Hello everyone!
If you are logged on, it means you received my wedding invitation! Whoopeeeee!
Now, as you all know, I am not very computer wise, so I need some time to sort this out...So, please be patient and soon this will be up and running!
Keep checking this page, I will start posting soon information about the wedding (hotels, cars, prices, etc)...
kisses to all
Amaryllis
Sunday, 1 May 2011
That's how it aaaaaaall started...In August 2006 Dimitroula ferry took us to Astypalaia. I had no idea where this island was, and didn't particularly wanted to travel 14 hours to get to my destination, but for some strange reason I did....Marco had no intention of going to Astypalaia either, in fact his ticket was for Kalymnos, but after 14 hours on board of Dimitroula, he decided he had enough and got off.
And then fate brought us together, camping side by side. Thank you Dimitroula!
Now, we are not going to get into cheesy details...but the whole story ends well: With a wedding in Mykonos. Or rather..."starting" shall we say?
Ah, we so wanted to do our wedding in Astypalaia, to close the story where it started, but we decided to spare you the trouble of getting on board of Dimitroula for an endless journey...So we compromised with something closer, Mykonos, where our story continued (after Astypalaia).
Now we can guarantee we will be wearing something more formal than what you see on the picture here (which by the way happens to be our first one together...), but as we both like to keep things simple, the wedding will not be a too formal event...despite the fact it's taking place in Mykonos, which is famous as a Posh island. Only a handful of people will attend, just you and us, our favorite friends and family, in a little church in Mykonos called Agios Haralambos (right behind the famous windmills of Mykonos town), right by the waves and sea that brought us together (sadly Dimitroula cannot be there!). A simple Greek wedding (be warned: nothing like what you see in the movies!), and then a proper Greek dinner by the sea (oh yes, with lots of garlic and feta). Then we can go dancing somewhere in the town (and whoever is brave can have a night swim too!). Feel free to wear as simple clothes as you want, or posh if you really really want to, and ladies be warned that high heals may be a little uncomfortable in some parts (it's a Greek island afterall)...so if you are not used to them (like me...) perhaps you'd better go flat! Also we have to warn you, Mykonos is the island of the winds, so a little church by the sea (literally by the sea!) may be the windiest place...(hopefully the groom and bride won't fly away).
Right, down to business now... I am sure, if you are planning to come to our wedding, you must be wondering about some more practical details. I am on top of everything and researching all the details for you, so I will start posting bit by bit helpful information. Please feel free to comment or put a post on the blog about things you may want to ask (or email me if you prefer). Please check regularly here for updates (or register your email to receive the updates automatically). So, here we go...
Travelling to Mykonos
If you are coming from abroad, i would suggest you come straight to Mykonos by airplane (Easyjet flies to Mykonos from most cities, otherwise Aegean air has flights through Athens, and of course Olympic). If you, though, would like to visit Athens, you could have the choice of coming to Mykonos by airplane, ferry, or well..speedy ferry! Ferries leave from two ports, one is Pireus (train from Athens) and the other one Rafina (Coach from Athens). There are two types of ferries: the normal ones that take about 5 hours from Rafina and 6 from Pireus, and cost around 26 euros (Rafina) and 35 euros (Pireus) or the fast ones (about 2 hours or so, and double the price). If you are planning to take a ferry to Mykonos, talk to me first before booking to help you with this (as I checked and websites are really bad and confusing...Greece still is not up to date with the web!). Usually there are quite a few fast ferries each day, and 2 or 3 normal ones (usually one early morning around 7.30 and one afternoon around 5). Have a think about when you want to come and in which way, and then let me know so I can help you. Good luck!
If you are coming from abroad, i would suggest you come straight to Mykonos by airplane (Easyjet flies to Mykonos from most cities, otherwise Aegean air has flights through Athens, and of course Olympic). If you, though, would like to visit Athens, you could have the choice of coming to Mykonos by airplane, ferry, or well..speedy ferry! Ferries leave from two ports, one is Pireus (train from Athens) and the other one Rafina (Coach from Athens). There are two types of ferries: the normal ones that take about 5 hours from Rafina and 6 from Pireus, and cost around 26 euros (Rafina) and 35 euros (Pireus) or the fast ones (about 2 hours or so, and double the price). If you are planning to take a ferry to Mykonos, talk to me first before booking to help you with this (as I checked and websites are really bad and confusing...Greece still is not up to date with the web!). Usually there are quite a few fast ferries each day, and 2 or 3 normal ones (usually one early morning around 7.30 and one afternoon around 5). Have a think about when you want to come and in which way, and then let me know so I can help you. Good luck!
