DESPITE being on the island for almost 11 years there are so many places we have never visited, and we do try! This week was an opportunity to explore new ground to the west and south, thanks to a trip organised by our senior citizens group KAPI.
So it was an early start to take in Kourna Lake, which we had been to previously and then Reythmno before turning south to Paleochora.
Situated on a peninsular, 74 kms south of Chania it is a small town, surround by the Lybian sea. Pretty with nice beaches and plent of attractions. It's famous for it's small bays, tourism and the cultivation of olive oil and tomatoes.
Refreshed by a good overnight sleep in an excellent beach side hotel it was time to head to the Samaria Gorge. It is a national park, rich in flora and fauna, famous as a 16 kms walk. Not an idea walk as it takes more than five hours, so it was a look and time for photographs of the rugged terrain. Visitors usually arrive at the village of Omalos at an altitude of 1,250m and then end their walk in the village of Agia Roumeli. Having arrived usually by bus, the walkers usually take the ferry back to Paleochora, tired and refreshed at the same time.
Heading inland it was then time for lunch at Theriso, famous for the starting point for the uprising years before, time in Chania and then to Akrotiri overlooking Souda Bay.
There was just enough time to squeeze in a visit to Georgopolis for some of their famous wood oven bread,, a local church and then home - phew!!
TOWARDS the end of last year we met Americans Duane and Cheryl, who moved into the village, about 200 metres from our house. Since then we have become good friends, and they are good company.
We have a taverna in a nearby village called Kokkini Hani where we sometimes go. Phyllis, Scottish co-owner is a real laugh, excellent sense of humour, and business partner Ganni is a really good Greek chef. During the year they have what they term “buffet nights” In reality a group of people are invited, usually 20 or so, many are regulars, including us.
The building is small and very traditional, in fact it sits on the edge of a car-park, is hardly advertised, and is not really easy to find.
We mentioned this to the Americans who were keen to experience it for themselves, so along they came. They were very surprised by the quality and the quantity of the food,. On this night we had: Greek salad, tzaziki, fava, two kinds of pork, two kinds of chicken, fried fish, potato salad, sausages in sauce, two kinds of liver and a beef dish. Much of the produce comes from Gannis’ own animals or from his vegetable plot, it’s always fresh and there is a vast amount of food, no matter the numbers. The biggest surprise however comes at the end of the night, when the cost is €10 a head, about £8!!!
Of course there is Raki to drink and fruits afterwards, and you cannot leave feeling hungry. The Americans have already demanded to be informed when the next one of held.
For us it was also an opportunity to catch up with a Dutch family, who have been coming to Crete for more that 20 years. We keep in touch by e-mail, but it was extra nice to catch up personally.
