The cock wakes up the sun. The geese join in. Then the peacocks, which like to parade up and down the villages' street in twilight (and sometimes drop in to have an early morning snack at the terrace). You may hear a slurping sound, look down to the spring (at the outer wall of the terrace) and find a flock of sheep drinking. From time to time, cats stroll around, checking if you have some leftovers from last evening's mizithra cheese. They must wait a minute or two, because you cannot leave your observation deck: the sun is just rising behind hills and mountains, every morning dressed in new colors and glows. Speaking of observation deck: Best place in the house with a (day-)bed and twelve windows opening towards the wide landscape ... (there are two more bedrooms - one accessible through a trap door, one connected with the bathroom, and, in the centre of the house, a large kitchen).

In short: We spent three quiet, unstressed and absolutely amazing weeks in the House at the Spring and wished we could stay for one year. More than once we idled away a whole day in the house and at the terrace and felt more than happy.

Some hints: You absolutely need a car. It is a 15-minutes-drive to Kissamos (opening breathtaking views), 10 to the village of Kaláthenes (visit Rontonta Café!), 40 to Falassarna beach. Whatever road you take into the heartland, you will discover beautiful, peaceful places.

And last but not least - our hosts: Very nice, caring and helpful. Thank you very much, Elias and Ioannis!