Crete was a fascinating place. Our tour took us around to tiny towns as well as the bustling city of Chania. The bus driver knew the roads well that circled through the mountains. When he came upon blind curves, he would blast the bus horn in warning to anyone approaching from the other direction. We passed rugged land with seemingly nothing on it, but then would see a herd of goats. Groves of olive trees dotted the countryside. Our guide told us it takes about 300 olive trees to support a family. That would provide enough for their use and a meager but suitable income for them.
Abandoned building along the road Photo by Daren R. Couch
Crete Photo by Daren R. Couch
Abandoned building along the road Photo by Daren R. Couch
Old Castle on Crete Photo by Daren R. Couch
Patches of snow on mountains in Crete in July Photo by Daren R. Couch
In one of the small towns we stopped at, Hania, the best feature to me was the Women’s Cooperative. The cooperative handles handiwork made by the women of Greece. You can find there all kinds of linens, small rugs, and bath mats, some wooden items, olive oil soap, and spices. Also there was an elderly lady doing the art of bobbin lace. Making handmade lace is an art that is dying, so to see this being done is a treat. Completed pieces were also for sale.
Women’s Coop Photo by Daren R. Couch
Lady doing bobbin lace work Photo by Daren R. Couch
Lace making in Crete Photo by Daren R. Couch
Another town we were able to explore was Georgioupolis. It is small but has what you would need for “day to day” living. Just adjacent to Georgioupolis was an area that fishermen brought in their catch. Next to that was what was called Georgioupolis resort. There are several nice hotels, and a sandy beach with umbrellas on the beautiful Aegean Sea. There were a few small vacation homes built in a detached villa setting, with pools. The project was not complete, and no one was working on it. This started me wondering what the price of real estate is in Greece. I didn’t have to go far because there was a real estate office in town with pictures and prices. What I saw made me want to research more as soon as I could get to the internet. Because of Greece’s economic problems, it is one of the cheapest places in the world for beach property. The same can be said across the board, as far as food, accommodations, and souvenirs.
Georgiopolis and Resort Photo by Daren R. Couch
Then we traveled back to Chania. It is a large city. You would be able to get anything you need, but I would rather live in a small area that is reasonably close in case I needed something in the city.
In Chania there was an open mall located in a large old building that was shaped like a “T”. In that building was every kind of shop you could think of. There were wine shops, cheese shops, bakeries, small groceries, butcher shop, leather shops, dress shops, delis, shops selling coffee and tea, and of course lots of souvenir shops. Here are some pictures of what we saw.
Hanging goat Photo by Daren R. Couch
Rabbit, Chicken, Goose Photo by Daren R.Couch
Pig head Photo by Daren R. Couch
I bought this and ate the whole thing myself. I didn’t even share, I was such a bad girl. No, not the pig’s head, the Baklava!
Baklava
Then all too soon it was time to get back on the cruise ship and travel to our next destination.
Off the coast of Crete Photo by Daren R. Couch
The End of a Pleasant Day Photo by Daren R. Couch
I loved Greece from your views. Greek being my favorite food, I was immediately drawn into your post with instant enthusiasm. The people of Crete have their own separate culture from surrounding areas. Their history shows quite a solid and self-sufficient society, a most independent-minded people. Kathleen you have a gift for going to the heart of the story, and this one was no exception. Fascinating as always this held my interest to the end which came far too soon. I wanted to continue reading on and on about these marvelous people and their way of life, for which I have a certain measure of envy. Grece is famous for its beautiful sunsets in the islands, and I yearn to bear witness from the isle of Santorini. This post especially has reignited the desire in my heart to be there. Thank you for the renewed interest in this spectacular nation of beautful islands. I continue to love it from a distance, for now.
Yes, Linda, I too would like to spend more time in the Greek islands. Time was too short to really know the culture of the people. Only spending time in a country can let you delve into the minds and souls of the people.
Kathleen recently posted..An Expedition to Crete