petite anglaise

June 29, 2007

calling in favours

Filed under: good time girl, misc — petiteanglaiseparis @ 2:53 pm

So, if I were to be planning a sun, sand and (ahem) sex getaway in late August and was considering the Canary Islands as a possible destination, what would my dear readers suggest? Any info on tourist traps to be avoided, well-equipped but untacky hotels, most picturesque spots etc would be extremely welcome.

We (ah yes, we) have a pretty decent budget, don’t drive (I daren’t, he can’t), are keen to take in more than one island over a 10-14 day period, and we’d rather book it ourselves than get some sort of horrid package deal.

Of course, if any of my dear readers has a 5* villa with pool and would like lend it to me…

Now all I have to do is keep all my most horrifying and repellent character traits well and truly under wraps for the next month or so…

update:Gave up on the Canaries and am going to Greek Islands instead. Have only booked flight so far, so all advice still welcome…

102 Comments

  1. Can’t help with the Canary recommendations but I am SO laughing at (and totally getting) your last sentence.

    Comment by The Bold Soul — June 29, 2007 @ 3:22 pm

  2. I recently had a 10 day getaway to the Virgin Islands in April. It has to be the most memorable trips in my life with my object of my affections. I used http://www.kayak.com to book my flight and make hotel and car reservations. I was not disappointed one bit. We went on a submarine ride, snorkled in reefs at Trunk’s Bay, Swan n Magen’s Bay, took a sunset cruise, and rode a ferry to the other islands. I highly recommend this site for your best deals on pricing. It didn’t compare to any other site I researched, like expedia or cheaptickets. Good Luck!

    Comment by Cul8ter — June 29, 2007 @ 3:26 pm

  3. Euh… take condoms?

    Comment by bart — June 29, 2007 @ 3:27 pm

  4. Forget the Canary Islands and go for the Greek islands (Aegean or Ionian sea, doesn’t matter, both are excellent) :)

    Comment by stavroulix — June 29, 2007 @ 3:31 pm

  5. If financial limitations aren’t an issue, entertain Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque in Costa Adeje as an option. It’s stylized after a classic Spanish village and has a very intimate ambiance about it.

    Comment by Sapphire — June 29, 2007 @ 3:40 pm

  6. Hey petite!! Grand Can is nice, avoid Puerto Rico tho, its the blackpool of the island!!! Hope you and tasdpole are doing well!!

    Comment by Sam — June 29, 2007 @ 3:43 pm

  7. oh, and go to Purto San Miguel (sp?) I think thats what its called – its known also as “little Venice” cos of the tiny little villas with water flowing underneath em

    Comment by Sam — June 29, 2007 @ 3:45 pm

  8. Holidays together ? Congrats, that’s a step ! Never been to the Canary Islands, so I can’t help you about that.

    Comment by Anna — June 29, 2007 @ 3:47 pm

  9. I’ve never been to the Canary islands but whenever I’m planning a trip I find http://www.tripadvisor.com to be invaluable, ditto for virtualtourist.com which always lists the tourist traps and scams to avoid.

    Comment by destinationmetz — June 29, 2007 @ 3:47 pm

  10. Mmm this is getting serious – just how old is he not driving!!!

    Comment by Amanda — June 29, 2007 @ 3:53 pm

  11. You sure know how to bring in your readers! Mystery, Sex, Sun.. That being said, never been there. Can only help you with Asian GW.

    see ya !

    Comment by Bob-i-Licious — June 29, 2007 @ 3:58 pm

  12. Sorry I don’t have any tips about the Canaries (sounds lovely though), but I was wondering about your lawsuit. Did your ex-employer lodge an appeal (and if so what is the next step?) or did the deadline run out?

    Comment by Amélie — June 29, 2007 @ 4:13 pm

  13. If you go to Gran Canaria, one of the best hotels is Lopesan Costa Meloneras next to Maspalomas beach, dunes and lighthouse. It’s 4 **** + and includes a spa with thallasotherapy and other treatments. At least when I was there a few years ago, the food was really excellent, especially breakfast. Google the hotel and see if it might fit the bill at least for a few days….
    Fuerteventura is supposed to be the most beautiful island of them all, although Tenerife with the Teide mountain is also worth visiting..

    Comment by happyforyou — June 29, 2007 @ 4:29 pm

  14. Bon vacances! Not taking off with the man/boy neighbour/thingy are you? I’ve never been to the Canary Islands, unfortunately, however, I know people who have – and as long as you stay away from the cheesey tourist traps it’s okay – and the flora and fauna are fantastic – not that you’ll have much time for that sort of thing… Enjoy!

