Europe 2011 day 8: Crete, Greece

Good morning Crete

After Corfu, we spent the next day at sea on the boat and had a nice, relaxing day. After being "on the go" so much it was really nice having a day with nothing to do but lay out in the sun with a good book.

Then it was onto the next stop - day 8 (Sept. 20) on the beautiful island of Crete!  We didn't know much about the island since it wasn't as big of a tourist destination as some other islands like Santorini and Mykonos (more on those islands later!) and we found Crete to be a lovely island!  And it was pretty nice to have a break from all the tourists.

hanging out in the harbor

We went into the small town of Chania and walked around the harbor and then walked out to a lighthouse.  We saw some locals sitting out and doing their morning fishing and met a local man who we chatted with for a while.  He actually lived in Canada for a while so he was known around the area as "Mike the Canadian."  He wanted to hear all about America and politics.  Actually, everyone we met who found out we were from America wanted to know what we thought was going to happen in the November 2012 elections.

the city lighthouse

When we walked back from the lighthouse to the harbor we saw there were a lot of boats offering tours around the island that included a spot for snorkeling.  Sounded like a good plan to us so we signed up for a trip and were on our way!  The snorkeling was fun and the water is actually the clearest in the Mediterranean due to the strict waste dumping laws set by the island of Crete.  It was lovely, but I have to say, nothing compares to the snorkeling and water we saw in Bora Bora.  Still, a fun outing!

Nick on the swim

lovely Crete water

After our swim we worked up quite an appetite and stopped in for lunch at a spot "Mike the Canadian" recommended called Antigone. We ordered a Greek platter for two which came with a ton of food including boureki, moussaka, dolma (stuffed grape leaves), stuffed tomato, stuffed green pepper, and rich, thick tzatziki.  It was our best meal of the trip actually!  After our meal the owner Joseph came out to talk to us (when we sat down we told him Mike sent us) and they brought out free dessert, fruit and raki (the local liquor made from grapes). I typically don't do shots at lunch, but when in Rome - bottoms up!

our giant plate of food - we ate it all

shots on the house

outside of the restaurant

After lunch we went into town and walked around the lovely streets...

shrines like these were all over Greece, this one was for Mary

After our walk through town we went over to a beach...

A lovely day in Crete!  Next stop: Athens!