Greetings from Rethymno!
I’ve come back from my holiday in Greece, so I thought I’d share some special Cretan moments with you all…
Crete is the largest and southernmost of the Greek islands. It’s very mountainous and lush, so mid holiday I went on a guided tour of the island, travelling off-road on a 4x4, zig zagging through Crete’s rural areas.
Slowing down and stopping for lots and lots of goats whilst on tour of the rural parts of Crete.
Cool water running from Rimondi Venetian Fountain. The old town of Rethymno, with its Venetian buildings, mosques, minarets, fountains and cobblestone alleys lined with shops, cafes, bars and hotels, makes it a fascinating place to both relax and explore.
Neradje Mosque is a historical Ottoman-era mosque located in the old town of Rethymno. It now serves as a music school.
Watching the sunset on the Summer Solstice
Many people witnessed this special moment on Rethymno’s coastline, which is the nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles.
A range of Minoan artworks, pottery and partially restored frescos. Photographs taken at The Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, the ancient palace of Knossos and Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
I have too many photographs to share, but this bronze lamp of Dionysus riding a panther makes me smile. He’s having a great time! Dionysus was the Olympian god of wine, vegetation, pleasure, festivity, madness and wild frenzy!
Positioned high above Rethymno’s old town, I spent time exploring the Fortezza, a large 16th century fortress. Inside the Fortezza, there were several Venetian structures and mosques that housed sculptures and paintings by local and international artists.
I loved these sinuous steel snakes cradled in a wooden boat. It’s by artist Kalliopi Lemos, and the boat was used by migrants to reach the Greek coast. For Lemos, the snakes have positive, spiritual connotations. This sculpture was originally displayed in St Pancras, London, when it was made back in 2011.
The warehouse complex at the Fortezza’s northern auxiliary gate.
The Venetian harbour at Rethymno. The water was so clear I could see a variety of fish and sea urchins near the base of the lighthouse.
Fiery Blooms
A close up of a gorgeous flower display that runs along Rethymno’s promenade.
Despite feeling windswept, hot and and slightly under the weather, I’ve managed to miraculously look alright! Here’s me at the palace of Knossos. I love the site’s history and mythology. It is known for being the place where Theseus killed the Minotaur in the labyrinth.
Sometimes it’s the the little, calming interludes in between all the exploring that can be just as special.
Stopping off at a café near the Rimondi Venetian fountain, I enjoyed a Cretan mountain tea, served with honey from a Japanese tetsubin cast iron tea pot.
I wasn’t feeling my best at times during my stay, so this soothing earthy herbal tea was comforting and calming.
Since being back home, I bought my own tetsubin pot! It’s not a genuine cast iron pot (it has an enamel coating inside), but it’s just as lovely! I now enjoy recreating that moment at home with loose green tea leaves.
Despite experiencing a lingering cough that worsened after getting back home, I had a fantastic time away! I am now fully recovered, so it’s time to refocus and get back to being creative. The Minoan art style has certainly given me some ideas, so I hope to explore such imagery at some point in the future through some inky illustrations.
Thanks for reading!
Phoenix Gray
