PARKING: Will possibly be a problem for a while. There is space outside the house but the difficulty will be getting the car into that space. The problem is Eric’s wall (which the mayor has decreed should be moved back allowing ample room for a car to get through), but when he does that is [...]

OUT & ABOUT: The tourist areas are along the coast road back toward Chania. But if you follow the National Highway in the other direction to Kissamos it becomes wilder. If you have a 4×4 there is apparently a beautiful remote beach at the end of the neighbouring peninsula. Otherwise take the road down the [...]

NAMES: Eric (the Viking) = the big white house next door Hans Stollen (Dutch) = the honey coloured house at end of road. Has Labrador called Max who escapes every now and then Yiannis = If an old boy wanders in dressed in cap and knee high black leather boots you are in the presence [...]

MONEY: MOSQUITOS:

LAUNDRY: Our villa is not a rental property so there is no maid service. You will have found clean sheets for the bed and clean towels. LEAVING: On the day of departure please strip beds. If someone is arriving to use the villa on the day you are leaving be prepared for Kirstie (works for [...]

KOLYMBARI (Kolympari): The village you came through to get to the mountain. There is the old town with seafront tavernas, a baker and a small store (which sells the local Raki!). The marina is pretty and worth a few pictures. There are several parking spaces. The road to the new part of the village has [...]

JASMINE: It’s the weed growing up the wall with white flowers. Smells nice.

INSECTS: Ants will invade at any invitation particularly via the front door. It’s a good idea to sweep the floor regularly. Obviously do not leave any open sweet foodstuff lying around. The pool attracts big flying beasties, but do not be alarmed they are only taking a drink. There is usually a stock of bite [...]

HIKERS: Some mad fools walk up the mountain (I don’t think they’re British). Apparently it is the custom to offer a lift to anyone walking up from the beach back to the village. HONEY: Beautiful. Try yoghurt and honey as breakfast or as a dessert. Buy it in tins for safe transportation back home.

GARDEN: Needs watering. There is an irrigation system in place (the black tubes) and you need to turn the tap. Best to give a good soaking in morning or evening. GECKOS: Gordon the Gecko lives in the rocks at the end of the pool and will appear to say yassoo occasionally. GOATS: Four legged hairy [...]