Two days ago we arrived at Chania, Crete, and from the first moment the difference is palpable. As in antiquity at the time of Thucydides this island was able to stay outside of the war not only due to its physical separation from the mainland and size, but more importantly due its ability to develop a distinct cultural and political systems that were not subservient to Athens or Sparta and thus was able to fend of any attempts of colonization. For instance unlike Sicily which is a bigger island and further from the center of the Peloponnesian War, Crete did not become a battleground during the war. Thus for us within the framework of the war that took place 2500 years ago, Crete represents the ideal case of a successful neutral. Corcyra, Mytilene, Melos, and Sicily are all comparative cases, with distinct outcomes.
In our trek, we have felt these differences and we have been overwhelmed by the hospitality, the warmth of the people and the strong spirit that is everywhere on this island. The recording of ten civilization periods from the Geometric Period to the Hellenistic, from the Roman to the Byzantine, and from the Venetian and to the Ottoman, the largest island of Greece is still autonomous spirit.
We defiantly saved the best for last. From the moment we arrived in Crete we fell in love with the island. Even though it is part of Greece, Crete has a whole different vibe from the mainland. For starters the weather was perfect. We marched around in flip flops and shorts taking in the fresh air that blew by. The people were so excited by our arrival they through as a great dinner with more food than ever imaginable. We explored and found cute stores and wonderful trinkets. If you're looking for adventure start here.
ReplyDelete~Mary
Today we woke up at the crack of 8 am and flew over to crete. As soon as we saw it from the plane window I fell in love! After exiting the plane I was not disappointed it was just as beautiful of not more than it was 34000 feet up . Upon arrival we ate a delicious lunch by the sea in the cove. With the Prof's Cousin Nikos. I ate shark and cuddled fish! Shark was sooo good but cuddle fish was a little rubbery. Then we went on a tour of the little town led by an archiologist!! He pointed out all the Venetian and ottoman styles that have convered by Crete being taken over many times by different empires.Everyone is Crete is super friendly! We met Mr. yanni and made friends instantly, he took us around to many churches and gave us history lessons. They are very proud of their little island. The Next Day we went on an old church tour with the owner of teh Institute we stayed at and Mr. Yanni. We learned about arcitecture and how things used to be. We even got to see some skulls unearthed recently at a church being renovated! We also went to Mr.Yannis orange grove and picked delicios fresh oranges! Like i said people are very friendly and giving on the isle of Crete. It is my new favorite place!
ReplyDelete-Ashley
Immediately once we stepped off the plane in Crete, there was a noticeable cultural difference. The entire time we spent in Athens, Prof. V kept making fun of 'Kerrika' for our shock of how we thought everyone was super gracious and the scenery was beautiful, each time he told us 'wait until Crete'...and now I can understand what he meant.
ReplyDeleteThis place is beautiful! I don't think I have ever met people so friendly in my life. Today we toured around Chania with an archeologist...so neat! Like Ashley said, we were able to see different parts of the area and how each section was influenced by different empires that were in control at the time...it was amazing to see how one little island had so many different influences!
The downtown of Chania was one of the most beautiful sites I saw over this trip. The reflection of the full moon over the water, with the mountains in the back and buildings along the crystaly waters edge... breathtaking.
The culture and people of Crete were exactly what I expected when coming to Greece, and it was great to experience the differences between rural, island living to the big city of Athens. Down to the architecture, landscapes and food, it was a great comparison! Oh and the Institute...absolutely beautiful!!! The people are wonderful
-Kerry
This morning we got up and headed back to the airport to depart to Crete. When we were still in the air looking down upon the island I instantly fell in love. Crete is the most gorgeous place I have ever been. Mountains tall enough to have snow on its tops, even though it was in the 60's and 70's closer to sea level. In the valleys olive trees and citrus fruit trees littered the countryside. The people are incredibly generous and welcoming, giving the country a feeling of returning home from being away your whole life. I don't even want to leave.
ReplyDeleteAaron