Ρ Ε Π Ο Ρ ΤΑ Ζ
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experience of a lifetime, I decided to take the downhill
path and slowly walk from the peak down to the Mygeros
plateau! I need to tell you from first-hand experience that
walking downhill is even harder than uphill. Trying to balance oneself on the gravelly path, stepping on slippery
stones worn by the footsteps of thousands or perhaps millions of climbers before you, from the Minoans to today,
and braving the wind gusts at the same time, is not an
easy task by any measurable means. After a few falls and
bruises, swollen ankles and painful legs, the hundreds of
other climbers and I made it down to the base, where volunteers waited for us with cold bottles of water and thunderous applause. Personally, besides the pain and bruises,
the satisfaction of having made the ancient journey was
more than enough to make it well worth it.
At the plateau, literally thousands of people gathered
under a huge tent stretching for several acres. The glendi
was already in full swing and the local wine, cheese and
“Antikristo” roast lambs and goats were plentiful.
All in all, this was one day to remember for a lifetime. It
was an experience that awakens your very genetic Cretan
codes and rejuvenates the mind and spirit!
The following are two mandinades given to me by
George Vitoros and Metropolitan Evgenios, respectively,
apropos to the occasion. K
SPECIAL REPORT
1. The helicopter that transported a lucky few to the top of
Mount Psiloritis.
2. World Council of Cretans Vice President Kostas Travayiakis and World Council of Cretans President Emmanuel
Velivasakis.
3. Walkers descending Mount Psiloritis.
Απο’που καιν κατάγεσαι ο νους σου δεν αρνεβει.
Αμα δεν έχεις στη κορφή του Ψιλορειτη ανεβει.
Στου Ψηλορειτη τη κορφή πετάχτηκα και βγήκα
Να προσκυνησω το Σταύρο να φύγει κάθε πίκρα!
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KPHTH | WWW.PANCRETAN.ORG
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