Our days are quickly coming to an end, but they only continue to get better with each passing day even more jam-packed with adventures than the one before. After today I am convinced that Dr. Chnaraki has saved the best for last. As sad as I am to have to start packing up my things tonight, I cannot wait for the next adventure!
Niko Kazantzakis Museum
Today I viewed artifacts from the life of Greece’s most famous philosopher and writer, Nikos Kazantzakis, in his museum. Kazantzakis’s work was incredibly instrumental in terms of politics and law. His influence spanned globally, take for instance the picture below of his correspondence with Albert Einstein.
For Kazantzakis, passion for liberty was an eternal struggle. For example, the themes of some of his work focused on Crete verses Turkey, Heaven verses Earth, and freedom verses death. In our textbook, I also read that beyond his most famous work (such as writing the stories of Zorba the Greek and Captain-Michael) his spirit inspired many composers who’s music perpetuated the themes of his writings, “After all, Kazantzakis who thought of himself as a bow, would force the music composers himself, not only to stretch him so as not to go rotten, but to extend him further, even under the danger of breaking him apart” (Chnaraki 167).
Boutari Winery
I learned so much today! I cannot wait to take the wine tasting course offered by the Drexel Honors College now. Our tour guide at the winery told us about the fermentation and aging processes for both red, white and even rose wines. I loved walking through the basement cellar breathing in the aroma of oak wood, only to walk up another set of steps and arrive in a room that felt straight out of Willy Wonka! The winery itself was modern featuring contemporary art and bare modest walls decorated with corkscrews and bottles. I loved the wines I tasted, but my favorite part was the cheese…and the meat…and the bread!
I hope the tastes of Greece never fade.
Crete Aquarium
This beautiful aquarium was an absolute blast! After 6 nonstop days of travel, exploring and learning, this trip was the perfect mental break. Nothing is more serene than watching jelly fish burst underwater like soft fireworks. I love how connected to the ocean the island is. My favorite exhibit showed how long everyday items take to deteriorate in the ocean, such as plastic bottles or diapers, most of which are estimated to take over 450 years – what an eye opener. I look forward to learning more about the islands relationship with the seas throughout my co-op studies at the Institute for Mediterranean Studies.
Cooking & Dance Lessons
Mmmmmm mmmm mmmmmm. I have no words because I am still stuffing my mouth full of hand rolled pasta!
I had so much fun rolling dough with Antonis and meeting Georges grandparents, two families that I will be very sad to part with this weekend. During our cooking lesson, Dr. Chnaraki and the owner of our hotel, Maria, taught our group how to make several traditional dishes from fresh local ingredients. Some of these recipes included: dolmathakia (stuffed grape leaves), tzatziki (a cucumber and yogurt spread), and tiropita (small pies made from a dough and egg mixture), all of which were mouth wateringly delicious! We had a fun time cutting and mixing the ingredients together as a class.
While our dinner was cooking, Dr. Chnaraki invited two musicians to come play for us while she taught us Greek dances. My favorite dance was the one that represented the escaping of the labyrinth in an 11-step, zig zag dance in sets of 4-4-and 3 step combinations. I love that each of these fun dances had a story behind it. Back in Chapter One of our textbook, we learned that “mythology places the birth of music and dance in Greece”, and that these activities are enjoyed together at rituals and celebrations such as the Greek community feasts, or glendia (Chnaraki 16). Our class had a night full of high spirits while we ate and danced the night away. It is beautiful to see a tradition that carries so many years of history still celebrated vibrantly today using the same recipes, dance, and music.
It’s All Greek to Me!
Words to remember:
- Πώς λες… στα ελληνικά; (Pos les…sta ellinika;) – How do you say … in Greek?
- κρασί (krasí) – Wine
- ΜΟΥΣΙΚΗ (MOUSIKI) – Music
- Χορεύω (chorévo) – to Dance
Exploring Crete - Bella Santosusso 