Rain and Monasteries

The consensus at Easter time was that there would be no more rain until September or October and, in fact, the sky had been clear blue since we arrived. No one, apparently, had consulted Zeus, or any of these other folks, http://www.theoi.com/greek-mythology/sky-gods.html, on the matter, because on Wednesday it began to rain and thunder and this has continued up to today, Friday. The change has been refreshing, even if it did slow down the trips to the beach.

On Wednesday Grier took the rental car and drove up to some nearby monasteries: Gouvernetou and Ayia Triadha. The drive up to Gouvernetou is along a wonderfully awful road with lots of ruts and switchbacks; no tour busses allowed. But, once there, he was unable to tell if the monastery was open; the sign said it was closed on Wednesdays, but the gate was open. He decided to visit on a day when both indicated it was open; it's not a good idea to get on the bad side of monks.

Ayia Triadha is further down the hill and the tour buses can get there and a good number had. But, it is still early in the tourist season, it was not crowded, and it was relaxing to walk around the place. This monastery was established in 1600's but the present buildings are from the 1800's. There are shady, winding porticos all about the central courtyard which are relaxing to explore before going into the monastic church. A good number the monk's quarters are abandoned and blocked off; there used to be a much larger population, now there are less than a dozen monks. In addition, there is a museum with liturgical paraphernalia and icons; one icon depicted a sinner confessing his sins, which were depicted as not so scary black snakes crawling out of this mouth; sinners beware!! And finally a gift shop, which sells wine and olive oil produced by the monks.

See here for more info: http://www.agiatriada-chania.gr/

And below is a sketch Grier made of the church