Latest Updates - JackonLand a NEW Adventure in Crete!!

Tuesday 20 June 06

I left home at 5 AM courtesy of a lift from my son David and caught the train in Nottingham at 6:20 to Gatwick with no problems. At Gatwick another train took me to the north terminal bang on time at 10 AM. Due to me buying a "cheap" flight ticket I was unable to use the automatic check in machines and had to wait about an hour but eventually I managed to check in my suitcase and then cleared security without the usual body search. Altogether a quite remarkable journey as I never took a wrong turn or got on a wrong train. This is extremely unusual for me, as I have often got lost in a three room hotels!

The plane was delayed for about a hour, but made up the time by using the Jet Stream. My case came off the luggage carousal in 4th place and I cleared the airport arrivals area well ahead of the crowd. Again, this was very unusual. Whenever I set off on a journey I ALWAYS expect the worst outcomes, as I do have a history of getting lost and ending up in strange places and having even stranger adventures.

My airport - hotel transfer taxi was waiting just outside the airport terminal and whisked me off to Rethimnon arriving safe and sound at the Joan Palace Hotel at 8:15 PM precisely.

Probable the best ever journey.

Hotel Joan Palace

Sadly the problems started after checking in. Because I'm on a "loner" holiday the receptionist allocated me a single room which is the size of a dog kennel. The toilet is so small I have to sit sideways on the seat. The balcony has a magnificent view of the kitchen rubbish area and is about 5 yards from the top of the chip fryer's ventilation chimney. The smell is appalling. Not exactly "4 star". In fact I rate it at no more than "2 moons". 

I went down for something to eat at 8:45 but was informed by the head waitress that dinner finished at 8:30. I pointed out that my room information stated that dinner finished at 9:00. With bad grace she gave way and said "help yourself". The only thing left on the buffet was a few slices of dried vegetable pie, a pork stew and some salad. Quite the most disgusting mess I've ever tasted and that includes the time I tried raw Iguana tails while serving in Belize.

The Match England V Sweden

After binning the food and thanking the waitress for being so "kind and helpful" my thoughts turned to getting a cold beer and a good seat in front of the hotel's big screen TV. 

I really should have researched things better. In Crete things are first and foremost "Greek" and of course that includes the match commentary. OK, maybe that's a bonus (no Motson), but the bar stewardess also insisted on playing the hotel's incessant background "musiz".

Absolutely NO atmosphere what-so-ever. 

Things took a turn for the worst in the second half when four Scottish people (Rab C Nesbit look-alikes) sat down next to my table and began to "take the piss" cheering ever successful Swedish pass and cheering even louder when an England pass went astray. I ordered a bottle of wine and repaired to my room, which I could have done at home.

Good match, spoilt by some bad defending, background Musiz and some of England's not so friendly friends north of the border. My hopes are still alive, roll on Sunday.

Oh, Joe Cole's goal... abso-f*****g-lutely brilliant!!!

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.