E4 Krèt nwaj konplè

A very special stage. Today the gap is closed and my E4 on Crete is complete. 557km and 20,070 meters of altitude are just the numerical summary. The paths, impressions, and encounters cannot be expressed in such a short way. Crete shows many sides. There are the coastal paths with their incredibly intense colors, the sound of the sea, and the dreamlike beaches and bays. The high mountains with their barren, almost vacuum-like atmosphere, where silence and solitude dominate. The forests with their mighty old trees, with the ethereal scents, expansive and magical. And the cultural landscape with its small villages, nestled in the wild ruggedness of the mountains. On high plateaus, expansive mountain ridges, and steep slopes, delicious olives, wines, fruits, and vegetables thrive. I have encountered friendly, helpful people. Tolerant and uncomplicated. That's what my E4 has shown me, because 'the' E4 only exists with interruptions, complications, and loose ends. Often, you find yourself in nothingness, the path is at its end, no longer present, no more markings in sight, and you have to figure out how to reach your destination or simply change your plans. I realized that this is a challenge that I enjoy, when I give myself time, work patiently and persistently on a solution, sometimes just let things come to me, or let others help me. Overnight stays in a tent in the high mountains, on the beach, or sometimes in the shelter of a chapel have brought me a good connection to what appears necessary to me and have, in the truest sense of the word, grounded me. My children, family, friends, and my dear wife have always accompanied me, and I became particularly aware of how valuable these people are to me. Now I am looking forward to the time spent with my wife on Crete and to a comeback party with everyone together.