Chania, Crete

Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands.  That day I went to a beach and then into the old town of Chania to explore.  

The beach was nice and we had great beach beds to use, but it wasn't the white sand I expected.  It was dark and hard packed.  There were large rocks in the water.  But the water was wonderful... clean and clear, great for swimming in.  You could see the bottom at all depths.

After we left the beach we went to Chania.  It has a  lot of narrow street with vendors on them.  Many of the  items are locally made.

This is the market in the centre of town.  It is built in the shape of a cross and the goods are divided into the arms of the cross.  This was the dairy and cheese section.  There was a meat section, a vegetable section and general grocery section that had breads, nuts, spices and so forth. 

Here is sunset that day. 

 I would go back to Crete there are museums and things that I would have liked to see.

Athens

Here are some pictures of the Port in Pireaus Athens.  Athens is really large and has an amazing amount of graffiti, everywhere, even the better parts of town.  But is also has some of the great treasures of days gone by.

Here are some of the treasures.  

Acropolis and Parthenon

This is the outside of the Acropolis 

Inside of the Acropolis and scenery around it.

 This is the start of the Parthenon pictures.  It was crazy busy and 34 degrees that day with a hot wind blowing.

 The next set are what is left of Zeus' Temple.  It would have been massive when it was first built.

This is Hadrian's Gate

 The next set are a government building in Athens.  The artwork is gorgeous.

Next I went to the changing of the guard.  Where there were wall to wall pigeons.  Some things are the same everywhere.  The soldiers are guarding the tomb of the unknown soldier Greece style.  The uniforms were somewhat comical and when they walked they raised their feet to hip level.  It was amusing to watch.

I went to the National Archaeological Museum.  It was outstanding.  The artifacts were very interesting and for the most part well preserved.  

I also walked around Plaka, which is near the Parthenon.  It is a touristy area with lots of shops, restaurants and winding streets.  All very blue and white.

It was great to see Athens but I'm not sure I would ever go back.  Now the Islands are another story.