Wednesday September 9
I got a call from Clive to say that Norman will not be able to pick us up at the airport as he’s in hospital with a chest infection. He said that Norman’s wife will pick them up at Pafos and take them to Limassol. Then Clive said he’ll pick us up at Larnaka airport, using Norman’s wife’s car.
This is very nice of them, as they would be getting in limas sol only a couple of hours before.
I got up about 6.30am and started to get ready for our trip. I woke Jayne up at 8.00am.
The taxi arrived about noon and the cost to the airport was £35 , which isn’t bad. It took the drive a while to get to Kinver and it took 45 minutes to the airport.
Since we had plenty of time, we had something to eat, then went to another place to read the newspaper.
The plane departed on time about 6pm.
When we got in, I thought I would have to fill out a landing form, but I didn’t. the customs guy did look at my passport longer, then looked for a page to put the stamp inside. That was the fastest I’ve been through an airport in the EU.
The baggage took about 30 minutes to come in. I don’t know what the wait was for. It came in in dribs and drabs.
I saw Mary in the crowd. We kissed and hugged and I interdicted her to Jayne. Mary called Clive to bring the car around. Then we headed back to Limassol.
Clive took us to an all night bakery so we could buy something for the morning. This was nice of him. Then he took us to Yiannis’ apartment complex. Mary gave me the key at that time (room 306).
We all took the luggage to the room. It’s a studio flat with a double bed, sofa and kitchen table. It also has a little balcony with a view of the Valana Hotel.
It was about 2am local time. (when we arrived it was about 12.30am, which made the flight about 4.15 long)
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Guests
Sunday August 30
Steve came over with his girlfriend. He had bought steaks and fish over that Lil had bought. Lil didn’t want to come back so she gave what she bought to Steve. Thus, Jayne cooked the food.
Steve’s girlfriend is not social, as she didn’t talk much, hardly looked up from her food and didn’t say anything about the food after she ate. No manners.
I called my Mother but there was no answer. Then I called Clive to see about if his friend who will be picking us up at the airpot if he could get the keys to the flat we’ll be moving in - as it will be too late to see Yiannis about it when we come in, which will be about 1.30am.
Clive said he already asked his friend to give Yiannis a call.
Then I called Yiannis to see what he found about the flat. I said that a guy will call him to pick up the keys to give to us. He said this person (Norman) already called him.
Yiannis said that he will be looking at the flat on the beach Monday and see if they can come down in price. He said they wanted 800 euros a month, but he will try to get it lower. This would be too high for us, though it would be good value if it’s compared to other three bedroom flats on the beach. We would have to look something further from the beach and something with one or two bedrooms. However, he can get it lower and it’s only a little more than something that is much less desirable, we’ll take it.
Yianni said that not to worry about staying at a place if it takes us longer to find something (assuming that the cost of the flat on the beach is too high). He said we can stay as long as we need to at his apartment complex. That was nice of him.
Steve came over with his girlfriend. He had bought steaks and fish over that Lil had bought. Lil didn’t want to come back so she gave what she bought to Steve. Thus, Jayne cooked the food.
Steve’s girlfriend is not social, as she didn’t talk much, hardly looked up from her food and didn’t say anything about the food after she ate. No manners.
I called my Mother but there was no answer. Then I called Clive to see about if his friend who will be picking us up at the airpot if he could get the keys to the flat we’ll be moving in - as it will be too late to see Yiannis about it when we come in, which will be about 1.30am.
Clive said he already asked his friend to give Yiannis a call.
Then I called Yiannis to see what he found about the flat. I said that a guy will call him to pick up the keys to give to us. He said this person (Norman) already called him.
Yiannis said that he will be looking at the flat on the beach Monday and see if they can come down in price. He said they wanted 800 euros a month, but he will try to get it lower. This would be too high for us, though it would be good value if it’s compared to other three bedroom flats on the beach. We would have to look something further from the beach and something with one or two bedrooms. However, he can get it lower and it’s only a little more than something that is much less desirable, we’ll take it.
Yianni said that not to worry about staying at a place if it takes us longer to find something (assuming that the cost of the flat on the beach is too high). He said we can stay as long as we need to at his apartment complex. That was nice of him.
