Latest Updates - JackonLand a NEW Adventure in Crete!!

Saturday 24 June to Sunday 2 July 2006

First of all the football.

Last night me and Uncle John sat together in the Atlantis Bar in Almyrida along with another cockney bloke call Ray. Between us we managed to run up a 70 euro bar tab. Not bad for 2 hours drinking.

There's no real point in rehashing the match. 

England lost and I'm almost inconsolable. 

After the match John left to take his dog for a walk and the bar emptied of English customers almost immediately, leaving a few Norwegians and a couple of Germans. I was sat on my own and must have looked very sad. 

Dino, the owner of the bar came over to shake my hand. No words were exchanged and none were needed. Rob, the head Atlantis barman, who incidentally is "probably the best barman in the world" also came over and sat with me for a while. I ordered a flagon of red wine and embarked on yet another England world cup wake.

I'm half way through the flagon and deep in thought, when I felt a "tap" on my shoulder. One of the Germans had decided to come over and console me. His opening line was "So, England out, das ist gut JA"... 

I told him to "piss off and die".  

Really hope NOTHING was lost in translation.

The Norwegians sent over another flagon of wine...

Enough said.

My Uncle John, Sandy and Almyrida

John and Sandy moved to Crete about 2 years ago. They have made a great new life for themselves and have integrated into the local society. On many occasions when walking around Almyrida with both Sandy and John, people from all nations would stop, shake hands and exchange words. John is a true English gentleman and I'm proud to have him as my Uncle, my brother-in-arms, my drinking partner and my friend.

Almyrida is a small holiday town located between Souda and Vamos. John's apartment is right on the beach front in the centre of town and overlooks Souda Bay. The view from his living room window is spectacular and it must be wonderful to wake up to each morning. To the rear of the apartment the view changes to rugged mountains and olive tree orchards. Quite magnificent.

My week staying with John went all to quickly and I will miss sharing cold "Stubby" bottles of beer (which he was able to produce at will, at any time) accompanied by tall tales and a great deal of laughter.

Portsmouth FC probably have the BEST football fans in the world. John & Dave (UJ's neighbours), friends well met. One night we closed the Atlantis Bar together. Every time I see a Portsmouth result in future, I'll remember them and wish their team the very best. Friends, well met.

My most memorable moment occurred in "Shells", a breakfast cafe located on the beach front. 

I was suffering from a hangover that was produced in hell and then reproduced on earth. So, when Dave (the owner) came to take my order I asked for his advice on the best hangover cure from the menu selection. He took half a step back, assessed my condition and then recommended either a "small" or "large" fry-up accompanied by strong coffee and orange juice. Did the job!

Anyway, I'm half way through eating my "small" breakfast when an English bloke "draped" himself across the chair in front of me and said "Buy yer shirt mate". 

On that day I was wearing a very "loud" orange coloured shirt that offends the eye and has fantastic patterns. It's unique and I bought it in St. Kitts while on a Caribbean cruise in 2005.

"Not for sale"

"Go on" he says, "I'll give you 50 euro"

"Not for sale"

His mate, who was sat at the next table then raised the bids, 100, 500, 1000 euros

"Not for sale"

"2000 euros, final offer"

"NOT for sale"

The rest of the customers in the cafe were amazed.

When I finished my breakfast and was walking out, I stopped by the bloke's table and said, "No offence, mate; THIS shirt's NOT for sale... at ANY f***ing price".

I subsequently had many breakfasts in Shells and had a few beers with the bloke who raised the bids. I asked him if he was joking about the 2000 euro bid, he said, "I buy what I want and I still want your shirt".

Well it's still NOT for sale (grin) and it's in MY bag, homeward bound...

Transfer back to 2 Moons Hotel Jo-An

Sandy kindly arranged for a lift back to my hotel on Sunday morning by utilizing one of her friends called Julie. 

Julie's been living in Crete for 25 years and is a real "character" with an unusual style of driving. Shortly after setting off, she pulled over in the middle of town, reached around and lifted her Poodle dog into her lap, lit a cigarette and then proceeded. Must admit to being slightly unnerved when she was patting the dog, dragging on the fag, looking and talking to me while taking hairpin corners at 50 MPH!!!

Fascinating person, full of life, but best of all, she got me to the hotel safely. Thank you.

My plan is to confirm the transfer time tomorrow with the MedHotels Rep. Until then, I'm going to chill out.

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.