Strolling into Spring

Yesterday, while preparing the patio for a friend's visit, I snapped a few shots of the front entrance and surrounding garden. The sun was warm and inviting and the light was spectacularly bright. 

 Above is our herb and rock garden. We had originally planted oregano, thyme, rosemary, mint, laurel, lavender, and a few Cretan herbs used for aromatic teas. It is quite lush right now and the herbs fill the air with a minty freshness that floats along in the spring breeze. 

On the left, above, is how the herb garden looked when we first planted it, about four years ago. I can't believe how tall and full the Goldcrest cedar trees have grown! 

 Still to make an appearance is an intensely sweet and  exotic type of jasmine, which arrives with the start of summer. Here on the island, that could be any day now!  The strange thing is, we don't remember planting it - a gift from the gods, I guess!

My one and only lilac bloom! We planted two bushes three years ago. They prefer a cooler climate, so I consider myself lucky for this lone, nonetheless, lovely, lilac! After all, it only takes one to breathe in its intoxicating perfume.

Bottom left and top right: Callistemon, Bottom right: Metrosideros Excelsa

These prickly red stunners are magnificent in Mediterranean gardens. The Callistemon, which in Greek means 'good thread', also known as the bottle brush flower for its cylindrical shape, which, along with its look-alike, rounder sidekick, called Metrosideros Excelsa, accent the wavy stone border at our front entrance.
 

Left: Before, Right: Now

Our black wrought iron fence is now covered by the density of the cedars and Leyland cypresses. Although I appreciate the beauty and fullness of these evergreens, I also love the views of the vineyards and olive groves in the near distance.  It was either a little privacy or pretty views, and my husband, being practical and protective, insisted on the former. 

Fortunately, from the upstairs veranda we have panoramic views for miles, including the island of Dia, anchored in the Sea of Crete.

Paid a visit to our local flower nursery a few weeks ago and returned with some gorgeously robust red petunias to warmly welcome guests at the front door. 

Left: A small vineyard at our front gate, Middle: our Callistemon tree, Right: our Maple tree

The petite potted daisies situated on the patio are so adorable! I just had to give you a closer look at these mini pink petals that always make me smile!

Hope you enjoyed this little stroll
 around our spring garden.

Thanks for visiting,

xo

Poppy

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HOME IS WHERE THE SUN IS

(This post was written last January, in Toronto)

I love Canada. I was born in Toronto, (where I am presently visiting), one of the greatest cities in the world, in my humble opinion. I have sweet memories of my life here, as a little girl, and of course, as a young woman. 

A loving and funny family of fifty plus, (I'm Greek - there's no such thing as extended family!), devoted friends, (some from as far back as highschool), beautiful neighbourhoods  and an effective infrastructure are the things I miss most when I'm not here, which is most of the time, as I live far away; both a sea and an ocean separate me from the first twenty-two years of my life.

As many of you know, I have lived on the island of Crete for the last twenty-five years, shortly after I met my husband, who was born there. I fell in love with the obvious attractions at first: the sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, the five thousand years of history, the friendly people and of course the food, which is simple, fresh and flavourful. 

But, aside from all of these wonderful aspects of this ancient land, it was the adventure of discovering its earthy and mysterious treasures that attracted me to it. 

So much so, that I left my close knit clan and Canadian comforts and began a new life, and in essence, a new identity, in a country whose blood ran in my veins, but was a stranger to my heart.

Much like the photo above, where tropical trees and snow cone peaks share the same surreal stage, Crete is a continuous source of contradictions. Venetian architecture, Turkish delicacies and French fashion, among other influences, have infused the Cretan carriage, creating subtle contours in its traditionally rooted character.  

But, amid all the flurry of foreign fluctuation, economic erosion and crippling austerity, one thing is always certain: the Cretan sun shows up on my doorstep day after day, to brighten my mood with the brush of its rays.

And so, I await its arrival, promising peace and colour and life!

 High in the hills, the flowers stir in the breeze and the waves rock to and fro below. Soothing, enriching and pure, it warms my face, my heart and soul. 

I miss the sunny skies at home! Until we meet again...

Hope you are blessed with the beauty and tranquility

 of natural sunlight wherever you are!

Thanks for visiting.

Poppy

(All images of Crete:  www.facebook.com/Olivabio) 

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A Snowy Town Square Up in the Air!

www.facebook.com/lovecrete

This post was written last January, during the holidays,

while I was visiting my family in Toronto, Canada. 

 Hello Everyone,

Hard to believe, but there is actually more snow on this Mediterranean island presently, than here in Toronto! Above, is the village square in Anogeia, which can be found at an altitude of 700 metres in the mountains of central Crete. Its name literally means, 'high place' and it is known for its hospitality, as well as its historical relevance for resisting its Turkish and German conquerors. 

Today, it has been invaded by heavy, dense snow, something the Cretans are not accustomed to. Thus, they remain indoors, weary of treading through the thickly packed precipitation of cold, colliding crystals. Just the thought of it makes the locals freeze with fear! That's not to say that they don't marvel at the frosty mass. In fact, some actually brave the chilly temps and take to the hills for a day of skiing and snow angels!

When my daughter was a child, my husband, Cretan born and bred, would drive us through the narrowest of risky roads, clinging to cliffs that dropped hundreds of metres down to rocky ground. And all of this, in the hope of making contact with this precious powder! 

