Mr Anastasios mentioned this village to us, told us how it had been established in the 17th century, tucked into the hillside to protect it against pirate invasions, which were prevalent during that era.The village’s history is reflected in its architecture and layout, showcasing a blend of Cycladic and Venetian influences. So off we went to explore this.

Pretty pedestrian paths – each stone carefully outlined in white as is so often the tradition in Greek Villages. Stone paths in Greece are outlined with white paint (typically a lime wash) to improve nighttime visibility, prevent mold and weeds. Quite a job, but they seem to happily do it each year particularly for festive times like Easter and Saints days.

We met two rude locals and a fair few kind ones – it’s in the Greek Spirit to be a little objectionable. One lady came out of her shop and shooed away a party of tourists because one girl had sat on her step leading up to her shop to be photographed. Perhaps if she was more welcoming they would have bothered to go up and explored her shop instead – it takes all sorts.

Our walk lead us through the main square with some commemorative monuments to those fallen in wars down to the big church with the impressive marble bell towers – signalling the wealth of the town.

We sat in the square and had watermelon juice which was delicious and yoghurt with honey and walnuts. As we wandered back to the car we came across beautiful courtyards, flowering bougainvilleas and masterley stone work.

And here in all its glory is where you receive your mail. Talking of which some readers of the blog will remember I sent cards from Banda Neira to Oz. UK and Cyprus. Only the control one arrived – with the message:

“The essence of life is Spice !”