We all got a great sleep last night given that we had AC units that actually work to keep the rooms cool. Our hotel includes breakfast, so we headed down just after 8 for a great set up with pastries, fruits, eggs and Greek yogurt. Though the best part is definitely the view over the valley as you have your coffee.
Emily had booked a pottery class for herself, Jordan and Liam down in Heraklion with me on deck to look after Kieran. It was a bit early for us to leave, but Kieran was looking sleep, so we pulled in the car and drove down the windy roads nah to Heraklion. Because we were early, we parked up at a beach and watched some planes make the predators approach to the airport, whose runway starts right at the edge of the cliffs down to the sea. Jordan paddled her feet in the waves but got a little soaked by the shockingly powerful waves.
Next door to the pottery class place was a cute little coffee shop, so we all got some coffee before they left me alone for their class. Kieran and I stayed for another coffee while he made friends with the baristas (as he does everywhere). After a short hangout there, we got Kieran in the stroller and walked around the little Minoan Cultural Park where the class was. There was a cool theatre where they put on classical performances and an equestrian center that sent an athlete to the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. They also have 500 year old olive trees that were rescued from a flooded town by helicopter. So cool! Their cafe had sheep’s milk ice cream, so we had to try that of course. I would prefer the gelato we have generally been having though.
On the way back to the villa, we hit up a grocery store for provisions. Wine here was €3, but for the 1.5L bottles. Great value! It was time for a late lunch when we got back and a short nap for me (which somehow turned into 90 minutes. Oops). When I woke up, they were all outside the breakfast place doing some art. After an hour more of hanging out, we went for quick swim ahead of dinner. Kieran was more himself today, so enjoyed his swim more than yesterday. Jordan made a friend from Athens and they enjoyed jumping into the pool together.
Dinner was down in the town square, where there are about a dozen restaurants that have covered the whole place in tables. Many were occupied by old Greek men having social hour. So we chose one basically at random and settled in for a relaxed Greek dinner.We decided on several small plates to share instead of our regular approach which was a good life choice. It was a full smorgasbord of Tzatziki, spicy feta, eggplant with caramelized onions and pomegranate sauce, pork slices with grape and fig reduction (dish of the day!), lamb tacos and potato slices. And of course, a complimentary dessert of sponge cake and ice cream. Sadly, no raki tonight, so marks down compared to last night!
But the best was saved to last. Not more food, but the fact that serval very friendly stray dogs wandering through the plaza. This was far preferable to the cats on our balcony. They didn’t even go crazy on begging. Just walked by and if you have them some pets, then all the better. They naturally also scrounged for any dropped food, but again weren’t pushy about it. I’m surprised they didn’t camp out around Kieran for the dropped food and Emily or Jordan for the pets!
Dinner finished at 8, and Kieran was very ready for bed, so we just headed back. Not sure what the plan is for tomorrow, but I’m sure we will find something to do!
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