Day 4 - Crete · Brotherhood Of Scent

🔥

Day 4 - Crete

This day is very special to me. Nearly 50 years ago, we lived in a little town on the north shore of Crete near Heraklion. We left when I was 6, and I haven't been back until this day. We had a private guide help us get there, and they were able to find the building we lived in. It was an emotional return, and both my Mom and Dad were very excited to see it and to be there. It's not much, but I think seeing that was better than any palace we've ever walked through.

On the way back into town, the tour guide and I got into a discussion about art and fragrances. Turns out she is writing her doctoral thesis in history and archaeology on the development of perfumes in the ancient world. She was fascinating to listen to, and we had a great conversation. I asked her about the Greek perfumers, and she knew of Theodoros Kalotinis and the new brand Hellenist. She also told me about a few others including Korres, The Greek Perfumer, Blue Star. She said there are dozens of little independent local houses that have popped up. I asked where to find them, and she knew where to get Theodoros Kalotinis, and it was on our way back. I ended up picking up two - 1989 and Pistachio Latte, which I had previously smelled in Athens. She was able to talk to the shop owner in Greek, and I got them both for 65 Euros (about $75).

This is probably my last perfume purchase this trip. I have three now, and unless I find something interesting in Albania or Croatia, I won't pick up any more.

The picture of the store is not mine. They did not allow photography, so I grabbed an image from their website.

18 comments