CRETE: HOME OF THE ANCIENT MINOANS, Guest Post by Steve Scheaffer and Karen Neely

View of seaside village at Lygria, on the north coast of Crete, just west of Iraklio.

My brother Steve and his wife Karen traveled to the Greek island of Crete in September, staying in hotels in Elounda, Heraklion and Chania.  Crete, with a history going back thousands of years, was an opportunity to visit museums and ancient sites, as well as to enjoy the Mediterranean climate and fruits (and wine and olives) grown by today's inhabitants. Steve and Karen have graciously agreed to share a few of their photos with The Intrepid Tourist. 

Their first night in Greece was spent at the Cypria Hotel in Athens, and from there they flew to Heraklion on Crete. Here's the view from their room at the Elounda Ilion Hotel on Main Street.

Ships and ferries in port as seen from the Elounda Ilion Hotel. 

Near Heraklion is the Palace of Knossos, center of the ancient Minoan civilization (1600 - 1400 BC.) Steve and Karen did a tour of the palace as well as visiting the Archeological Museum.

Palace at Knossos, Crete (rebuilt from archeological remains.)

Replicas of paintings discovered at Knossus. The original paintings are on view at the museum.

Typical street in Epano Archanes, a small village south of Iraklio up in the mountains. Although the narrow streets are used by cars, they are pedestrian friendly. 

Doorway to home in Epano Archanes. Note bowl to feed local cats--which are found everywhere in Crete.

Blue glass container for olive oil tasting. 

Purchasing olive oil directly from the maker. Olive oil is a major export of Crete.

Wagon with ancient olive tree behind. Olive groves were all over the island.

The olive tree of Vouves, on Crete. This tree, which has a trunk 15 feet in diameter, is at least 2,000 years old, and likely 2,900 years old, based on the graveyard found nearby. This tree likely lived through the writing of the Iliad, the golden age of Athens, the rise of the Roman Empire, and the birth of Christ and then lived for 2,000 years after that. It still produces olives, as well.

Results of day spent at a cooking lesson at a country villa with a group of 10 other people.  Using local ingredients they prepared stuffed tomatoes and peppers, filled pastries, made toasted bread with tomatoes and goat cheese, along with a bowl of tzatziki, a classic Greek side dish made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic and olive oil.

 

View from their room on the top floor of the Porto del Columbo Boutique hotel in Chania. The Lighthouse of Chania is visible at the entrance to the harbor. 

Housed in an imposing, tall, 650 year old building, the Porto del Columbo Boutique Hotel has gathered a rich history over the centuries. During the Ottoman days, inhabited by senior members of the Turkish military who made many changes in the architecture of the building – still retained the metal rings nailed to the walls. In the early 19th century, the building was used as a French embassy and later inhabited by the great Greek politician Eleftherios Venizelos, who used it as a political office until moving to Athens when he took power as prime minister of Greece. 

With many thanks to Steve and Karen for providing us with a vicarious trip to Crete!