Tuesday, 11 June 2019

CHANIA CHILL OUT & HOME

RUBI'S TREAT FROM THE APARTMENT OWNERS
CHILLING OUT ON THE APARTMENT BALCONY
A RARE WHITE PEOCOCK IN THE MUNICIPAL GARDENS
A SUBMARINE IN THE VENETIAN HARBOUR
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
NEA CHORA BEACH
EASTERN END OF NEA CHORA BEACH
NARROW STREETS IN THE TOWN
OUR APARTMENTS FROM THE BUS STATION
APPROACHING GATWICK

After 5 tough walks in the White Mountains on 5 consecutive days, we were due a rest. Besides, it was Rubi's birthday. After enjoying our last breakfast at the Neos Omalos Hotel, we said goodbye to George and the Hotel staff and waited outside for the 9.00am bus to collect us take us back to Chania. The views out of the bus window as we drove down from the mountains were stunning.

By 10.30am we were back at our earlier lodgings at Alena Apartments. Not surprisingly, the room wasn't ready for us at that time, but we were able to leave our bags while we walked around the town. The sunshine was out and it was warm and sunny. We wandered through the Old Town, then down to the Venetian Harbour where we visited the Nautical Museum, which also included the Battle of Crete Museum. The latter described how German paratroopers invaded the island in 1941 and, in spite of fierce resistance, were able to occupy it until 1944.

I had mentioned to the staff at Alena Apartments that it was Rubi's birthday, so when we got back there we were delighted to see that they had left a bottle of wine and a bowl of fruit out for Rubi which, of course, we both shared.

In the evening I treated Rubi to a mixed seafood supper. The restaurant gave her such a large plateful that she was unable to eat it all. I had a small vegetarian platter.

We had a lazy start on Tuesday and took a walk to the Municipal Garden, to the west of our apartment, where we saw goats, peacocks and other birds. We continued on to Irinis & Filias Parks before proceeding to Koum Kapi Beach for a drink and to eat our picnic lunch. After, we walked along the harbour wall to the Venetian Lighthouse and back, and then explored the covered market.
On Wednesday we visited the outdoor 'flea' market near Georgiadis Park and then walked to Nea Chora Beach to eat. We returned along the waterfront to the Old Town to do some last minute shopping. We had pizza and pasta to eat that evening (and no raki).

Thursday 6th June, and all too soon the holiday was over and it was time to pack our bags. We had enjoyed exploring Crete. The people were friendly and we would certainly consider coming again. Our flight left mid-afternoon and by early evening we were back in the UK driving home. D-Day celebrations would be going on in Portsmouth during the coming weekend.