    Comment by Mya — June 29, 2007 @ 4:39 pm

  15. I wish I could be of assistance, but I am ashamed, mortified even, to confess that I don’t know where the Canary Islands even are! I feel so horribly American now.

    I wish I had a villa to lend you anywhere.

    I’m sure you will have a lovely trip and I wouldn’t worry about horrifying and repellent character traits. You don’t seem to be horrifying or repellent at all. My mother’s advice to you would be to fry him something in butter and don’t let him see you without lipstick on, but I’m not so sure we should listen to her.

    Comment by Wide Lawns — June 29, 2007 @ 4:47 pm

  16. Hi – James villas are good – tells you if you need a car, private pool etc etc. Go take a look and you can get your own flights.

    http://www.jamesvillas.co.uk/

    Comment by Gillian — June 29, 2007 @ 4:48 pm

  17. Crumbs, is he under 18?

    Comment by Susan — June 29, 2007 @ 4:49 pm

  18. Sounds great, can’t offer any guidance. Good luck with hiding your character traits. I can’t say I’ve ever successfully done it. Good luck.

    Enjoy the holiday, when it eventually comes.

    Comment by Sodom&Gomorrah — June 29, 2007 @ 4:50 pm

  19. Drop (http://grannyp.blogspot.com/) Penelope Farmer a line. She lives over there and may have some good insider info for you.

    Have fun!

    Comment by Lin — June 29, 2007 @ 5:00 pm

  20. Regarding your fear of driving:

    I remember you trying to park your car outside Nick Stott’s house circa 1990. It was good entertainment for the crowd that had gathered at the windows.

    Comment by YSFC — June 29, 2007 @ 5:01 pm

  21. Can’t help with the Canaries but can highly recommend Rhodes, especially Ixia!
    Yeah come one PA give us a clue on the age front. NOT that it matter’s i’m just being nosy….and envious hehe
    Enjoy

    Comment by Maz — June 29, 2007 @ 5:32 pm

  22. Petite, happy travels.

    I have been a new but avid reader of your blog! A fabulous alternative to work. Don’t tell my boss…also my father! Having said that, my parents leave in 2 weeks from Australia for Paris and I have been thinking it would be lovely if they had some local tips on dining and drinking out, so they could avoid the tourist traps.

    I look forward to buying the book, but in the meantime the blog entries certainly keep me enticed!

    ps. As an Aussie I cannot go past Cate Blanchett to star as you. An illuminating beauty….like your words.

    Comment by Bec — June 29, 2007 @ 5:49 pm

  23. Fuerteventura is beautiful, it’s like being in the desert, nearly no tourists either and it’s got a shipwrecked boat to see – there’s a ferry to Lanzarote, too. No one’s mentioned them – probably because they’re off the beaten track – but El Hierro and La Gomera are fantastic. Look at the Paradores hotels and if he’s under 30, you can get a discount, too.

    Comment by costacalma — June 29, 2007 @ 6:41 pm

  24. I’ll second happyforyou on the food on Gran Canaria. It’s incredible! It’s a shame you don’t drive, because I explored that island for a week and never got bored. The really touristy areas are horrible (like Playa del Inglés) but if you can get to the villages you’ll be charmed. Buen viaje!

    Comment by BlondebutBright — June 29, 2007 @ 6:45 pm

  25. I second the James Villas suggestion. I have used them and they have great villas for rent but you better hurry as good places are snapped up pronto. However might have a problem if you don’t drive as some places require a car to get there. But that is what you get for messing about with a boy that is barely legal… Only joking. I am well jealous!!

    Don’t be a total angel, let some bad habits seep through, so down the line he doesn’t think he is dating Jekyll and Hyde..And if he can forgive the bad habits then he is a keeper ;-)

    Comment by sugar007 — June 29, 2007 @ 6:47 pm

  26. Fuerteventura is quite nice, I stayed in the resort town Corralejo at its northern tip and it’s quite decent for a place in the Canaries. You can take a little day trip by boat to the neighbouring small island of Los Lobos, which is a protected reserve with no motorized transportation at all, just scenic walks (and a friendly Donkey), which would count as a second island to visit – or you could take a ferry to another of the big Canaries island that is close by, not sure which one it is. From Corralejo you can go to the huge beach area in the south, it’s so big that you get find spots that are not too cramped assuming you’re willing to walk a bit.

    Comment by Seb — June 29, 2007 @ 6:53 pm

  27. What a coincidence, I have a colleague here right in front of me who comes from the Canary Islands. He says, don’t go, Las Canarias in the summer are like Blackpool with palmtrees.