Going around Mykonos / Transportation
No matter how many days you will stay in Mykonos, I think having a car would be ideal. I checked this out for you, and I found a place near the port that can bring the car to you. I need to call for more specific arrangements, but he roughly said 24/30 euros per day. Of course I think it's silly to rent a car on your own, so I suggest if you let me know how many of you are coming and for how many days, I can put you 5 in a car, so that you share the cost (which in the end comes out really cheap). So don't book this yet either, declare your interest and wait patiently...
No matter how many days you will stay in Mykonos, I think having a car would be ideal. I checked this out for you, and I found a place near the port that can bring the car to you. I need to call for more specific arrangements, but he roughly said 24/30 euros per day. Of course I think it's silly to rent a car on your own, so I suggest if you let me know how many of you are coming and for how many days, I can put you 5 in a car, so that you share the cost (which in the end comes out really cheap). So don't book this yet either, declare your interest and wait patiently...
Accomodation
As much as I would like to host all of you, unfortunately I do not own a house in Mykonos...so, here we are in search of places to stay. I have to say that this is still a search in process, as after a short visit to Mykonos over Easter I didn't manage to sort this out completely. My godmother though lives there all year round, and is responsible of renting other people's houses/rooms etc, she is helping with this as we speak. So far I have found double rooms for around 60-80 euro per night, as well as more in other more posh places. It depends what you want, hotel or rooms to let. Usually rooms to let should cost around 40-60 euros per room per night. I haven't actually seen any, but I found some websites. Considering that september is not super high season in mykonos, we should be able to make a deal if we go as a team. Oh, and have in mind for those of you with free spirits...there is a camping in Mykonos too....
My plan is the following:
If you guys tell me for sure if you are coming, then I can bargain with a hotel to do a better price for us (as we will be quite a few people!). Also some people may want to stay more in a bigger place, so it comes out cheaper. There is NO RUSH for you to book the hotels yet, as usually september they are half empty, so please let me know if you are attending, so I can arrange things easier for you and let you know prices and places to call. If you see any rooms online, let me know, so I can tell you about how far they are from the town etc, and I can call and make a deal for everyone. If you are coming with your boyfriend/girlfriend/lover/etc... you can of course stay together in a double room, but if you come alone (free as a bird!) then I can put you with someone else who comes alone, so you don't have to pay for a room by yourself! So, once I know who is coming, I will be more able to give you specific ideas. In the meantime I am searching, and will post more info on hotels soon.
As much as I would like to host all of you, unfortunately I do not own a house in Mykonos...so, here we are in search of places to stay. I have to say that this is still a search in process, as after a short visit to Mykonos over Easter I didn't manage to sort this out completely. My godmother though lives there all year round, and is responsible of renting other people's houses/rooms etc, she is helping with this as we speak. So far I have found double rooms for around 60-80 euro per night, as well as more in other more posh places. It depends what you want, hotel or rooms to let. Usually rooms to let should cost around 40-60 euros per room per night. I haven't actually seen any, but I found some websites. Considering that september is not super high season in mykonos, we should be able to make a deal if we go as a team. Oh, and have in mind for those of you with free spirits...there is a camping in Mykonos too....
My plan is the following:
If you guys tell me for sure if you are coming, then I can bargain with a hotel to do a better price for us (as we will be quite a few people!). Also some people may want to stay more in a bigger place, so it comes out cheaper. There is NO RUSH for you to book the hotels yet, as usually september they are half empty, so please let me know if you are attending, so I can arrange things easier for you and let you know prices and places to call. If you see any rooms online, let me know, so I can tell you about how far they are from the town etc, and I can call and make a deal for everyone. If you are coming with your boyfriend/girlfriend/lover/etc... you can of course stay together in a double room, but if you come alone (free as a bird!) then I can put you with someone else who comes alone, so you don't have to pay for a room by yourself! So, once I know who is coming, I will be more able to give you specific ideas. In the meantime I am searching, and will post more info on hotels soon.
