The next day was Crete. I have now had five days in Greece and they have all been super. This day did not disappoint.
I got a taxi with three others – Jon, Gracie and Lou. And It was great. We got a set price – 110 Euro for four hours and off we went. Last time I went into Chania, so this time we went east out into the country. The driver had a little english so we played charades to ask such things as “what was that road kill?”
Who knew Crete got snow on it’s mountains?
First stop was a lovely little church overlooking the sea. The area was so pretty.
We drove past many olive trees. Ancient olive trees. They are pruned down to small trees, so the ancient ones looked like Bonsai trees – giant Bonsais. Some of them had trunks over one metre in diameter.
Then onto an old Monastery – and talk about a stunning building. The Monastery of Arkadi.
We then drove along back roads and up through the hills. At one time we were driving along a dirt road and saw a paddock of sheep – Aussie sheep are certainly much prettier. While droving past, two dogs jumped up from under their trees. We slowed down to look, and they raced out at us snapping and snarling. No one was going near their sheep. As we drove off they went back to their trees to sleep. Great job!
Then down the hills and past farms, olive groves and wine vines.
We saw Eurasian Griffin Vultures flying around.
As we were driving along I made friends with a goat. I saw him way down the bottom of a hill and started doing a pretty good “BLAAAAA” at him, and commenting on how sheep say BAAA and goats BLAAAA. Well it must have been a great ‘Blaa’, as he came running up to the fence to look at me. Then ran along next to the car, bleating and bleating. Funny.
Through some lovely towns.
and to a huge fortified ruin. Again very pretty.
The driver then wanted to take us to see something “very amazing”. “Was it a view?”I asked. He assured it was a wonderful view. “OK then, we will go”. Well not a view of the sea, but a view of a chapel / museum made of the most hideous coral type rocks. Pretty funny.
There was even a mountain goat high up on a rock! A model of course.
We had a fun five hours out. The taxi driver then tried to ‘trick us’. He had the metre running and tried to charge us 175 Euro rather then the agreed 27 Euro an hour. After much discussion he got 27 per hour – and a smaller tip then he would have got. Silly man!
Then down to the stunning port town of Chania. A long history, including being a Venetian city, being bombed in WWII etc. It is now a tourist town and is fantastic. A three sided harbour full of amazing food and sights.
We ate a sensational meal.
And drank Raki of course!
Then taxied back to the ship.
Yep. Greece is great!
After a pretty sail away it was two sea days to finish up a sensational voyage.
The final of progressive trivia was held. The top three teams were all within about 2 points. Us in front! And we had a good day and walked away as the Champions. AGAIN. Yay for us. We got heaps of prizes – again, and had fun giving them all away – again.
The next day was that fun/sad last day where you say your goodbyes, chat, pack – yuck and all that.
And as the sun set on this amazing voyage……..
We had a fun dinner with wonderful stories being told.
Next Page – Barcelona.