    I agree with Stavroulix #3, if you want sea sex & sun, if I were you I’d go to a tiny and beautiful little Greek island. No need to drive there, just rend a scooter or a bike (I even rented a donkey once, super fun).

    Comment by frog with a blog — June 29, 2007 @ 6:58 pm

  28. lanzarote: los-jameos-playa.es
    I liked it. 4 * hotel, bit expensive, but good.

    Comment by charlotte — June 29, 2007 @ 7:59 pm

  29. Petite,

    If you might consider the Virgin Islands, take a look at the pictures on this link (if it works). If it doesn’t, send me an email directly and I will send you an invite to the site. The islands are very romantic and beautiful!

    http://www.kodakgallery.com/MyGallery.jsp?&UAUTOLOGIN_ID=885244360111

    Comment by Cul8ter — June 29, 2007 @ 9:22 pm

  30. Isn’t there too much wind for that kind of trip? Are not the Eolian Island by far better ?

    Comment by King negrito — June 29, 2007 @ 10:22 pm

  31. Can’t help with the Canaries (named after the species ‘dog’ not the chirpy little birds as some people think), haven’t been there in a decade or several.

    But generally:
    Avoid the Sangria; take siesta; aftersun should be applied with care and fun in equal measures.

    Shame about the driving thing; kinda puts my house in Granada out of your reach…

    B.

    Comment by Brennig — June 29, 2007 @ 10:22 pm

  32. Caleta de Fuste on Fuerteventura is pretty vile.

    The rest of Fuerteventura is interesting if you like lunar landscapes. I wished I’d gone to Tenerife.

    Comment by Claire — June 29, 2007 @ 10:25 pm

  33. I went to Puerto Rico on Grand Canaria about 9 years ago – twas nice, as long as one wanted to order sausage egg and chips.

    Wherever you go, I would recommend a taxi journey or some such to the middle bits of the islands which are slightly off the tourist trails.

    And also – for some reason your blog had passed me by up until now, but now I have found it I have read nothing but until plundering all of the archives.

    So now I need to wait for the book, as there is no petite anglais left for me to read (until you write some more of course!).

    Thank you for all of it. It puts my feeble attempt to shame.

    Comment by It's just me — June 29, 2007 @ 10:54 pm

  34. Ref:

    Now all I have to do is keep all my most horrifying and repellent character traits well and truly under wraps for the next month or so..

    And you think you won’t get found out over 24 / 14. I take it that was tongue in cheek? I bet he’s got the measure of you already.

    Are you sure about the Canaries?

    Comment by KC — June 29, 2007 @ 11:42 pm

  35. Don’t go to Fuerte, it won’t be your style (especially if you don’t drive !!). Different islands, different traits. But hey, follow Lin’s advice : you’re in grannyp blogroll and she lives on Lanzarote, which would be, with Tenerife, better suited to your needs !

    Comment by Yogi — June 30, 2007 @ 12:17 am

  36. Come to Barbados The Gem of the Caribbean. From there you can do day trips to many of the beautiful islands in the Caribbean. We have hotels ranging from the low Summer rate of US$8,000 to US$200 a NIGHT. The Stars all come here. Go the the website of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association.

    Jen

    Comment by Jen — June 30, 2007 @ 1:07 am

  37. Sounds fun. Wish I could help, but I’ve never been there.

    Try http://www.fodors.com, if your other readers can’t help.

    Comment by Diane — June 30, 2007 @ 5:10 am

  38. I hope there’s no full moon in the interval of your getaway. The werewolf side of your persona coming out may not impress. However, it may add a certain something to the sexual shenanigans.

    Comment by AussieGil — June 30, 2007 @ 7:02 am

  39. I´m Spanish, my husband is from Canary islands, I´ve been in almost everyone of them… my recomendation would be Lanzarote and La Palma, most days on Lanzarote and three days in la Palma (La Palma,island, not “Las Palmas”, city ). In Lanzarote you would like Hotel Melia “Volcán de Lanzarote”, perfect for couples. If you really want beach and more beach you could try Fuerteventura, the most beautiful beaches of Canary island, but there´s only beach there :-) Fuerteventura is near Lanzarote, you could go by ferry in less that one hour, so you could also include Fuerteventura in the packet. Look for luxury hotels if you can afford the prices ( there are very good prices) if you want to avoid tacky.
    Lanzarote is all volcan, amazing scenary, Fuerteventura all beach and La Palma all green really special forest.

