May is the right time to visit the Island of Crete. The chance of rain is almost nil, flowers are blooming everywhere and air smells of wild thyme and sage. The temperature is warm enough to enjoy the sea, but not too hot so one can spend long hours on the island's beaches. It was a week into my holiday, when I got off the bus at the village of Shinara on the beach, where I planned to stay for several relaxing days.
After a short walk through the small village I'd spotted a sign: "SOFIA - rooms to let". When I entered the front door I met a cheerful Greek lady who introduced herself as Sofia. She looked like she was in her late thirties, modestly dressed like most Cretan village women. She showed me a room that was clean and cheap. I agreed to take it for three nights, which pleased her a lot. I gave her my passport for registration and she left the room thanking me.
After she had left me alone, I noticed two paintings on the walls. One was of Jesus Christ carrying the cross through Via Dolorosa and the second was of the old temple from the biblical period in Jerusalem. I wondered, what does a Greek Orthodox woman have to do with a pure Jewish symbol?
I went to the beach to catch some afternoon rays. I walked over to the end of the village main beach to find a cove where I could swim and tan myself in the nude. There were a few more nudists like myself already scattered in the cove. I enjoyed a nice, tranquil afternoon of sea, sun and sand.
Coming back from the beach I saw Sofia sitting under the shade of the mulberry tree in her front yard. She greeted me and asked me to join her for a cup of Mountain Tea and some sweet anis flavored Cretan crusts. I gladly accepted the invitation and enjoyed sipping the aromatic tea. I had the feeling that Sofia was studying me. After chatting for a while she suddenly tensed and asked me: "May I ask you what is your religion?"
"Jewish", I answered. "Is that of any importance to you?"
"Well, I saw your Israeli passport and I did not know if you are Jewish or Moslem. You are the first Jewish person that I have met. This is very exciting for me. I must tell you something. I am a highly religious person. As such, I always wanted to meet Jewish people. You know, Jesus, Maria and Joseph were Jews and I feel that true Christians should be closer to Jewish people, because of our shared origin. It was wrong how Christians treated Jews badly through history. We must change this forever."
"So this is why you have put the picture of the Old Temple in Jerusalem on the wall?"
"Yes indeed. It is my dream to visit the Holy city, but till then, I make do with pictures."
Our conversation opened up. She told me that she is married and without children, but she is still hoping to have some someday. I told her about my origins and my life in Israel. We talked of village life in Crete versus life in my village in the "Holy Land" as Sofia was referring to it, which is a lot different, although we share almost identical climate, flora and fauna.
When it was getting dark, I excused myself and went to my room to clean up after my excursion the beach. I dressed and went out to a tavern Sofia had recommended. The food was simple but wonderfully cooked and the home made Raki at the end of the meal was just the perfect finale.
I went back to my room, undressed and sat out on the balcony in the dark. I was looking at the star covered sky, enjoying the warm night air on my naked body. I felt the fatigue of a long day creeping into every cell of my body. When I became sleepy enough I retired to my bed and fell into a deep sleep.
I don't know how long I was sleeping for, but suddenly I felt I was not alone in my bed. There was a warm, naked, feminine body lying next to me. I was startled, but before I could move there was a finger pressing gently against my lips and Sofia said: "Shhhhhh, it's me. Please keep quiet. I will explain."
"Sofia, what the hell are you doing here?" Despite my shock I managed to keep my voice quiet, aware that her husband may be nearby.
"Please let me explain." She begged.
"OK, I'm listening." I answered, trying to regain control over myself and listen for the sound of approaching footsteps. The last thing I needed was a jealous husband chasing me from the house in the middle of the night, especially given my complete lack of clothing.
"When we talked this afternoon, I did not have the courage to tell you everything you should know about my religious belief." Without breaking the contact between our bodies, she turned towards me, lying on her side so I could see her eyes in the dark and felt her full breasts on my right arm. "There is a reason why I do not have children. I took a vow before my wedding that my first child will be born from a Jewish man. This is my way of being true to my wish and belief of making Jews and Christians come closer to each other. On my wedding night, when my husband had approached me in bed to claim my virginity, I stopped him before he penetrated me and told him my vow. He was very upset, but since he is also a very religious person and a very considerate husband, he did not want to be the one to cause me, his beloved wife, to violate my vow."
"Do you have any sort of sexual contact with him?" I asked.
