It’s Greek to Me

by Pam Plesons

Continued...

They were able to enjoy both the magnificent artistry of the opening and closing ceremonies and the sportsmanship of the games. I can truly say that our family trip to the Olympic Games was one of the best experiences we have ever had as a family or, on a larger scale, as citizens of the world. Our children were able to see that individual differences can be celebrated. They were able to see first hand how the world can unite in a time with so much division. Even now, as I think back, the enormity of its impact takes my breath away. For anyone who has ever considered venturing to another country to be part of the Olympic Games I can only say...don’t hesitate another minute. As soon as we returned from Greece our children were already trying to figure out how we might be able to travel to China for the 2008 Olympics. The opportunity to experience another country, another culture, within the back drop of these world games, is the opportunity of a lifetime!

Even without something as inspiring as the Olympics, summer is always a great time to visit other countries and cultures. There is no better way to teach your children about the world than to experience it together. Greece has so much to offer travelling families. During our visit, between catching Andy Roddick on the tennis court and Mia Hamm on the soccer field, we were able to enjoy Athens, the island of Crete and the island of Sifnos. In this, the first of my series on Greece, I would like to introduce you to the island of Crete.

Although Greek, Crete has its own history, folklore, and traditions. Crete is the birthplace of Europe's oldest civilization, the Minoan culture of 4,000 years ago. It also has rich Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Saracen, Venetian, and Turkish heritage. The island itself has pristine beaches and magnificent mountains all surrounded by the deep blue sea.

We left Athens on an overnight voyage to Crete. The ships in Greece are very comfortable (and punctual...be on time), but I highly recommend splurging on a sleeping cabin for overnight passages (approximately $130.00 for the four of us). We arrived in the charming town of Agio Nikolas on the eastern side of Crete. Agio Nikolas is built around a beautiful lagoon surrounded by palm trees and cafes. Although it has modern hotels and apartments it maintains a quaint personality and traditional lure. I love the narrow winding streets, colorful fishing boats, outdoor cafes and people watching at night. There are even Internet cafes if you feel the urge to catch up with someone back home.

While in Crete, we stayed at the moderately priced picturesque and authentic Cretan Village on the outskirts of Agio Nikolas. The Cretan Village is a small hotel comprised of individual villas. We wound our way up stairs and through some bougainvillea laden archways to a beautiful villa overlooking the sea (the stairs could be hard to maneuver with strollers and toddlers, but while we were there the majority of guests were families).

I especially loved the full kitchen...a plus when travelling with kids. The hotel is family owned and operated by Maria, a vivacious and generous hostess and her daughters, Ano and Popi. The atmosphere is casual and warm. I felt as if I had been welcomed into someone's home. The restaurant is lovely, overlooking the waters below and the food was delicious. There is a small pool for swimming if you don't want to take the short stroll to the beach with its natural running fresh water springs. Down the street just a short distance is another lovely beach with lounges and umbrellas for Mom and Dad and water toys for the kids including trampolines, see-saws and the first water climbing wall I have ever seen. There is a charge for entrance to the beach, but the kids will have a ball while you take in the sunshine.

A visit to Iraklio, Crete's capital, home of the island's most fascinating museum, is a must. The Archeological Museum in Iraklio is one of the finest in Greece, with findings from ancient Minoan, Greek, and Roman cities. The museum is interesting and just the right size to hold the kid's interest without pushing the "overwhelm" button. Just a short drive from Iraklio, is Ancient Knosos. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafes outside the palace. Ancient Knosos is among the most impressive palaces of the ancient Mediterranean world. It was the seat of King Minos with stories of the Minotaur and labyrinth below. To walk its grounds is to feel like you have transcended time.

Another day trip from Agio Nikolas is the beautiful resort area of Elounda. Elounda, located on the Gulf of Mirabello, is Crete's most expensive resort area. It is a great place to go for a delicious (but pricey) lunch by the sea and day at the beach. Offshore, the island of Spinalonga, the Venetian fortress and former leper colony, attracts visitors on short boat tours.

Our final excursion was to the Diktian Cave where, according to ancient Greek myths, the greatest Olympian god, Zeus was born. It was in this cave that Rhea, Zeus's mother, supposedly hid the young godling from his father. The cave is miles from anywhere, at the end of narrow winding mountain roads, at the top of a mountain. It is so high that even in the summer we had to put on our sweatshirts and windbreakers to stay warm. There are restaurants at the top of the road and locals happy to lead you atop donkeys to the cave's entrance.

The donkey rides were a lot of fun for the kids, but you can easily walk. We chose to walk down after our visit and it was a pleasant stroll with views over the countryside. The cave itself was dark and cool with water at its base. It was filled with stalactites and stalagmites giving the eerie impression of figures throughout its interior. The kids loved it!

Crete is an amazing place. We spent 5 days there and only explored the east side of the island. We look forward to going back someday and exploring further. I have heard that it is a magnificent place to visit in the fall and winter if you love solitude and quiet and cooler weather. The Cretan Village Villas are open year round. Many of the villas have fireplaces. Maria, the owner welcomes guests throughout the year and loves to share the beauty of the fall and winter with her guests. Our boat departed from Iraklio back to Athens. We regretfully waved goodbye full of our amazing experiences and hoping to return...someday.

Hotel:

Cretan Village

tel: 28410 28576

fax: 23177

email: zafetrop@agn.forthnet.gr

For further information contact Pam Plesons at pplesons@gmail.com