    I´m sorry I don´t have a Villa to lend though :-)

    Comment by Sara — June 30, 2007 @ 9:44 am

  40. Forget the Can Isles Petite, go to Jamaica!! I can definitely get you some good deals/tips for August!! And its a great time (less tourists), so you and boy down the street and atually enjoy the sun, sand and (ahem)Jamaica jammin’!!!!!lol Negril is covered in white white sands and yellow yellow suns and every nook and cranny is calling out for the song ‘Petite, Be Jammin!’

    Comment by JamRock — June 30, 2007 @ 9:53 am

  41. I would suggest my homeland instead… lovely Mauritius! Ever been there ?
    If you need some tips just email me,

    Comment by Mel — June 30, 2007 @ 11:18 am

  42. I would suggest my homeland instead… lovely Croatia! Ever been there?
    (I copied previous comment :-))

    Comment by juliere — July 1, 2007 @ 1:15 am

  43. No I’ve never been to the Canaries either. Always wanted to go though. Should be good. Enjoy your holiday!

    Comment by Sally Lomax — July 1, 2007 @ 1:24 am

  44. I am thinking about a get away too, still undecided and also have a small budjet, so it’s nice to know that you ll be going.

    Comment by julie — July 1, 2007 @ 1:58 am

  45. gran canarias…
    lucky bitch!!!

    xoxo (to make it clear I’m just incredibly envious but adore you and your blog as always)

    Comment by amy — July 1, 2007 @ 3:52 am

  46. @15 (Wide Lawns):

    What’s wrong with being “horribly American”? We are the Roman Empire. How many Romans do you suppose knew where/what the fuck Lutece was? (Or cared?)

    Bad enough the Europeans look down on us (when they’re not attending our universities and watching our movies). Don’t do the work for them.

    Comment by John Bullshit — July 1, 2007 @ 7:35 am

  47. If you want to “build it yourself” rather than get a “horrid package” then you probably want to do the Greek islands rather than the Canaries. The Canaries are great, but their main industry is package holidays, their economy is based on it. There’s not much to see if you’re thinking of “island hopping” and their infrastructure isn’t based around easy ways to island hop.

    The advantage of Greek islands is getting a boat to islands, rather than having to fly.

    Mauritius has been mentioned, and the Seychelles too. There are reasonable “package” deals to those destinations on lastminute.com France which are a far cry from real “package” holidays. Touristy places to avoid – especially in August – would be Balearics, Canaries, and North Africa… because they are going to be filled with thousands of French & Brits on family holidays & teenage revelry variations.

    I work in the travel industry, but that doesn’t make my opinion any more valid than what I’ve read above, it’s all about what you _really_ want to do. Give us more info, and we can refine :-)

    Comment by fruey (Let's Have It) — July 1, 2007 @ 9:17 am

  48. ‘Dear readers’?
    Are you completely self- obsessed? I think so

    Comment by nobby — July 1, 2007 @ 11:28 am

  49. happy holidays whereever you decide to go.

    btw, i’m assuming ‘frog in the blog’ is not THE frog who has fathered tadpole? (ok, feeling a tad foolish now..)

    Comment by Sofi — July 1, 2007 @ 12:11 pm

  50. Hmmm. I am told that the Canary Islands can be awfully tacky.

    Comment by Lost in France — July 1, 2007 @ 12:58 pm

  51. Petite, http://www.tripadvisor.com lists honest reviews of hotels, given by the public. I’ve used it many times successfully for different places. Can’t believe no-one else has mentionned it!

    Other useful sites are http://www.frommers.com and http://www.wikitravel.com

    Seeing as most people have given their favourite other places(!), I’d recommend:
    – Cefalu, Sicily: preserved old world dolce vita, magic! Or Sardinia or Corsica…

    Bon voyage

    Comment by Roberta Collins — July 1, 2007 @ 2:20 pm

  52. Can’t help with any holiday tips but I’d just like to wish you a good time – with a mixture of relaxing and invigorating ways to pass the time.

    Comment by Sablonneuse — July 1, 2007 @ 2:58 pm

  53. Lanzarote was pretty amazing. It’s been a few years since I was last. Magnificent architecture thanks to the efforts of artist/artesan Caesar Manrique. You definitely need a car but it’s all very slow and broad streets and feels more like you are pushing a go-cart to go faster. Very easy and pleasant.

    Famara is a spectacular beach. Very long and empty. The island can be a bit wind swept so take something to protect you. Wine is interesting. They vineyards are unique.

    Comment by Tom — July 1, 2007 @ 5:14 pm

  54. Definately echo other recommendations to avoid canaries and go Greek- Corfu and Zakynthos do it for me- but avoid the big resorts.

    But of the Canaries apparently Fuerteventura is the nicest and least Lager Lager Lager-esque.

