Day 3 (Crete)

Breakfast in our cabin today, suggest by our Peruvian waiter last night. But really, it's easier to go along and help yourself. For one thing, if you're ready early, which we were, we had to wait for the delivery, and it's a half hour window. 

We had a trip to Spinalonga this morning. A half hour bus trip round the coast to Placa, a wee town round the coast which is right opposite Spinalonga, the island that was a leper colony for about 50 years until the 1950s. I read 'The Island' ages ago, so it was good to go to the actual place. Our guide, a young woman, was so knowledgable about the history of Crete, which is long and bloody.

A short boat ride across, then we walked through the tunnel called 'Dante's Gate' and into what is left of the village. Just the main street, really. Though at one point it had a hospital, shops and a school. I must re-read 'The Island'.

Back in Placa, we had a lemonade at one of the many cafes on the beach front before heading back to the ship in time for a late lunch. Just as well, because for pudding today there was bread and butter pudding made with croissants and I would NOT have wanted to miss that.

We went to a lecture about 'Crete and the World of Ancient Greece' by Dr Philip Freeman, an expert on the subject. He's going to do several talks as we go around this area. 

We had a meal tonight at the Hot Rocks while we sailed out of the harbour. They make you wear a big bib. Fresh sea bream, cooked on a hot rock, also King prawns - delicious. We invited an American lady to join us - she's been on so many cruises! Then we joined a Scottish couple for drinkies - Baileys for me, Drambuie for JR - we know how to live it up!

A great first day of the cruise proper.