I live near Irakleio, Crete which is the same as Candia. In fact, Candia was the name it was given to Handakas (which now is called Irakleio) once it became under Venetian control. The old cretans, have always lived a terrible life, full of hardships. Venetians were equally cruel as the Ottomans and many generations of cretans lived up in the mountains and formed the resistance. A resistance that actually never ended completely up to the end of the 19th century (where it unified with the rest of the Greek nation), only to begin again during the 5 years of German occupation (40-45) and then go on for another 4 years during the civil war (46-49). Most villages are full of tombstones and memorials of people that fought and died during all those years. Many families, still have lots of ammunition and guns and other army equipment from the 20th century. It is not an exaggeration to say that there are some unique private collections in some houses that only several people know about.
I will visit soon one such amazing collection and while we drink some raki, I will take some photos for you guys. It is really interesting. Important historical events take shape right in front of your eyes...