    But I would go even further and gt yourself to Thailand- best place in the world ever

    Comment by MisssyM — July 1, 2007 @ 5:25 pm

  55. You could visit Jose Saramago, my favorite author of all time and Nobel Prize for Literature winner. Last I knew he resided there . . . with his wife . . . He wrote “Blindness,” “All the Names,” and “The Cave” to name a few of his books.

    Comment by Brenda — July 1, 2007 @ 7:23 pm

  56. Whatever happened ton Butlins? You’d come back well equipped with all the latest mother-in-law jokes.

    Comment by Carruthers — July 1, 2007 @ 8:10 pm

  57. oh dear me… who on earth is reading / replying to this blog??? the parador on la gomera is, of course, the most romantic spot on earth. enough said.

    Comment by kitty — July 1, 2007 @ 10:01 pm

  58. I have a 2 year old daughter and we loved H10 Lanzarote gardens (Costa Tequise) Lanzarote – mainly because of the fantastic efforts made by the entertainment team. Every night they have a guided childrens disco, perfect for the 2-8 year olds and then some other entertainment based on London shows, could be tacky but because of the enthusiasm of the E-team it was fun. Teguise is pretty quiet, but it does have reasonable beach and you can easily drive around for a busier time.

    We went at Christmas so we had Santa on a camel, but there is no reason why it should not be good in summer. Pretty cheap too !

    Comment by J Belshaw — July 1, 2007 @ 11:02 pm

  59. Lanzarote or Tenerife. Lanzarote is very lunar in places but that makes it incredibly different. Forget Gran Canaria.

    It is a shame you don’t drive though…there are some very nice nudist beaches on Lanzarote but you need a car to get there ;-)

    Comment by Tony — July 1, 2007 @ 11:43 pm

  60. Isn’t Greece on fire right now? I need to read/watch more news…

    Comment by Vonn Einstein — July 2, 2007 @ 1:47 am

  61. yawn. apologise

    Comment by bosphorus failures — July 2, 2007 @ 2:19 am

  62. Bonjour petite anglaise
    Can i suggest my bed for holiday?
    it s the best place of the world.
    You can swim on or relax …..

    Comment by rastablabla — July 2, 2007 @ 2:23 am

  63. p.s. oi glasspaper, don’t you grow tired of pretending to being my ex-girlfriend from university? i am. either realise your obsession with me, without creating a bridge for some old mimic degenerate, or forget you ever spoke to me. and tell ‘er from ‘warmth’ magazine to shut cakehole, or i’ll fill it with detritus. this has become tiresome.

    thanks,

    me

    Comment by bosphorus failures — July 2, 2007 @ 2:47 am

  64. plebs. i feel sorry for him. they stole the bloke’s kudos and life exprience, and they tried to attribute it to some has-been who wouldn’t stop trying to use it. all this, because they thought there was something in it for them. fools.
    my french bird can’t walk straight. stop poncing about trying to use this ‘eye’ nonsense, and find out for yourselves. that’s why they went to all this trouble to stop certain people from having sex. dimwits. just sleep with the clever people whose lives they messed up, or stop bothering them with this faux nonsense!

    Comment by the answer was obvious — July 2, 2007 @ 3:06 am

  65. petite,
    I have been to the Canaries and the Greek Islands, and I vote the Greek Islands hands down.

    Elle

    Comment by Elle — July 2, 2007 @ 6:08 am

  66. I haven’t been to the Canaries but also vote for the Greek Islands hands down. They’re the place I absolutely miss most in Europe. All different, all beautiful, island-hopping without a car a piece of cake and I seem to remember the sex there being outstanding ;)

    Hsve many recommendations, so email me if you do decide to give them a go.

    Comment by Paola — July 2, 2007 @ 9:20 am

  67. Petite, doesn’t the number of people who have commented above, who haven’t been the Canary Islands tell you something? The name itself screams ‘tack’. Do yourself (and your libido) a favour and go somewhere decent, Greece, BVI or Caribbean.

    Comment by Jeremy — July 2, 2007 @ 10:47 am

  68. Head for the Greek Islands – definitely more your style. Check out Santorini for example or even Crete.
    They’ve got so much more to offer than the Canaries.
    When will the boy be old enough to get a driving licence?

    Comment by Parkin Pig — July 2, 2007 @ 11:34 am

  69. In answer to some of the above:

    Carribean – er, rainy season?
    South America, Thailand etc – idem, these places are better in the winter months, aren’t they?

    And I said “possibly” above. So, yes, the info has been useful. And may influence me to go elsewhere, although given that my Tadpole free time is in August, peak season, I know that most places will be hellish.

