Many
people dream of owning a traditional stone house, with graceful
stone arches and a vine shaded courtyard. However they are often
deterred by concerns over restoration costs and who will do
the necessary work, especially in their absence.
We
can offer assistance by contacting a local builder who will
give a summary of the work which in his opinion needs to be
done and an estimate of the cost. The work can be carried out
in full, in part, or in stages, as many owners like to do part
of the finishing work themselves. It is good to remember that
at present building materials and labour cost less than they
do in the UK.
One
advantage of restoring an old property is that owners add their
own preferences to the property and each house is entirely unique.
There
are many advantages of living within a village community, one
may only be able to manage a few greetings in the Greek language
but a few words and gestures go a long way. A simple yeia sas
will bring a smile and a returned greeting. On learning that
you are joining the community neighbours will arrive to welcome
you with bottles of wine, or the fiery raki, fruit and vegetables
from their gardens and a plate of cheese pies or biscuits. In
no time at all you will be invited to weddings and baptisms
and every other celebration that takes place in the village.
I had not been residing for very long in my village before one
of my neighbours invited me for a morning coffee; whilst we
sat catching up on family news someone called from the next
house. He was invited to join us, and I was introduced, he refused
coffee saying we should celebrate by having a tsikoudia (raki).
The hostess duly fetched bottle and glasses and a platter with
cheese and a variety of salad and nuts. We were then greeted
by another neighbour who was of course invited to meet me, another
raki. Five minutes later footsteps in the lane heralded a passer-by,
they too were invited to join the gathering. I tried to prevent
the continual re-filling of my glass, by holding it close and
just taking the occasional sip. Two hours later I made my excuse
to leave , “I must prepare lunch for my husband.” “Tell him
to join us or let him get his own lunch” was the reply as I
walked rather unsteadily to the gate.
