Back to the Future (by Michalis Kouris)

A promise I had made to myself led us back to Kythera for a vacation after 17 whole years! I was eager to relive the images from back then. I found myself balancing between past and present, with flashes of memory triggered by what I was seeing again. Strolling through the beautiful and picturesque Kapsali in late July, swimming in memories from 2001, I suddenly froze. I couldn't breathe.

I saw her! She was looking at me! I was sure it was her. As beautiful as she was back then—perhaps even more stunning. But still, after so many years, how could she not have changed at all? It was as if time hadn’t touched her. She gleamed. It was like she winked at me. I approached and touched her. Bright red. And then, like a flashback in my mind, all the moments we had shared came flooding back, relived in mere seconds, like a movie.

That beauty, the red Kawasaki KLE 500 with Panagiotis’ green saddle, had given me and my wife the most unforgettable vacation of our lives. We’ve never forgotten it.

We traveled the entire island with her. There wasn’t a place we didn’t go! Dirt roads, beaches, villages, mountains, monasteries, gorges—everywhere. Panayotis Rent a Car had provided us with a reliable tool: strong, clean, stable, well-maintained, and without issues.

So, as I struck up a conversation with Panagiotis and Andreas, explaining why I was tearfully caressing this beautiful red Kawasaki with the green saddle, we began to laugh. Especially when my 17-year-old son started flirting with her, wanting to become friends with her himself. I soon realized why she was still standing there in front of me, looking brand new. It was as if they had disassembled her down to the last screw, cleaned, oiled, repainted, and reassembled her. They cared for her like she was their child. And not just her, I’m convinced they treat everything they rent the same way. The new models of cars and motorcycles I saw outside were gleaming!

Now, however, this enchanting red Kawasaki with the green saddle seems to be reserved for friendly rides with acquaintances and friends.

Panagiotis and Andreas are true professionals and enthusiasts. Honest and genuine people who won’t give you just anything. You can trust them with your vacation plans (book early though!), and they’ll wrap your experience in the most beautiful ribbon of memories, filling your time with incredible moments. Just like us—with that unforgettable red Kawasaki with the green saddle!

Don’t forget that they’ve been there for years in this quaint and picturesque little “shop” and are constantly expanding across the island with new offices. They are perhaps the best source for route tips, hidden trails, and recommendations for food and all the best spots on Kythera. Just ask them. Great people, my friend.

You’ll thank me later!

P.S. Panagiotis and Andreas, may you always be well. I hope we meet again and enjoy the treat you had waiting for us the next day at the office, which, unfortunately, we missed. Always by that sweet red Kawasaki with the green saddle!