Imposed day of rest in Chora Sfakion
By Helen Grubner. Filed in Uncategorized |
Weary traveller about to board ferry for Chora Sfakion
Yesterday, I finally made it to the welcome sight of the village of Chora Sfakion and my room at Hotel Stavris. Exhausted and grubby, with two lower legs swollen like elephant’s – quite hideous. Eventually got sorted on Internet connection in my room, showered, changed and settled in before venturing out via the super market, to find a place to enjoy an evening meal. Ended up seaside at Taverna Obrosgialos and ordered the house specialty of Spaghetti with large Prawns cooked in Ouzo – shared my prawns with a local moggy. A couple of glasses of red wine, finishing with a complimentary tsikoudia and halva.
Following my traumas earlier in the week, above all else, I now need to rest and elevate my legs as much as possible. They are feeling a lot better today, however, I can tell you I am aware of muscles I never knew I had up until now. The peculiar and awkward way I had of walking to make it out of the Gorge yesterday, has obviously put strain on my legs and muscles. I am also aware that I need to move around a little too, otherwise the muscles will tighten. No pharmacy here, did think about visiting the local Doc today, however, he probably speaks no English and although I am more than pleased with my current grasp of the Greek language, it does not extend to medical jargon. Add to this, the fact that the doctor here probably has limited knowledge, I have put off seeing anyone for today and will review the situation when I return to Hania tomorrow.
Chora Sfakion is a laid back and traditional small village of just 278 inhabitants according to the 2001 census. It only gets busy when the daily ferry boat arrives from Agia Roumeli, disgorging hundreds of exhausted trekkers, most of whom go directly to the awaiting buses and are gone within minutes. The narrow Imbros Gorge was, until the 1960’s, the only path to reach Chora Sfakion. During the Battle of Crete in World War II, Chora Sfakion was used by the allied forces to escape from German attacks. It is also famous as one of the centres of resistance against the occupying forces of both the Venetians and the Turks.
A better place I could not have had to take my day’s rest, however, it has been frustrating not being able to go and look around. The sun is shining and the temperature pleasantly warm. I did venture out this morning for a short stroll and a milk shake, buying some delicious cheese and olive bread at the bakery for lunch back on my balcony. Any remaining will serve me well for breakfast in the morning. Tonight I will try another seaside Taverna.
Hoping my recovery will not be prolonged, I very much want to move on Saturday to Karpathos as planned. If this is not possible, a Plan B will have to be found. It is very much a wait and see – just a day at a time – where to and when?