The promise of snowflakes from the heavens, floating onto expecting tongues, or entangling themselves into a fence of luscious little lashes, only to disappear within seconds of their otherwise, smooth landing, was certainly a sight to see!

But when left untouched, a wonderland of white puffy cakes, 'baked' on the premises, sit still on tiers of chilled iron, in this icy bistro, in a snowy square, high up, in the air. 

Thanks for visiting
and Happy New Year!

xo

Poppy

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 Oh, the PLACES I've been!

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TELLING STORIES

Crete Family Villas

I was told a little story the other day about my friend, Jocelyne. It’s a story that is indicative of her generous nature, of how her teacher traits played a revealing role, a story which, she herself, has never told. 

Crete Family Villas

In an effort to motivate the children to take responsibility and keep their village clean, Jocelyne offered each of them an ice cream, if they assisted her in picking up all the litter that they could find.  

In the village, drying grapes to make raisins

Before another remnant of rubbish could be thrown, and within no time at all, a huddle of house- proud youngsters could be seen, happily walking the winding, waste-free roads of the village, indulging in their icy treats. Just like that: stimulus – response!

Crete Family Villas

My second story is about the villas, and how they came to be.  Jocelyne gives us some fun facts about the vacation property, as well as a peek into her own personal preferences.

Crete Family Villas

 I wish I could tell you that this interview took place in the gorgeous room above, but that would be a ‘tall’ tale, of sorts. What I can tell you is that we had the pleasure of having a wonderful coffee morning here, in one of the villa’s most stunning spaces, with breathtaking views of the sea in the near distance, and the pools and gardens at your feet, truly making it a luxury to be enjoyed, all year round.

Crete Family Villas

Crete Family Villas: An Interview

Jocelyne, you were born in Turkey, which is very similar to Greece in many ways. What inspired you to build on Crete, and especially, in our village?

We lived on the island in the 80's and loved it so much, and after many visits, we decided to build in this perfect village.

The villas are simply gorgeous! How would you describe them?

The villas are built in the traditional way using local materials. They are spacious with views over the vineyards, mountains and the sea.

Each villa has an interesting name.  Could you please explain to our readers what they mean?

Eleftheria means freedom, independence

Kalithea/ good view

Irini/ peace

All three are stunning.  Which one is your favourite and why?

Villa Irini is my favourite, as it has a better sea view from the second floor rooms.

How did you choose your colours, both for the interior and exterior?

We wanted to blend the villas with the village and the surrounding nature so they look more as one with it.

Did you have any assistance with the design and landscaping?

We used several of my brother’s ideas, having been in the travel industry for 30 years and travelled the world.

Crete Family Villas

The property is so beautifully landscaped. I love all the hot reds and soft whites in the flowers and the many fruit trees.  Could you tell us a little bit about the gardens and why you chose certain plants, trees and flowers?

The landscape is still in progress. We mainly picked trees and plants which already exist in the area, as we wanted to blend all the villas and garden with the rest of the village.

Building a house of one’s own is a huge undertaking. You had to deal with three! What was your most difficult challenge with the villas?

Overseeing construction.

What do you miss when you are away from Crete?

I miss the weather, the views, the food, the peacefulness. But most of all, I miss the friendliness of our village, Pendamodi.

 And when you are away from the States?

Well, I wished that all my family was able to share this beautiful place for the long period that I spend there, but unfortunately long vacations are not possible..for them.

Crete Family Villas 

Choose one of the following:

City mouse or country mouse?

More of a country mouse but like to be near a city..

Colour or neutral palette?

I am more of a neutral person but like colour to accent.

Wood or painted finish?

Both! But I like wood better.

Stone or stucco?

Definitely stone.

Bungalow or two storey?

A two storey gives a better view.

Sea or mountain?

A bit of both to complement the picture.

Thank you Jocelyne.

Thank you.

Jocelyne

Hope you enjoyed this introduction to Crete Family Villas. For more information, check out their website at: cretefamilyvillas.co.uk

Thanks for visiting.

Poppy

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The Nature of Instinct

Sometimes I can’t believe that I actually live in a
 little Mediterranean village in the countryside.

Our neighbours to the East

  I was born in a big North American city, grew up there,
 and that’s what I knew, and loved! But, I always had a 
strong feeling that I’d live in a house in the country one day.

Not simply buy a house, but build one! Quite ambitious of me, 

since I was about eight years old at the time, don’t you think?

The first time I was aware of this notion was back in second grade.  

It was library time and we had about fifteen minutes to

choose a book or two for the week.

While most of the other girls huddled around the Nancy Drew series, 
I gravitated towards the bigger, heavier books and anything that
featured a house on its cover, very similar to your typical
coffee table book of today, wouldn't you say?

Even then, I was drawn to all things ‘home’, whether that meant 

baking mini, single layer cakes in my Easy Bake Oven, 

or rearranging my bedroom according to the season. 

For me, it was all about being cozy, nestling in little nooks

 with my girlfriends, braiding macramé bracelets 

and indulging in homemade delights.

                               

So, forty years later, here I am, in a house we built in the Cretan countryside, among vineyards and orange groves, surrounded by mountains, and overlooking valleys, where the view from my bedroom balcony takes my breath away, moves me to stillness, each and every day, in its seasonal attire, regardless of my mood, and inconsiderate of my time. It is always there, a quiet, constant presence, like the instinct that never left, in all its natural wonder.

Thanks for visiting
and have a lovely week!

xo

Poppy

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