Rachel Dixon and her boyfriend planned a cheap tennis holiday in Corfu, but the aparthotel turned out to be a building site. The pool was empty and filled with rubble, and no other guests were present. Despite a tense reception and a failed search for alternative accommodation, they decided to stay.
Initial Disappointments and a Promising Start
Their first apartment was near construction work with twin beds, but they were moved to a double room with a terrace overlooking a pond. The noise was manageable after adjustment. Their tennis coach arrived and gave an excellent first lesson, raising their spirits. They enjoyed dinner in town and live music, going to bed happy.
Things Go Wrong: Coach Cancels and Equipment Fails
The next morning, a bonfire created noxious fumes. The coach cancelled due to a fever and never returned. Borrowed hotel rackets had broken strings and balls that didn't bounce. Rain forced them to give up playing.
Failed Day Trip and Restaurant Plans
A planned boat ride to a wooded island was impossible because the jetty was deserted and the booking office boarded up in March. A family-run restaurant serving personalized meze was also closed. They ended up at a souvlaki shop.
Yoga Success and Kumquat Discovery
A yoga studio near the hotel had two classes that went well, despite being in Greek. The owner was welcoming. The highlight was discovering kumquats, a local specialty. Sipping kumquat spritzes in a sunny square finally made it feel like a holiday, if not a tennis holiday.
