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Night location: Chania, Greece
The town of Chania has exceeded all of our expectations. Colourful strips of shops and restaurants line narrow laneways that spill down toward the Venetian harbour with its beautifully clear aquamarine water, Ottoman mosque, fortified walls and a strikingly tall lighthouse.
The history of this town is fascinating as it started as a Minoan settlement, prospered under the Greeks, Romans and Byzantines, was claimed by Venice following the Fourth Crusade (1204) who constructed its massive fortifications in the 16th Century, was captured by the Ottomans in 1645 and eventually became independent in 1898. In WWII Chania was heavily bombed and you can still see some of the old buildings in ruins due to this, but enough of the old town survived making it feel authentically eclectic.
After breakfast and a stop for Cappuccino Frappes we walked to the water and did the 1.5 kilometre walk of the Venetian fortification walls that enclose the picturesque harbour. We stopped in one of the historic Venetian boat sheds to see a reconstruction of an ancient Minoan boat and then enjoyed an incredible lunch of Greek mezze plates.
The archaeological museum of Chania is small but well laid out with good information. It is housed in the main church of the Venetian monastery of Saint Francis so the building alone was worth visiting.
Edith has been travelling brilliantly. She really loves tasting all the different foods and kicks her legs with glee. Today she went for her first 'swim' in our hotel's indoor pool. She wasn't a huge fan of the cold water as she's very used to her lukewarm baths but she was very interested in the splashing and the adults being in the water with her!
To conclude an excellent day we ate at a restaurant outside down by the water. Edith sat happily in a high chair and chirped away while eating the delicious Greek food.
- comments
Althea Halliday It's always good to read that a location exceeded all expectations. You describe Chania with warmth and detail, and we can imagine the streets and the cafes. The history of town is fascinating: one conquest after the other. And once again, there is our little friend smiling.
Bev So glad Edith is traveling well. She has plenty of baby sitters!