After touch and go decision whether to make a trip to Crete
due to Alan's moderate but cumulative health issues we decided to go ahead. A short notice booking via Monarch proved
very economical at less than £200 each.
I can’t remember getting a fare that good in the past and we were definitely
aided by our lack of fixed dates and flexibility over airports – resulting in
us using Birmingham for the first, but hopefully not last, time
Arriving late August gave us a week to unwind and settle in
before Chris and Gary arrived – unfortunately, this coincided with Alan’s foot “exploding”. An adventure we could have done without was
learning how to use the hospital system - basically, you wave your EHIC card and push
in.
The first time was in the evening and from leaving home to being seen, having a prescription dispensed and getting home again only took 2.5 hours – imagine that in the UK!!
The second time was mid morning on a Monday and after waiting 45 mins a Dr took a look and said “Go to Dermatology via the main reception.” The receptionist said there were no free appointments so we asked if we could go the next day – the reply was, “No, go today and wait” – we did so and still Chris & Gary, for lunch. Shame they didn’t have a magic wand just ointment and more antibiotics. We need to be patient now, as the cream has to be applied for 20 days...
Poor Alan doesn’t know what’s worse no driving, no swimming or no alcohol. That said, we did have a good break when Chris and Gary were staying with us for 2 weeks but we left Alan home alone sometimes.
Our x 2 night stay away to Plakias was good fun; our excellent accommodation was right by the beach and only a short walk from the tavernas. On our first night we
were amused by waddling geese that walked along the beach and road without a
care heading for the taverna that obviously frequently feeds them.
“Take a gander in here!”
“Take a gander in here!”
The short boat trip to Prevelli beach means you get the most
amazing view of the palm-clad river crossing the beach. A walk up the river to the foot of the gorge
is beautiful and as the fire scorched trees, have returned to green glory it
shows just how good nature is at righting man made wrongs.
During the drive home we paused where the road goes through a dramatic gorge and enjoyed a flying display by obliging Griffon Vultures. Then we had a refreshing stop at Spilli to taste the water gushing from the Venetian fountains.
Apart from a visit to the south coast we used very local beaches and tavernas when not eating at home. This is where I should add a BIG thank you to Gary for sharing the driving - thank goodness it is the car that is insured out here and not the driver!
In the week since Chris & Gary left us, Alan has stayed on the balcony with his foot up and open to the air to give it the best opportunity to heal. It may not have been how he hoped to spend his time but a seat in the shade overlooking olive groves and mountains is better than staring at four walls in Swindon!
In the week since Chris & Gary left us, Alan has stayed on the balcony with his foot up and open to the air to give it the best opportunity to heal. It may not have been how he hoped to spend his time but a seat in the shade overlooking olive groves and mountains is better than staring at four walls in Swindon!
