Gaylene's Ramblings: Cruising Day 6

Today we arrive at the ancient port of Chania located on the northwest coast of Crete. This picturesque city has been restored and rebuilt to its Venetian charm. Since ancient times Crete has been an important hub linking the three continents which surround the Eastern Mediterranean. On this island an amazing culture, Minoan civilization, thrived only to disappear for thousands of years. Since then Crete has been subjected to ongoing bloodshed and invasion by those who wished to control the island eventually returning to Greek rule in 1913.

On the morning of May 20^th, 1941 German paratroopers filled the sky over northern Crete as history’s first major airborne assault took place. Allied troops from New Zealand, Australia and Britain together with Greek military units and the Cretan Gendarmerie (police and cadets) defended the island as best they could. They were supplied and supported by the British Royal Navy. Many brave civilian men and women of Crete came to the aid of the Allies. They paid a terrible price as the Germans took their revenge out on the local population after soundly defeating the poorly equipped Allies. Guerilla groups comprised of astoundingly courageous Cretans with the support of British commandos operated on the island throughout the German occupation.

The battle for Crete, although a costly defeat, taught Allied commanders valuable lessons which proved vital to the eventual and ultimately successful invasion and conquest of Hitler’s Fortress Europe.

Today visitors from around the world are welcomed to share in the rich culture and ancient history that is Crete. However, I was more interested in a day at the beach as I had been cruising round the Mediterranean for a week and hadn’t yet swum in the sea. I toyed with the idea of visiting the Allied monument and would have liked to do that but our time on Crete was limited to half a day so the swim won out.

So with no organised tour I joined many others and hopped on a local bus. I must say that Crete was the first place that had locals at the wharf handing out maps and freely giving information. Alongside the numerous taxis waiting to take visitors to the town or beach were local buses which left when they were full. Armed with my map I got off at the appointed stop only to discover that I couldn’t find the next bus I should catch or the stop! No-one seemed to have much English or be able to help so I began to walk in the general direction of where I thought the bus might be. As I was in the centre of town I browsed the high-end shops, all of which had good sales. I would recommend Crete for clothes shopping!

After strolling in the heat for a while I orientated my map and headed down a long street towards what I decided must be the water. Keeping to the shady side of the street I glimpsed snippets of daily life on this island while locals washed their cars, talked to their neighbours and went about their normal daily lives.

Reaching the end of the street I was pleased to see water and headed around the old wharf until I came to the first beach, passing many local restaurants. The entire walk was around half an hour and was pleasant, if hot. An nearby restaurant offered breakfast and a private swimming spot with deck chairs, a nice option which I nearly took.

Reaching the beach I threw down my towel and bag and headed into the crystal clear water of the Mediterranean. I was surprised by the numerous fish as I entered the shallows and was later to learn that these are the feet nibbling type that you could pay to sit with your feet in a tank while the fish nibbled off your dead skin! I decided to forgo paying for a chair and umbrella instead opting to lie in the shade of the pine trees lining the roadside.

The water was much cooler than I’d anticipated. In fact it took my breath away. Perhaps I’ve become too accustomed to very warm water here in the UAE. The water was dotted with rocks, much like swimming in the Marlborough Sounds except for the amount of people on the beach and in the water. Once fully immersed the water seemed to warm up and I spent an hour or two just drifting there, enjoying the spectacular surroundings.

My beach was the first of several swimming beaches close to town. Many others went further but I was happy with my choice. Shops and apartments lined the roadway across from the beach giving it a pleasant holiday atmosphere.

Once again, I was one of only three women on the beach not in a bikini! And the other two were 80 at least! It didn’t matter what size you were or what age or what skin colour, all wore bikinis. Some were even topless while sunbathing! A piece of advice though if you are considering a beach excursion: if you are going to wear bikini pants hitched up to your waist like a thong, get a wax first! OMG!!! Especially if your pants are peach coloured and see-through once wet. We are obviously too self-conscious in NZ as you just don’t see sights like I saw.

As I floated in the water I felt at peace and knew this was a place I’d like to return to and stay for a length of time.

Eventually it was time to return to the ship and even though the buses passed by I decided to walk back. Another tip: don’t put your cotton shorts over top of your wet togs then walk through town. Unless, of course, you want to get stared at by all the men as you look like you’ve wet yourself! So off I go and when I realise why I’m getting these funny looks, I stop at the old wharf and take off my shorts and sit and enjoy the view while they dry a bit before donning them for the rest of the walk back to the town centre. I admit to getting lost and finding my way into the ‘old’ town which was wonderful. Set right on the waterfront it was a mass of tiny shops selling every imaginable item. Once again, thoughts of my ‘browsing’ friend came to mind and knew she’d love it here, in fact, she’d have missed the boat! There were numerous rooms to rent but I have to admit that I preferred the beach area.

Finding the bus stop again I jump on a bus back to the port, lucky to get a seat (even in my wet shorts). The bus is filled with fellow cruisers all returning after a rousing day in town or swimming. We are entertained, and I use the word loosely, by an Italian Papa and his family of daughters who all start to sing. I thought I’d got on a tour bus going to the Opera. Then I thought I was headed to and Italian football match when they started singing some Italian football song. Even I, without any Italian, could pick that one up. Other passengers looked aghast at the shenanigans but I thought it amusing how the Italians are so conceited that they wouldn’t care what anyone else thought.

Back on board after a well-earned shower I rest on deck with a book and cool drink while I marvel at how like the Marlborough Sounds Crete is.

I enjoy the scenery while a tug helps us leave this jewel in the Mediterranean.

I ponder the rugged terrain and spare a thought for those brave young men who fought here, once again wishing I’d visited the memorial. Perhaps next time?

I change for our second formal night at dinner. Tonight I’m not joined by the teenager as he has his own friends to hang out with. In fact, I’ve not seen him all day.

Before dinner we’re treated to a circus parade on the Royal Promenade. After dinner is a special treat for me, The Beatle Maniacs show. I sang and danced my way through it, you’d have been proud of me.

To round the night off I head with a fellow diner to a late night game show, The Quest, in which hot young people are asked to do ridiculous stunts supported by us, their teams. It was hilarious and I must say the oldies were the quickest to get their bras or pants off!

Back at my room I switch on the light to find I have a friend waiting for me! Sweet dreams everyone.