2nd mobility in Greece

Modern languages imported from ancient Greek a common (and unfortunately well known and largely used) word ξενοφοβία (Xenophobia).

The ancient Greeks used as counterpart another word and knew its importance – φῐλοξενῐ́ᾱ (Philoxenia). Ancient Greeks believed in this friendship, in this love (Philo) for diversity (Xenos). They believed that God protects strangers and therefore they felt their duty to give hospitality to those who come and pass by. Philoxenia is unconditional eagerness to help others, to assist and give shelter without asking any questions.

Well, our Erasmus+ group was impressed by that and we were curious to know, to see and experience that. With these expectations we came for our 2^nd mobility to Chania (Crete). The world we found there tells us a millennial story of a wonderful and magic country – founded directly by Minos (son of Zeus and Europe), conquered by Greeks, shaped by Romans, influenced by Venetians, attacked by Turks, and finally occupied by Germans. They all left traces, hints of their story (a wall, a fruit, a castle, a tradition, a word).

Cretan people have learned to deal with diversity. They built religious houses for those who lived there, they integrated those who came and remained, they accepted diversity. And nowadays Cretan people love their proud and sunny island and are still eager to help new comers – escaping wars, famine, fear.

We can all learn from their successful story and try to overcome our fear for differences – developing a new, open, optimistic approach to human love.

Erasmus+ helped us. And we are all proud of.

Dr. Detti and Erasmus+-AG

Program: Greek mobility program
Invitation: Invitation to Greek mobility