Slept in late (really relaxing here) & decided to head down the coast road. We cannot get over how fast the Greeks drive, but even more frightening is the space they take up - almost in the middle, so they're basically coming straight at you. Not only do you have to contend with that (from the 'wrong' side of the road), but there are cats & dogs everywhere, & pedestrians who insist on walking on the road, even when there's a footpath. I spent most of the time white-knuckled, much to Scotti's annoyance. They all seem to know when to pass, when to drive within inches of your car & move at the last minute, but for us, it was hairy!!
This side of Crete is like Mars - red, rocky, rugged & really dramatic. Huge caves & deep crevices & cliff edges to the sea. Really spectacular in a barren kind of way.
Lots of 'Tavernas' on the roadside, often with the kitchen on one side & tables & chairs set up across the road. During their summer there is so little rain (we haven't had one day of rain in 4 weeks now), so this system works.
Stopped at a few lookouts & another Church - so tiny!
Went back to White River Cottages for a swim & relax, then out to dinner to Haris - an outdoor Taverna. Whitebait for Scotti - he'd been looking for them, & slow roasted goat for me. Mine was definitely the winner.
Gave Helen a small gift - eucalyptus oil & an oil burner for everything she'd done for us.
Went 'home' & watched a movie on Scotti's iPhone! Where there's a will there's a way!!
Got up early to drive back to Heraklion. It was fine whilst the roads were quiet (most of the way) but when we got to the 'city', I was going for the imaginary brake every 5 seconds. Horrible!! The car company told us to 'park the car anywhere & leave the key under the seat.' Can you imagine that in Australia? No inspection, no paperwork! Only in Greece.
Getting on the ferry was again, very Greek. No lanes for cars or motorcycles & people just walking on - no ticket -that came later. It just goes to show how policed we are (not that that's a bad thing). Realised we had numbered seats (when will we learn?) & sat with two Canadian siblings, comparing countries all the way. A good time passer, as at times the swell made the ferry rock, which I hate (a bit like planes).
Arrived in Santorini amongst the other hundreds in the chaos! We had pre-organised a pick up & the driver was so lovely, pointing out relevant sights on the way. Much easier.
Got to our traditional cave house villa. Wow! Wow! Wow! Details on the next Blog!!