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| Village of Archanes: poppyview.blogspot.com |
Welcome back!
For almost three years now my country of residence has
been the subject of much criticism due to its political turmoil and fiery
financial mess. To say that Greece has made international headlines lately is
an understatement. The country is
dealing with a severe government debt crisis, fear of bankruptcy and extremely
high levels of unemployment among many other critical matters that threaten its
ability to remain in the Eurozone and any further repercussions that may arise
if it fails to do so. There is a constant feeling of insecurity, anxiety and despair
that continues to plague its people with each new day. Not surprisingly, this
is difficult for Greeks, who are commonly characterized as vivacious and
generally cheerful folks.
Overwhelmed by afflictive austerity measures, they
have had to reassess their budgets with respect to more serious necessities
like food and shelter, in addition to less pressing, but equally important matters
like social outlets, namely entertainment, fashion and travel. In the process,
many have acquired a newfound respect for the simple things in life that bring
people joy and satisfaction; something their genuinely wise ancestors before
them truly understood and appreciated.
And so, many modern Greeks today have permanently taken
to the old-fashioned traditions of the countryside to put into practice their
newly adapted philosophies of the simple life and what that entails. An
increasingly large amount have started growing their own produce, some are
relocating to little hamlets to try their hand at farming professionally, while others are
downsizing in general.
But amidst all this chaos and change there is one aspect of Greece and
its people that remains constant, and that is the security and comfort of home.
Whether this is perceived as one’s own private residence, a relative’s house, or
a friend’s hideaway, it is a place that provides shelter from any threatening
forces, be they the erratic emotions of the elements or the heavy strains of
everyday existence.
Definition: Shelter
Noun
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2. Protective covering that provides protection from the weather.[Wordnet]
3. The condition of being protected.[Wordnet]
4. A way of organizing business to reduce the taxes it must pay on current earnings.[Wordnet]
5. Temporary housing for homeless or displaced persons.[Wordnet]
6. That which covers or defends from injury or annoyance; a protection; a screen.[Websters]
7. One who protects; a guardian; a defender.[Websters]
8. The state of being covered and protected; protection; security.[Websters]
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The images that follow are a collection of structures
that all have the ability to provide us with what we usually refer to as ‘shelter’.
Many are also considered places of prayer,
safe retreats from danger, resources of energy or venues for work. From exploring labyrinth-like caves and resting
under florally blanketed cafes, to the solace
felt in secluded churches or the security attained from hard-working windmills,
all the featured images are of Crete, my
adopted home land, my rural respite from the confines of the capital, an island
steeped in 5000 years of history. A magical place, where mythical creatures
roamed in and out of reality, discovering truths that mortals still believe in
today!
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| Crete: A Country Quilt: From far left: Our neighbouring village: poppyview.blogsot.com, Psiloriti Mountains: heattoheart.worpress.com, Oustide Anogeia: poppyview.blogsot.com |
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| Far left and right: Vosakou Monastery: poppyview.blogspot.com., churches literally everywhere! Left: flickr.com, Right: panoramio.com |
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| Port at Chania: booking.isopensource2.com |
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| From left: Chania, old town: flickriver.com, Village Kafeneion: beeinnet-travel.blogspot.com, Archanes: poppyview.blogspot.com |
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| An eclectic means of shade and shelter from the midday sun: poppyview.blogspot.com |
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| The Palace of Knossos, Heraklion. From left: freakingnews.com, kalamaki-travel.gr, sights-and-culture.com |
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| From left: A mitato, used for protection against the elements when making cheese or tending to the herd: pierreseche.chez-alice.fr, lighthouse: www.concierge.com, windmills of Lasithi: travelingclassrom.org |
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| Caves at Matala: www.mlahanas.de, Venetian Port, Heraklion: www.dipity.com, Frangokastello: dreamstime, Spinalonga: flickr.com
Hope you enjoyed your visit today. Time for a characteristically cozy, Cretan catnap in the quiet of the afternoon calm.
Thanks for visiting. Talk to you soon! Poppy |
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| A pretty gated courtyard in Archanes: poppyview.blogspot.com |
