Poet. Heavy-hipped. London-based. Mango Lover.
Body Shop 'Coconut' Body Butter - yum!
Poet. Heavy-hipped. London-based. Mango Lover.
Body Shop 'Coconut' Body Butter - yum!
Member since:18.05.2001
Reviews:5
Last May, I went to the beautiful island of Crete. I was a bit nervous as it was the first time I had ever been on holiday by myself, but you know what? I was excited as hell. Have you ever felt apprehensive and excited at the same time? It's a wonderful, wonderful feeling.
THE HOLIDAY
I booked a holiday to Rethymnon in Crete for 7 nights via lastminute.com. It only cost me £216 for a week and I thought that was a damn good deal. However, it was probably that cheap because I booked it at the very, very last minute. I mean, I think I booked it about 2 days before I left.
THE VIEW
The beauty of Crete struck me even before the plane landed. You could see a divine view of the island from the plane. It was awe-inspiring. It was like catching a glimpse of what God sees when He looks down. When we arrived at the airport we had to get on assigned coaches and they had names. Mine was called, don't laugh, Sylvester Stallone. I would have much preferred Maxwell or Wesley Snipes or Taye Diggs. That’s not too much to ask for, is it? ;-)
THE HOTEL
I stayed at Hotel Elida, which was off an interesting and long street of restaurants, shops, tour operators and foreign exchange bureaux. Anyway, when I got to my studio, I was gob-smacked. A studio with 3 beds (it was meant for 2-3
people), kitchenette, toilet, bathroom and balcony all for MOI! The studio was sparse but clean. I was so ecstatic that I took pictures of my room from every conceivable angle. There wasn’t a television in sight and I thought I’d get withdrawal symptoms but I ended up not having the time and not even wanting to read a book or listen to my walkman that much.
BREAKFAST
The next morning, I went to the grocery store for some fruit and veg. All I can say is 'cheap' and 'big'. The grapes were as big as a plum and the apples were as big as Jennifer Lopez's ass. They were very cheap as well. It was such a joy having such good fruit for breakfast in MY balcony (well it was my balcony for a week, anyway!). What's more is that the beach was just a minute’s walk away!
THE BEACH
I hit the beach an hour later. Imagine the following - sun, sand, limitless sea, the therapeutic sound of the waves and you've got the picture. I was mesmerised by how the sea stretched out into the horizon. It was almost as if there was no separation between the sea and the clouds. I’d usually lie there just staring in awe at this phenomenon and listening to the voice of the waves, allowing its sound to relax me. I’m not a poet but I was actually moved to write a poem about my experience. Little was I to know that this was the beginning of several beautiful experiences that I would encounter.
EXCURSIONS
I went on two excursions. One was to a beach called Elafonissi. I sometimes find words limiting, regardless of the degree of eloquence that one might have. What the mind’s eye sees and remembers is a lot more authentic than words can ever express, but I will explain as best I can. The sea was a shade of blue that can never be replicated by man, only admired. I cannot compare it to a shade of blue I have ever seen. All I can say is that the colour was alive. The sands were pink because of the delicate shells that had crystallised. The water was clear and shallow – perfect for children and people like me that can’t swim. I could see little fish in the water and even translucent jellyfish (of the non-stinging kind!).
The other tour I went on involved going to a variety of places. I went to an ancient burial ground that had been discovered by archaeologists. We didn’t actually go in but we stood outside the gates where you could get a good view and we were told about the history. We then went to several little, old churches with very old relics. Though I didn’t have any prior interest in churches and relics, I ended up having a respect for it. I also liked the fact that history was respected and kept where it began. Some of the churches were in a very dilapidated state but this merely added to its beauty.
We also went to a picturesque little village littered with cherry trees. It was interesting to see cherries at different stages of ripeness. The owner of one of the trees allowed us to pick a couple and they tasted exquisite.
We then climbed up a hill within the village for about half an hour. The view from the top was out of this world! Grand mountains like the kind you’d see in a postcard surrounded us. The weather was very hot and yet you could see the ice on the mountain peaks. We had lunch at the hilltop under a canopy of tall trees, next to a fresh-water stream to the sound of traditional Greek music and the smell of freshly prepared chicken kofte (kebab) and salad. We later danced in a circle to Greek music, moving clockwise and anti-clockwise, arms around each other’s shoulders, saying ‘hey’ at certain times. Get the picture? A bit like Zorba the Greek!!
THE PEOPLE
I found the people very friendly, not just towards tourists but towards their own people as well. Drivers would greet other drivers (can you imagine that happening in London!!). People would smile at you as you walked past them. Everyone was just really laid back.
THE FOOD
I tend to eat fruit when the weather gets hot, so I didn’t really eat a lot of food. I also prepared most of my food. However, I did go to one or two restaurants. I found the meals tasty but a bit on the salty side.
SPENDING
I went with £200 spending money, which covered food, two excursions and presents for friends and family. I came back with a couple of Drachmas change. Not bad for 7 nights.
TIPS
A word of advice to anyone that is thinking of going:
- you will make friends with natives and tourists alike, so it doesn’t matter whether you go on your own or with friends.
- shop around for excursion deals. The first excursion I went on was with JMC, the people I booked the holiday with. I didn’t realise that I could have gotten the same deal for at least £15 cheaper with the numerous other local tour operators down the road. They are just as good so don’t be afraid to shop around for a better deal.
- the more excursions you plan to go on, the more money you will need.
- There’s a multitude of beautiful, artistic wooden carvings and ceramics on sale out there. If you’re into things like that, you won’t be disappointed, but walk with more money.
- Go to Platanias even if it’s just for the market. It has a personality of its own. You can buy anything from age-old cheese to age-old leather!! There are two war fortresses for those who it interests. There are also plenty of fish restaurants lined up against each other, next to one of the fortresses and a beautiful harbour.
VERDICT
I would recommend Crete to anyone who wants to catch a glimpse of heaven. It is a truly beautiful, picturesque island. It’s not just the mountains, the beaches or the old churches that define Crete, it’s also the people.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Nice honest op. Personally thought Elafonissi was a bit of a tourist trap, overpriced and over touristed.
Cazz 12.06.2001 15:35
What a wonderful opinion, that truly transported me from dull grey London for a few magical moments!
cool4cats 09.06.2001 18:26
Excellent opinion and it has really inspired to visit this beautiful island.
I had the chance of a late availability holiday to a place called Kalives which is about 30km from Rethymmnon , did you visit there by any chance ?
Anyhow I am afraid I backed out because I would be travelling alone for the first time too and I wasn't sure of how safe I would be in this particular part of Crete - missed out there :0(
If you have visited Kalives perhaps you could let me know what it was like ...
Gillian
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Advantages: Sightseeing, markets, weather, amenities, culture, friendly people, nightlife, food. Disadvantages: Euro rate. Some places shut due to economy. Drivers.
Phweeter 28.04.2009 (25.09.2009)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Crete (Greece)
![Crete Greece [DVD]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/87607063.jpg "Crete Greece [DVD]")
![Crete Greece [DVD] [NTSC]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/124360979.jpg "Crete Greece [DVD] [NTSC]")
Jun 5th, 2001
very helpful by (100%):
