Heraklion, Crete – An old Palace excavation and lunch where Brad and Lynn suggested!

You know, we were told, get off the boat early before the crowds… hadn’t really let that sink in and, yup, we were part of the crowd!  It’s true, it really takes away from the journey!  Left after 10, all six of us, found the Hop on Hop off bus wanna be… and spent our Euros to get out to Knossos Palace, built as early as 1700BC.  Took about 30 minutes and we were greeted with pretty lines of people getting tickets to enter. 

Got in there and realized it was quite large.  An English gentleman started the unearthing of the remains back in early 1900’s, Evan’s was his last name.  What’s odd, though, in some areas they have taken the original item and ‘refreshed’ it.  Makes for some pretty pictures but seemed ashamed.  Still, a very nice place.  Waiting for the next bus was also a highlight.  Jens decided he wanted to go to a store back in the village, and as we are standing there, bus finally comes… NO JENS!  At the last minute, voila!  He appeared.  Said he saw the red roof of the bus and thought he better get back!  Good thing!

Peskesi’s was a place Brad and Lynn N suggested for a meal.  As the bus headed back to town, we got off at the Archaeological History Bldg. (which we planned on visiting after lunch) and found our way to the restaurant, meandering through the lanes filled with all kinds of shops and food spots. As we walked on (yeah for google maps!), the shops became sparser yet no restaurant!  Turned left at the red barricades, just like Brad said, and there it was, and we were not disappointed!  The only thing we didn’t realize, the food was served ‘family style’ so the portions were huge… and we each were ordering things.  Silly Americans!!! Anyway, it was still great!

 Lady with stinky perfume, but I guess the bugs loved it!

There were three orders of these huge skewers!

Finished up and found our way to the museum, spent a spot of time there as we were getting tired. Liz and Gary stayed on for a bit longer, while J, J, J, & J found our bus stop for the ‘Red Line’ to get us back to the port and our little boat!  A very good day!