Back to the Faris Hotel, Laconia

2017 Easter at the Faris Hotel, Laconia, Greece.
Credit: Nikos Kapsalis

A few days before Easter, we went back to the Faris Hotel in Laconia, Peloponnese, Greece, to spend Easter there. One reason was that we had had such a good time there the year before.  However, I can always find a good reason to stay there. Perhaps we go for the oregano, the balsamo, or just to see how the landscape has changed with the season. Balsamo in English is St. John’s wort. It grows around the hotel, and in summer it is harvested, then steeped in olive oil, locally produced of course, and used to alleviate aches and pains in the joints and back It is also good for wound-healing. It is virtually a cure-all and I am so glad we found it. Actually, it was George, the owner of the Faris Hotel, who introduced me to it.

Argos and his satellite cat! Photo credit Nikos Kapsalis

This cat is inseparable from Argos, George’s large Greek mountain dog. They are always together, unless Argos is patrolling the hotel grounds, earning his keep by protecting creatures and people from wild boar. Argos is a very lovable, friendly, giant of a dog. I am so glad that he likes us though, as his teeth are huge! I have to be very careful because he tends to walk between my legs or hits the back of my knees with his very waggy tail. I was horrified to see that he had a healed wound cause by a boar’s tusk when we got there this time.

Argos minus his satellite cat! Credit Nikos Kapsalis

Argos was almost totally black as a puppy, but now he has some chestnut in his fur. I know that dogs have hair, but his is more like fur! look at the way he has crossed his front paws – just like a human! Look at his face, he’s totally irresistible!

Faces in the clouds over the Faris Hotel, Laconia, Peloponnese, Greece.
Credit Nikos Kapsalis

The weather wasn’t bad all the time, so we managed to get to the taverna we like on the beach at Varthi. The ducks were in attendance too. They like the hot spring water that flows into the sea, I think.

View from the balcony of the room in the Faris Hotel. Credit Nikos Kapsalis

Of course we stopped in the new Rouchanas taverna in Corinthos on the way and on the way back from the Faris hotel.

This is how wine is served at Rouchanas Taverna, Corinth. Credit Nikos Kapsalis

The new taverna looks a bit upmarket, but the standard of cooking is the same. The ‘new’ taverna can be found on the Corinth- Epidauros road. You’ll love it if you like fish and seafood,. Now there’s a small garden just off the main road. Great in summer as there will be shade from the mulberry trees. However, I think I might need a sun hat.

Monastery above Xirokampi, Laconia, Peloponnese. Credit Nikos Kapsalis

This time we actually managed the short drive up the mountain above Xirokampi, which is close to the Faris Hotel. We got to the monastery (Zembritsa), only to find that it was shut. We had seen the turret-like building many times from the mountain road, but we hadn’t realised what it was. Now we know.

Monastery above Xirocampi. Credit Nikos Kapsalis

I guess we will have to go again and try to get inside the monastery complex. Another excuse to go to the Tayegetus mountains and the Faris Hotel!