Blogs from Chania, Crete, Greece, Europe - page 5

After the very long day yesterday (up at 05h30 and back at 23h00), this morning started late(r). The plan for today was to complete one of the most beautiful walks in Western Crete, with extensive coastal views from a narrow scenic coastal path. The 10h00 bus was full (again), this time, accompanied by Mr. Tourettes. Arriving at Melissourgio, I got off the bus and walked up a few steps on to a side road and set off through the little village. After a short stretch of following the main road, the track began to wind up the hill, getting steeper whilst the sun got hotter. Stopping at a little red-roofed church, I took a drink of water. Continuing up the hill, the sun seemed to strengthen but the views over Maleme were stunning. Finally, on reaching ... read more

With just a few minutes notice, I found myself on the next exciting adventure - just two days after having returned from a couple of days walking in the Lake District. Arriving at the airport, I waited patiently in line before being called forwards. At the check-in desk, a puzzled lass studied my paper ticket and announced that my details were not on the system. I pointed out to her that the e-mail was from her head-office and gave their approval for my flight. Some things appear to be beyond the wit of man and, despite the approval of her immediate management chain, she still failed to understand why my ticket was not registered on her system. I guess one really shouldn't short-cut the systems and arrange a flight just 90 minutes before departure! After an ... read more

Saturday 21st May, 2011 We went for a short stroll in the early evening nothing too much as both our legs were still not cooperating fully. We ended up back at the apartments and stopped for a drink. To say the barman is extroverted would be this years understatement. The reception area has wireless internet so I posted a blog and Pat was talking to some young Norwegian girls while waiting for me. We went back to the room which completed the day. Sunday 22nd May 2011 We woke had a coffee, showered and headed off to Hania, we parked in the underground car park again and walked to the Old Harbour. We had some coffees and then ambled around deciding on a place to view the Red Arrows display. On the western side we saw ... read more

Flying all the way from London to Crete on the other side of Europe for a four day solo holiday was admittedly on odd choice, but fate dealt me that hand, and despite the late notice and strange circumstances I ended up having a great time and a very adventurous few days. I was determined not to try too hard to prepare, because when I'm travelling by myself being too organised kills my buzz. So it's fair to say I didn't deserve much of the good fortune I had. After arriving in Hania in Western Crete in a public bus a tall gentleman floated in my direction and asked if I needed a room to stay. Central, en suite bathroom, rooftop terrace and ridiculously under-priced? "Yes, thanks!" I liked it so much I stayed there the ... read more

Our last day in Crete so we went back to old Chania town for dinner. Also took some additional pics of the villa as by this time we had removed the pool fence (actually used it as a clothes line outside) and one us us was stupid enough to go for a swim in the villa pool. We all thoroughly enjoyed Chania and early tomorrow morning we all head for Athens. Whilst most will stay for a night in Athens before heading off to Venice, Gail & Mike will instead catch a flight to Naples and hop down to Positano on the Amalfi coast for a few days before meeting up with the others again on Saturday in Florence from there we hit another vila but in Tuscany, Italy this time.... read more