We had a coffee, greek of course, at Komiaki's cafe. We asked the owner, if he could show us where my grands' home was. As soon as everyone in there heard who we were, they jumped on the occassion to tell us endless fun stories that included my dad! Remember, my dad grew in this village. Actually, we even found relatives. The white-haired man was a cousin of my dad's, who never left Komiaki, and actually I didn't even know of his existence! After we arrived home, we talked with my dad who obligingly laughed with the stories we heard and told him, and he added his own versions and stories to them, making this one more unforgettable night...
With the guidance of my "new" uncle, we arrive at my grands' home. I'm staring at it.
Since the village has no roads inside it, but only these small walkways, we parked the bike, just outside it, and walked the village. The small streets are so small for even a scooter to be ridden in them, not to mention the BMW! However, even if they were bigger, there's this small... problem: The village is built on the steep side of the mountain, and every small walkway is almost always a stairway! So, lets forget the wheels for a moment, and train our legs and feet!
The house was sold after my grands passed away, a few years ago, in the 80s, to this nice lady, who not only let us in, and let us take pics, but also she gave us gifts to take with us! She is an amateur painter and she paints nautical and island themes on little flat rocks she collects at various Naxos beaches!
On the upper floor of the old house, there's a lovely balcony. I recall we could see the island of Donoussa on a clear day, when I was a little boy, visiting my grands, in the sixties!
Ophelia at the outside stairs of the old home.
Remember what we said about the stairways that are the Komiaki streets?!
The road leading to Komiaki is quite narrow, but paved and well maintained. As long as you're not watching the downside of it, it's fine! Otherwise it could be a little scary to the faint hearted!
Leaving Komiaki, late in the afternoon, we don't want to get caught in these scary roads at night. However, one last look behind us is something we have to stop and do...
Apollon is very close to Komiaki, really.... Only about 10-11 km's north, but it's a very very twisty downhill! (make that 20-30 minutes drive!)
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