Prior to travelling to Sfakia our expectations of the region had been particularly shaped by reading the work of Trudgill, (2008).
When re-counting his first trip to the region Trudgill notes the sensation of travelling through time as well as space. Trudgill’s perception that many of the women in the village had not travelled anywhere outside the village worth speaking of represents this point clearly. Therefore we expect that in this small village inhabitants will live a relatively simple life and that there will be a relatively small number of local amenities in the region.
Trudgill’s description of the dramatic landscape reinforces the photographs observed prior to our week in Sfakia on various internet sources. The serpentine bends in the road and Trudgill’s account of his walk along the Aradhena Gorge, where at points he had to force himself through undergrowth along boulder strewn paths, reflects the challenging terrain. It is in this account that Trudgill documents how an avalanche of stones and pebbles began to cascade down the gorge. Such events have made us aware of the dangers which may be encountered whilst in the area of Sfakia. Taking this on board we are thoroughly looking forward to exploring the region and having the opportunity to practice geographical techniques within the field.
Reference
Trudgill P, 2008 In Sfakia: Passing time in the world of Crete, Lycabettus Press, Athens
