Heraklion and Knossos Crete

Crete is an amazing Greek Island. I kind of took a chance on it, as it was a last minute change of itinerary. Tensions were escalating in Istanbul against Americans and they just closed the U.S. Embassy so I decided to go to Crete instead of a Istanbul, on the recommendations of a buddy of mine that works for the US 

government.

Having been a resident on the island of Maui in the Hawaiian Islands, I was thinking that the island of Crete was smaller than it actually is. There are two airports, one in Chania and another in Heraklion. I use the Internet map to book my hotel, and unfortunately it was a considerable distance away from where I landed. I did get a very interesting tour of the island in the process. I'm very glad that I went to Heraklion, as that's where the amazing new Knossos Archaeological Museum is and it is relatively close to the site of Knossos. 

There is a lot to explore on Crete. Minoan ruins, a Venetian fortress and beautiful beaches. I rented a small scooter and rode around the island and explored many beaches and interesting restaurants. Riding on the back roads near Knossos was an incredible experience to see all of the olive orchards and vineyards that were on the hillsides of mostly vacant country roads through farmland. This area was interesting as it was frozen in time, and there were large thunder heads forming on the mountain tops. They were very bright and colorful in the sunlight, and eventually turned into rainstorms that were powerful little gully washers full of lightning and thunder .

I was very pleased with the outcome of the change in itinerary. The Greek Islands are amazing and this Island had Knossos which is the heart of the Minoan civilization. It was an unforgettable experience to walk underneath the trees with the hissing  cicadas and look at the civilization as it was some 800 years before Christ. Also the Museum of Anthropology in Heraklion is a wonderful Minoan museum!

I was able to go snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters off of Heraklion. The visibility was excellent, the fish were very tiny but colorful. The water was warm and the little village where I went snorkeling was delightful.