The Stone Stairs of the Plane Tree.

It is a beautiful and unusual place. From anywhere on the stairs the views are spectacular. Behind them are high mountains and below them the deep blue of the sea. The stairs twist and turn providing access to the houses grouped higgledy-piggledy on the hillside that they traverse. All the houses have gardens layered in terraces and filled with olive and citrus trees, fig, apricot and plum, mimosa and pastel shaded oleanders and grape laden vines. Different coloured bougainvillea peek over garden walls and climb up and over patios. Access roads are either a long way up or a long way down! Careful thought is given to what needs to go up or come down!

On one side of the stairs lies a valley with a wild area whose bushes and wild flowers attract a myriad of butterflies. This then becomes a pinewood home to different species of birds whose morning and evening choruses fill the air with song. On the other side of the valley is a 10th century village whose church steeple bells rhythm the days. During the year the village holds dances on its festival days and music drifts across the valley for the enjoyment of those who for whatever reason couldn't go to the ball.

Over the years the inhabitants of the hillside, who hail from many nations, have formed themselves into a loose sort of community. Everyone seems to get along and, without living in each others' pockets, a helping hand is never far away. Our little community includes a real eccentric whose behaviour and dress sense provide much gentle amusement. There is a highly organised lady whose problem solving skills are legendary. We have sharers and carers, gardeners who grow vast quantities of vegetables and leave anonymous gifts on people's doorsteps, a wonderful cook who will phone round to see if anyone can lend him a half dozen eggs and who will then share the fruits of his baking with them.. We have those who are good with their hands and whose advice and skills are much appreciated by those blest with two left thumbs! We have those who will lend anything and those who will borrow anything but will always return the borrowed item in case they need to borrow it again!

A receny birth was celebrated with much joy. She was the first baby for quite a while. Another highlight was the 90th birthday of a much loved inhabitant who is the stairs' living memory as she was born in a house here. Her birthday party was held in the house with the largest living/dining area. Everyone contributed to the eats and drinks and the birthday cake was a joint effort. What started as a tea party drew in all the neighbours and lasted well into the night. We all look forward to her 100th birthday.

Of course we have cold days and wet days, days when you wish you'd stayed in bed with the duvet pulled over your head. The car won't start days, the buses/trains are on strike again days but there is usually someone going into town and who will willingly give a lift. Homecomers' noses are greeted with delicious smells wafting out of open kitchen windows in the warm weather and are comforted by the smell of log fires in the winter.

The sound of cicadas fill summer days and the sound of the sea is ever present, be it peaceful and calm as the waves lap the beach or wildly crashing against the rocks of the bay. During the summer months the bay beneath is filled with boats, from small sail boats to the glory of the Wind Spirit 5 masters who are unforgettable in full sail, to millionairs' toys. All these vessels are lit up at night which creates an impression of fairyland, especially when there is a big red moon and endless stars. The magic is increased on firework nights when the deep blue of the night sky is filled with wondrous sprays of coloured lights of every possible design.

All in all it is a wonderful place to live and all those whose homes lie on the stone stairs of the plane tree would agree with the poet who wrote long ago of his homeland, "If there be a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this , it is this."

Copyright Jacqueline Hastings 2010