Crete

By now we are all experts at ferry transfers so no problem on that side. This Seajet was the nicest of the lot… bigger, roomier and we had a butler to serve us!!! The only problem was that the weather had turned a bit so the sea was very choppy and the boat was rolling heavily so slightly uncomfortable. However we finally reached Crete and this is where we made a slight mistake as we landed in the capital Heraklion but were staying for two nights in a place called Chania ( the C is silent so pronounced Haania) which is about 21/2 hours away. So after a bumpy boat ride, a long car journey on winding roads we finally reached The Domes Noruz Chania and what a property it is. A beautiful oasis with 3 swimming pools, a breathtaking view of the sea and a private beach. The sound of the sea waves lapping up on the beach is mesmerising and I could just sit for hours listening to it.

Today was my friend Sonia’s birthday so even though we were tired we had to celebrate with the lovely Prosecco and cake organised by her husband Billoo and her lovely children Sahil and Karina!! We woke up refreshed and ready to see what Crete has in store for us. The weather was bright and sunny but quite cool when the wind blew so it was too cold to swim either in the sea or the pool. One mental note I made was that it’s preferable to visit here maybe by the end of May or early June when it will heat up and still not be absolutely packed to the rafters with tourists.

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and is the most populated. We went into the old town of Chania which is a city on the northwest coast of Crete and is known for its 14th-century Venetian harbor, narrow streets and waterfront restaurants. At the harbor entrance is a 16th-century lighthouse with Venetian, Egyptian and Ottoman influences. We walked all the way round the harbour to reach this lighthouse and what had looked very near seemed to go further and further but there was a fantastic view once we reached. We spent a lazy afternoon in one of the harbour side cafés watching the world go by and then went back to our hotel.

Today was Mothers Day and my two daughters Rashi and Aradhana continue to amaze me by surprising us with a cake and a bottle of Prosecco. There was a lot of furtive communication with Monisha for the address of our hotel etc of which of course I had no clue.!!! In fact they had tried getting this info from Vinay but he just knew I was somewhere in Greece!!! However they persisted and we got pampered by our girls!!!

The next day we left Chania and moved to Heraklion as this is much nearer the airport and we had a 6am flight the next day. The car journey though long was very pretty as we drove all along the coast and there were lots of olive trees and greenery along the way. The main road is lined by bushes and bushes of pink and white small flowers which are apparently poisonous and supposed to keep cattle off the roads…. Not sure if it works but it’s a good idea!!! We again went to the old town to finish off our last bits of shopping and have our last typical Greek meal.

The next day we embarked on our long journey back home. It took us practically 24 hours with 3 flights and interminable waits at all the various airports. However we come back with wonderful memories of a beautiful Country and really friendly people. Whilst it was quite tiring we loved every minute of it and the amount we have laughed, eaten, drunk is unbelievable!!! I would like to thank my friends for making this trip so memorable and whilst I am happy to be home I am already thinking of options for our next ‘Girlie’ holiday!!!!