The Conquering of Crete by the Terra Group

Terra Overseas Educators Italy & Greece - TERRA

Written by Valerie & Isaac

Our week began in Naples, our last destination in Italy. Staying in the residential part of the city, the group enjoyed a night filled with Italy’s authentic seafood and one last gelato stop.

We arose the next morning bright and early to catch our flights to Athens and Crete. Following our smooth connecting flights, we were picked up at Crete’s airport and got to enjoy the scenic drive through the winding mountains of Crete. We were welcomed by our host, Xeno, and his two adopted dogs in his beautiful secluded village. Xeno’s cook, Kristina, made us traditional Greek dishes with vegetables fresh from the garden.

Transcending into the land of Crete, taking on our very first view Greece’s beautiful mountains.

Our time in Crete never lacked beautiful sights, delicious Greek cuisine, and precious moments with the group. From Tuesday to Thursday, we were lucky enough to spend our mornings with Māoria, who immersed us in her extensive knowledge about Greek language, history and even traditional cultural dancing. Following classes in the beginning of the week, Xeno showed us his favorite beaches where we were able to watch the sunset and relax in the pebbly sand. One of our most notable excursions was our hike down to the beach on Wednesday, where Xeno showed us his self-crafted paths that were once used by the ancients of Crete. This hike consisted of three different incredible waterfalls and old water navigation systems.

The group deep in focus as we listen to maria share her knowledge about old Greek myths.

The second half of our week was filled with archaeology and pottery making, town explorations, parades commemorating the losses of families from World War II, authentic gyro tasting, and even group member Avery Farmer’s 19th birthday celebration!

The parade we saw on Thursday, commemorating the freedom Crete now has following the Nazi invasion during World War II. Every single family in Crete has had a loved one loss due to the Second World War, so this day is very sentimental to all in the Crete community.

We enjoyed our stay in Crete immensely and are grateful to Xeno and his local community for welcoming us in his remodeled, self-built village, and will take these experiences with us for the rest of our stay in Greece.

During one of our breaks, we took in the view.
This was one of Xeno’s handcrafted paths on our way down to the beach, which are exclusive to himself and his community.
One of the most unexpected aspects of Greek beaches is the consistency of the sand. At this particular beach, the sand was made of perfectly smooth and virtuale pebbles; perfect for burying!
The first of many sunsets we’ve seen in Crete. This was on our way to our soon to be home, where we could see the mountain we would shortly travel up.
One of the many breathtaking sunsets we have been gifted each night.
Pure bliss and joy as we take in our view of the Crete sea for the very first time.
Following our waterfall voyage, the group took a pit stop to absorb the view, whilst en route to the beach.
One of the three magnificent waterfalls we got to see and swim in. This waterfall even had a cave underneath.
These are traditional Greek coffees, also known as frappes. During our Greek lessons, we looked forward to the sweetness and intensity of these drinks. (Seriously though, don’t mess around with frappes; they are by far the most caffeinated drink we’ve all tasted)