Sometimes, we just can't distinguish the truth from fiction...
The bus ride from the capital city of Heraklion to Chania was nothing short of spectacular. After another glorious run in Greece, along the sea wall that starts at the Venetian fortress of Koules, running 2 km into the Aegian sea.
The Venetian fortress of Koules serves as a majestic landmark that dominates the entrance to the historic harbor of Heraklion.
Important Seaport
Heraklion is an important shipping and ferry port. Its airport is the second largest in Greece and named after writer and philosopher Nikos Kazantzakis. Nikos is most known for his 1946 book, Zorba the Greek which also became a movie starring Anthony Quinn.
Crete's history dates way back to the ancient Minoans. Its rocky beaches glistens in the Mediterranean. Its gigantic mountains beckons the nature enthusiast to come explore.
The Wild Chania West
Chania is captivating and seclusive. It is far away from the busy resorts offering endless andy beaches and impressive gorges overlooking the majestic Mediterranean. The land is naturally rugged and authentic, where the the modern Greek all-time classic, Zorba the Greek was filmed.
Paradise in the Land of Olive Trees
The night before I had dinner in a traditional Cretan Cafe munching on zesty Souvlaki and sipping on Mythos beer -- a mellow, smooth lager that is incredibly light but with the right kick.
The waitress, Maria, told me that she was very happy here. "What do you think of the crisis?" I asked. "Not much -- it's bad in the mainland, but here in the island, where we have abundant olive trees and beautiful landscapes, it's Paradise."
Mythical gods also reflected human traits
So in Crete, like I did in Egypt, Athens and Santorini, I would continue to reflect on life and its splendid possibilities. Like the Mythic character, Narcissist, I would ponder over lakes and lagoons looking at life's reflection. But unlike Narcissist, I will not linger too long.
Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of the Greek pantheons was their accessibility and their willingness to negotiate with men. The goddess Calypso fell in love with Odysseus, a mortal man, and would not let him leave her island to return home to his family.
What I thought would be another monotonous bus ride turned into an amazingly picturesque journey offering spectacular views of majestic mountain tops rising from the narrow coastal plains.
The entire ride was breathtakingly beautiful. The secretive and secluded cliffside settings simply took my breath away.
Virtually the entire ride, I was entranced and entralled, sitting on the edge of my seat, while peering out the window, wondering if the island of Crete was more beautiful and luscious than the majestic Santorini.
A book lay next to me, unread. My Ipod blaring providing the thematic background that made the rugged hills and the plethora of olive trees come alive, enchanting and enigmatic.
It was then that I realized that Maria the waitress was perfectly right. This Mediterranean island called Crete is definitely a lover's paradise.
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