Our new perceptions of South West Crete

Emma – “My view of Crete has not changed that much as it is still as idyllic as I first thought that it would be. However, after being in Chora Sfakion and doing some investigations we found out that all is not as it seems at a fist glance to the area. The businesses are not are close nit however there are rivalries between them and several mysteries have presented themselves which no ordinary tourist would find out. Seeing the area from an academic point of view makes me wander whether or not this is the case in other places.

The areas we have visited have been really fascinating and I would like to come back again for a holiday in the area in order to explore it some more. The temperature has also been as expected but I did not anticipate that we would be doing so much work everyday.

Overall I think the experience has been very worth while and I would heartily recommend the trip to everyone.”

Katie – “Crete has definitely lived up to my expectations of what I thought it would be like. It is very different to the other Greek Islands I have visited in some ways – for example the landscape is much more dramatic, but in other ways it is very similar, – the laid back Greek way of life, the food and the philosophy of ‘No Problem’!

The weather conditions and the temperature are typical of the other Greek Islands I have visited and are totally what I expected! The walks and the treks were much harder than I expected, although I felt such satisfaction when I completed them! The Greek people have been so welcoming and helpful when we have asked them questions and have literally helped us with our every need! I have thoroughly enjoyed this trip as it is so nice to carry out fieldwork in a beautiful location and would definitely love to have this experience all over again.”

Laura – The weather has been gorgeous here. I have really enjoyed my time here. The landscape is fantastic but the walking was much harder then expected. I am proud of what I have managed to achieve. I have enjoyed talking to different tourists and Greek businesses it has been a real insight to the way other people live. I feel so privileged to be lucky enough to complete fieldwork in such an amazing place. I would recommend this place to everyone and can’t wait to have another experience like this one.

I love the Greek way of life, it is so laid back and friendly. Nothing at all like everyday British life! It makes my realise that in Britain we worry far too much about money and other pointless things. I will miss Chora Sfakion, it is an experience I am never going to forget.

Dave – I still believe that my perception of Crete before we left was correct. However, I have come to like Crete in a way I did not last time, as I think the South coast is just so much nicer and not too commercialised or populated. Its a much more natural and traditional Cretan landscape which really appeals to me. Therefore, I would like to come back to the South Coast and have really enjoyed the trip, which I didn’t really expect coming on a trip on which I didn’t know anyone at the beginning of the week. Also we have had really good weather which has been great, but a bit uncomfortable for the walks!

One last thing is with our research it seems that a quiet little place in Chora Sfakion may not be as peaceful and tranquil as it first looks (as i write this a typical mafia car fall with typical Mafia people just drove past!)