Cinco de Mayo in some parts of the world, but for us, arrival at the Island of Crete, the furthest south of the Greek Isles, and the 5th largest island in the Mediterranean. Our post prandial tour this morning begins in the Port of Souda and our guide Vasso and her driver Christos.
We motor onward from the port to the town of Chania (pronounced Hania) and into the ancient walled city (a theme of walled cities has emerged on this trip!) As we walk the town, we learn of its ancient roots, back to the Minoan culture prior to 3,000 B.C; also of the neolithic period prior. Crete, being a strategic island in the crossroads of the Mediterranean shipping lanes, was often conquered and claimed by the many empires surrounding it. From Egypt to the south, Turkey and the Ottoman Empire to the east, Venice and Italy to the north and west, and even the Northern European crusaders, many have controlled the island over the centuries.
Most of the population of the island, and its many cities lie along the northern portion of the island. The island runs east and west a distance of 265 Km and 35 Km north and south. The center of the island is mountainous, with the highest peaks lifting to 2300 M (8,000 ft.) The higher peaks are often snow covered even into the summer. The current major economic drivers are tourism and agricultural upturn. Olives are the most important crop and here they raise pigs, Croats, sheep and grain. The olive production is a variety of small olives particularly suited for oil production, about 95% of which is exported around the world.
The old port of Chania is of the Venetian era and is flanked by forts at its eastern edge and an Egyptian lighthouse at the western edge. The harbour is small by today's standards and is used primarily for pleasure and tourist boats today. It is surrounded by the ancient city and is populated with restaurants, bars and souvenir shops.
We walked this ancient area, following small streets and alleyways lined by former homes now converted to apartments, small boutique hotels and taverns and restaurants. A busy place with many charming settings and tiny alleys. We ended our tour in the central market, a covered cruciform shaped hall that was chocked full of cheese, spice and souvenir shops. Some shopping was done, but more window shopping. Our tour guide departed, taking a few of our team back to the ship. Eight of us stuck in town and began searching for a lunch place. After a single misstep, we ended at the Apotolis Restaurant for a Greek luncheon of lamb chops, stuffed grape leaves, spinach pies and souvlaki with a few glasses of wine shared.
We caught the city bus back to the port and re-boarded Oosterdam at 4:00, well in time for the 4:30 departure.
Most opted for a more leisurely dinner on the Lido deck, choosing salads, pho soup and ice cream. After a leisurely deck stroll and a bit of continued ship exploration, we retired at 10:00 as we ended the first half of our vacation adventure.
