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Today we left Hania and headed to Rethymno. This city is listed as similar to Hania but it has its own character and we loved exploring it. It doesn't have such a big harbour that the town is centred around but nevertheless it has a lovely waterfront and we had coffee in a cafe near the Old Springs in the centre of the Old Town and another yoghurt ice cream.
After a lovely morning we headed to Moni Arkadio, yet another monastery. It was with some doubt that we went as we have seen many and it seemed difficult to imagine one as impressive as those set atop monolithic rocks in Meteora. Anyway, off we did go and it was worth every kilometre. It was much less impressive in it's setting but far more beautiful in it's own right.
The grounds were lovely as were the buildings and the view and it's history impressive. Rather than surrender to the Ottomans, the residents blew up the monastery with all the people sheltering in it and killed them all and the Turks as well. One little girl survived and she lived to a ripe old age in a nearby village.
Then it was off on the hour and a half drive to Malia. Tomorrow we will visit some more great sites. We are also enjoying doing the readings in the car as we drive from place to place. They are all full of lessons for us and it's amazing how they intertwine.
We reached Sun Village, Malia, an apartment type hotel room, kitchenette, beautiful. Overshot our accommodation, thanks to the GPS and had to ask for directions at a taverna. The guy was so helpful and gave us such a great sell on his restaurant that we went back for dinner and what an amazing dinner it was. He was a so right about their great food.
It was a family business, the Father was the chef, Mother cooks some of it too, the sister is a pasty chef and does some of the desserts. Most of the ingredients are grown on the property, including the herbs. The son is the waiter, the guy I asked for directions from, a cousin helps out in the kitchen too. We met a young Hebrew couple with a 6 month old baby, also staying at Sun Malia, had nice chat to them.
Dogs and cats are everywhere here, one day we had four dogs lying across a road so we couldn't pass. Everywhere you go they have several cats. The cat did come in handy at the restaurant in Kalambaka but unfortunately it wouldn't eat the dessert, that was a bit of a pain. Unlike Sri Lanka, they are well cared for and never cause a problem, some are very cute.
Enough for today!
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