Sign in with Facebook"The Spirit of Crete - Wild and Rugged" Crete Island by janetanne
Crete Island Travel Guide: 1,424 reviews and 3,706 photos
Crete is full of history. So much history, that it is difficult to begin to tell a story. Books have been written and books are being lost. Travelling to Crete, is travelling to a past that seems to be in the heart of all travellers. It is a strange feeling that is not easily expressed with mere words. The pictures of Crete are dynamic and powerful, as are the people indiginous to the areas. Seemingly impenitrable at first glance, but beneath the rocks and crevices lay the sweet cool waters, carrying the story to the sea. Listen carefully and you will hear the stories of the past battles and struggles. Listen, and you will hear the stories of the eternal fight for freedom and individual expressions of the Cretean spirit.
On the last, of my many travels to Crete, I found myself 'stranded' on a mountain road, without bus service, and decided after two days of isolation, to take to the narrow winding road on foot. After walking down towards the sea, which was 3 kilometers from my start, I came across one of the 'old timers of Crete' who was casually gathering some flowers along the opposite side of the road. A small car approached from above the path from which I had just decended and the old man flagged the driver to stop. A young man rolled down his window and listened to the old man's request..." are you going to Rethymnon?" and without waiting for an answer, the door of the passenger's side opened and he promptly got in. I simutaneously responded..." excuse me (my polite upbringing kicking in) are you going to Rethymnon?" "Yes, sure! Come on! We will take you! Don't be afraid!" Without hesitation, for some reason I felt safe, I got in the car and my adventure began!
The young man driving the rental car had just come from a funeral of a past teacher of his. He told me he was an archeologist from Athens and was going to return the car he had rented. How fortunate for me, as I was on a mission to rent a car in Rethymmon! The passenger with the long tangle beard fascinated me and I turned to him as he spoke to the young driver. What a story he had to tell!
Don't go away....I have made a short video of the old Creten, with his memories of his experiences of WWII and the Germans who had invaded his island and burned villages and killed his neighbours.
The only thing that I wish VT could provide for it's members, is a forum for Videos of such encounters...until then...we must be content with the still photos and the words of the traveller, however inept they may be.
Come back in a day or two and I hope I will have translated the words of 'Kirios Yorgos,' the famous 'old timer of Rethymnon.
Reviews (7)
Visit Famous Lyraraki Winery
Off The Beaten Path
(1)
Lyraraki Winery It is certain there is not a family in Crete, that at some time during the year, has not either been... more travel advice
Family Run Establishment
Hotels
(2)
I have stayed at this friendly hotel/Inn twice before. The owners, Markos and Aspasia Zambetakis, are very kind and... more travel advice
Monastery Life
Local Customs
(1)
There are many monasteries throughout Greece, but Crete is especially famous for its lovely religious retreats. Around... more travel advice
Climb Down the Gorge to Agios Nikolas...
Things to Do
(3)
This is an extremely scenic and nice place for a walk. Take a picnic and have a little lunch next to the waterfalls.... more travel advice
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Comments (42)
I like the atmosphere your pictures give from that history ladden island, Janet; I will have to go to south Mediterranean one day!
BTW, Happy New Year!
So long since I was in Crete - more tha 40 years! Your little page here really makes me want to return. Love the tiny St Nikolas chapel - my email will tell you more.
hi there,
been to Crete 4 times the last being last May/June.
1st time was in 1984 and the last time was the first I visited Knossos
my bro lived in Athens and Corfu in the 80's for 2 years, which is why i went to Crete for my first non-parental control holiday....
all I could say then and now is,,, if I wasn't English I would want to be Greek, live in Zante but come from the island of Crete
beautiful place, people, history, scenery and the food......oh my God..
The picture which caused the lady's outburst is, indeed, worth the tongue lashing. Janet, you are a "word smith", and this is a 5-star presentation made with "soul"..you capture the essence of the people, the culture, the island itself.
Wonderful writing style! The Greek monastries are unique and very tranquil. I will be visiting Kriti in October. I am looking forward to it.
You have a sharp eye for artistic detail Crete comes alive in your tips I have a friend who owns a property here
Hahaaha, yes we kept coming across Agios Nikolas Churches, at first thought we were going in circles ^O^ Martin
Great tips and photos about your visit to Crete. Your description of the breakfast at Porto Rethymnon is especially good!
Nice, one Janet. is that white stone or snow?
Certainly a "character photo" on your intro page. Difficult to get photos like this as many people refuse requests to take a photo. Our crusise visits Crete but not much time onshore.