Crete, Greece

​Crete   —   October 27, 2021

           

   Crete has much to offer for island visitors. The gorgeous beaches are always luring tourists to exotic resorts, private coves and pristine scenery.   I used to admire the very thought of going there. So much so that I requested my first military assignment to be in Crete. Alas, Uncle Sam turned me down and sent me to the Philippines instead. But I wanted to step foot on this island for a long time.  Now here I am! But we will not see any of those places today. Instead, we are going into Chania. 

   Our guide took us on a walking tour into old town. Looking into the face of this ancient medieval town is like a walk back in time. The architecture still catches one’s eye as it probably did in the 16th century. 

   Chania is located on the Northwest side of Crete. The ancient Venician harbor is 14th century and the lighthouse came along 200 years later. 

   We walked several blocks through old downtown listening to the historyof this town. Looking out across the street and above buildings one can’t help but notice the ornate towers standing high above anything else. Many of these Mosques were built during the Turkish occupation. A few still stand after all these years.  But they are very unique.   Spying a scaffold around one of the towers, I couldn’t help but believe someone wants them restored. 

   The indoor marketplace was huge!  There were many stores where you could purchase meat, fish, vegetables and fruit, not to mention anything else you might want. 

   Some of us met our tour guide at the fountain near the harbor for an escorted stroll back to our pickup point.   That way we don’t get lost!

   Along the way we stopped to take photos of some ancient ruins that are still being unearthed. New ruins are always being discovered. Did I say new ruin??  I really mean new old ruin. 😎

Mike Thomas