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Monday 3 July 06

A very hot day.

Again my first night back in the hotel was almost sleepless. Some people on "all inclusive" decided to play a run-up-the-stairs shrieking and screaming game. Fair enough, they are on holiday, but even so, such carry-on in the early hours of the morning is disgraceful.

During the day I strolled around town and explored the twisty narrow streets in the Old Réthimno shops and cafes area, stopping occasionally for a cold coffee or iced orange juice. However, just after midday it got too hot. So, to cool off, I went back to the hotel and had a long swim in the swimming pool located on the hotel roof. While there, I watched a couple of Russian men drink endless rounds of beer and Raki (the local firewater) with no apparent effect. My guess is they're on the all inclusive deal and are trying to recoup the entire cost of the holiday in one afternoon. Tempted to join them, but resisted, a most unusual decision for me.

Dinner tonight was far better than on previous nights and the scowling head waitress even asked if I wanted a drink with my meal.

My Two Weeks in Crete

In reflection I should have cancelled the holiday. 

My decision making process in the past few months has been far from perfect. 

However, had I not come, I wouldn't have had the pleasure of my Uncle's company for a week that passed all to quickly.

I hardly saw anything of Crete, other than a few short walks and taxi rides. 

John gave me a book to read called "Freedom and Death" written by Nikos Kazantzakis, which has some fantastic descriptions of how the fight for Crete's freedom was carried out in the late 1800's.

Believe me, the descendants of almost everyone describe in the book can be seen today. 

Not sure if I admire "Captain Michales", but I'd sure like to have him next to me in my next firefight. Actually, the translation from Greek to English occasionally throws up some amazing sentences...

"She walked down the street as though petroleum was in her arse"

I'm assuming that the translator meant she had a bit of a hip sway going on!!!

The book is quite hard going and describes some tragic events and horrific atrocities on both sides. 

I finished reading it this afternoon. 

Tonight, with my first glass of wine, I toasted all the fighting Captains and the island of Crete. May it be free for ever. 

History has a habit of repeating.

Invading countries or occupying nation groups will always generate extreme resistance that doesn't go away after a few weeks or years. Patriotic resistance and self sacrifice will continue for generations. 

Hopefully, the lesson will be learnt when we're finally forced to withdraw our forces from Afghanistan and Iraq. 

Now, on to Ireland... 

It should be an united island, it's common f***ing sense, but sadly, that bag of bones will probably take another few generations to finally resolve itself. 

Ireland WILL be an island united by common sense... one day.

So, just like any other package tourist. 

I return to my home, vastly poorer in monetary terms, but slightly richer in my life's experiences.

Already planning the next adventure!!!

Oh, the Russians "on the piss"... they're still drinking, no apparent visual side effects from the enormous alcohol intake observed so far, apart from when they tend to use the women's toilet instead of the gents.

Maybe they're female rather than male??? 

H'mmm, must investigate further!!!

Further

Went down to the bar for another bottle of wine and got one of the "Russians" to talk to me.

As it turns out, they are actually from Prague and NOT Russians at all. One of them supports Liverpool and the other one supports Chelsea. No wonder they get pissed.

Big men, hard men, hard drinkers, hard to criticize... well met... (Oh, I didn't mention the toilet gender mix up to them. It appeals to my sense of humour. Two 16 stone drunken men taking a pee in the ladies loo... that's got to be worth a "LOL" in any language!!).

Bad but not mad, well not yet!!!

More later

JackonLand

This diary will be updated regularly (20th June to 4th July 2006) and primarily it is intended to keep my family and friends informed about my progress during my working holiday in Crete. Hopefully, I'll be able to publish some memorable pictures and descriptions from each excursion and visits to historical places of interest.

Other Internet users are welcome to read the pages and download pictures for their personal use. I would also encourage visitors to send recommendations of places to visit or tour companies to use in Rethymnon, based on their own experience or research.

1st & 2nd Legs of Our Voyage/Adventure 'round the Horn

Blog/Diary Events 15 to 26 Jan 06 - New York to Rio de Janeiro
The pages recording the "Shenanigans" and controversy of the first leg of our voyage.

Blog/Diary Events 27 Jan to 7 Feb - Rio to Valparaiso
Happier times, great pictures, finally 'round the Horn, some funny stories along the way.

Blog/Diary Events 8 to 22 Feb - Valparaiso to Los Angeles
A sad tale of sickness and quarantine with some memorable tours and a "cunning plan"...

32 Corners Info Finance & Business: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8   9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14   Try Vicky's Articles: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 eCons Info Database: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 Food: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 Pets: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 Internet: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 Politics: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 Parents: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 Sport: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6

Disclaimer
Jack at Sea is a personal diary/blog and has absolutely NO business affiliation or official connection with Cunard other than being written by a passenger booked on the QM2 Around Americas Cruise 2006. All information is presented as-is with no warranties or guarantees of accuracy from links to other web sites.