There are many triggers which help formulate and inspire our travel desires. They could be ideas from friends and family, magazines, and often from TV and movies. After watching “The Durrells In Corfu” on PBS a few years ago, I was hooked. The Greek island of Corfu went to the top of my travel radar list!

We rented a house which was actually called “Villa Durrell” on VRBO. It was on the Kontokali peninsula near Gouvia harbor, 2 houses south of the house where filming took place.

This is a wonderful video with all the cast members!

Marla and I explored the beach area where much of the exterior filming took place.

Filming begins for one of the episodes.

I really enjoyed the scene where the Durrells have lunch in the water!

Our friends from Denver, Jerry and Mary, joined us for the week at the villa.

The stairs were a bit tricky and it was a miracle no one took a fall!

We all gathered for coffee and pastries in the pavilion in the back yard each morning.

I had a wonderful sea bass at the Roula Fish Taverna in Kontokali.

Marla was always the first one up each morning.

We found a soft sand beach just minutes away from our villa in Kontokai.

The water was very clear and warm. There were very few rocks which was a big bonus. I loved watching Marla swim in the sea.

The price for two beach beds, towels, and a good place on the beach,….only $13 complete!

The beach club was a great way to unwind after two weeks of fast-paced travel.

Jerry is quite the chef and even brought his own knives on the trip!

One morning Jerry chartered a 37′ sailboat with skipper for a half day trip for all of us.

Mary and Marla get comfy on the boat before we set out of the Gouvia Harbor.

The seafarers!

Even though I come from a very long line of sailors I have a tendency to get seasick. I stopped by a pharmacy before sailing and found a ginger motion sickness pills. The seas were actually almost bathtub calm.

Marla watches the skipper take us out to sea.

We passed Old Corfu Town and found a quiet area for swimming.

Stopping the 193′ superyacht “Andiamo” in the harbor, I looked online and found it is available for…only…395,000 Euros per week plus expenses!

Beach life at Agio Spiridon beach on the west side of the island in August was just crammed with people. I found the driving here challenging especially with all the buses on the narrow roads.

This is the sensational view on the road up to the village of Lakones.

I made a dinner reservation for us at “Il Pozzo” near Lakones with a great ocean view.

Fabulous Aperol Spritzes started the evening before we opened a beautiful red wine from Greece.

Marla has a unique way with people. Our housekeeper volunteered to cook us all a Corfiot dinner. Dora even did all the shopping.

Take a look at what Dora made for us!

One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the Museum of Asian Art of Corfu. It is in the former Palace of St. Michael and St. George in Corfu. It is the only museum in Greece dedicated to the art of Asia. The museum was a total surprise! https://matk.gr/ We could have spent days enjoying the  exhibits. The museum’s Japanese collections, a personal favorite of ours, are very large with over 6,200 pieces. Their Chinese collection numbers 3,500 items.

An aerial view of the museum in Old Corfu Town.

We both loved all the boutiques!

Jerry could quickly tell I loved shoes! One evening after dinner he said… “Come with me,…we are going shoe shopping in town!” He navigated through the tiny lanes and found the shoe shop! I ended up buying two pairs of suede loafers.

I’m enjoying myself in the pavilion while I watch Marla try to break the pool backstroke record!

There is nothing in this world which makes me happier than watching Marla enjoying herself. She truly deserves it after everything she has been through in the last year!

Next week I’ll take you on a fascinating exploration of Old Corfu Town. It is a absolutely beautiful place!

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission. Photos 4 & 5: Greece Film Commision. Photo 29: “visit.corfu.gr”