Monday, August 31, 2009
August 28-30
Thursday August 27
(Note: This blogger is not working right for some reason, that is why the sentences don't go all the way across.)
Jayne and I went to Merry Hill to do some shopping. This is where they have a mall and other
stores next to the mall. We got some things that we need for the trip and also had a meal
there. It was good to get out.
Friday August 28
Richard had called on Skype and told us that he was taken before a judge about the dismissal
of Gallo and his workers and that he had to pay $9,000!
In Ecuador they have some sick law that almost guarantees an employee from being fired. The
lies were bad that even the opposing attorney was blushed. Anyhow, Richard was told by his
lawyer that this is the lowest settlement she had seen as he could have paid $140,000!
The fact, according to Richard, that Gallo stole and lied should be an open and close case
(as Richard is very honest). So he decided not to take it to a higher court as the ruling
could go another way.
If Ecuadorians had done this to someone else, they could be found floating down some river.
When Gallo worked for me I didn’t have this trouble, but then again, it was a small job and I
was always there to see the work. Had I had the money and had I wanted to build flats in the
plot of land next to my house, he could have stolen from me, as the job was bigger.
Glad I didn’t want to go through with it.
Richard is getting more and more sick of Ecuador each day. He’s waiting for his business
partner to say it’s ok to leave and start business somewhere else.
It just goes to show that most people in Ecuador will lie or steal - if given the chance!
Saturday August 29
We stayed home all day
Sunday August 30
Steve came over with his girlfriend. He had bought steaks and fish over that Lil had bought.
Lil didn’t want to come back so she gave what she bought to Steve. Thus, Jayne cooked the
food.
Steve’s girlfriend is not social, as she didn’t talk much, hardly looked up from her food and
didn’t say anything about the food after she ate. No manners.
I called my Mother but there was no answer. Then I called Clive to see about if his friend
who will be picking us up at the airpot if he could get the keys to the flat we’ll be moving
in - as it will be too late to see Yiannis about it when we come in, which will be about
1.30am.
Clive said he already asked his friend to give Yiannis a call.
Then I called Yiannis to see what he found about the flat. I said that a guy will call him to
pick up the keys to give to us. He said this person (Norman) already called him.
Yiannis said that he will be looking at the flat on the beach Monday and see if they can come
down in price. He said they wanted 800 euros a month, but he will try to get it lower. This
would be too high for us, though it would be good value if it’s compared to other three
bedroom flats on the beach. We would have to look something further from the beach and
something with one or two bedrooms. However, he can get it lower and it’s only a little more
than something that is much less desirable, we’ll take it.
Yianni said that not to worry about staying at a place if it takes us longer to find
something (assuming that the cost of the flat on the beach is too high). He said we can stay
as long as we need to at his apartment complex. That was nice of him.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tickets to Cyprus
Thursday August 20
Jayne got her passport with her married name on it. Hurrah!
I went to the village to the travel agency to see about ticket for Cyprus. The woman found a flight for 290 £ round trip per person. This will be on Sept 6 and leaves from Birmingham to Larnaka. I told her I would be back to pay for this.
In the evening I called Yianni to tell him that we are coming. He was glad to hear from me. I told him why I couldn’t get to Cyprus earlier.
Yianni didn’t offer his home, (I didn’t ask as I wanted him to offer). He said that his daughter will be getting married on Sept 3. So I presume that they are living at his house.
I asked him if he could check with the Valana Hotel to see if they have anything. He said he would but also said to check online with Olympic Holidays as this hotel goes through them (as most of them do in Cyprus).
I told him I’d call him back tomorrow
At this time, Jayne said that it might be better for me to fly ahead to find a flat before we arrive.
Friday August 21
I called Yianni and he said that the Valana wanted 50£ a night. He said that was high and said he probably could get something at a nicer hotel and get breakfast included for less than this. I asked him if he could look up the Tasianna, as I found this the cheapest online (which is also close to his office). He said he would.
The I thought after I call him to look for an apartment to rent. If he can find a place before I come, it will saving having to go to a hotel and spend extra money. As it is, I would need about two weeks in a hotel to give us time to find a flat to rent.
