The first day in Krete began with our early arrival (details already reviewed). We made our first visit to village of Kissamos to the car rental dealer, a savory Greek character named Harri (shortened version of a lengthy and complicated traditional Greek name). We had examined the car and noted that the windshield wipers were without the rubber blade inserts (a nightmare for driving in the rain). Harry met our concerns with what we hear is typical Greek manner replying “it’s not going to rain”. Indeed this first day on the island was beautiful, and we took some time to visit the well-known bakery shop called Chocalate featuring “baby breads” for Easter. Baby breads are woven loaves with a red hard-boiled egg peeking out from the upper portion of the loaf. We are told this egg represents a baby’s head, and that the loaf is to represent a swaddled infant. All things to celebrate fertility nearing the Easter season!
Greek Dancing
Oddly enough, Juliet our host takes weekly traditional Greek dancing classes from a German woman named Claudia. We were lucky enough to be invited to attend, and managed to fumble our way through a medley of both Greek and Cretan dances. Many of these dance styles originated from early corn circles (harvesting corn was done inside a stone circle using groups of people jumping, stomping, flicking and shuffling upon the corn). Today’s class was held in a hotel high up on the mountain overlooking the bay, the village of Hania, and surprisingly a rather expansive American naval base. Locals here are not big fans of this American base. Rumor has it that nuclear warheads are housed in this location, but no one knows for sure. We hear there are huge Cretan protests when the American ambassador rolls into town. Our dancing skills were complimented by our instructor, and we are happy to report that no one was injured.
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