Monday 12 May 2008

Kandanos :- Cyber- & Eco-village


We were invited by Alain & Pascale to eat at their favourite taverna in their home village of Kandanos.
It is the "capital" of the district of Selino - our own - and lies inland on the main Chania road. The road is being heavily modernised with straightening measures such as huge bridges and cuttings. The project is running over by several years and meanwhile the drive can be described as hairy and bumpy!

Most tourists pass through Kandanos without stopping. If they are German this is probably a good thing! The whole village was destroyed in 1941 as a reprisal. There is more on this war crime on http://www.explorecrete.com/history/battle-crete-chronicle.htm

These days it is remarkable for its progressive (Pasok) mayor - one of whose skills is getting rich people to donate for good causes. In the last week we have seen the whole village become a Wifi hotspot, and each schoolchild plant a tree by the side of the Chania road - which they will tend over the years!

The village is demographically challenged - having a disproportionate number of elderly bachelors! Soula at the taverna - herself over 70 - cooks for them, and she is a fine cook and affable hostess!