A Greek Odyssey – day 12

Snails, circles, and my new hero

Today, our first full day in Sifnos, we headed (by bus, of course; two euros per journey, of course) to Apollonia, the biggest village on the island. Having initially got a little lost (we hadn’t got our bearings, and thought we were at one of end of the village, when really we were at the other) we were soon charmed by the (inevitable) whitewashed buildings and splashes of blue, all set against the bluest of blue skies, and the “arty-ness” of the village. On our way into a roof top cafe – recommended to us by a friendly shop keeper – I spied a brilliant piece of art on a wall – a metre square of rusting metal, with a snail making its way across the surface. I loved it. I simply cannot comprehend how someone comes up with the idea to produce a piece like this, but I’m glad they did.

And later on, we visited an art studio, where artist specialised in ceramics, but my eye was taken by some rusty circles on the wall, clearly just lids of oil drums left to weather in the Greek sunshine. Perhaps it says more about me, that I am drawn to rusty old metal – and perhaps this explains why, back at home in the UK, my car is a rusty old banger!

I also loved the triangle shapes set into walls – I’m not sure what their purpose, if any, is, but I like them.

I could share with you a plethora of photos and words highlighting (again!) the beautiful, simple buildings and blue domed churches as we strolled between the three villages of Apollonia, Ano Petoli and Artemonas, or the wonderful food we ate as we spent a happy and chilled day in “real Greece”, but instead I want to mention my new hero.

Having ascended a fair few steps climbing into the village of Artemonas, we saw two benches bathed in a welcoming shade outside a(nother) church, and stopped for a rest and water. Joining us in the square was a statue of a man, and I took a moment to read the information about him, Nikolas Chrissogelos, an educator and leader and he was a key player in the uprising in Sifnos and across all the Cyclades to shake off Turkish occupation. He went on to hold key posts in the Greek administration and was the Head of the School of Holy Sepulchre in Sifnos – the Educational Institution of the Archipelogo.

Reading on, a line his citation struck me

” A free spirit and competent teacher”

I have decided I would like to achieve such status – to be a free spirit and competent teacher, that will do for me.

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