Finding King Minos

Cyclades by Ferry_Part 1

From the Ferry Port, you can see the villages of Fira
& Firostefani, Santorini balancing on the caldera rim

I suppose you are all wondering why we abandoned the fabulous other woman for a ferry.  It's answered simply with a decision not to backtrack (a time factor really), a lack of suitable anchorages in Santorini and Crete and of course, the Meltemi.  The big Blue Star from Athens was as solid as a rock and the weather held – all the way to Crete.  Now it’s blowing a gale and as temporary landlubbers, we don’t actually care.  Tonight’s Minoan Lines is even bigger, so we’re expecting a decent trip back to Athens and a long bus ride in the morning back to Preveza, and WJ3 if she’s talking to us. 

A view to impress - from our hotel room

Cruise Ship passengers come up by gondola or donkey, we took a bus...

Santorini is very photographic & nicely kept

After a couple of wonderful nights perched high on Santorini’s cliff edge, we arrived in Crete, a totally different fish.  Sadly, Crete shows evidence of some financial distress but regardless, friendly people carry on catering for its many visitors.  We came in search of Minoans, tales of the Minotaur and Hercules’ daring feats.  Others come for beaches but truthfully, it’s not worth leaving home.  Beyond Iraklion to the west are some well-preserved Venetian forts/towns, so we’ve planned an excursion by local bus to Hania.

Minoan civilization dates back to 2100 BC with Knossos its most famous and fabulous palace complex; this is considered Europe’s first civilization and first palace, all ruled over by King Minos.  By 1500 BC, the more aggressive Mycenaeans had taken control of Crete and its substantial, well-established trade routes.  It’s been suggested that this takeover was made easier by the devastation caused by Santorini’s eruption and subsequent massive tsunami(s). 

 

Sirens - female heads & bodies of birds of prey; funerary symbols

First stop on our itinerary was the Iraklion Archaeological Museum which boasts an impressive collection of all things Minoan.  Items are arranged in chronological order by room, so it makes understanding the rise and fall of this civilization easier.  Whilst textiles haven’t survived, plenty of frescoes and artwork on pottery provides some idea of how the wealthiest Minoans decorated themselves and their homes.  Cretan craftsmanship of this period is simply amazing, especially the richly decorated Kamares ware; enough to inspire anyone in the fine art of pottery.  (Photos to follow.  Well, maybe....)

The Tempest & Furies

A room with a View

Athens, Greece

So, here we are sitting in a room in Athens with a fabulous view of the Acropolis.  Jetlagged, GS is weeping into her beer.  The scenery, spectacular as it is, cannot be photographed.  Well, not yet anyway. 

Some may recall that GS celebrated a significant birthday with the purchase of a DSLR.  Working on the principle that it can’t be much more complex than a point and shoot, she left discovering its technicalities until - well, the very last minute. 

So Cap’n I Told You So left her to her hissy fit, but not before providing a sedative (a beer or two and a few youtube videos) to assist in working out this complex little device.  Hmmm.

That's better...up on the hotel rooftop & bar (for sedatives only, naturally!)

Our next scenario is a balcony with a view of Santorini to die for.  GS has managed a few digital basics but is not happy with her wide-angle lens.  Even her phone offers better shots and a panorama option as well…  This folks then, is the blonde moment.  The camera came with three lenses and GS, in an effort to save weighty luggage, left one behind.  Yep, you guessed it - the wide angle.  Another hissy fit ensues and the Cap’n leaves the room again but not so discretely, wondering if said camera will learn to fly over the edge of Santorini’s caldera.

Just calming my nerves, my dear

Eruptions are not new to Santorini.  It is the site of one of the largest volcanic events in human history, (1650 BC).  This famously ended Minoan civilization, the remains of which are now being excavated at various points around the island; or rather what remains of it.  Santorini’s extensively photographed (well, by some any way!) white and blue villages perch along and over the volcano’s steep rim.  It’s all rather delightful but somehow our trusty Cap’n can see that life ahead will not be all wine & roses unless the camera issue is solved…and soon!

The white village of Firostefani crests the caldera