Ouzo, Schnapps, Rosé & Prosecco

[Gem56]

The print in English in the above photo says:
The Bay of Elounda was considered suitable as a supply base for the British Imperial Airways flying boat on the route connecting Britain with India. Imperial Airways carried passengers and also all the urgent correspondence of the Empire from Britain to India and Australia. The base-ship M.V. Imperial lay off shore in the bay during the 1930s. In August 1938 there were 8 weekly flights from England to Egypt, 5 of which would continue to Calcutta, India and Sydney, Australia. The whole journey would last less than 10 days while the same journey by boat would normally take 30 days.

The map shows the flying boat route from Australia to England ca 1935. On the map it shows the stop in Crete as Mirabella, which is just a couple of Kms south of Spinalonga and Elounda Bay.


Given the calm water in Elounda Bay, it's obvious why this spot was chosen as a refuelling stop for the flying boats.

 

[Gem56]

The little church - Although the island was abandoned in 1957, the priest didn't leave until 1962 - 5 years after the last person was buried. He maintained the Greek Orthodox religious tradition of commemorating buried people at 40 days; 6 months; 1 year; 3 years; and 5 years, after their death.







Leper Colony Cemetary - ca 1904 to 1957

 

[Gem56]

Information about the Leper Colony on Spinalonga

 

[Gem56]

Some more history of Spinalonga

 

[Gem56]

Back to Plaka on the boat and we dined at one of the fish restaurants that was recommended by the hotel - Ostria. Great location, nice food, good price and it seems that all the restaurants bring out complimentary desert along with a liqueur - on this occasion it was Raki. I think it was just pure alcohol - not my kind of drink. I'm sure they must be trying to get rid of these liqueurs - they serve it in great quantities. It's such a waste giving it to me.











Desert - syrup cake

 

[Gem56]

I forgot to mention that on arrival at the Domes of Elounda we were given a free dinner, bottle of red wine each night, upgrade to a suite, free breakfast each day, Spa Thermal Experience voucher and free parking. Lovely!

 

[Susan Marks]

Can’t get better than that! Love following your trip with such beautiful photos.

 

[Gem56]

We are certainly enjoying the more relaxed atmosphere here in Crete. Vastly different to Santorini. Interesting that we haven't heard one other Aussie accent while here on Crete. A few Americans, English and of course other European accents.







A little hard to see what this is - a pianist in the lobby of the Resort.








Full moon rising

 

[VPS]

I read a book on the lepers of Spinalonga - fascinating - thanks

 

[Gem56]

I read a book on the lepers of Spinalonga - fascinating - thanks

VPS is the book called "The Island" by Victoria Hislop?

 

[VPS]

VPS is the book called "The Island" by Victoria Hislop?

Yes it is - I enjoy her books

 

[Gem56]

Driving in Greece:

• Regardless of broken or unbroken lines - just drive in the shoulder so that other vehicles can overtake. Even if the driver infront doesn't move to the shoulder, just overtake anyway! No-one seems to worry about it.
• Despite the speed limits changing from 130km/h through to 60km/h or sometimes even 30km/h, and there being numerous speed cameras on the freeways, as long as you are under 100km/h you wont be fined... so we've been told!
• The Blue sign with the Red cross indicates "No Standing and No Parking". Some even have a tow away sign above it. Unsure whether there is a consquence or not, the Greeks seem to ignore the signs and do whatever they want.
• Stop signs - seems we are the only ones to actually take note.
• I mentioned to a waiter in a restaurant there doesn't seem to be much of a police presence. He agreed and commented they sit around sipping coffee all day.

Our policy is to adopt the same as in Australia - obey the rules and you can't get into trouble, despite what someone tells you.

 

[Gem56]

Bali - no we haven't diverted for a quick sojourne to Indonesia, we're still in Greece. On the north coast between Elounda in the east and Chania in the west. Looks a lot more sedate that it's namesake in Indonesia.

 

[Gem56]

Another Domes Resort, (Domes Noruz) this time in Chania or Xenia, again whatever takes your fancy! Almost everywhere it seems, has a variety of spellings.

The hotel was fully booked and we were given the largest room/suite in the resort. Certainly was roomy... except for the bedroom and both bathrooms. The suite was poorly designed and wasn't really practicable. This room has it's own pool and jacuzzi and is double the width of the other rooms. Again, a platter of fruit and a bottle of red wine was waiting for us in our room. The staff are exceptionally friendly and warm. There is a gateman, who will take your luggage out of the car while you are being checked-in and then park the car.

 

[Gem56]

Our room on the end

 

[Gem56]

The Venetian Port - Chania

The harbor was built by the Venetians during their colonization in Crete and specifically between 1320 and 1356. It was an important center, serving the Venetian military ships, as well as one of the most important commercial ports of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The Old Venetian Harbour of Chania, Crete, Greece

Parking is very challenging. The concierge showed us where to access parking, which is "pay and display", however there are many one way streets and getting to the parking areas is more difficult that we were led to believe. We managed to get a parking spot that was free.

It's bustling with lots of visitors amongst the tavernas, cafes and bars with a wonderful old world charm. Most of it has been well maintained.

 

[Gem56]

Chania Sailing Club. It looks like what was an old road between 2 buildings has now been covered and the front filled in with glass containing a door and converted into the Sailing Club.

 

[Gem56]

 

[Gem56]

There are NUMEROUS tavernas/cafes in the old port, and thankfully we had a few recommendations from the Front Office Manager at the hotel. We could have used the rule of thumb which is if the restaurant is empty there must be a reason and if it's full then the food must be great. However, we went with a recommendation and chose Glossitses. NIce and good value. Sorry... forgot to take photos of our meal.

 

[Gem56]

Another recommendation for this little family owned taverna, approx 5 minutes drive from the hotel. Very nice. "Elia" which means "olive tree" and there is a big old olive tree in the front yard. I would say it's an old home converted into a restaurant.