Chania, Crete

A charming old town on a popular tourist destination Greek island, Chania hadn’t gone to bed yet when we started walking her streets at 8:30 am – or, at least the clubs had not.

We wandered the old port, checking out the tiny minnows in the crystal-clear waters.

The harbour is dominated by a Venetian lighthouse built in 1864 by Egyptian troops aiding the Ottoman Empire; the base dates from the previous lighthouse, 1645.

After walking the breakwater to the lighthouse and back, we wound our way along the water from the old port to Nea Chora beach. Mom and Jen rolled up their pants and went wading – the water was warm and delightful.

After walking in the waves and re-confining feet to footwear, the group split. Mom and Dad went back to the old port to wander, while Jen and Dave got a beachside table at a Greek family restaurant.

Lunch included bread with a tomato dip, olive oil, and an assortment of olives; tzatziki and fried fresh caught squid, chicken souvlaki, French fries, and a mint-dill couscous salad. They also gave us a complimentary dessert – we think it was Yiaourtopita – and Mastika liquor.

After lunch we wandered slowly back to the bus stop and returned to the ship. Tonight is Koningsday (a major Dutch holiday; the ship is flagged Dutch), and there is a special Holland-themed dinner and an Orange Party.