April 25-26 Zaros, Crete

We flew in to Crete at 5pm. It was very windy but, fortunately, no bumps during the 40 minute flight. We picked up our rental car & started our 1 hour drive to Zaros, a small village in the central part of Crete. First impression: Crete is not a sleepy little island! Heraklion, where the airport is located, is a major town with a major national road & very major traffic! Ana's illusions were shattered! After the Peloponese, this was little LA! Fortunately, as we got farther from Heraklion, we were driving through quiet little villages, olive trees & goats. Hurray--back to the Greece we love! We're staying at a wonderful small Eco-resort made up of small stone cottages overlooking a beautiful valley. There are hiking paths everywhere & lots of people from all over Europe, many with families. At first we were worried that we'd we in the middle of nowhere--but it's just perfect. Quiet, hiking, swimming pool, ping pong, archery & cooking classes--which we are taking tomorrow. The story behind
the hotel is interesting--2 brothers born & raised in Zaros, decided to start the hotel instead of leaving in search of a job. This is a big problem in Greece--as kids get more educated, there are no jobs to keep them in their villages--so they leave for Athens or Europe. So, Manolos & his brother have developed a whole industry & jobs. They've done a great job & they are so nice!

There are lots of short drives to archeological ruins & beautiful beaches--and lots of tiny tavernas with yummy food.  The food at our hotel is excellent & we've had not only raki, but also rakimelo (raki with honey & cinnamon). Yummy! I think we can do the same with mezcal! We plan to combine beach, ruins & walking and, of course,eating. We'll be here 4 days &, then, move to a more western part of the island near Hania, where we'll be on the beach.

We made it to the beach today on the southwest coast. Bill continued to work on his tan. He is now brown as a berry. Unfortunately, the variety is the albino berry. Greetings to all. More to follow. . .

 View from our cottage. The neat rows are olive trees.

View from Komos beach on the southern shore. Notice: there is still snow on the biggest mountains. BTW, the water in rivers is crystal clear. There are public fountains everywhere that you can drink from!