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ON THE ROAD WITH HELOISE

TRAVEL NOTES & HINTS FROM GREECE


Heloise (rt) with Vickie and George Daskalaki on their front porch looking over the valley. Town of Masa, on the island of Crete, Greece. October 98
A few years ago my husband, David, and I visited Greece and were lucky enough to spend some time on the beautiful island of Crete. We were delighted when we were invited to a memorable lunch at the home of Vickie and George Daskalaki. They live in the tiny village of Masa up the mountainside from the beautiful small town of Vrysses. 

We savored a delicious lunch out on their front patio while gazing on a breathtaking view of the mountains and valley below. 

We sipped George's homemade wine accompanied by yummy almonds they grow. The table overflowed with home grown food offered with openhearted charm. Platters of baked artichoke hearts, 2 different tomato and cucumber salads, one with avocado and one served with a fabulous yogurt-and green-onion dressing. A feta, squash, zucchini casserole was a vegetarian's delight. Mushrooms were dressed in tasty Cretan olive oil and served with rice and pork. 

To hear the wind blow through the trees, to enjoy good conversation, laughter and the company of friends, along with fabulous food sums up a special lunch. Completing this perfect scene was Billy, their friendly little dog, who appears to have never met a stranger. Another highlight was descending into the family wine cellar, seeing wine casks, some that belonged to George's father, and others that we sampled, provided a complete picture of this wonderful Crete family and their traditons. 

We finished with coffee and 3 types of desserts and then said warm goodbyes. 

Our next adventure was a careful drive down the very narrow single-lane road that winds through the picturesque village. Efkhareesto, y'all 

-- Heloise
 
 

Heloise (center) with George and Vickie in their wine cellar, located directly below the bedroom of their charming home high in the mountains. Town of Masa, on the island of Crete, Greece. October 98

    Travel hints:
  • Many foreign hotels and B&B's don't have washcloths, so toss several into your luggage.
  • Bring extra hair shampoo because you can also use it to launder washable clothes.
  • Pack a clothespin or two to keep curtains closed or hang clothes you wash.
  • Make copies of all prescription medication, travel info, like airline tickets and travelers checks, as well as passport and credit cards. Have your traveling companion carry the photocopies! 
  • Take more film than you think you will use, it can be very expensive out of the U.S..
  • Learn the most important words in the local language-please, thank you and good day! In Greek parakalo (please), efkhareesto (thanks) and kaleemehra (good day). 

More On the Road with Heloise