Stories & life on Crete

All over the island you will come across streets and squares, named after one of Cretes greatest sons, Eleftherios Venizelos (1864-1936). Born in the village of Mournies near Chania, he was in the resistance movement against the Turks. In 1910 he became Greece,s prime minister and during his term of office Crete finally became a part of Greece.

Why the women wear black?
Traditionally the women wore black clothing as a sign of mourning, they wore black for three years after the funeral.Because of centuries with foriegn oppressors on Crete, death came all to quickly and the mourning period seemed continous, that today black has become a national colour.

Keep it in the family.
It is normal for three generations to live under the same roof, helping and caring for each other.If one brother is a taxi driver and drives you to his brothers taverna it is not nepotism, but a way of the Cretan family lifestyle.The generation gap is a unknown saying on Crete, youngsters sit and talk with their elders, they learn the stories of their forefathers and keep the Cretan spirit alive.

Guest and Stranger
The Greek word “xenoi” has a double meaning; it can mean stranger and guest. Therefore a stranger is always a guest in ones country or home, you can be suddenly surprised over this generosity, and they can offer you a drink or a meal with the family. It is hard to return this generosity as the Greeks love to give; just a simple thank you is all you can say.
Thank you in Greek is “Eftharisto”

The “kafenion” (cafe)
The cafe to the Greeks is what a pub is to Englishman, a meeting place where the men come to drink coffee and maybe a brandy and play backgammon; they also discuss politics or just have a good gossip. Greek women rarely go to these cafes but tourists are welcome.

Volta (The Evening walk)
The Volta has been adopted from the Ventians and is a occassion where all the family despite their age, walk around the village square or along the promanade and stop to talk to their friends and neighbours.The young men and women exchange gossip and flirt with each other.It is a time to see and be seen.