OLIVE TREES OF CORFU – A personal reflection
On arrival in Corfu, one cannot fail to observe the massive population of Olive Trees. The landscape is dominated by them. From a distance, there is a gentle canopy of greeny blue which at different times of day take up other colours from pink and orange through to aqua marine.
On closer contact different aspects manifest themselves. The trunks, I see as their faces, telling me their age, character and experience of good and bad times alike. Yet look up and there is almost always the happy and healthy exterior of beautiful leaves and plentiful fruit.
I find the experience of entering an olive grove very similar to walking into a Chapel, Church or Cathedral. My initial reaction is to be quiet, to walk slowly, to show respect and to take in the full atmosphere both spiritual and physical.
The presence of a greater power, the beauty of the architecture, the craftsmanship, the decoration and the respect shown for those who have passed this way, commands humility from the guest. I have to show respect, since I am but one visitor in a history of hundreds of years, to a place where people have come to work and to worship, and to benefit from the fruits of the trees.
Their contribution to the economy is unquestionable. They show a loyalty to us, their temporary guardians, from generation to generation, asking for little in return. Even in death they give us more beauty by way of artefacts and carvings.
There is no arrogance or selfishness; they kindly invite us to share their beautiful island and its history.
Richard Hewlett, Corfu