It had grown dark by the time we arrived at the Spring, we were greeted by Ioannis's mother and father, who patiently waited in Kastelli (Kissamos) town square and guided us through the hills back to the house. We had travelled all day and had had no time to find food, so were truly thankful when we were offered generous gifts of dakos, cookies, raki and wine etc.
We awoke in the morning to the sound of bird song (including cockerels and peacocks and birds of prey), cicadas, goats and a babbling spring that offered pure drinking water! We opened the shutters to reveal a breathtaking view of distant mountains and beautiful rolling hills covered in olive trees, we felt truly away from it all!
The house is beautifully old and full of character, and everything we hoped it would be, it has all that is needed for a comfortable stay, and although Ioannis was not around at the time, he responded quickly through Airbnb to any questions, and instructed us on the best beaches, local interests etc; and his lovely parents were at hand to help whenever necessary, even showing us the local taverna (Rotonta) in the nearby village of Kalathenes, which is owned by Stelios, again a beautiful spot to sit and eat and drink whilst 'taking in' the panoramic views of a picturesque valley. The food which is homegrown was very well cooked and we can truly recommend :-definitely worth a trip into the hills!
We (reluctantly) came away from the Spring, (having booked another property for the remainder of our holiday), feeling we had been party to something very special, not only the house and the outstanding beauty of the area, but also Elias and Helen who made our family feel so welcome. We came to know them a little as the days went on, and found them to be very special and interesting people to talk to. We all hope to return soon if not only to meet up again with these wonderful people!
Thank you for a pleasant and memorable stay!
L & N and boys xx