Veterinarian in Koukouli

The Cocoon is the first village you meet in central Zagori, right after the Kokkori geyser, one of the 45 stone-built arched bridges - works of peculiar architecture - built between the 18th and 19th centuries, to facilitate the movement of goods and people in and out of the 46 Zagorochoria. With more than 500 inhabitants in the past, in the census of 2001, 81 inhabitants were recorded, while today, as the coffee maker of the village says: "The current residents are not more than twenty, and the ten are watching the other ten."

One understands the philosophy of the store as soon as one passes through the gate on his veranda cafe Vikogiatros, under the old plane tree, as an inscription clearly describes the purposes of the shopkeeper.

"Vicarians were renowned practitioners from the 17th to the 18th century. They gathered their herbs in the ravine of Vikos and the surrounding area. They traveled throughout Greece and the Balkans to satisfy people's desire for good health. We here try to satisfy all the senses and any desires, for good, traditional sweets, healthy drinks and well-meaning discussion ".

A little further on they are described the seasons in Koukouli:

It has aromas in spring, colors in autumn, cool in summer and warm in winter.

O Nikos Kontodimos born Srematsanos left Koukouli when he finished High School. He became an insurer and lived many years of city life. As soon as he turned fifty, he decided to change his life and do something in his place. He rented the village cafe in 2010 from the community. In winter he lives with his family in Giannina and opens only on weekends while from Easter onwards until September he stays permanently in the village.

Three times I have visited him cafe "Vikogiatros" I have admired his cooking (the amazing pies, my favorite plaster - pie with corn and cheese - galotyria) and I have felt warmth from the hospitable atmosphere of his shop.