Monday 15 September 2008

9 Euros for 1 day's power

Hi from Clare, Sunday 13/9

Photo 1 - Cretan Dancers
Photo 2 - Andrew with our English neighbour
Photos 3,4,5 - Early morning walk around the back streets

Well we just got slugged 9 Euros ($15) for one day's power on the wharf, so I guess we can't dream about staying here free of charge regardless of how indebted we hope the Cretan are for Australia's involvement in the battle of Crete in 1941 he he! However, Andrew fails to understand how we can possibly use 18 kWh in 24 hours? I'm not sure exactly what that means but I get that 18 kWh is a lot of power!

Over the last 24 hours Andrew has spent some time talking to an Englishman moored two boats away (or as the English say, next door but one). Both were sure they had come across each other before, but couldn't place where. Well just now (as I am typing) Andrew has told the guy where and when they have previously crossed tracks. Last year they solved an electrical problem on another cruising boat at Marmaris Turkey (the fellowship of cruising!) So I guess I have lost him again for some time as they reminisce!

Last night as we went into town, a band struck up celebrating the opening ceremony of the European Junior Womens Water Polo Championships being held here at Chania. We witnessed the presentation of flags which was reminiscent of our experience on the EMYR rally. This was followed by speeches (translated into English) Cretan dancing and the Choral Symphony of Chania. We stayed for the concert but slipped away leaving the pursuing rock concert to the young ones. I had bought a Cretan cook book so I made baked fish and vegetables for dinner, which was a hell of a lot better than the previous night's mixed grill.

Early this morning I went for a walk around town (Andrew was talking to our English neighbour). I watched the many restaurants stirring after a busy night's patronage. Cobblestones were being hosed down and new table clothes applied, the smell of baked bread and lunch preparations permeated the narrow back streets. A few people were out drinking frappe coffee which can be served hot or cold. Frappe is so strong it just about blows your head off. If there wasn't any alcohol in the world, you would be content with frappe.

A lot of older Greek woman sit outside the doorway of their home welcoming the morning cool air. I know very few Greek words but I can manage Kalimera (Good Morning). This always evokes a wonderful warm smile, a tilt of the head and a long drawn out K a l i m e r a in reply. Life is sweet!

love CANDY