Accomodation update
Accommodation Update
Ladies and gentlemen, I got some news. My godmother knows a lady in Mykonos that rents rooms at a better price. I talked to her and she said she has some flats with two bedrooms (which can fit 4 or 5 people) which cost £95 per day. Which is good, if 4-5 people share. These rooms are in Agios Ioannis area, not too far from the centre ( I believe about 4ks). The good thing about this area is that it is right by the sea, and its the side where you can see the sunset, so can be romantic for you couples. There are a couple of restaurants around there as well (one is hers www.hippiefish-mykonos.com). She also has double rooms in this area, but they are £75 each. The other good one she has is in the town/port, right in the center, which is a 3 bedroom flat with 2 bathrooms, which costs £150 (but of course 6 people can stay there/3 couples, so it comes out cheap). Of course not by the sea, this one is in town. She has only one there, so if you want it you'd better hurry ( I suppose you need to combine your forces with someone else to get it, so let me know if you want to take that one, so I can ask if more people want to share this). If you need any of these rooms you'd better tell me soon, as she says she has more weddings at that time (that happen in her restaurant, so many rooms may be booked). If many of us book there, we could bargain for the price, so do let me know if you are interested so I can give you her number.
I am also talking with another lady who rents rooms in Ornos area, which i think it's around 50/60 per night too, but I will confirm about this one.
Ladies and gentlemen, I got some news. My godmother knows a lady in Mykonos that rents rooms at a better price. I talked to her and she said she has some flats with two bedrooms (which can fit 4 or 5 people) which cost £95 per day. Which is good, if 4-5 people share. These rooms are in Agios Ioannis area, not too far from the centre ( I believe about 4ks). The good thing about this area is that it is right by the sea, and its the side where you can see the sunset, so can be romantic for you couples. There are a couple of restaurants around there as well (one is hers www.hippiefish-mykonos.com). She also has double rooms in this area, but they are £75 each. The other good one she has is in the town/port, right in the center, which is a 3 bedroom flat with 2 bathrooms, which costs £150 (but of course 6 people can stay there/3 couples, so it comes out cheap). Of course not by the sea, this one is in town. She has only one there, so if you want it you'd better hurry ( I suppose you need to combine your forces with someone else to get it, so let me know if you want to take that one, so I can ask if more people want to share this). If you need any of these rooms you'd better tell me soon, as she says she has more weddings at that time (that happen in her restaurant, so many rooms may be booked). If many of us book there, we could bargain for the price, so do let me know if you are interested so I can give you her number.
I am also talking with another lady who rents rooms in Ornos area, which i think it's around 50/60 per night too, but I will confirm about this one.
Arrivals?
Oh, could you please start confirming who is coming and when will you be arriving and leaving (and if you are coming by plane or boat, so I can pick you up if possible)? How many days you will need the room for, if you need to share with someone, and if you want to share renting a car with someone. That's why I need to know how many days you are staying, so i can connect you with the right people!
We will be there from the Tuesday/Wednesday before the wedding, and leave on Monday after the wedding, so feel free to come as early and leave as late as you want. Mykonos is beautiful, especially at that time of the year, so I am sure you will enjoy.
We will be there from the Tuesday/Wednesday before the wedding, and leave on Monday after the wedding, so feel free to come as early and leave as late as you want. Mykonos is beautiful, especially at that time of the year, so I am sure you will enjoy.
Hotels, cars, info
Hello hello hello again. I am sorry for the long pause, but as you all know I broke my foot a few wees ago so I was not as efficient as I wanted to be. I've been trying to sort out some details about rooms, cars, etc, but I am still waiting to hear from them. I know for sure there is a car rental place that will do a better price for us, especially as many of you have already told me you want a car, so please wait a bit more, and I will let you know their phone number and info once I make the deal with them. I am waiting for them to call back with a price..
Also I talked to a lady with rooms to let, and I am waiting to hear about her prices and availability. Otherwise, some of you have already booked and have given me some websites etc. I'll put them here for you to have a look. And I found some things online too, so I put all the links here and you can check them out.
http://www.mykonosvouniotis.com/photos.htm (a couple of you have already booked in this one, but i dont know it personally). You said you booked around 45/50 euros I think?
http://www.mykonos-accommodation.com/pensions.htm
http://www.villamargarita.gr/welcome/ENwelcome.html
http://www.hostelbookers.com/results/loc/dd/dst/2955/arr/2011-09-01/ngt/3/
Also if you want to book where I will be staying, the area is called costa ilios (it's a resort near Ornos beach), with pool, private little beach, restaurant, studios to let, etc.. That's where the food/reception will take place after the wedding...My godmother rents people's rooms there as I said before, so if you do want a room, let me know. I think she said they are around 80 euros per studio (for 2 people/with kitchen/bathroom etc).
