Crete

Crete is very mountainous.  

We came in from the west, following along the cliffs.

We arrived in Heraklion, the capital of Crete, about 8 am… and watched as the captain pulled off some great ship handling, turning a 960+ foot ship in a 1000 foot turning basin without tugs.  We stood on the observation deck (deck 14) and there were moments that we could not see the pier or the breakwater.  Scott’s only comment, “I’m impressed!”   It is amazing what you can do with azipods and thrusters.  We tied up behind one container ship (with stevedores yelling in Greek) and at a pier next to two Minoan ferries.

We chose not to take one of the ship’s tours, instead we walked along the port and into the city, enjoying the boats and views of the Venetian fort.

Most of the impressive structures we saw were left by the Venetians… a loggia, nice fountains, banks, and walls around the city.

It was nice and peaceful until we got to one of the main streets near the market and ran into a student protest.  It was a small, but vocal group.  We just wandered away from them, but they circled around and finished their demonstration in front of the restaurant where we had lunch. 

Tourism, fishing and sponge diving seem to be the main industries…

All too soon it was time to get back to the ship.    

Scott watched sunset from the balcony with a gin and tonic in hand.