Uncharted Thoughts.

The ancient foundations of Greek civilisation sit under the dry Mediterranean earth in ruin. The foundations that have built a culture rich in family, food and Christ. 

I imagine that the ancient kingdoms of this fine land would complain about its lack of prominence in today’s world, but there’s something special here, something pure and simple. 

As the major players of the world move into a time of uncertainty and chaos, Greece sit back in the mantle of its own history and embraces its unique and refreshing culture. 

Above the Greek ruins, Roman forums and roads supply it with another layer of rich history. Another empire, now dust below the weight of olive trees. 

Battle after battle, empire after empire, Greece remains strong. 

It’s hard not to admire its ability to keep its culture pure, especially in times like this when the world, and all the cultures in it seem to collide. The Greeks have adapted, morphed itself into a tourist playground. Yes everyone speaks English, yes there are hoards of tourists from across the world arriving in the summer months. But at no point in this trip have I felt I was distant from the backroads and rural towns of Greece. Every small Orthodox Church, six table restaurant and rusty fishing vessel reminds me where I am, who my hosts are and what they believe. 

Family, Food and Christ. Perhaps in that order. 

While the rest of the world scrambles for money, for political relevance and cultural domination, here in greece old men with sun kissed skin laugh with their wives as their grandchildren play in parks, phones somewhat non existent to them. Fathers and mothers look to each other with love in their hearts, not fear or worry for the future. 

I have no doubt there is worry amongst the older generations, that the wave of illegal immigrants, the rise in crime and the possibility of global war increase each passing year. They still find time to love, and to be present with those that matter most.  

I’m not going to pretend that I have some local knowledge after just three weeks in this country, or that I understand the pressures of those living here. What I will say is that Greece gifted me something I haven’t felt for many years, a sense of peace and life. I feel as though I am drifting in a calming sea of culture and food, after years of stormy weather. 

Right now I’m sat on the Ferry from Gythio to Crete. An unlikely route that brought us through rugged mainland towns and seaside villages. Next to me, a family of 5, both parents, and three children sit chatting and playing. Besides the father taking calls on speaker every so often, no phones are in sight. They are present. To my left, an old couple. A beefy leathery skinned man, with large working hands that shuffle rose beads back and forth. His hair thick and grey, just like his old school moustache. His eyes fixed on the football. His wife, sits reading, dressed well with beautiful hanging ear rings and a pearl like neckless. In her hands a book.

The likes of Leonids, Achilles and Alexander the Great must look down upon their ancestors with rage. That they are no longer conquering hero’s they once were, however the likes of Socrates, Plato and Diogenes will cheer with glee, their people took the path philosophy, that they found happiness and meaning instead of war, expansion and cultural suicide. 

I’ve been to many richly cultured cities, but non quite as cemented in their culture as Athens. It’s a city that refused to compromise culture with capitalism. It’s a city that has chosen independent business over large scale corporations. 

Of course the parasitical likes of Waga-Mamma and McDonalds exists. They sit often empty or filled with pale skinned fat tourists. But every table, in every independent restaurant across the city is full by the evening. 

Fresh fish, ripe tomatoes and tangy tzatziki filled plates with fairly priced portions. All bought from fresh food markets, all grown within an hour of the kitchen. If a restaurant was to serve something frozen, it labels it in the menu, like a badge of shame. 

Delicious Red wine, mediocre larger and strong potent Ouzo floods conversations with cheer and light hearted play. 

There is often the misconception that the UK, or England, has no culture. While I believe this not to be true, and the moldy, dark dingy pub of Devon, the historic streets of York and the Cornish summer festival will be my witness to this, no culture I have yet to visit has projected itself into almost every aspect of the nations fabric, unapologetically.

While here, you are very much aware that you are their guest. Their hospitality is polite, forward, and respectful, but while they are there to help you, wine and dine you, this is their country and you are here for now, they will be here forever.