Crete - westside

It was then off to Chania which is northwest on the island and a pretty far drive - 4.5hrs. Driving on the island is a lot of twisty, turny roads which makes it fun. Chania was really just a stop over to get to Elafonissi. 

My hotel was right on the water which is always lovely!

Chania is known for its 14th-century Venetian harbor which includes a mosque. It's an interesting combination of Venetian and Turkish influences.

The most famous beach on Crete is Elafonissi. After pretty much having the beaches to our self this was a bit of a shock to the system - people everywhere! But I can totally understand why - the beach is pretty outstanding. The sand is a pinkish colour which doesn't show up in the photos. You can also walk on the sand without burning your feet which was a refreshing change. The water is crystal shades of blue and varies in its depth - some places its like walking through a puddle it is so shallow.

 

And this was where I left the vacation . . .

Another trip to Greece - Crete

Friends of mine from Canada were headed to Greece and I decided to join. This time I went to Crete which is the largest island in Greece. One of my friends had been there before so did all the planning. We started the trip on the east side of the island in Palekastro. 

In Minoan times the region was a centre of trade and we were staying not far from some Minoan ruins. The Minoan civilization was an Aegean Bronze Age civilization on the island of Crete and other Aegean islands which flourished from about 2600 to 1100 BC. Today, the area mostly relies on tourism and agriculture. What was nice is that it was really quiet and not over run with tourists. 

My hotel was in an olive grove and all you could hear was crickets!

This was a very low stress holiday that pretty much involved beaches, beaches and more beaches, including . . .

Chiona Beach which was down the street from us.

Another day we headed up the coast to check out Zakros. 

Mojito Time!

The most famous beach on the east side is probably Vai Beach probably because it's the largest palm forest in Europe - the sand and water are also pretty amazing!!!

The last beach we hit up was Itanos. There was a Minoan city at the entrance of the main beach and it was particularly powerful region during the Greek era. There was no shade or umbrellas so we just stopped by for a swim and a hike, well some of us hiked - the rest of us watched :) 

And after a stressful few days it was off to the west side!

Canada 150

It was time to celebrate Canada's 150th Birthday and the best place to celebrate is the Canadian Embassy - or one would think. I have to say I was highly disappointed in the event which was mostly Germans who gave really long speeches - there was almost nothing Canadian about it. Even the beer I had never seen before . . .

There was at least a mountie and some pins!

In good news, the BRLO Brwhouse had a real Canada Day party - they even had poutine!

I think everyone that celebrated with me is going to remember Canada 150 for a while ;)

Summer Party - Take 2!

My first year in Paris I did a post about the summer party. Unfortunately last year I had to miss it because of Cancun so this year I made a special trip to Paris just to go and hang out with friends. It was totally worth the trip!