Stone Sink

Old Terrace

   Work has begun on front terrace. We are excited to get project underway. Mitsoe, will start restoration to old wall. We are adding a stone sink, area for potting plants. Plant sharing  is a popular practice here. I really love this custom, not only am I using indigenous plants, but cost saving factor is substantial. We have been gifted over sixteen  plants,as well as much coveted heritage seeds from our  neighbors. Anyone who knows me, I'd  rather buy a plant than clothes. 

Craftsmanship 

   Mitsoe son, Elvis has gone to Droutsoulas, a small village located in middle of Island, he  has knowledge of area known for its exquisite marble stones.  There they will excavate the stone by hand, tools.  Then proceed to load them onto a small pickup  truck, transport back to our property, no easy feat, stones weigh 230 kilos. 

In many ways Ikaria is behind rest of world by some 50 years, I think thats  just one of things I like best about it.

507 lbs

Marble unloading 

                           Elvis, begins chiseling, shaping marble

                                                into rustic sink. 

Voila'

       We found a solid brass dragonhead vrisi 18 euros, in a small village shop in Evdilos, perfect accessory for our stone sink.

Brass faucet 

AMAZING 

We can't wait to relax on our terrace,  with a cup coffee, glass of wine, friends , family.

Yyeia (health)

   I want to share a story that has nothing at all to do with house, but lends itself to  quirkiness of Island. Teddy and I have a ritual, every morning we drive to our favorite  bakery, buy a loaf freshly made warm  bread, in village of Akamatra. We pass by Stamate's fruit stand where we purchase local fruits, vegatables, fresh eggs. We continue on across mountaintop heading to the Stone house on a bumpy dirt road. It is there in middle of nowhere our car decides to break down.

We call Haralabis, at local garage ask for a tow truck. TOW TRUCK?

We don't have a tow truck, he says with amusement in his voice. Bewildered  we ask what do we do then? Leave the car where it is!

Now describe what's wrong with it, ok I know what it is, he says. I will order part in Athens, it will come in a few days by ferry, I will send my mechanic up  to fix it. A few days later true to his word we meet mechanic in middle of nowhere with his little bag of tools. 

Very  skeptical he has right part, tools ect. to do the job.

 Sure enough with no fancy machines, a few rusty tools , about 25 minute's later we are happily on our way.