    Comment by petite — July 2, 2007 @ 1:36 pm

  70. It’s not that Chemist guy is it?

    Comment by Sally Lomax — July 2, 2007 @ 1:45 pm

  71. Oh look – 69 comments. Heh, heh.

    *looks around*

    Heh.

    *notices nobody else laughing*

    Heh?

    *leaves*

    Comment by Damian — July 2, 2007 @ 2:00 pm

  72. Well, the Canary Islands.

    Been once to Tenerife, which turned out to be just a big transplanted Spanish seaside resort. Think English “pubs”, sausage and beans breakfasts etc.

    It does have things to see i.e., Mt Tedie (which is an extinct volcano) national park – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teide
    The islands are volcanic, so expect black sand on some beaches; others have imported sand, from the Sahara.

    Anyway, that’s all I remember off the top of my head.

    Hope you have a great time wherever you decide. Don’t forget to make sure your new boyfriend finishes his homework before he goes, and don’t get him to bed too late . . . or is that the general idea ;)

    Comment by David — July 2, 2007 @ 2:16 pm

  73. You should ask Granny P… She lives there doesn’t she? I’m sure she could suggest the best place for you to go…

    Comment by Lizzy — July 2, 2007 @ 3:21 pm

  74. Oh never fear, grannyp sent me a fantastic email on the subject, she was the first port of call..

    Comment by petite — July 2, 2007 @ 3:37 pm

  75. Petite,

    If, despite all of the previous responses, you’re still considering the Canaries may I suggest the following:
    – as per prev. posts, James Villas are pretty good for accommodation (as long as you don’t mind the lack of room service and either cooking or eating out every night!), and I managed to find some late bargains with them in Playa Blanca in southern Lanzarote a couple of years ago (and it did seem quite luxurious having a 4 bedroom villa with private pool for just the two of us: a different bed every night!)
    – you might have to bite the bullet and hire a car – though there isn’t that much traffic, so you might be okay away from the more built-up, ‘touristy’ areas
    – the beach at Papaguyo, near Playa Blanca is divine: fine white sands in a sheltered little bay… (and whilst you have the opportunity to strip off completely if you choose to (and I’m sure I’m not the only one who’d be willing to verify whether you avoided getting tan-lines!), there’s no compunction
    – thre’s even some culture and stuff to see; thanks the incredible volcanic landscape (go to the Timanfaya NP visitor centre, but avoid the restaurant – it’s all gimmick with poor food) and the sterling efforts of César Manrique to preserve the identity of the island against the high-rise threat of identikit holidays

    Hope this helps (and looking forward to the dazzling holiday pics!)

    Nick C

    Comment by Nick C — July 2, 2007 @ 3:43 pm

  76. Who is this young boy you are speaking of? Why am I totally in the dark on this subject?

    Comment by Kirsty — July 2, 2007 @ 4:28 pm

  77. I’m with JamRock (for obvious reasons). And August isn’t rainy season in the Caribbean – yes, it’s officially hurricane season but they always get Jamaica in Sept, not August! It’s also low tourist season so fairly quiet… Lots of tips if you want them

    But otherwise, I love the greek islands

    Comment by Kingston Girl — July 2, 2007 @ 5:48 pm

  78. I recommend jakes highly – very romantic!http://www.jakeshotel.com/

    Comment by Kingston Girl — July 2, 2007 @ 5:50 pm

  79. who the backside is granny p?
    has anyone noticed the fantstic tennis being played at wimbledon this year? wonderful.
    i’d like to shake that young man by the hand.

    Comment by seeking geez — July 2, 2007 @ 5:59 pm

  80. Last December my girlfriend and I went for a week in Fuerteventura, at the Fuerteventura Princess Hotel (http://www.princess-hotels.com/web/EN/FPW/17_Detalle_Hotel.asp?H=46605). It was fairly quiet, and we enjoyed ourselves, but I don’t know whether it’s be “up your street”. We hired a car for a few days – there’s only so long you can spend by the pool.

    Comment by Hywel Mallett — July 2, 2007 @ 6:03 pm

  81. Dear Petite,

    I’m so happy for you, now that things take a turn for the better. Please do enjoy your triple S holiday. (Although, the blog of a single petite had a certain attraction, yes there is a twinge of jealousy:) ). Please don’t let Him (hhm yup a capital H) get in the way of your blog.

    I haven’t got a clue about the Atalantic Islands of Spain, but you could use our villa. It has some drawbacks, like it is in Holland, not the Canary Islands, the nearest beach is about a two houw drive, but then your average travel agent probably would call that walking distance, and last but not least, the sun won’t come really out this year. On the upside, it is secluded.

