Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Hello, All! Welcome to Chania, Crete!
We had a very nice dinner last night, albeit fairly early. (We were out walking around and stumbled on a place that looked very nice, and NON-SMOKEY, so decided to stay!) Officially no restaurant that we’ve been to in Crete has even a no-smoking section, but at least, because we were early, we had a smoke-free meal! (Same trick that we learned years ago in Europe, but now no worries in U.K., France, or Italy, as ALL restaurants are non-smoking! YEA!) We started by splitting a starter of roasted eggplant stuffed with tomatoes, onion and feta cheese. It was GREAT! Then we both had chicken souvlaki – chicken on skewers with peppers and onion. If my chicken is getting boring to some, I apologize – but I LOVE chicken, can eat it forever, and it is safe for me to order. Besides, the chicken seems to taste better in Europe – fewer hormones and chemicals? For the complimentary dessert, we originally thought there were lemon squares, but substitute coconut for lemon, and you’ve got it. Not really sweet – just sweetish, which was fine…and of course, a small pitcher of Raki for Robert to enjoy.
Back to the room about 9 and had BBC World on TV so we were able to watch the changeover in governments between Gordon Brown’s Labor party and the new coalition with the Lib Dems and Conservatives (wonder how long that will last!) Did enjoy watching the entire ceremony attached – Brown’s resignation, then he and his wife’s car ride to Buckingham Palace where it was accepted by the Queen. Then Cameron’s drive to the Palace to be asked to form the next government. Very interesting, especially to us Americans where one party doesn’t take over after an election for months! Much prefer the British and Australian system!
We kept the French doors on the balcony open all night, and while it got nicely cool, the noise from outside wasn’t really too bad, so we never felt that we needed to close up and put on the a/c. Up around 6:30 a.m. to another beautiful day! Breakfast at Casa Leone isn’t served until 9 a.m. so figured we’d be able to get to the Archeological Museum and still get back for food. Archeological Museum not too far away, and we basically had the place to ourselves! It’s in a lovely old Venetian building and contains many finds from the Chania area as well as some of the nearest islands. Very well presented with information in Greek and English. Stayed about an hour, then headed back for breakfast.
Very nice, although WAY too much food! We were first given big bowls of fresh fruit and granola over Greek yoghurt. This was followed by hard boiled eggs (which we declined) and a basket of all sorts of baked goodies, including pound cake (excellent), cookies and spinach pies. Also juice and coffee. Met a couple from Vancouver Island, BC who are very worried about getting home, as they’d booked on British Air, who are scheduled to have a flight attendant strike scheduled for the time they’re scheduled to fly. They just arrived in Crete after spending some time in Istanbul. It was fun exchanging recommendations!
Out after breakfast, heading toward the Venetian Arsenale which is on the inner harbor (we’re on the outer harbor) – I always love those places; huge areas where ships were once built. This one had been pretty much built over, so only the arches were still visible; fun nonetheless. From there we went to the Central Market and had a good walk through there. It’s a daily market for fish, meat and produce, but also lots of touristy type things. We discovered yesterday that we can get wonderful saffron very inexpensively, so have purchased some, as well as for gifts. (Found that we are able to bring back spices into the country, which is great!) Stopped there also for a break and a BIG glass of orange juice with ice – it’s GREAT and healthy too!
Back to the hotel then for a sit down. Because we’d had breakfast so late, as well as our O.J. break, we weren’t at all hungry. Decided instead to skip lunch entirely and go to dinner early…again, hopefully to miss the smoke! The sit down actually stretched into a lie down and nap, which got us through the hottest part of the day. Our room remains nice and cool from the sea breezes, so we still haven’t used the a/c. Up around 3 and out for a glass-bottomed boat cruise. Very fun; about an hour – and they let me drive the boat!! There were only 7 of us on the cruise, so lots of room for all. The others were Norwegian, English and Danish. As nobody wanted to go snorkeling (I hadn’t even realized that was an option!) the captain took the plunge, and came up with a baby octopus! Incredible! The cutest thing!! From there we walked over to the Naval Museum, but missed their hours by 15 minutes!! Contemplating going back there tonight.
Found two recommended restaurants, one of which we’ll hit tonight, and the other most likely tomorrow. Now back in the room, watching Stage 4 of the Giro d’Italia on Eurosport in German, and catching up on the blog!! Beautiful breeze on the balcony, where we sat with glasses of rose and watched the world – and a HUGE flock of swallows! – frolic outside!
More later!
Much love,
m
x
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