A Breezy Day in Crete: Day Five

Morning Shenanigans

Waking up to the sounds of the Aegean Sea crashing on the shore is usually a delight. Today, however, the view from our balcony was a tad less inviting. The sky was overcast, and a brisk wind was blowing in from the sea, making it noticeably cooler. Oh well, time to rise and shine and head to breakfast!

After a hearty meal, we finally sorted out our reservation for the à la carte restaurant for tonight at 7:30 pm. This little victory called for a celebratory laze at the beach bar with our books in hand. But as soon as we got comfortable, the morning took a delightful turn.

Family Connections

Our daughter, Sam, Skyped us with the grandkids who had just woken up. Harry was his usual chatty self, though Nancy was still a bit sleepy. The cherry on top was a Skype call with Drew, who was chilling in the Escape Lounge at Manchester Airport, sipping on an early morning G&T before his flight to Mexico. He seemed in good spirits, despite our cheeky worry about Thomas Cook’s financial woes.

Beachside Bliss

After our calls, we wandered onto the beach. Michele lounged on a sunbed while I ventured into the Aegean. Swimming was off-limits today due to the red flag, but wading in the warm surf was still a treat. The sea might have been choppy, but it retained its inviting warmth.

Post-lunch, we retreated back to the beach bar. The breeze had picked up, so we opted for the comfy indoor sofas and immersed ourselves in our books with a refreshing beer. As the afternoon progressed, the clouds parted, revealing clear blue skies. We seized the opportunity to move outside, despite the persistent breeze.

Evening Preparations and Catch-Ups

While Michele got ready for our dinner reservation, I managed to catch Lewis for a quick chat. He wasn’t working and seemed content, albeit slightly pestered by Issy, the white cat who demands constant attention. Josh was MIA, busy with work.

A La Carte Adventure

Dinner at the à la carte restaurant was a peculiar mix of private dining and unexpected reunion. For the first 45 minutes, Michele and I had the place to ourselves, until the couple we had shared a transfer with arrived.

For starters, I indulged in shrimp while Michele savoured calamari—a dish Josh would have likely chosen too. Michele opted for a veal burger for her main course, while I stuck with more shrimp, this time accompanied by roasted vegetables. Dessert was a simple yet refreshing fruit platter. The food was delightful, the service commendable, but the atmosphere was somewhat lacking.

The evening wrapped up with a visit to the main lobby bar, which was bustling more than usual due to the strong breeze discouraging beach bar gatherings. With full bellies and tired eyes, it was time to call it a night.