A visit to the Last Castle

Today we were being nice neighbours and taking Argy, Lakis and Kia to Viklari (the Last Castle) because Lakis said that they had not been before and we thought that when their family come over this would be a great place to take them - the view is incredible and the food they serve is simple and delicious and they stick to doing one thing and doing it well.  Actually as Lakis said there are now very few places that cook and serve traditional souvla cooked over charcoal that they have made themselves.  We piled into Kenny because we know that the road can be rough and bumpy (although actually it isn't too bad at the moment) and as we approached our destination Kia told us that she had actually been there before and loved the place so that was great.

We had booked for early lunch and so got there when it was quiet (i.e. before all the quad bikers) and had a lovely table overlooking that stunning view.

Lakis and Argy had not been before so they had that amazing feeling you get when you walk from the dusty carpark and are suddenly faced with that fabulous but unexpected view.  The walk through the arches and along past the flower borders is impressive but when you get to the restaurant proper with the Flinstones stone tables and the grapes and the view well that is enough to take your breath away.  This has always been a favourite place to take visitors and it never fails to impress.  It just amazes me that we went with Mum and Dad years ago when the road would have been a million times worse than it is now - in fact looking back we used to do some right old exploring with Mum and Dad even though the road system back then was dire and worse there were next to no petrol stations so you always had to have one eye on the gauge!

We had suggested that maybe it would be wise to take something in case it was breezy up there - it generally is and as the wind comes off the sea it can be cooler than you think plus it is shaded by the vines.  There was a breeze but it was a warm one and so we were comfortable - particularly as we had remembered to take cushions to rescue our backsides from the scratchy village chairs!!

Whilst we were dining Mike arrived with Maisie (the dog) and two of Elaine's friends who he is entertaining before taking them back to the airport.  He really is such a nice guy I am sure people take advantage of his good nature.  We will be seeing him tomorrow as he is staying with us for a couple of nights - we had a quick chat and let him get on with his lunch - we can catch up properly tomorrow.

As I said the food here is simple - basically a choice of pork or chicken or mixed souvla served with billy big chips and a fresh salad with bread and butter.  If  you are vegetarian and let them know in advance you can have beans (fasoulia) and I love them here so ordered a bowl even though I am not vegetarian - and when we were here last time they did say they could offer fish if it was ordered.  I have to say that the carafe of white wine was very nice too!!!

We had a lovely lunch - very relaxed and then a cross country trip back across the Akamas to Droushia followed by a quick cuppa with our neighbours before leaving them to their own devices whilst we came back and cleaned the spare bedroom ready for Mike's arrival tomorrow after pickleball.

Just thought I would close with the picture above.  This is what the moon looks like now that we have the 'triplex' stuff on the conservatory roof - it looks like something from Close Encounters - it had me foxed last night when I could see this strange glow from the bedroom - that was before I got up and realised what was happening.