Detour Here!

Today we docked at Heraklion, Greece, our alternate port since we were unable to make it to Athens.  This was a very commercial port.  The pier here didn’t allow passengers to walk from the ship to the entrance to town so a complimentary shuttle transported passengers.  We weren’t in a big hurry to get off at 8 because we knew from the captain that other than some ruins there wasn’t a lot to see here but they did have a hop on hop off bus.  We decided we would most likely take the bus and then if we decided to get off and explore more of town we could choose to get off.  Luckily we were there at the bus before a large group of passengers were there so we purchased our tickets and got good seats.  

Town was like many other port towns in this area, crowded tight streets, many many high density housing units which look run down. Laundry hung from most of the windows blowing in the wind.  You could tell who lived in the cubicles by the laundry displayed; young children, working single men, elderly folks.   The bus ride was disappointing.  Some of the narration came out with another language other than English so as the saying goes we were list in translation !  The route was also altered for no reason known to us so we didn’t go by things we should have.  When we were getting g close to the ship we all decided together to get back on the ship and enjoy the hot tubs, a quiet lunch and some card games!!  

That was a good choice. We are a pretty laid back bunch.  The ship was quiet and accommodating. The slider top over the pool was open and the temperature perfect to sit poolside.  

That night we opted to watch a movie under the stars “Stan and Ollie” a biography about one of the most famous comedy duo’s, Laurel and Hardy.  The comfy loungers had head pillows put on for our comfort and popcorn was served!  The show was very good and I learned what a tough and grueling life this two men endured.  

By 9 pm we all headed up to our floor on deck 11 to hit the hay. Our next stop will be Santorini ( Thira) Greece so it was repack our day packs , lay out our clothes and prepare to get up early as this is a tender site. 

Part of the old fortress built to protect this port from pirates and raiders. 

Most of the buildings in Heraklion have the same French influence we have seen in other towns.  

A shot of my comfy lounger by the pool !!

Not many photos for this port but more to come!