Souda, Crete
I have been desperately trying to post my blog for several days but to no avail. From deck 9 to the coffee shop, to the pool area and right in front of the front desk but no luck. So it may be that once we get to our next port many entries will appear all at once. They started our coffee chats and they have been in the main theater and packed. Along with that Kate Ross, my friend and excellent guest speaker, has a full house. People come at least 45 minutes early to get a seat. She is a master speaker, historian, human being and professional. If you are ever fortunate to hear her lecture don’t miss the opportunity. You will be amazed and in awe.
So besides listening to her on sea days I have also been doing the craft classes and working on my blog. I’ve had a few days lounging on deck three which is such a joy and so relaxing. I’ve met so many interesting people at everything I attend. My internet toons often are to write and then someone appears, conversation begins and the time flies. But isn’t this part of the wonder of travel? Meeting people from all over the world, listening to their experiences and being a sounding board for them to release their anxieties, joys, accomplishments and fears. I had not expected to meet so many older joyful people but they are impressive and provide inspiration.
Our tour in Souda, Greece was on October 26 and also the day Kate boarded. Our tour was with Across Africa tours and called tour of the 7 Villages of Apokoronas. It was a six hour excursion where we visited ancient monuments, beautiful villages and scenic countryside. Our guide was a lovely lady named Linda who originally was from Belgium. Sone of our stops included visiting an Ottoman fortress and fork lore museum,visiting a cheese factory and tasting their cheese whic is a mixture of goat milk and lambs milk, visiting a Raki distillery and imbibing in some strong but tingling spirits, tasting extra virgin olive oil with warm bread from a small local bakery, exploring the old Chania market which is pronounced Hania. The market has everything including Cretan cheese, olives, wine, Raki,herbs, and quite a few taverns. I loved the Raki and always Frank mine and Dans!!! To me it tasted like a smooth tequila. One distillery offered us three different flavors and yup! I tasted all of them and Dans :). There is a restaurant at the top of the market area called The Blue Restaurant. We chose to walk the city area and find our own restaurant while exploring the beautiful bay. The area was full of families and visitors. Several glass bottom boats were there for tourists along with a pirate boat. The area was just like something out of a travel book.
The waterfront area had great food, beautiful architecture built on salt beds and is one of deepest natural harbors. This location is utilized by NATO. Most tourists make the trip to Chania, 4 miles from the harbor, which is the old town. In the 13th center this area was under Venetian’s rule. It was a major trade center. They had to anchor out and use smaller ships to bring in products for the old harbor. The Turks built a mosque in 1639 but it Is no longer a mosque. IT’s architecture is lovely and unique. The Germans invaded in 1922 as were so many other countries during this time.
The Currency is the euro but they took dollars and credit cards.
Ouzo is the local strong alcohol made here at maybe 4o% alcohol. We are with Across Africa Tours and have several tours with Mary Anne Moore. The day of our tour was called good weather babies; when born in Greece babies are are named after their grandmother. It is called a Dimitri day. If you know someone with a form of this name you call them and wish them well. Happy name day. It is actually in the Greek calendar. People drop by your home. At church they have a service.
Our port here is a Commercial port. We are on time leaving at 11:35. It will be a full day. Typical port area. Rough, graphite, island of the gorges. Not all walkable.
Lots of ferries go from here. 6-7 flights come and go a day from airport. They gow citrus and avocado. No chemicals here are used. There also is an American military base here. Oleanders grow here here but it is very rocky and litter is horrendous. How can grieving things here be organic.
We visited the Apokorono villages.
In 1913 they became part of Greece. They were occupied by many countries for a long time. It has been very poor for so long. People existed off local foods. Hitler wanted to take Crete and many ships were sunken here in the war.
The island is 160 miles long. The White mountains get snow. Only Alpine skiing takes place here as there are no lifts.
Sone areas are over 8500 ft high. Earthquakes have happened here and destroyed historic buildings. The Rocky soils are full of fossils here. Some of the valley areas are very fertile. Olive trees grow here. There are three zones here: Alpine zone Mediterranean zone and the sun tropic zone. Much fruit grows here like quince, cherries, peaches, pear, apple, guava, papaya, grapes, citrus and walnuts
Our visit first area we visit is very green which means water has been tapped. In Crete cheese is good. They never drink without something to eat. They have at least 66 wines houses.
Man who wrote song for Zorba the Greek lived here and built an amphitheater. It is made of limestone and Accommodates 2000 people. Villas always have springs or cisterns. Architecture is reflective of the ottomans. Acoustics are fantastic.
Laurel tree leaves make an oil for antithesis .
All acapella music is sung in the Greek Orthodox Church.
Sounds change each week with a different tone.
The church is built into the rock. Silver tokens are placed on the eyes of the saints for healing. Byzantine music helps people to pray. This Church was built in the 7th century.
Our buffett was delicious with goat and sheep cheese. Dip cheese in honey for a delicious treat and taste experience. We have a very strong alcoholic wine which is 47 % alcohol. It tastes almost like vodka. Very strong.
The Monastery-is our next stop. St. George is the name.
We stop for another Raki tasting which takes two months and is made from grape skins.
Still 100% copper steel is used for the bats that hold the alcohol.
Our first area looks green with abundant olive trees
Small monument houses note where someone has passed and provide honor to the soul
Vista from the church built into the caves with small amphitheater that has perfect sound no matter where you sit
Inside the church with the walls and ceiling of the cave.
Inside the church
Beautiful architecture with the caves walls
From the open window of the cave church
The small delicious bakery where we sampled their wares
They make large bags of dry bread to sell so folks aren’t baking every day
Sampling breads, cheeses, oils, honey, and Raki!!! Yum!
Betsy and Chuck finding a shady place to enjoy their snack
Photos from the historic monastery.
Look at all the cooking oil that is used. One family may use up to 25 of these in a year. Pure olive oil.
Another sampling of Raki and bread at the monastery
The monastery is being refurbished
I loved the small windows and the plants.
On top of the buildings you could view the valley and enjoy the leave and quiet.
Another unique remembrance house for the spirit
The distillery where we were given a great tour then three different kinds of samples, bread, oil and olives in a lovely setting.
I’m pretty happy with the Raki!!
They also served fresh vegetables
Now on to the oil production plant. Very interesting and something we have never seen. This was the old way to press the grapes.
Another old press used in the past
The oldest olive tree in the area 100’s of years old
This truck takes all the sludge from the presses many times a day. They use it for feed for animals and they also sometimes pack it and dry it for fuel
The olive oil processing plant
Showing us how the get sorted and dumped from burlap bags into the bins
The olives moving up the conveyor belt being washed and sorted more with tasting of the oils with bread below
Going to Sidi Bousaid and their market
Oh!!!! More Ouzo which is just as tasty as Raki 🥂
Such a catchy colorful mannequin
History from the Byzantine era about the wall of Chania as seen below.
Look at these beaded hangars!!! Never have seen this before and they were beauty and unique.
Our restaurant where we ate and got a free bottle of wine!
Betsy and Chuck hanging in there with us as we made it back to the ship
The harbor of Chania with glass bottom boats, pirate ships and interesting shops and restaurants. You can see the Turkish temple which is no longer used.
We rode the ship shuttle home with it being all lit up and ready for us to board and soon move on.
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