Crete, Greece

After an overnight ferry from Athens, we reached Chania, Crete. We stayed in a lovely, traditional Greek pension near the harbor. It was a struggle to get our large, heavy suitcases up the narrow stairs and through the dainty hallway, but we managed to do it without breaking anything! We went shopping, walked along the romantic old harbor, and dined at numerous tavernas. We love Greek salads, and the desserts and small bottles of ouzo that arrive after you ask for the check. We spent our 2nd day in Chania at the beach. Randi discovered that sunbathing in glasses = raccoon eyes. I discovered that spf 50 doesn’t get you any color.

On our final day in Chania, we hiked 11 miles through the Samaria Gorge. It was my 2^nd time and this time I came more prepared with spf, tennis shoes, shorts, and a baseball cap. Last time on spring break with friends, I was in linen pants and moccasins. The views were spectacular! It’s an intense hike with rocky, rugged trails. Once we left the gorge, after throwing out our tennis shoes, we went straight to the black, rock beach and jumped into the clearest blue water. We were exhausted and proud to have finished the hike in 5 hours.

We spent our last 2 days in Crete in Iraklio, Greece’s 3^rd largest city. At a taverna near the Lion’s Fountain, we enjoyed Greek salads, rose wine, melons, and ouzo while watching gypsy children play in the fountain. Afterwards, we engaged in some post-wine consumption shopping, a favorite pastime of ours. On our final day in Crete, we spent the afternoon at a very windy beach and our bodies collected more sand than sunlight.

Have I mentioned how much we’re loving Greece?! We can lie in the sun, show some skin, drink some vino and ouzo, look at men in the eyes, shake a man's hand, smile at strangers in the street, wear short dresses, etc,etc…! Thank you Greece, one of my favorite countries in the world, for a much needed holiday!

~ Stacy