Smile and enjoy the moment

Crete is spectacular…everything from the beaches, mountains, food, wine and people. We’ve been outdoors basking in the sun, eating delicious Mediterranean food and enjoying life.

We’re currently stationed in Heraklion for a few days.

Today we went wine tasting in the hills behind Heraklion. George, our taxi driver whose motto was “smile and enjoy the moment”, stuck with us the entire day. We went to two wineries and sampled delicious local varietals including Plyto a grape that was on the verge of extinction.

Yesterday, we went to Knossos Palace. It was the political, economic and religious center of the Minoan Civilization during the Bronze Age. The Minoans were an advanced civilization and the infrastructure they built reflected that. They had underground sewage systems, ceramic interlocking pipes that plumbed the city, aqueducts that brought in fresh water, rooms with natural cooling, and sky lights. They even used cypress trees to earthquake proof their buildings. It’s incredible to think all that plus some more was accomplished 3,500 years ago. That’s more than what some cities have today!

Prior to Heraklion, we were in Chania. The bulk of our time was spent lounging around our beautiful resort with walks into the city sprinkled in. We saw Venetian boat houses, mosques, fortification from the Byzantine empire and Minoan settlements all in one city.

We also dedicated one day to hike Samaria Gorge, a protected National park on Crete. It took us 6 hours to descend 1,200 meters from Omalos village down to Agia Roumeli on the Libyan sea. The trail was vertical and very rocky. Every step required focus. It was a beautiful hike nonetheless that highlighted Crete’s geological splendor. I’ve never seen drinking water so pristine. The ability to go for a swim in clear turquoise sea immediately after made the hike even more spectacular.