Chania's Venetian harbor was a perfect place for us to enjoy long, lazy lunches after exploring the area's winding back alleys, covered market, archaeological and naval museums, and massive fortifications. It also provided a convenient port for us to leave Sangaris for an inland trip to the Samaria Gorge, but more about that in its own blog as it deserves that special attention. The only "not so perfect" part of our stay was the "full-on" late night cafe and bar scene just off our stern ... we think it would be better to visit a bit earlier or later in the season.

The "foodie pics" in the photo collage above show us checking out local herbs in the market, octopus waiting for a taverna chef's grill and a typical lunch of aubergine stuffed with vegetables and graviera cheese next to lamb and beef meatballs with mint; Kath's lunch always included stamnagkahi - local wild greens. The other photos were taken from our cockpit: the sidewalk scene complete with horse and buggy and an evening view of the harbor's Venetian lighthouse.

Each day in Chania we set out to visit different town attractions before stopping for a taverna (or Sangaris) lunch and then a rest during the afternoon (90+ degree) heat. One of our cultural outings included stops at three different religious sites: the Orthodox Cathedral, the restored Etz Hayyim Synagogue and the prominent Mosque of Kioutsouk Hasan, now used for art exhibitions. Pictured below are (clockwise from top left) carved metal-plate offerings from Cathedral parishioners, a neglected, but highly ornamental Venetian door-front, the mosque's exterior being restored and a garden outside the synagogue. Several other photos from the synagogue, which has been restored, and historical site memorializing Chania's former Jewish population, all victims of Nazi occupation in WWII, plus more views of Etz Hayyim and surrounding Chania sights are in the gallery.


Finally, the last set of images below are from the archaeological museum, housed in the impressive 16th c. Venetian Church of San Francisco, a former mosque. Its collection of finds from western Crete date from the Neolithic to the Roman eras and include statues, vases, floor mosaics and some painted sarcophagi from a nearby Minoan cemetery. The glass perfume bottles, clay lamps and ceramic animals pictured below are believed to have been burial offerings found in tombs in Chania's "Kastelli" (old town). Among the oldest and most unique artifacts were ancient tablets inscribed with "Linear A and Linear B" language recordings. Archaeologists believe the tablet markings refer to various plant and animal products along with their related values, indicating a system of economic administration. At the bottom right is a tall 'bird vase' dating from early Minoan times, around 2150 BC!