    Have a wonderful summer

    Comment by Jasper Kips — July 2, 2007 @ 6:10 pm

  82. John Bullshit wrote, “What’s wrong with being “horribly American”? We are the Roman Empire. How many Romans do you suppose knew where/what the fuck Lutece was? (Or cared?)

    Bad enough the Europeans look down on us (when they’re not attending our universities and watching our movies). Don’t do the work for them.”

    Congratulations, you have just reinforced the very stereotype you detest so fervently: that of the crass, ignorant, loud mouthed Yank.

    Fortunately, having lived in your beautiful country for over a decade, I know better: the average American is polite, friendly and just trying to make a living and enjoy life like anyone else.

    Unfortunately, what the rest of the World generally gets to see is the outrageous decadence of Hollywood, the opinionated blustering of politicians, the conventional might of the American military machine and the loud-mouthed idiots who spout off on countless bulletin boards and any other outlet they can find.

    There is so much to admire and appreciate in this country and all that comes across is crass ignorance. It really is tragic. :(

    Comment by bonkers — July 2, 2007 @ 9:47 pm

  83. The great thing about the Greek islands is that even in August, the more remote ones without airports aren’t outrageously tacky.

    If I were you I’d spend a few days here http://mirrormirror.typepad.com/mirror_mirror/2006/08/chromata.html or in one of the other little boutique-y hotels in Santorini, which will be very tourist-y but is so stunning you have to go. Then jump on a ferry to some of the lesser known Cyclades such as Folegandros, Amorgos or Astypalea, which will we loved but which don’t get too crowded. Will be HOT though.

    Comment by Paola — July 3, 2007 @ 4:11 am

  84. I am originally from the island of Gran Canaria…although no longer live there, I go back often to visit family. So, “think” i’m reasonably up to date on the where to go and where to stay. Might be a bit biast on Gran Canaria though! Also, unfortunately, can not offer villa…that is, without making family homeless!

    Anyways…impressive (but possibly expensive in August) hotels in Gran Canaria: Hotel Costa Meloneras, Hotel Villa del Conde, Palm Beach design hotel…for villas: try sunshine villas (www.sunshine-villas.es), had group of friends staying there who were very impressed!

    For getting around the islands….There are ferries that leave from Gran Canaria to both island of Tenerife and Lanzarote/Fuerteventura (www.naviera-armas.com). Can also fly between the islands (www.binternet.com)…actually you can even fly from Paris to the Canary Islands with Binter.

    Well, after re-reading my post, it is definetely biast..can’t help it…miss “my island”! e-mail me if you have specific questions…I’d be happy to help!

    Comment by Michelle, lost in Toulouse — July 3, 2007 @ 10:35 am

  85. I don’t think you can beat being rained on in Wales during August.

    Comment by meredic — July 3, 2007 @ 11:09 am

  86. Should u choose Greece and the islands..I’ll b more than happy to help u find the best place for u and may be show u around depending on the time and place as I’ll b lying on the beach in some greek island during august..like every august…
    All the best anyways for this summer vacation (u deserve it!!!!!!!!!)and lots of luck for the completion of your book!! I can’t wait to read it..

    Comment by LION — July 3, 2007 @ 12:22 pm

  87. I would recommend trying to go and see some of the Cezar Manrique designed buildings and visitor centres in Lazarote. They are amazing… You can probably get the local bus service to a good percentage rather than paying through the nose to join an organised trip.

    Comment by craic girl — July 3, 2007 @ 2:18 pm

  88. Has Trevor died?

    Comment by Welsh Cake — July 3, 2007 @ 3:38 pm

  89. He’s been very quiet of late.

    Comment by Welsh Cake — July 3, 2007 @ 3:39 pm

  90. My original comment read ‘Has Trevor died?’- it disappeared into cyberspace.

    Comment by Welsh Cake — July 3, 2007 @ 3:40 pm

  91. In exchange for all the holiday advice, will you tell us more about how you met the Boy? Please??!!!
    Welsh Cake, Trevor is probably on holidays right now (in the Canaries?)

    Comment by happyforyou — July 3, 2007 @ 3:56 pm

  92. Forget Greece and the Canaries I’d say Crotia.

    Comment by Pauline — July 3, 2007 @ 4:30 pm

  93. have you spoken to granny p? i know kate saw here when she went out there. she was at the blogmeet you missed and we spoke about it quite a bit – i can’t remember which island she’s on but it sounds fascinating out there.

    Comment by rivergirlie — July 3, 2007 @ 11:10 pm

  94. oops sorry – i see you’ve been in touch already.