Yianni said that there is a studio available in the apartment complex that he owns. He said that maybe my wife will not like living in such a small space. But at least we know that he have a place ‘to hang our hats’ when we arrive.
I told him that I’ll buy the tickets tomorrow and give him a call in the evening again.
Saturday August 22
We got our flight tickets!
Lil had come home from being in her other house. She came in about 6.30am she told me. She had been away for about 10 days.
Jayne and I went to the village to buy tickets for Cyprus. She decided to leave with me, although she realizes that she might have to stay in a studio flat with me.
The agent did some looking, including the date that she gave me previously. She found another flight that is cheaper but it’s on another day, and the savings will be 60£! So we took that one. It flies out of Birmingham and arrives about 20 minutes past midnight. The price is 625£ which includes airport tax, and the extra we would have to pay for 5 kilos of weight. This is the price for both of us and for the extra weight. We are allowed 5 kilos carry on.
It’s a rip off in a way as the EU allows 20 kilos each.
Jayne paid with her debt card. I couldn’t pay with mine as mine expired. I’ll have to get a new one in Cyprus.
I know that Yianni will first offer the place for free (if we stay a short time), but I want to pay him. So if he charges it will be less than what he gets from others. Anyway we look at it it will be cheaper than a 2 star hotel, as we’ll be getting only a studio and be able to leave as soon as we find a flat of our own. With a hotel stay of two weeks we would have to pay in advance, so if we find something in one week, we’d still have that money out of our pocket.
Sunday August 23
Steve and his new girlfriend came over to deliver the furniture that Lil wanted here. So I helped him unload.
Bring more furniture over here is something that Jayne, Steve and I can’t understand. This was a bed, cabinet and refrigerator from the other house. The house here is literally full of furniture already as the walls of each room is lined with something.
The refrig was put in the garage, and the other furniture was put in one of the bedrooms. What we had to do was, put the mattress on top of the bed and the frame laying against it (the bed that’s already there).
The problem is, where will a guest sleep? Sometimes Jack, Andrew’s son stays over. Lil used to sleep in the room where the extra furniture was put in. now she’s in the smallest room.
Jayne told he that she doesn’t like to throw anything out - well I can see that!!
In the afternoon, I called my mother and we had a nice chat. I told her that we are going to Cyprus in September.
Later I called Clive to tell him the news. As it turned out, he and Mary will be going to Cyprus the same day. They will be on another airline from another airport (Gatwick) and be arriving earlier.
He told me that they will be staying at the Sunquest Hotel from the time of their arrival to Saturday. So, we will be able to meet, as we will be within walking distance. Once they move to their flat, they will be about one hour and 15 minutes away.
Then Clive called back later to say that he will ask his friends if they could pick us up. He said he’ll send me the details tomorrow. So, he asked about the details of our flight.
That would be very nice of his friends Mariel and Norman, as it will be 12.30 in the morning that we’ll arrive. I said I will pay them, but it’s still nice.
Now, the problem of getting our flat keys when we arrive will be solved, as they can pick up the key from Yianni.
Clive said that they know me as they stayed at the Valana Hotel when I did. I don’t recall them but when see their faces I’ll recognize them.
Jayne got her passport with her married name on it. Hurrah!
I went to the village to the travel agency to see about ticket for Cyprus. The woman found a flight for 290 £ round trip per person. This will be on Sept 6 and leaves from Birmingham to Larnaka. I told her I would be back to pay for this.
In the evening I called Yianni to tell him that we are coming. He was glad to hear from me. I told him why I couldn’t get to Cyprus earlier.
Yianni didn’t offer his home, (I didn’t ask as I wanted him to offer). He said that his daughter will be getting married on Sept 3. So I presume that they are living at his house.
I asked him if he could check with the Valana Hotel to see if they have anything. He said he would but also said to check online with Olympic Holidays as this hotel goes through them (as most of them do in Cyprus).
I told him I’d call him back tomorrow
At this time, Jayne said that it might be better for me to fly ahead to find a flat before we arrive.
