Spinalonga: The Cretan Island of Resilience, Tragedy, and the Unbreakable Human Spirit

Spinalonga: The Cretan Island of Resilience, Tragedy, and the Unbreakable Human Spirit

Deep in the heart of the Mediterranean, just off the rugged coast of Crete, lies the island of Spinalonga (original name Kalydon), a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity. This narrative ventures deep into the storied past of Spinalonga, tracing its evolution from a Venetian stronghold to an Ottoman community and, finally, to a…

The  Attractive Modern History of Crete: From 1898 to the Present

The  Attractive Modern History of Crete: From 1898 to the Present

Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, has a rich and complex history. Situated at the crossroads of three continents—Europe, Asia, and Africa—Crete has been a melting pot of cultures, religions, and civilisations. While its ancient history is often the focus of scholarly attention, the modern history of Crete is equally fascinating and significant. This…

The Fig Tree

The Fig Tree

Ah the wonderful fig tree. It grows everywhere and the figs appear mostly in October and November, although there are, of course, winter figs, even spring figs, and summer figs I have heard. But there is something special about the fig tree. Forget the milky sap that some are allergic to, forget even the lack…