"I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love forever and ever." Psalm 52:8
AUTUMN IN CRETE

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Akrotiri Peninsula

Crete is divided into four regions. We live in the northwest region called Hania named after it's major city. The Naval base (NSA Souda Bay) and our new home is on a helmet shaped penisula called the Akrotiri Penisula. We are presently living in a town called Stavros and it's big claim to fame is that Zorba the Greek (starring Anthony Quinn) was filmed here. I can see why they chose this location...beautiful secluded beach cove and stunning cliffs.A long hike up to "the Zorba cave" revealed some really amazing views over the peninsula but the cave itself was merely an enormous cavern completely filled with goat droppings. I didn't stay long - just long enough to score some great photos.

The day after we arrived on the island we couldn't wait to explore so we set off for a hike up in the hills starting at an old monastery called Agia Gouverneto. The rocky path started at the top of a hill and descended quickly down to the ruins of Kathaliko Monastery. Eventually the path winds down through a giant gorge and ends at the sea. This hike has continued to be our favorite to this day.




Saturday, November 28, 2009

Cretan blog up and running!





Hello (Ya sas!) Melanie and Richard here in Hania, Crete. We are finally blogging and have so much catching up to do. We'll start with some photos and post a little more each week. Enjoy!

A typical Greek "kafenio" where the Greek men (and an occasional woman) hang out in the afternoon and tell stories, argue politics and converse (loudly) over a bottle of raki.

This is a typical street in the Old Harbor section of the town of Hania. The merchants sell their wares such as olive oil, wine, leather goods, clothing, knives, artwork and lots of souvenir trinkets.

The Cretan hills are harsh and forboding, accented by sheer cliffs and deep gorges. But the thousands of olive groves that dot the landscape in the shadows of the mountains are proof that the fertile soil produces abundant agricultural crops.

The Aegean sea is the color of liquid jade. It's unbelievably clear and warm - perfect for a relaxing swim!