Friday August 21
I called Yianni and he said that the Valana wanted 50£ a night. He said that was high and said he probably could get something at a nicer hotel and get breakfast included for less than this. I asked him if he could look up the Tasianna, as I found this the cheapest online (which is also close to his office). He said he would.
The I thought after I call him to look for an apartment to rent. If he can find a place before I come, it will saving having to go to a hotel and spend extra money. As it is, I would need about two weeks in a hotel to give us time to find a flat to rent.
Yianni said that there is a studio available in the apartment complex that he owns. He said that maybe my wife will not like living in such a small space. But at least we know that he have a place ‘to hang our hats’ when we arrive.
I told him that I’ll buy the tickets tomorrow and give him a call in the evening again.
Saturday August 22
We got our flight tickets!
Lil had come home from being in her other house. She came in about 6.30am she told me. She had been away for about 10 days.
Jayne and I went to the village to buy tickets for Cyprus. She decided to leave with me, although she realizes that she might have to stay in a studio flat with me.
The agent did some looking, including the date that she gave me previously. She found another flight that is cheaper but it’s on another day, and the savings will be 60£! So we took that one. It flies out of Birmingham and arrives about 20 minutes past midnight. The price is 625£ which includes airport tax, and the extra we would have to pay for 5 kilos of weight. This is the price for both of us and for the extra weight. We are allowed 5 kilos carry on.
It’s a rip off in a way as the EU allows 20 kilos each.
Jayne paid with her debt card. I couldn’t pay with mine as mine expired. I’ll have to get a new one in Cyprus.
I know that Yianni will first offer the place for free (if we stay a short time), but I want to pay him. So if he charges it will be less than what he gets from others. Anyway we look at it it will be cheaper than a 2 star hotel, as we’ll be getting only a studio and be able to leave as soon as we find a flat of our own. With a hotel stay of two weeks we would have to pay in advance, so if we find something in one week, we’d still have that money out of our pocket.
Sunday August 23
Steve and his new girlfriend came over to deliver the furniture that Lil wanted here. So I helped him unload.
Bring more furniture over here is something that Jayne, Steve and I can’t understand. This was a bed, cabinet and refrigerator from the other house. The house here is literally full of furniture already as the walls of each room is lined with something.
The refrig was put in the garage, and the other furniture was put in one of the bedrooms. What we had to do was, put the mattress on top of the bed and the frame laying against it (the bed that’s already there).
The problem is, where will a guest sleep? Sometimes Jack, Andrew’s son stays over. Lil used to sleep in the room where the extra furniture was put in. now she’s in the smallest room.
Jayne told he that she doesn’t like to throw anything out - well I can see that!!
In the afternoon, I called my mother and we had a nice chat. I told her that we are going to Cyprus in September.
Later I called Clive to tell him the news. As it turned out, he and Mary will be going to Cyprus the same day. They will be on another airline from another airport (Gatwick) and be arriving earlier.
He told me that they will be staying at the Sunquest Hotel from the time of their arrival to Saturday. So, we will be able to meet, as we will be within walking distance. Once they move to their flat, they will be about one hour and 15 minutes away.
Then Clive called back later to say that he will ask his friends if they could pick us up. He said he’ll send me the details tomorrow. So, he asked about the details of our flight.
That would be very nice of his friends Mariel and Norman, as it will be 12.30 in the morning that we’ll arrive. I said I will pay them, but it’s still nice.
Now, the problem of getting our flat keys when we arrive will be solved, as they can pick up the key from Yianni.
Clive said that they know me as they stayed at the Valana Hotel when I did. I don’t recall them but when see their faces I’ll recognize them.
Dishonest Worker
Wednesday August 19
Val came over for a visit (Lil’s sister) with a bottle of wine. Lil is still away at her other house.
Richard called on Skype. He told me that his worker (Gallo, who worked for me first) was fired. He said the he was stealing and also lied. It seems like even the ‘honest’ people are not honest in Ecuador. We had no problem when he worked for us, but then again, there wasn’t much materials he had to buy.
Anyhow, I feel sorry for Richard. Now he’ll have to find some other workers.
Val came over for a visit (Lil’s sister) with a bottle of wine. Lil is still away at her other house.
