Ithaka, Greece
Today we entered the fourth country of our voyage, Greece. Anchoring in a quiet cove at Ithaka Island for the morning, we slept late and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast. Mid-morning, as the sun appeared, groups of twos and threes headed to shore, for a swim, a paddle and some lounge time on the beach. It was a delightful morning.
Late in the morning, National Geographic Expert Grace Fielder told us about The Fourth Crusade, and its lasting historical significance. After lunch, we departed on an afternoon drive around the island.
Our coach climbed narrow switchbacks to reach the monastery of Katharon, with its wonderful Orthodox chapel and excellent panoramic view. In the village of Stavros, we contemplated the long journey of Odysseus over Greek coffee, fresh orange juice and frappes, before returning to our ship in the port village of Vathí. On this return journey, our guides shared an English translation of the beautiful poem Ithaka, by the great Greek poet, Constantine Cavafy. It was perfectly suited for the day, and for our voyage, and I share it here:
Ithaka
When you set out for Ithaka
ask that your way be long,
full of adventure, full of instruction.
The Laistrygonians and the Cyclops,
angry Poseidon –
do not fear them:
such as these you will never find
as long as your thought is lofty,
as long as a rare emotion touch your spirit and your body.
The Laistrygonians and the Cyclops,
angry Poseidon –
you will not meet them
unless you carry them in your soul,
unless your soul raise them up before you.
Ask that your way be long.
At many a Summer dawn to enter
with what gratitude, what joy –
ports seen for the first time;
to stop at Phoenician trading centers,
and to buy good merchandise,
mother of pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
and sensuous perfumes of every kind,
sensuous perfumes as lavishly as you can;
to visit many Egyptian cities,
to gather stores of knowledge from the learned.
Have Ithaka always in your mind.
Your arrival here is what you are destined for.
But don’t in the least hurry the journey.
Better it last for years,
so that when you reach the island you are old,
rich with all that you have gained on the way,
not expecting Ithaka to give you wealth.
Ithaka gave you a splendid journey.
Without her you would not have set out.
She hasn’t anything else to give you.
And if you find her poor, Ithaka hasn’t deceived you.
So wise have you become, of such experience,
that already you’ll have understood what these Ithakas mean.
- Constantine P. Cavafy
Today we entered the fourth country of our voyage, Greece. Anchoring in a quiet cove at Ithaka Island for the morning, we slept late and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast. Mid-morning, as the sun appeared, groups of twos and threes headed to shore, for a swim, a paddle and some lounge time on the beach. It was a delightful morning.
Late in the morning, National Geographic Expert Grace Fielder told us about The Fourth Crusade, and its lasting historical significance. After lunch, we departed on an afternoon drive around the island.
Our coach climbed narrow switchbacks to reach the monastery of Katharon, with its wonderful Orthodox chapel and excellent panoramic view. In the village of Stavros, we contemplated the long journey of Odysseus over Greek coffee, fresh orange juice and frappes, before returning to our ship in the port village of Vathí. On this return journey, our guides shared an English translation of the beautiful poem Ithaka, by the great Greek poet, Constantine Cavafy. It was perfectly suited for the day, and for our voyage, and I share it here:
Ithaka
When you set out for Ithaka
ask that your way be long,
full of adventure, full of instruction.
The Laistrygonians and the Cyclops,
angry Poseidon –
do not fear them:
such as these you will never find
as long as your thought is lofty,
as long as a rare emotion touch your spirit and your body.
The Laistrygonians and the Cyclops,
angry Poseidon –
you will not meet them
unless you carry them in your soul,
unless your soul raise them up before you.
Ask that your way be long.
At many a Summer dawn to enter
with what gratitude, what joy –
ports seen for the first time;
to stop at Phoenician trading centers,
and to buy good merchandise,
mother of pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
and sensuous perfumes of every kind,
sensuous perfumes as lavishly as you can;
to visit many Egyptian cities,
to gather stores of knowledge from the learned.
Have Ithaka always in your mind.
Your arrival here is what you are destined for.
But don’t in the least hurry the journey.
Better it last for years,
so that when you reach the island you are old,
rich with all that you have gained on the way,
not expecting Ithaka to give you wealth.
Ithaka gave you a splendid journey.
Without her you would not have set out.
She hasn’t anything else to give you.
And if you find her poor, Ithaka hasn’t deceived you.
So wise have you become, of such experience,
that already you’ll have understood what these Ithakas mean.
- Constantine P. Cavafy
