After climbing what felt mountains disguised as house-lined streets and sitting on a bench people-watching, I picked up my mondo backpack and boarded the ferry. I opted for a seat inside, thinking it would be much easier to sleep if I was inside and warm. I brushed my teeth for the first time and ate a plum and bread with vache qui rit for dinner.
As soon as the ferry took off, I shaded my eyes with my handy-dandy sleep mask, blew up my travel pillow, put on my socks, and fell asleep on the floor of the ferry, right next to my seat. I tossed and turned for about 5 hours, managing to sleep some. Around 2 am, I woke up, really worried about what I would do when I got to Crete.
I knew of hostels that I could stay in- one in xania and one in rethymno, but I really didn’t know what to do because I would be arriving at 5:30 at the port in souda and didn’t know what I should do from there. I hadn’t showered, hadn’t changed, was exhausted, and nothing was going to be open.
I had one of those panic moments in which I wished I had never come, had never gotten myself into such an adventure where I didn’t know if everything was going to turn out alright. I didn’t even know what I wanted to do, even if I had the choice.
So I grabbed my guidebook and headed outside, to sit in the cool air and try to think. I was also upset that I hadn’t met anyone yet. I still felt so isolated and afraid that I would be alone for three weeks.
After trying to figure out what the best strategy for my time in crete would be, I decided that I would try and find the bus to the city xania after I disembarked from the ferry. I would roam the streets until I found the hostel my guidebook suggested, then I would see if I could make my way to the samaria gorge.
I tried to fall back asleep, and when I was unable, I edited a few photos until we reached the port. After loading up and trying to put down the hottest cup of coffee I have ever had, I made my way down and onto the bus to xania right before it left.
What happened then has been the best part of my trip so far. I squeezed my way through to the only seat that was even remotely accessible and asked the girl sitting next to it if I could sit there. After being prompted by who knows what, I decided to ask her if she spoke English. Maybe I just felt like talking to someone after being alone for a few days. But she seemed nice, so I decided to talk to her.
Little did I know, she was more than nice—she is so incredibly hospitable. After talking for awhile and telling her I was going to try and find this hostel, she offered to let me stay at her place! They aren’t lying when they say that greeks have unmatched hospitality. We came back to her place and she gave me sheets and I got to sleep, laying down, and comfortably at that.
After my nap, I got to take my first shower- praise the Lord!- and Mado and I headed to the supermarket just down from her house. Everything feels like a learning experience for me and so I realized that I really didn’t come here for vacation. I came here to learn. I love to learn.
Loved reading about your adventures! That's so sweet that God provided you with a friend at just the right time! Sounds like you're having a beautiful journey 🙂
Sounds amazing. I like lout and joking – Greeks.
I was overjoyed to see correct capitalization . . . until the end of your post where my incessant brain was making marks all over your post and trying to read at the same time.
Tahnawannaseeblue:
It was so great to speak with you earlier and what struck me was the excitement in your voice. At first I thought it was because you were speaking with me (jk), but quickly realized it was because your trip is going better than even your lofty expectations and that you count yourself blessed. What an amazing trip so far. God is alive and well and even has offices in Greece!
Sometimes you seem so paradoxical to me because you are so brave, so faithful and so confident, yet you experience panic moments like the one at 2am on the ferry. I am glad to know that you are human and I love your sensitive side (where did that come from?).
The hospitality of the Greeks is so awesome and reminds me of what we just experienced in Italy. Know that we continue to pray for you and we want you to have fun, stay safe and be blessed!
Love,
Dad
Tahnawannabeanomad:
I forgot to say that I love the last pic that shows you looking out over the water. Nice sandals, but what is up with those sunglasses – old school!
Love,
Dad
Thanks for sharing your learning experience in Greece. What an adventure! God has blessed you already because of your Hope! "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" movie showed how BLUE the waters around Greece are. Its good to know those scenes were not 'color enhanced'. Have Fun! Theresa De Vargas (former classmate of your dad)
i love this story, and the fact that i got a sneak preview of it. 🙂
God is truly faithful, and i look forward to hearing more ways that He provides for you.
oh, and enjoy la vache qui rit. mmm.
fave photo : the last one with you on the beach
fave quote : " i love being with people who aren't afraid to be loud"
That is why you love me!!! HA HA.
I am thrilled that you are having such a good time. It's going to be wonderful to sit down with you and go through all the photos once you are home. Love the adventure.
Samaria Gorge, locally known as the Faranges, initiates at Xyloskalo on the Omalos Plateau. From the core of white mountains to pure seashore of Libyan sea, one of spectacular views is Mount Gingilos with valley beneath. It finally leads to the bliss of natures in form of dense greenery, flows of water, soaring winds.
Tahni, I loved this:
"I had one of those panic moments in which I wished I had never come, had never gotten myself into such an adventure where I didn’t know if everything was going to turn out alright. I didn’t even know what I wanted to do, even if I had the choice."
I feel like that describes life pretty well…
I'm so glad you are enjoying yourself! Live it UP and keep the photos coming!!! 🙂