    Comment by rivergirlie — July 3, 2007 @ 11:13 pm

  95. Too many holidays – have you thought of hairdressing as a career? It offers endless opportunities to discuss this sort of thing. Otherwise, dear author, please stay off this topic…

    Comment by andrew — July 4, 2007 @ 2:13 am

  96. Maybe I’m just being overprotective, but I say, savor how precious this relationship is or can be now and keep it close to you. The world can know later…private details are part of what has made your blog enjoyable.

    But for now, I say keep this new, precious thing close to your heart and out from under the scrutiny of others…

    It being something that is your own and is personal can only make it sweeter. Enjoy it.

    And forget the Canary/Greek/Jamaican islands and head down here to the South of France!! Woohoo, the French Riviera ROCKS!!

    The weather has been PERFECT, and there’s so much to see, I can hardly contain myself. I was going to say you can make it a roadtrip, and just cruise the coast, but I almost forgot the part about not driving.

    Well, get down here to the South of France, instead! :0)

    Comment by Mlle Smith — July 4, 2007 @ 2:16 am

  97. Whatever you do – don’t go the the south of Tenerife.

    I was forced to once, for job reasons. Found it absolutely dreadful. One hotel after another, terrible architecture, mixed with everything that would make English and German tourists feel at home – schnitzel, fish & chips…

    The north of the island seemed better, though.

    Comment by Petite Allemande — July 5, 2007 @ 5:30 am

  98. The Greek Islands are great. Avoid Mykonos – too kitch. Santorini is truly beautiful. Are you going with the boy next door?

    Comment by Caroline in Rome — July 6, 2007 @ 8:51 am

  99. This has given me a chance to reminisce, so please pardon my longwindedness.

    Lots of tourist traffic on Santorini, but it’s so stunning, you can’t not go. If you do make it there, I advise against the excursion to the caldera – disgustingly unpleasant hike up to the top (esp in summer), the “hot springs” around the base are laughable, and the views of the surrounding land only marginally better than those you can get from different points on the island, such as the lovely and oft-photographed windmill cafe at Oia – best at sunset. I found renting a car worthwhile, but that was partially due to my fondness for driving on winding roads, so that’s down to personal preference – just make sure you at least take a cab out to Oia. I think Santorini’s best for shopping and cafe-sitting as you take in the beautiful views; we drove to a black (or was it red?) sand beach at same distance from the port town, but it wasn’t all that great. A few wineries were dotted around the island, but we had a tough time finding them and the one we did find was deserted, so I can’t provide a review.

    I liked Mykonos, but I was there slightly off-season (late April), so the pleasant beaches were sparsely populated, the roads were empty for some very fun motorcycle rides, and the nightlife was manageable. I’m not sure what it’s like in high season, but it’s still pretty no matter what. Plus the island of Delos is a short (15 min?) boat ride away, if you need to escape the frivolity of it all and see some history. (Admittedly, the ruins there are large but not especially pretty, by Greece’s standards at least. However, the hike to the top here IS fun and affords a lovely view.)

    I stayed at Paros for a week, but that was during winter (don’t ask), so I can’t attest to its summer personality. It’s ideal size though, Goldilocks-wise, and would probably have a nice supply of all the island necessities without the heavy traffic of Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, etc.

    Crete is great and there’s definitely a lot to do there, whatever you happen to be looking for. In fact, I wouldn’t hesitate to say that you need a week or so to feel like you’ve really had a chance to properly sample its wares. However, if you’re looking for the stereotypical blue-roofed Greek Island experience, I think you’d be better served by one of the Cycladic or Ionian islands.

    Also been to Kea and Syros, nice, but not noteworthy. Samos is lovely, but if you’re going that far you might as well just go to the Turkish coast. I heard some rave reviews of Chios from a few Athenians, but never made it there. Best of luck planning your getaway – hope you find some nice spots.

    Comment by i grec — July 7, 2007 @ 7:01 am

  100. Hi Petite. This thread is looking very lonesome, stuck at 99… I am not a great holidaymaker, so I have no knowledge of the issues here. But I can wish you a Happy Holiday (with excellent sex) when you do go.

    Comment by Pierre L — July 8, 2007 @ 11:25 am

  101. hi Petite,
    guess you’d like to review this link; superb place i ever been… it was like heaven

    http://www.oysterresidences.com

    have fun!

    Comment by hera — July 9, 2007 @ 1:03 pm

  102. Hello, I just went to Mykonos for a week (granted, it was in May and the crowds were fairly thin) and stayed at the Hotel Tagoo– I recommend. Say hi to Jimmy the bartender if you go.

    Comment by Another expat blogger — July 15, 2007 @ 10:20 pm


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