Kotoulakos's wife in Kotronas

Kotronas at that time was a very idyllic place. To arrive from Sparta, was a whole undertaking, as the roads were very impassable, rugged and full of stone, Mani being so dry. Alexandros Canellopoulos, well acquainted with the area and the people there, led us to the small tavern of Koutoulakos by the sea. Fermented bread, some homemade cheese and eggs from the animals that were in the next field, tomatoes and a few olives. This is what Koutoulakos and his wife offered us.

It was time to leave, having heard Koutoulakos for a while in his simplicity, a wise and very philosophical man. His tellings and thoughts had spiriually fed us more than the simple food. So Alexander asked for the bill. It was an unexcted moment where the benevolent smiling Koutoulakos suddenly became very serious even a bit crossed. With a stern tone and a look that could not raise any objection, tapping his hand on the table, he said: "Listen to me: You are the stranger over here and strangers just do not pay! Now leave with the grace of God and we were glad to see you again. You are always welcome here..."

Date: 1974