Greece 2011: 6/29/2011 Crete/Chania, breakfast in town. shopping, Maritime Museum, beach, dinner with Christo and his wife Noulas

BREAKFAST. Think the name of the place was Bougatsa Chania/Mpougatsa Chanion. The only thing sold here. Something different. We're going into town to have bougatsa. It's a pie crusty film pastry filled with creamy white cheese filling. Can get it sprinkled with sugar or not. I opt for the sugar! It was awesome. So yummy.

Yummy!

SHOPPING. I buy a picture frame, a white Greek skirt, and a Greece hat for my grandson Ronan. I have a receipt from Mount Athos for 35€ so I think that's where I bought everything. I think I also bought another picture frame at another store for 9€. And maybe a donut for 1.50€!! Leather Street/Stivanadika is a small street where shoemakers used to have their workshops in Chania. Almost none of what we see has been made the old way and most are manufactured elsewhere. If you look hard you can still find some made in Chania. We see some beautiful traditional Cretan boots. Leather purses. They're gorgeous.

Leather Street

Skirt I bought

Made in Greece!

Skirt bottom-love this!

MARITIME MUSEUM. I'm not sure if George and Dimitra did this with us or waited for us. Located in Fort Firkas. Created in 1973. The collection includes models of ships, nautical instruments, historical photographs, and war relics. The material is displayed chronologically starting from the Bronze Age to present day. On 2 floors. Admission 3€ per person. Now you can see a replica of the Minoan ship in another section. I don't remember that from our visit in 2011.

Admission ticket

Pamphlet with information on the building of the Minoa

BEACH. This might be Chania's town beach. This beach is only a few minutes away from town so it's really convenient. And it was very nice. We even got George in the water and he seemed to be enjoying himself. We all had a fun, relaxing time.

Contemplating Greek man-should I go in or not?

Come on in, the water's fine!

DINNER AT CHRISTOS AND NOULA'S PLACE. Not too bad a drive. It was George, Dimitra, Dimitra's mom, Costa, Despina, and us. I think Christos' son was there too. We stopped on the way and picked up dessert I think. Christos and Noula are a delightful couple. Utterly charming, friendly and even though we don't speak the same language we were able to understand each other enough. Every single bit of food that was brought out was unbelievable. It was just that good. I even had a snail! And developed a taste for raki liquor! Raki is made from crushed grape skins and very potent at 45% proof or higher. Usually homemade as was ours tonight. Such an amazing time. One thing I know for sure is that Greeks-at least the ones we know-are the nicest people. My husband and Christos readily became fast friends! Didn't want to leave.