The journey to our hotel in Rethymno
A reasonable start to the Crete Day One. Pickup at 10.45 so we were able to do a couple of final changes to the packing. The cases both came in at around 15kg which made Michele feel a little better.
We heard Josh leave for work but didn’t see him go, he did say enjoy your holiday though! Lewis was up before we left and chatted to us for a while.
Taxi arrived on time and as agreed with Stuart from Leigh Executive Travel. The journey from the M61 onto the M60 was slow but eventually opened up just before the Trafford Centre.
Arriving at Terminal 1, 15 mins behind schedule the bag drop at EasyJet was all automated. When I fly with work, I only ever have a carry-on bag so a new process for both of us. The cases weighed 15.3kg and 15.6kg but no additional charges. Now the trauma of going though security! Luckily, we only had one bag between us, so out came the iPad, Android device, Kindle, and camera. The electronics came through ok, but the bag had to be searched. Nothing found though but it took about 25 minute to get through. Michele had to buy her perfume and lipstick before we could get lunch. However, as time was short it was a Boots meal deal only. Michele bought a coffee, however as we waited at the gate to board, she threw over herself.
The flight
All boarded and airborne, not a full flight but busy enough. Michele spotted a couple of children. (I’ve told you before she’s like the child-catcher on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – I can smell children). I was part way through my Amazon prime film (Undercover Hooligan) when Michele was back at making a mess. Her yogurt splashed over her coffee covered top! The children were far enough away from us. BUT there was a new problem kicking and banging her seat – an old couple who were constantly moving.
Arrival on the Island of Crete
Landed, noted that the age of chivalry had totally been lost on the elderly generation of men on our flight. Rather than queuing to get off the plane in seat order, one rude pensioner trying to push us out of the way to get off. He didn’t succeed though and was made to wait his turn. On the ground there was a shuttle bus to take us to the terminal. Of course, we had to stand as the SAGA travellers had beaten us to the seats. Doors open, one elderly gentleman was up and pushing past us to get off, which he managed to do! He even left his wife on the shuttle.
Inside the terminal we’d been warned that immigration would be slow but no such thing quick and easy. I presented my passport to the immigration officer he asked me a question in Greek. I didn’t understand but replied that it was Michele’s fault. He laughed and handed my passport back.
Chaos at the hotel!
The transfer from the airport to our hotel was about 75 minutes. Nice looking hotel. Reception told us there was no room for us tonight and we’d be staying at another hotel. While we filled in our registration forms, we were plied with a cocktail and a beer. Then sent off with a driver about 1km away to CHC Imperial Palace. As we were leaving, were told that we would be picked up at 12:30 tomorrow and brought back. As compensation the Rethymno Palace would be giving us a complimentary meal as compensation. Not sure how that works as it’s All Inclusive! But do we let Crete Day One spoil the rest of the holiday, no I don’t think so!
The CHC Imperial Palace staff were friendly and quickly showed us to our room. Pleasant but only a Four-Star hotel compared to the Rethymno Palace which is Five-Star. They had advised us that as it was late the kitchen was closed. There were two salads with meat and cheese in the room along with a bottle of red wine. Great for me but not for Michele the salad dodger!
Now as we are 2hrs ahead of the UK we’ll settle down after our Crete Day One escapades. Let’s see what tomorrow brings us, good night, all.