I'll give you the car info as soon as I know...
Also I talked to a lady with rooms to let, and I am waiting to hear about her prices and availability. Otherwise, some of you have already booked and have given me some websites etc. I'll put them here for you to have a look. And I found some things online too, so I put all the links here and you can check them out.
http://www.mykonosvouniotis.com/photos.htm (a couple of you have already booked in this one, but i dont know it personally). You said you booked around 45/50 euros I think?
http://www.mykonos-accommodation.com/pensions.htm
http://www.villamargarita.gr/welcome/ENwelcome.html
http://www.hostelbookers.com/results/loc/dd/dst/2955/arr/2011-09-01/ngt/3/
Also if you want to book where I will be staying, the area is called costa ilios (it's a resort near Ornos beach), with pool, private little beach, restaurant, studios to let, etc.. That's where the food/reception will take place after the wedding...My godmother rents people's rooms there as I said before, so if you do want a room, let me know. I think she said they are around 80 euros per studio (for 2 people/with kitchen/bathroom etc).
I'll give you the car info as soon as I know...
Car rental
Right, just spoke with a guy from a car rental shop and we made a deal. I told him that I will tell you all to book a car from there if possible, so he agreed to leave each car to 30 euros per day. Feel free, if you will stay in the island for more days (i think some of you are staying for a week) to see if you can bargain further. But he agreed to 30euros for me, as he knows a friend of mine. I called other car companies and they had no cars available, as there are a couple of other big weddings happening on the same day, so i suppose its pretty busy that weekend. So I would suggest you to book asap. I asked him how you can book, and he said to call him personally and tell him that it's for the wedding of Amaryllis, the friend of Eirini, and remind him about the 30 euros agreement. His emploees may not know about it, so ask for him (Mr. ksidakis), and if he is not there, leave a message and your number etc. His phone is (0030)22890 22675. The shop is by the new port so very handy if you arrive there, but he said even if you arrive at the airport he can come and bring you the car there to pick you up! To book he said he doesn't need any money from you, he trusts you. So I suppose all you have to do is call and book. If you want to book a car with someone else from the wedding that lives near by you, email each other and arrange it.
Good luck and let me know if you need any further help.
Good luck and let me know if you need any further help.
Contact info
Woohooooo! Time is approaching! Most of you have booked a hotel/car etc or at least are on your way to finilize everything. So I thought, let me at least give you my contact details and some final advice before you come to this beautiful country of mine.
My greek mobile number: (0030) 6949609173
(I still have my english phone with me, but as I have only one phone here I usually have my greek sim card in. So if you want you can text me on my english mobile, but please call the greek number, as this will be the one that will be on.)
Marco's english mobile: 0044 7908591503
In Mykonos we will be staying at Costa Ilios resort (picture), near Ornos beach. That's where the reception will happen after the wedding too (around 8-8.30pm). I'll prepare a map for you, so don't worry. We will eat, drink, and hopefully some of you won't be too shy to dance (unfortunately I am not allowed to dance now, because of my broken foot!). And maybe later on we can all go to some bars in town to have some more fun.
We will be in Mykonos from Tuesday evening before the wedding, till Monday afternoon/evening. Don't hesitate to contact me any time! When you are in Mykonos let me know, perhaps we could meet up for a swim or a glass of wine by the sea! I can show you around the island, I've been going there since I was a child, so it's kind of like my second home... In any case, most of you will be in Mykonos by friday evening, so let's go for a drink that evening. And then sunday morning, once we all wake up, perhaps we could all go for a swim! We can arrange once you are there...
Tips for the trip:
don't forget sunglasses, hat for the sun, sun cream, bathing suits, details and info fore the wedding and where to go as well as my contact number, beach towel, flip flops and your cameras! We want all of you to be our wedding photographers, and then we can all share the photos, so please don't forget to bring your cameras. In any case, Mykonos is beautiful, so i am sure you will want to take some pictures from your adventures there.
