A TREASURE HUNT
ENDS IN GOUVES
By Lou Duro

       
   Like many before her, Jackie O'Conner came to Gouves as a tourist, fell in love with Crete, and decided to live and work here. Sounds familiar? Sure, but then she did something not many other people had the sense to do.

"I looked around to see just what was not available in this area," Jackie told The Ko-Go Khronicles. "Then, I began to formulate my plans to create a very special type of shop – one that would appeal to local residents as well as tourists."

Jackie, who had worked for the ad department of The Irish Times in Dublin for 20 years, gave notice, packed her bags and moved to Gouves about three years ago. First, she worked seasonally in a local jewellery shop to gain experience. Off-season, she travelled to places like Hong Kong, Africa, Mali on a sort of "treasure" hunt.

The result is a unique little gift shop called Little Treasures, located in Kato Gouves across from the Chinese Restaurant. There you will find items not available anywhere else on Crete. Things like silver from Ireland, jade from the orient and Tagua from the rainforests of South America.

"Tagua nut carvings have become a favourite collectable in many parts of the world," Jackie said. "It is beautiful, and is being used to replace Elephant ivory. Tagua begins life as a nut, which is naturally hardened and then carved into intricate pieces, which must be seen." In addition to Tagua and jade, she has acquired a select collection of other specialized gifts and collectables, such as Newbridge Irish Silver, Tumble Gemstone, delicate pewter fairies, Himalayan Salt carvings and fragrant pumice stone.

Presently, Jackie is planning to be open most of the year, especially during the holidays. In addition, she will open by appointment (6942-782490). And, when not in her shop this winter we expect she'll be travelling to exotic destinations on additional "treasure" hunts.