Even in their worst hours of modern history, I have found Greeks to be extremely hospitable, kind and welcoming people. Aris personifies this sense that I have for the people of Greece. So the story of four us meeting goes like this; we were stuck in Creta for a day more than we planned as the port union decided to go on a strike. In such a moment all one prays is to find an accommodation, not a friend. Aris, whose house was 14 km away from the Center of Herakaloin, zoomed to our rescue, picked us up, electrified us with his infectious energy and made us forget all the troubles that we could have encountered in the morning.
Aris was responsive, agile, funny and most importantly humane. He truly was an embodiment of the saying, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
His house was big, spacious, modern, well decorated but what made it homely were his family- his wife Maria and daughter Helen. All the struggles of the morning dissipated as Aris got us home, served us homemade Raki, traditional Cretan bread Dakos, cheese and cooked super tasty chicken tikka masala and rice for us. Maria’s warmth, friendliness and Helen’s child like innocence won us over the moment we met them over lunch.
This was just the beginning of what was the most eventful and memorable day of our entire trip. Aris showed us his home, explained the Cretan landscape near his home, told us about his plans for making a swimming pool in his home. His energy was infectious and his sense of love for his family and loyalty for his land were examples of what maketh a good man.
Aris personal touch made a difference in the entire day we spent with them. He took us for a ride in his Mini Cooper in the evening, brought lamb, veggies and wine from his local market. Aris’s hospitality is unmatchable and his home cooked lamb is the yummiest lamb I have ever eaten. The taste of the lamb still lingers in my mouth as I write this.
The evening belonged to some laughter, banter, conversations, Cretan music, talks of indian weddings and of course desserts, which we ate in plenty.
The time spent with Aris make us believe that surprises come when you just do not expect them at all. Our experience was “Just Wow” and we would love to have Aris come over to India too. Lots of Love