The 21st century meets the 20th century BC and the importance of naval power in geopolitics.
After witnessing the distinct progression of Cretan civilizations within the Hellenic city state system through our visit to Aptera, we toured villages and sites of the Chania counrtyside. Our hosts at the Kapsomenos Foundation of the Institute of Cretan Studies guided us on a tour of valley and mountain villages, where we picked oranges from an orchard, visited an olive-oil press, tasting fresh olive oil by dunking fresh baked bread. This was only the beginning as we visited a traditional coffee shops, and churches that dated back to the 10th century.
In the evening, we were hosted to another multiple-course meal that lasted at least 3 hours followed by traditional singing by our hosts and acapella singing by Emmanuel students.
On Friday morning, our last full day on this trek, we further witnessed the distinct character of Crete and its civilization by traveling 2 hours East by bus to Knossos and the remnant of the first recorded civilization in Europe. The Minoans that have left their mark on this island build extravagant palaces with indoor plumbing and running water 20 centuries before the birth of Christ. Located in a strategic location surrounded by high mountains (the mythological birth-place of Zeus), had access to the water which allowed them for a strong navy and affluence.
This is a lesson that is not lost on Thucydides as he details the rise of Athens 1500 years later, nor is it lost to contemporary political scientist as we can trace the rise of Venice, Holland, Great Britain and the United States along the importance of naval power.
Following our very informative visit in Knossos, home of the Labyrinth and the mythical minotaur and Europa, we travelled to Chania for last minute shopping, and relaxation as we prepared for another tremendous meal/farewell celebration, which included traditional dancing.
From both visits to Aptera and Knossos it was incredible to see how the ancient civilizations evolved over time in Crete. It was surprising to see how many different influences acted on the island to help construct their past. While in Aptera we saw development specifically to Cretians, at Knossos it was mind blowing to see ruins of a Minoan civilization that were even foundations of the beginning of Europe.
ReplyDeleteAlong with the very information historical sites and tour guides that hosted us, our final two days in Crete stuck out on this trip for cultural experience and gratitude. Were toured the countryside and were able to experience true Cretian culture by picking oranges at a grove (SOOO DELICIOUS!) and dunking bread into freshly made olive oil, now we have truly learned the correct way to eat it, sorry American restaurants but you've got it wrong!! Without our tour all around Chania, and our goodbye ceremony from the people of the institute, the trip would not have been the same. Learning how to dance and see they ways they experience life was a whole other experience for me. And so much fun!!! Don't even get me started on the meals we had, so delicious and so much food! I cannot thank them enough for their ability to host a crowd! The food was never ending, but it provided a social bonding and for sure was unbelievable as far as taste! Experiences their traditions, such as their singing and our pathetic, yet hysterical, attempts to respond, were moments that will always stick with me
-Kerry
I've only been back for barely two days and am already craving Greek food again! Where is the lamb and tzatziki? Thought I'd never say this but I am craving rabbit! I want honey and cheese and olive oil and wedding pilaf and another orange pronto!!!!! Miss you Greece, your scenery is much better than Boston...
ReplyDeleteKnossos was awesome! The minoans were the same height as me so the doorways were just perfect! :) Our tour guide was very thourogh and nobody (not even Ryan) had any questions! I already blogged about this day in the next entry but I miss you Crete!! And kerry yes i am craving some thumper too with that delicious cheese on our bread </3
ReplyDelete-ashley
Today we arouse to the beautiful landscape of Crete glimmering on the morning sun. I remained still in awe of this beautiful land. We started our day by making the long drive to the ruins of Knossos the city of the Minotaur. The ruins were fascinating. The way our guide described the people it sounded as though the people of this land have changed very little. Peaceful, welcoming, Seafaring people seem to have always occupied this land. Though the bull games played by the Minoans were quite brutal but, gifts to a peoples gods seem to tend to have this trait. The night held a farewell celebration in our honor at the institute. The people here never cease to be generous and presented us with gifts to take home. I love this country I never want to leave.
ReplyDeleteAaron
To be where the Labyrinth is believed to have once stood is a mind blowing feeling. The Legend began here in Knossos and we stood at its birth place. To see the ruins and imagine the tunnels and turns it once held is an experience like no other. I so badly wanted in that moment to be taken back and enter the home of the minotaur, to be apart of the thrill that these people experienced in everyday life!!!
ReplyDelete~Mary
The Minion ruins were a real treat! I am inclined to mention that they had one of the first plumbing systems with FLUSHING toilets... yeah! Thus it is suffice to say that they might be the descendants of the people of lost city of Atlantis as it is widely speculated.
ReplyDeleteNonetheless, later that night we ate a feast of feasts prepared for us by the good folks at the institute. After dinner we sang and danced the night away with traditional Greek folk music and dances of yore as we said our goodbyes and exchanged departing gifts. Thus ended our adventure as we arose the next morning to head back home to Boston!
Ryan J. DeAngelis
CORRECTION: the Minoan ruins that is, NOT minions.
Delete