Wednesday, February 6, 2013

HOME IS WHERE THE SUN IS


(This post was written last January, in Toronto)

I love Canada. I was born in Toronto, (where I am presently visiting), one of the greatest cities in the world, in my humble opinion. I have sweet memories of my life here, as a little girl, and of course, as a young woman. 


A loving and funny family of fifty plus, (I'm Greek - there's no such thing as extended family!), devoted friends, (some from as far back as highschool), beautiful neighbourhoods  and an effective infrastructure are the things I miss most when I'm not here, which is most of the time, as I live far away; both a sea and an ocean separate me from the first twenty-two years of my life.


As many of you know, I have lived on the island of Crete for the last twenty-five years, shortly after I met my husband, who was born there. I fell in love with the obvious attractions at first: the sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, the five thousand years of history, the friendly people and of course the food, which is simple, fresh and flavourful. 


But, aside from all of these wonderful aspects of this ancient land, it was the adventure of discovering its earthy and mysterious treasures that attracted me to it. 


So much so, that I left my close knit clan and Canadian comforts and began a new life, and in essence, a new identity, in a country whose blood ran in my veins, but was a stranger to my heart.


Much like the photo above, where tropical trees and snow cone peaks share the same surreal stage, Crete is a continuous source of contradictions. Venetian architecture, Turkish delicacies and French fashion, among other influences, have infused the Cretan carriage, creating subtle contours in its traditionally rooted character.  


But, amid all the flurry of foreign fluctuation, economic erosion and crippling austerity, one thing is always certain: the Cretan sun shows up on my doorstep day after day, to brighten my mood with the brush of its rays.


And so, I await its arrival, promising peace and colour and life!

 High in the hills, the flowers stir in the breeze and the waves rock to and fro below. Soothing, enriching and pure, it warms my face, my heart and soul. 


I miss the sunny skies at home! Until we meet again...
Hope you are blessed with the beauty and tranquility
 of natural sunlight wherever you are!

Thanks for visiting.

Poppy
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37 comments:

  1. KrisFebruary 6, 2013 at 8:44 AM

    Enjoy your time in Canada!!
    xo Kris

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  2. ΣοφίαFebruary 6, 2013 at 2:11 PM

    I come from Rethymno and for this reason I understand why
    you love so much Crete.
    I hope to have many many happy moments on the island
    where you have chosen to live.
    kisses

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  3. Jocelyne KerriganFebruary 6, 2013 at 3:51 PM

    I come from a very International background and reside in Washington DC but my heart is in Crete, where I spend 3 months in this beautiful island. The village is like Poppy describes it in her stories a unique place for its size. The inhabitants in this village form like a miniature city with their professions. Witers, doctors, dentist, teachers, electician, mechanic, engineers. archeologist...you name it this is our village.....

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  4. helen tilstonFebruary 6, 2013 at 5:29 PM

    Hello Poppy

    You have the best of both worlds. Having lived in Toronto, a city I love, I also can fully understand your choice of living in Crete

    Helen

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  5. UnknownFebruary 6, 2013 at 5:47 PM

    What a beautiful post Poppy - can see why you're missing Crete ( especially being here in Canada in January and February lol )
    Gorgeous over the top photos!
    XOX

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  6. MarissaFebruary 6, 2013 at 6:58 PM

    What a beautiful post Poppy! The pictures are breathtaking!!! I can see why you would miss the island of Crete! I wish I could visit there looks so beautiful..

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  7. TammyFebruary 6, 2013 at 7:14 PM

    Absolutely beautiful! The photos and your thoughts. I would love to visit Crete one day. The colors and architecture are stunning. Best wishes, Tammy

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  8. Woodside ParkFebruary 6, 2013 at 9:31 PM

    Wonderfully written, Poppy! BTW, have you posted on the food and the local cuisine in Crete? Perhaps you did, but I don't remember seeing one. Crete is beautiful ~ such warmth and rich colors!
    Cheers,
    Loi

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    Replies
    1. PoppyFebruary 7, 2013 at 3:39 AM

      Hi Loi,

      Thanks! No, I haven't written about the local cuisine of the island, yet. Interestingly, every time I've managed to create a culinary wonder, I've tried to take decent photos to accompany the recipe, but my camera is a modest one and getting the necessary close ups of a dish proved too difficult a feat!

      Poppy

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  9. Judith @ Lavender CottageFebruary 7, 2013 at 3:45 AM

    I live about an hour north of Toronto in the snow belt and I would trade my scenery for what you have in Crete, in a flash. It's not hard to see why you fell in love with the place, not to mention your hubby.
    Thanks for sharing your photos.

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  10. LeslieFebruary 7, 2013 at 5:47 AM

    Oh Poppy!! I am speechless. The view, the warm colors.. and that gorgeous kitchen. You must enjoy some amazing fish and overall healthy cuisine lliving in Crete.

    I am envious of your large family. My brothers and extended family are spread out and we do not have all that much contact sadly..

    Thanks for sharing these lovely photos!

    xxL

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  11. My Cozy CasitaFebruary 7, 2013 at 11:30 PM

    Beautiful place,enjoy your time in Canada!
    Blessing
    Isora
    XO
    :-)

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  12. Our Neck of the WoodsFebruary 7, 2013 at 11:47 PM

    Wow, Crete looks absolutely amazing! I would love to visit there someday. I bet it is like a little slice of paradise.

