It all began when one bar patron lifted his tankard of ale and said to his mate: “We’ll start the revolution as soon as this pub closes.”

Or so the legend goes.

Well, in one small Cretan village the revolution continues, at least in name only.

Revolutionary Jane (center) with two recruits

While Jane didn’t come right out and admit she was the leader of the revolution, she did, however, reveal that for some “unknown” reason they tagged her with the nickname, Jane Guevara (after the legendary Argentinian revolutionary, Che Guevara).

“We finally won, and in 2007 our own local council was re-instated,” Jane said proudly. “Of course there were many celebrations with feasting and fireworks.”

Even today, a “victory celebration” can break out at a moment’s notice in Vrahassi, population 500, thanks to continuous instigation from Jane. Last year, she opened a bar in the village and named it . . . The Revolution Bar, of course.

“Well, we really don’t need much of a reason for celebrating – we just do,” said Jane, a native of Britain who has lived here with her husband, David, for the past 14 years. “We have a nice bunch of people from our village, and the surrounding area who like to get together. And since we have both expats and local villagers, we serve everything from English tea and scones to Cretan raki and mezethes.”

Jane, who is an accomplished musician herself, has recently incorporated open Saturday night jam sessions into the local village routine, with one recent event featuring an impromptu five-piece band consisting of regular and Cretan instruments.

In addition to the bar, Jane has opened a roof terrace which she has dubbed The Comfort Zone, where guests can relax with their refreshments and view the countryside, and the gentle slopes of the Anavlohos Mountain.

Composite photo of recent jam session, with Jane at the keyboard

Always active, Jane has recently inaugurated Anavlohos nature and history walks, and conducts viewing expeditions of the remarkable Griffon Vultures in nearby Selinari Gorge.

“Actually, there are two types of vultures on Crete, the Bearded Vulture (also known as the Lammergeier) and the Griffon Vulture,” Jane explained. “This habitat is ideal for the vultures because it is south-facing and an orange colour, which they seem to prefer.”

With everything going on in Jane’s life, she probably doesn’t have time for any more revolutions . . . but we wouldn’t advise provoking her!