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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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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A NEW FRIEND AND NEIGHBOUR

Crete Family Villas

This summer I had the pleasure of meeting Jocelyne Sireilles Kerrigan. Jocelyne lives in Washington, D.C. She is the proud co-owner/operator of Crete Family Villas, three beautiful luxury villas located in our picturesque little village. 

On a breezy summer’s eve, our neighbour, a stately judge, was having coffee with my husband and myself on our patio, when, in between small sips, he suggested that I meet the American woman who owned the Crete Family Villas in the village. He felt that, besides the North American connection, we had a lot in common. For instance, he noticed that she was very friendly and energetic, adding that she had taken a special interest in organizing cultural events for the village folk. Wow! That’s exactly what our little hamlet needed. Yes, we live in a most charming of authentic Cretan villages, but we lack creative and cultural outlets. Needless to say, I was intrigued.

"What does she look like?" I inquired, wondering if I had seen her around the village.

"Well, she’s a petite woman with dark hair," the judge answered.

 Half the women in Greece fit this description! In any event, a few days later, my husband and I were taking a drive to the grocery store. We had just turned the corner, when I spotted a slim figure in the distance. For some reason, I was certain it was Jocelyne! Perhaps it was her confident walk and bluntly cut black hair. Her skin was bronzed from days spent gardening and swimming, and simply being out and about. I called out to her as if we were long lost friends. Slightly startled, she slowly approached the car, while we slowed down. As I proceeded to explain who I was, the confused look on her gentle face began to fade into an enthusiastic warmth and acceptance.  We agreed that a visit was needed to exchange stories, but no definite date was set.

Jocelyne

About a month or so later, my mom and sister were visiting from Toronto. We were inside the house, unpacking from an excursion, when I heard a woman’s voice greeting us good evening at the front gate.  Immediately, I recognized it as Jocelyne’s – friendly and American, with a touch of French flair. While my husband began showing her around the property, the women in the clan scrambled to make the house look presentable, in case Jocelyne wanted a tour! Finally, we all took our seats under a starlit sky, where we chatted and chuckled for hours, and became fast friends.

Crete Family Villas

Stay tuned for Part 2: 

Crete Family Villas and an Interview with Jocelyne!

Thanks for visiting.

Poppy

Joining 
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Athens: Academia, Antiquity, and Architecture (Part 2)

Temple of Poseidon, Cape Sounion

High above the Aegean Sea, at Cape Sounion (43 miles SSE of Athens), the southernmost tip of the Attica Peninsula, the Temple of Poseidon (444-400 BC) was erected by the ancient Athenians, under the reign of Pericles. 

Poseidon, God of the Sea

Cape Sounion is famous for a very popular Greek myth. In accordance to the legend, believing his son, Theseus, had been killed in a competition with the Minotaur of Crete, King Aegeus, of Athens, took his own life, and jumped into the sea that bears his name, after spotting the black sails on the returning ship, as Theseus had forgotten to hoist white ones, signifying his victory.

The Aegean Sea

A more recent 'legend’ states that the Romantic poet, Lord Byron, carved his name on one of the temple’s marble columns, when he visited Sounion twice, from 1810 to 1811, on his Grand Tour of Europe. The poet’s name is, indeed, engraved on the stone, but it has yet to be proven that the inscription was, in fact, his own.

Lord Byron's Inscription

Heading back towards the capital, this outdoor mall, near Spata, boasts a neoclassical style, complete with pastel hues and shady pergolas, a perfect spot to cool off with a refreshing drink, after some serious power shopping! 

On a thickly forested hilltop in Athens, we visited a beautiful monastery, with panoramic views of the city below.

Hanging in the hot, mid-morning sun, the church bells, still and silent, were off duty until evening mass.

As we took our last stroll through the downtown core, we were delighted to stumble upon a fall flower exhibit, which dotted the wide city square with rich, bright blooms and enthusiastic admirers.

Well, that was our trip to the capital and it was a nice distraction from the regular routine. Back on the island, the temperature has dropped and the layering of clothes has increased. So, light the fire, bake the cake and let the cocooning begin! 

Varkiza, a suburb, south of Athens

Thanks for visiting!

Poppy

All images: Poppy View, 
except where otherwise noted

Athens: Academia, Antiquity, and Architecture

The Propylaea, ceremony hall

Last week we travelled to the capital to attend our daughter’s commencement. It seemed most fitting that Libby receive her bachelor’s degree in Classical Philology at the Propylaea, the beautiful headquarters of the University of Athens, which also serves as a ceremony hall and rectory.

The National Library

It was quite an emotional day with speeches, family and friends, and of course, a hearty Greek meal of traditional meze, local wine and rich dessert.

Plaka

Plaka

And coffee, lots of coffee. Brewed strong, Greek coffee is thick and aromatic, with a signature frothy topping, called 'kaimaki', served in an espresso sized cup, thus, café hopping is a must if one is to skip siesta in favour of sightseeing and a swim!

Plaka, perhaps the birthplace of the original chalk paint? :)

Libby’s graduation gave us the opportunity to, 
once again, explore Athens’ ancient treasures. 

The Temple of Hephaestus

Surrounding Plaka

Whether they date from as early as antiquity (8th century BC to 600 AD), or the last 200 years, the city’s impressive architecture is appreciated both by tourists, who travel the world to visit and study mystical ancient temples, and the Greeks themselves, who, especially in these times, need to be reminded of the admirable accomplishments of their ancestors.

 

Plaka

Plaka

Plaka

Wandering the narrow labyrinth-like streets of Plaka, also referred to as the ‘Neighbourhood of the Gods’, as it is situated directly below the Acropolis, we were enchanted by its unmistakable neoclassical style of geometrical finery and chalky palette.

Plaka, and the Acropolis above

Plaka

Plaka

Plaka

Plaka

Among all the residential beauty, the restored Stoa of Attalos (159 -138 BC) can be found, with its impressive columns of marble and limestone.

Stoa of Attalos

One might say that this ancient stoa, which is basically a covered promenade, can be compared to a modern day outdoor mall, as it housed a shopping centre, offices, and galleries, as well as a space for religious gatherings.

Stoa of Attalos

The masterpiece of the ancient agora, or marketplace of Athens, has to be the Temple of Hephaestus, or Theseion, as it stands strong and tall on Agoraios Kolonos hill, still looking very much like it did when it was erected (449-415 BC), in honour of Hephaestus, the patron god of metal work and craftsmanship.

Temple of Hephaestus

Stay tuned for part two of our trip, as we trek up to the clouds, where myth meets mystery, and a British poet of the past, who penned his love for this land and its people, kept company with Poseidon, leaving his own traces of immortality, high above the sea. 

Athens

Thanks for visiting!

Poppy