    Visiting from The Charm of Home :)
    Tammy
    ourneckofthewoods.net

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  13. chateau chicFebruary 8, 2013 at 2:06 AM

    Gorgeous photos of a beautiful island!
    Mary Alice

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  14. Barbwire PrettyFebruary 8, 2013 at 5:20 AM

    What a beautiful place, do you really get to wake up there every day?
    Thanks for sharing.
    Blessings from Victoria Harbour,On. Can.
    Bernice

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  15. MelanieFebruary 8, 2013 at 5:44 AM

    Those are the most gorgeous photos...I would love to visit Crete someday. *sigh*

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  16. oldthingsFebruary 8, 2013 at 6:55 PM

    I have no words to describe this beautiful post ! The lovely photos ,the words ,the feelings , all that I read now ! I hope that soon you will be there !
    Olympia

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  17. BessFebruary 8, 2013 at 7:03 PM

    Oh my Poppy ... what a fantastic post! You should write a travel book! The photos are stunning and your comments are beautiful! WOW! Bess

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  18. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereFebruary 9, 2013 at 4:00 AM

    Poppy, I know you must miss the warm weather of Crete. I loved visiting Greece and I hope to go to Crete one day. Thanks for sharing the pretty photos at the Open House party.
    xx, Sherry

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  19. It's Just DottieFebruary 9, 2013 at 4:03 AM

    Oh! Be still my heart!Jjust lovely.
    Dottie

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  20. debra @ homespunFebruary 9, 2013 at 1:43 PM

    Lovely post and photos...I hope that Toronto is SUNNY some days along with the snow that I am sure you are getting here and there. We've had our share of snow here in western Pa but nothing like the blizzard that's going on in the east right now...

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  21. DebFebruary 9, 2013 at 5:17 PM

    I am swooning over that kitchen. Deb

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  22. Susan FreemanFebruary 9, 2013 at 6:14 PM

    Stunningly beautiful pics! I have been to Greece a few times and there is nothing quite like the way the sun reflects on the water, trees and mountains there. It is truly a magical place.

    Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

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  23. Sally Annie MagundyFebruary 9, 2013 at 6:50 PM

    I don't know how anyone could ever leave Crete once they've arrived, those pictures are so beautiful! And yet your heart also calls you to another home. I think you are so very lucky to have two homes that you love so very much.

    Happy weekend to you!

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  24. BabajezaFebruary 9, 2013 at 8:03 PM

    It's very uplifiting to see places, where the summer hides. ;-) Have a nice weekend. Regula

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  25. Lisa LynnFebruary 9, 2013 at 9:01 PM

    Stunning photography! Found you on A Favorite Thing. :) I would love to have you share this tomorrow on The Creative HomeAcre Hop!
    http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2013/02/the-creative-homeacre-hop-2.html

    Have a wonderful weekend!

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  26. LeisaFebruary 9, 2013 at 9:05 PM

    Greetings from FL--I too miss my beautiful Canada... I truly believe that no matter where we end up or how much we love our new geographical location, we will always be drawn back to the place of our childhood. It is a huge part of who we are and shapes our lives because of that. If you're in Ontario right now you're experiencing a huge storm--I hope you stay safe and warm! Give Canada a big hug for me!

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  27. BalishaFebruary 9, 2013 at 11:08 PM

    Such beautiful, warm pictures.A pleasure to look at on a very cold day.
    Balisha

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  28. lookslikewhiteFebruary 11, 2013 at 6:11 AM

    Lovely thoughts! Hello from Montreal.
    Trudy

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  29. LydiaFebruary 11, 2013 at 6:18 AM

    Thank you for sharing the sunshine. Even my sunny Southern California was missing it this week.

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  30. Art and SandFebruary 12, 2013 at 4:08 PM

    I didn't have Crete on my list, but your pictures make me want to head there right aways.

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  31. KathyFebruary 13, 2013 at 10:18 PM

    Your pictures are gorgeous! Right now we've had rain for several days - when the sun peeks back out I will surely enjoy it. I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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  32. Lisa LynnFebruary 16, 2013 at 8:02 PM

    Thanks so much for sharing this on The Creative HomeAcre Hop! I love these photos :)

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  33. melissa@thetinsel.comFebruary 20, 2013 at 5:01 AM

    You are so blessed to live there. I was just looking at houses in warm climates yesterday. We live in Pa. and it's freezing and gloomy and I get depressed. I feel like my body craves sunlight. I'm so jealous of you!! Your post made me feel like I took a mini vaca. Your blog is gorgeous~now following :)

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  34. An Oasis in the DesertApril 16, 2013 at 4:14 PM

    Your photos are incredible, Poppy! It's no wonder you miss Crete so much.

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  35. Lisa LynnApril 23, 2013 at 7:09 PM

    Beautiful! Thanks for sharing on The HomeAcre Hop!

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  36. Janice Kay SchaubApril 29, 2013 at 1:15 AM

    Simply beautiful, following you to see more
    Janice

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Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I really appreciate hearing from all of you! Have a great day!

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