Wednesday 23 March 2011

So many things to do, PANIC? Not a chance.

Another week another update. So whats been going on in the world this week, well i'll give you a quick update. I was shocked by a front page of The Mirror, 1/3 of it was taken up by the tragedy of Japan but thats not the shock, 2/3 was taken up by the Oxo mum whatever her name is who had a drink problem and was depressed at some point in her life. Are they serious? Libya at war, 0ver 10,000 dead or missing in Japan but what takes up most of the front page one of the Loose Women cause she's had a crisis in her life, Who hasn't? Jordan or Katie Price depending on how serious she's pretending to be has got her 508th husband to be who's Argentinian and can't speak english, good job as i'm sure her conversation must be thrilling and he must be the only person who's never heard of her, if he had i'm sure he'd be out of there quicker than Maradona in the 1986 quarter final against England, poor bloke. Sad news from the acting world Elizabeth Taylor died today, in her prime she was a beautiful woman who made some wonderful movies and of course was partner of one of the greatest actors of all time Richard Burton. She wasn't looking well for years so maybe its for the best, God speed. Thats my topical news update for the week LOL.

Well times sprinting on now and just realised got loads still to get sorted but no need to panic. Got all my new lights for the bar, pictures and a few furnishings. Got to get the rest when i arrive back on Zakynthos thats if they have what i need. Got loads to do when i get back but thats normal for me a few 14 hour days and it will be all sorted, weather permitting that is as i'm doing more work on the bar this year than i ever have since i first opened.

So by now my regular readers would have seen my new website and new cocktails which i think will go down well also you'll be happy to know my prices are staying the same unlike the up and coming budget. That means i haven't increased my prices since i opened in 2007 which isn't bad considering the tax has gone up 3 times since then and may be going up again before the start of the season.

Been hearing lots of positive things from the island with regards to whats happening in Kalamaki. Unfortunately The Lighthouse will not be open this season, well not with Veronica and Derek as the owners anyway. They are staying in the UK now due to Veronicas ill health but she is doing better than if she was on Zakynthos because the care and medical attention is better in the UK, they will be sadly missed by friends and tourists on the island, no where did as good english food as them, i'm sure we wish them all the best.
I don't think we'll know exactly whats going to open or stay closed until the last 2 weeks of April. Also the phrase "chill out bar" seems to be very popular in Kalamaki this season with 2 businesses including it in their descriptions for 2011 which i think is great as thats what i think Kalamaki needs dotted about the resort as thats what Kalamaki is all about, relaxing. Good luck to all involved and hope they have as much success as i've had but you have to get it right if your opening a chill out bar its not just about comfy seats.

Do you know what i'm looking forward to the most, getting my bikes out and going for a ride around the island while its quiet on the roads. What i'm not looking forward to, all the paperwork that has to be done before opening, office after office, such a pain.

Not sure how the island is going to do this year, the exchange rate is pretty poor at the moment 1.10, charges are going on flights and holidays, tax may be increased in Greece, we can only hope that the tour companies don't become greedy and see its better business to have hotels and planes full at less money than half empty hotels and planes for more money. Easyjet is a help to the island but its not a lifesaver as still around 85% of all visitors to the island use package holidays, i think sometimes we forget that its not just UK tourists that visit the island, i've had German, Dutch, Norwegian, Austrian, Swiss, Irish, Slovakian, Finnish, Italian and Polish customers in my bar so we have to look to the tour companies to help the island.

Every season i start with the idea that this season is going to be a bad one and aim at a low target but every season i've been lucky and been proved wrong as each season has topped the last one. I know nothing ever lasts forever, all businesses have its ups and downs so its easier to set yourself up for a fall than to be cocky and think your going to do brilliant every season, as long as my bills are paid and i come out clear at the end of the season thats all i ask for and thats whats happened every season so far, its the lifestyle i do it for not the money and greed this is why i can keep my prices as low as i have.

Well the suns out here, my Caramel Cappucino is calling at Costas Coffee and another 10 points on my loyalty card. So until next week my happy little readers, Take A Break, Have A KitKat!

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