Richard called on Skype. He told me that his worker (Gallo, who worked for me first) was fired. He said the he was stealing and also lied. It seems like even the ‘honest’ people are not honest in Ecuador. We had no problem when he worked for us, but then again, there wasn’t much materials he had to buy.
Anyhow, I feel sorry for Richard. Now he’ll have to find some other workers.
House Caves
Sunday August 9
Jayne and I went to see the caves in Kinver here. To see the inside they are only open on Sunday from 2 – 4pm, as only volunteers work there. It cost 2 pounds each to get in. They had an exhibit room and there was only a two bedroom living quarters we saw. However, it does have the furniture that the people used who lived there.
I was told that the first people to move to this cave were in 1777, but there are other caves right next to it where other families lived. It was occupied from the 1850s to the 1960s.I took some pictures.
Everything looked very nice.
Then we went to the tea house, which is also build in a cave. However, the front look more like a house with pointed roofs that are build like something you’d see today. So, this must have been done years later.
We got to the tea house just in time, as they close at 4pm, too.
There is an outdoor eating area where we sat.
I was told that there are not many in England and that this one is probably the nicest. Then we walked to the village where we had something to eat in the pub.
Jayne and I went to see the caves in Kinver here. To see the inside they are only open on Sunday from 2 – 4pm, as only volunteers work there. It cost 2 pounds each to get in. They had an exhibit room and there was only a two bedroom living quarters we saw. However, it does have the furniture that the people used who lived there.
I was told that the first people to move to this cave were in 1777, but there are other caves right next to it where other families lived. It was occupied from the 1850s to the 1960s.I took some pictures.
Everything looked very nice.
Then we went to the tea house, which is also build in a cave. However, the front look more like a house with pointed roofs that are build like something you’d see today. So, this must have been done years later.
We got to the tea house just in time, as they close at 4pm, too.
There is an outdoor eating area where we sat.
I was told that there are not many in England and that this one is probably the nicest. Then we walked to the village where we had something to eat in the pub.
Catching up on my posts
Nearly a month has gone by since I posted anything here. Though it is near the end of August, I'll post some old files now. Many days are missing as there was nothing interesting to write about. I don't want to bore you guys!
Friday July 31
Jayne found out that she needs the document of our marriage certificate that we have to be translated. She found this online. At least she didn’t have to send it in to be told. What I did was go online to find something that translates into different languages. I found one that has free online translation.
What Jayne will do is make a form and translate the small document with few words and send this in along with her photos and money. The sooner we get this done the sooner we can move to Cyprus. I still hope we get there in August.
Sure, we save money while living here but we will eventually have to move to Cyprus. I have faith in God that the timing will be good. This delay could be good as the house may be sold by that time. This will give me some working capital until the first customers come in.
I will have to renew the website payment as if my house is sold by one of the many people who contacted me, I still have the flat to put up. So, when I do pay, I’ll have to buy a site for ‘Apartments for sale’.
I’ve done all I can do from here about my EFT business I plan to start. I’ll have to wait until I get there to get a printer, get an address that I can put on the printed literature, etc. I do have a business plan, now I just have to wait until I get there to put it in place.
Friday July 31
Jayne found out that she needs the document of our marriage certificate that we have to be translated. She found this online. At least she didn’t have to send it in to be told. What I did was go online to find something that translates into different languages. I found one that has free online translation.
What Jayne will do is make a form and translate the small document with few words and send this in along with her photos and money. The sooner we get this done the sooner we can move to Cyprus. I still hope we get there in August.
Sure, we save money while living here but we will eventually have to move to Cyprus. I have faith in God that the timing will be good. This delay could be good as the house may be sold by that time. This will give me some working capital until the first customers come in.
I will have to renew the website payment as if my house is sold by one of the many people who contacted me, I still have the flat to put up. So, when I do pay, I’ll have to buy a site for ‘Apartments for sale’.
I’ve done all I can do from here about my EFT business I plan to start. I’ll have to wait until I get there to get a printer, get an address that I can put on the printed literature, etc. I do have a business plan, now I just have to wait until I get there to put it in place.
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