OH – MY – GOD (of Thunder!) what a trip this has been.
Sheep Milking
I have decided that when I grow up, I would like to have sheep to teach my children responsibility. I so admire the twin boys who made milking tens of animals on this rainy Saturday morning look like a walk in the park. I used to beg my mother to make me breakfast in bed when I was their age. It was heartwarming to spend our morning with such a close-knit, hardworking family. But really, any job can be fun with a sip of raki and homemade hot honey donuts!
It was very interesting to learn about the milk, yogurt, cheese, and butter making process afterwards. Our host explained to us that the family can never take a day of, not even Christmas, because if the animals go without milking it will cause them much pain. Because the cooperative does not use any preservatives in their products, they cannot take a day off from production either, because the milk will spoil. This family reminded me of my own. I can see how proud they are of their farm, animals, and tasty natural products.
At home, every member of my family plays an essential role in our family construction business. My dad, the boss, calls us Team Santosusso. Missing my team a little extra today, but it was incredible to feel such a connection to a family who lives on the other side of the globe!
Psychro Cave
From our readings, we learned that in Cretan mythology the milk of a wild goat (kri-kri) named Amalthea was used to nourish baby Zeus. (Chnaraki 98). Because of this, the kri-kri had sacred significance to the Minoans. So, logically, the only thing to do after our lovely lactose breakfast was to visit the cave that is legended to have been home to baby Zeus who also seemed to love a goat-milk snack.
I especially enjoyed learning about Cretan mythology today. Dr. Chnaraki explained to our group that these legends are were a form of ancient science or philosophy, used by the ancient Greeks to explain the world around them. Because of this, there are variations of nearly every story, which is what makes them so unique!
The Psychro Cave is the place where Rhea took her baby, Zeus, to hide him from his father, Cronus, to save him from being eaten. Legend has it that the people of Crete played and danced to music loudly to cover up the cries of Zeus, keeping him safe and sound in the cave. This is why music and dance are especially important to the Cretan culture.
Town of Agios Nikolaos
One beautiful town after the next! This port-town reminded me of a quaint Rethymnon. It is unique because it is where the lake from the mountains meets the sea, creating a very unique ecosystem that allows for cross-species to thrive. My classmates and I enjoyed one last lunch together at a café that overlooked the water, it was beautiful!
At the port is a statue of Princess Europe on the bull that is Zeus set in front of calm sea backdrop. This was my favorite statue that we have seen thus far, particularly because of the myth it represented. The perfect ending to our Zeus-filled day.
The Last Supper
A great big thank you from the bottom of my heart ~
Dr. Chnaraki & Dr. Katerinakis,
We were blessed to have spent this week with a family that was so eager to share their island, food, and friendship with us. I came into this experience terrified of how the next 6 months abroad could play out, but you have made me feel completely welcomed and safe – I am forever grateful. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing your beautiful home and culture with me!
It’s All Greek to Me!
Phrases to remember:
- θα σε δω σύντομα (tha se do sýntoma) – I will see you soon
- θα μου λείψεις (tha mou leípseis)– I will miss you
Exploring Crete - Bella Santosusso 