Polemarchi, my mother's native village, holds a special place in my heart, particularly a secluded plot on a hilltop adorned with olive groves. It always reminded me of the place where my grandmother used to come to pick wild lavender to freshen her laundry as well as her spirit.

One cannot remain unaffected by the view: a 360° panorama spanning from the snowy mountain range of Lefka Ori in winter and spring, to the night lights of lively Chania city, to the embrace of the gulf of Kolymbari and beyond.

At the age of 18, my desire for independence and a familial space to reconnect with my ancestry led me to request this specific piece of land from my mother. The dream of building a family home there finally began to take shape in 2005. Despite challenges like navigating construction complexities and dealing with financial constraints while living abroad, my passion for this dream remained unwavering. The vision extended beyond my immediate family; I wanted to pass down this connection to Crete to my daughters and future generations, instilling a sense of belonging and roots.