstruck | Cyprus Tour
? | Diana Ross and the Supremes Tribute | ?
I will update missing dates, show details, pictures and venues when the promoters announce them.
Promoters
By visiting the Cyprus tour promoters’ websites and Facebook pages, you can find further information on dates, venues, tickets, prices, etc. If there’s a concert you’d like to catch during your holiday, do book up early (you can do it online) to be sure of your tickets, as popular events can sell out.
The latest episode of this BBC consumer advice programme has some timely advice to help you avoid the pitfalls of falling victim to scammers when booking a holiday villa online.
There are two scenarios to look out for… either the villa doesn’t exist (because holiday villa scammers have stolen photos and details of another property), or you are not making a reservation with the real owner (because it’s incredibly easy for scammers to create their own advert by copying and pasting a genuine one, substituting their contact details). These problems can arise whether you are booking through a well-known listing site or a regional one, regardless of any ‘book with confidence guarantees’ they may offer.
Advice Featured in the Programme:
1) Check the website registration… how long has it been in existence?
2) Make sure you have a landline phone number… and not just email.
3) Be suspicious if there is too much availability in peak season.
4) If it’s a bargain, it’s probably too good to be true.
To Which We Would Add:
5) Can you pay by card? Holiday villa scammers prefer bank transfers.
6) Search for the property on other sites. Check whether the owner information is consistent. Search for the property name. R-click on images > Search Google for image. Also look for particular phrases used in the description.
7) Is the owner active on social media? This is a great indicator that they are genuine, as holiday villa scammers are highly unlikely to go this far. In particular look for regular posts, good local knowledge, and guest feedback.
Why Book Directly?
It’s a very good sign if the owner has their own website, as it shows they’re prepared to invest time and effort in creating one. It’s even better if the website has plenty of regularly-updated local information. And an A* goes to owners who’ve also embraced social media.
You may not be aware, but there have been major changes in the villa rental market since the advent of airbnb, and takeovers of UK listing sites such as Owners Direct and Holiday Lettings by US giants HomeAway and Expedia/TripAdvisor. Online Travel Agents require in-house communication to allow them to take an increasingly hefty commission under the guise of payment protection. They are also keen on instant booking which doesn’t give owners a chance to check that their property is a good fit for potential guests. You can read more of the frustrations about Owners Direct on the TrustPilot review site.
In an attempt to retake control, owners are rebelling in droves, setting up their own websites, listing on smaller sites, and taking to social media. By avoiding the large listing sites and booking directly, owners can offer better rates, as they’re not paying for a listing, or losing income via commission and for payment processing.
Finding an Owner’s Website
Even if you start your search on a listing site, resist the temptation to press the ‘instant book’ button when you find a property you like. It’s worth spending a little time searching to see if you can book directly. Start with the villa name and location, try image and text searches (as described above) and look under the owner’s name. And don’t be afraid to use the contact details to ask questions about the property and area.
See our FAQs page for more advice about how to be confident that you are booking directly with the genuine property owner.
