- Karlee
Our second day in Crete was spent learning about the culture, lifestyle and environment. We started our day at the center market, what I like to think of as their "Walmart". They sold gifts, cheese, meat, vegetables, fruits and other items Cretans buy day-to-day. There we were able to see and experience another culture's exchange of products, some of which were interesting and eye-opening, while others were shocking and would not be accepted in the United States.
The venders were very proud of the items for sale. Each store was clean and pristine and every item was stacked and packed neatly. Venders were gracious and loved to speak about the products. One vender told us that his mother hand-made every item on the menu of their restaurant and that he loved each item. Many of the stores and restaurants in Crete are owned by families and there are not many chains present.
The market was a point of reference, to the north was the sea and to the south were the mountains. After our adventures in the market, we went north to see some historical landmarks. Crete is a place of living history. From still-standing buildings that existed during the reign of the Ottoman Empire to uncovered archeological sites that sit between homes, there is always something unique and interesting.
Dr. Edgar and I walked into a church earlier in the day that had the most dazzling artwork and architecture I have seen so far. The immense beauty and aura of the grand room left us speechless. The entire space was quiet. There were no sounds from the outside and no one said a word or made a sound while inside. It was a powerful room that seemed to melt the rest of the world away.
We finally ended up meeting the sea, which was absolutely beautiful. The water had different hues of blue and the salty air whipped around us. It was refreshing and delightful. I would be caught up in the views when all of the sudden a person would ask one of us to either buy their products or come into their restaurant.
They're persistence of gaining customers is not as it is in the U.S. It was strange refusing because in the U.S. no one is actively trying to invite you into the store. We finally made it out to an area where we could simply look out over the sea; mountains were jutting out on the left and right and ahead of us the water met the sky.
It was stunning and peaceful. Americans are known for living their lives by deadlines and rushing from one place to the next. It is a wonderful gift to be able to slow down and enjoy everything around us.
Our second day in Crete was spent learning about the culture, lifestyle and environment. We started our day at the center market, what I like to think of as their "Walmart". They sold gifts, cheese, meat, vegetables, fruits and other items Cretans buy day-to-day. There we were able to see and experience another culture's exchange of products, some of which were interesting and eye-opening, while others were shocking and would not be accepted in the United States.
The venders were very proud of the items for sale. Each store was clean and pristine and every item was stacked and packed neatly. Venders were gracious and loved to speak about the products. One vender told us that his mother hand-made every item on the menu of their restaurant and that he loved each item. Many of the stores and restaurants in Crete are owned by families and there are not many chains present.
The market was a point of reference, to the north was the sea and to the south were the mountains. After our adventures in the market, we went north to see some historical landmarks. Crete is a place of living history. From still-standing buildings that existed during the reign of the Ottoman Empire to uncovered archeological sites that sit between homes, there is always something unique and interesting.
Dr. Edgar and I walked into a church earlier in the day that had the most dazzling artwork and architecture I have seen so far. The immense beauty and aura of the grand room left us speechless. The entire space was quiet. There were no sounds from the outside and no one said a word or made a sound while inside. It was a powerful room that seemed to melt the rest of the world away.
We finally ended up meeting the sea, which was absolutely beautiful. The water had different hues of blue and the salty air whipped around us. It was refreshing and delightful. I would be caught up in the views when all of the sudden a person would ask one of us to either buy their products or come into their restaurant.
They're persistence of gaining customers is not as it is in the U.S. It was strange refusing because in the U.S. no one is actively trying to invite you into the store. We finally made it out to an area where we could simply look out over the sea; mountains were jutting out on the left and right and ahead of us the water met the sky.
It was stunning and peaceful. Americans are known for living their lives by deadlines and rushing from one place to the next. It is a wonderful gift to be able to slow down and enjoy everything around us.