Directions to the church and parking
The wedding is at Agios Charalambos church (6.30 pm) which is right behind the famous windmills in the town/port. This is not difficult to find. The windmills are at the edge of the town, not far from the "little Venice" area. As you look at the sea from above the town basically, the windmills are on the left hand side. Once you arrive at the windmills, walk towards the car park behind it (towards the side of the sea) and at the end of the dirt road there is a tiny little church overlooking the sea. I will put pictures for you to see (next post).
Regarding the parking situation: Have in mind that you are in greece and driving here in general is a bit crazy, and parking even worse. The options are these:
1) Free parking in the big parking lot near the old port, which is on the other side of the town. You can go nice and early and then have a nice walk in the town. Don't be discouraged by the "at the other side of town" comment, its an island so the town is small. And VERY nice to walk through it. You can ask directions for the windmills. Don't search for a map of the town/old port, there isn't any. The streets are narrow, you can go only on foot, and they are labyrinth like. So put plenty of time, and keep on asking the locals (they may not know the church, but everyone knows the windmills!).
2) Private (to pay) parking very close to the church, by the main road. There are some gates basically.
Whatever you do, DO NOT park on the main road, your car will be either crashed or fined by the police. I don't think there will be space to park at the public parking by the church (and it's difficult to get in and out of it in any case), and I also think you need special permission to park there ( i believe it's only for locals).
When you come for the reception afterwards, there is plenty of space at the resort for your cars, free parking, and plenty of it, so no worries. (I will give you map etc).
Church
Directions to reception
http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Unknown+road&daddr=Unknown+road&hl=en&ll=37.433568,25.340309&spn=0.035031,0.074673&sll=37.412931,25.318873&sspn=0.00438,0.009334&geocode=FQVYOwIdMnGCAQ%3BFYzeOgIdfkyCAQ&mra=dme&mrsp=1&sz=17&z=14
Check this, even though not very detailed. Basically from the town take the old main road (the one by the sea, near the church, not the big new one that goes up the hill), and go towards Ornos/Agios Ioannis, when you reach the intersection that goes either to Ornos or to Agios Ioannis (which is basically the bit that you stop seing sea on your right hand side, and there is a super market and a bakery on the left), take the one for Agios Ioannis (so basically straight on, to the small road). As soon as you pass that intersection, have in mind on your left hand side for a sign that says Costa Ilios. It's basically at the point where the road goes up hill, and the turn is on the left, slightly sudden, so pay attention.
Once you turn there, keep on going on the main road, till you see the sign Costa Ilios again (on the left). The resort is by the sea, with a big parking lot. Leave the car there and enter the small gate. We will be by the pool, not too far from the reception area.
Check this, even though not very detailed. Basically from the town take the old main road (the one by the sea, near the church, not the big new one that goes up the hill), and go towards Ornos/Agios Ioannis, when you reach the intersection that goes either to Ornos or to Agios Ioannis (which is basically the bit that you stop seing sea on your right hand side, and there is a super market and a bakery on the left), take the one for Agios Ioannis (so basically straight on, to the small road). As soon as you pass that intersection, have in mind on your left hand side for a sign that says Costa Ilios. It's basically at the point where the road goes up hill, and the turn is on the left, slightly sudden, so pay attention.
Once you turn there, keep on going on the main road, till you see the sign Costa Ilios again (on the left). The resort is by the sea, with a big parking lot. Leave the car there and enter the small gate. We will be by the pool, not too far from the reception area.
Wedding pictures
Well, ladies and gentlemen...If you want to see more pictures from the wedding, go to: https://picasaweb.google.com/103492265274070460548/Wedding?authkey=Gv1sRgCJCaksCs8_-9FQ
Also available pictures from before and after the wedding (from all of you lovely people!):
https://picasaweb.google.com/103492265274070460548/PreAndAfterWedding?authkey=Gv1sRgCOHMrbPQtci8Ew
Have a look and let me know if you need any help to download them!
xx
Also available pictures from before and after the wedding (from all of you lovely people!):
https://picasaweb.google.com/103492265274070460548/PreAndAfterWedding?authkey=Gv1sRgCOHMrbPQtci8Ew
Have a look and let me know if you need any help to download them!
xx
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