And the sun shone …
After a couple of days of rain, and cold, we were overjoyed to see the sun shining and the sky blue, and with no definitive plan in mind, we set off to amble around Heraklion. First stop was, of course, coffee; given the city is on the north side of the island, finding a breakfast spot in the sun was not straight forward, but we did and settled down to sup coffee and soak up so sun and warmth.
We then headed through the city and began to stumble on some impressive buildings, like the Cathedral above, before hitting the (old) city walls, turning right, and heading towards the sea, and we began a pleasant stroll along the sea front. Although the sun was warm, there was a stiff breeze blowing in from the north and although we spotted a good, small, swimming beach, I was not to be persuaded to enter the cold looking sea.
We found this driftwood “boat” that I have called “Dignity”. One of my favourite songs – as much for the wonderful lyrics as the tune – is Deacon Blue’s “Dignity” and it was written in Greece (hence the line ‘sipping down raki’)
And then we reached the old fortress and harbour wall, the latter providing shelter from the wind. It is a long, long (too long in Becky’s opinion) harbour wall, and we walked its length in peace and sunshine, the blue sea to one side if us, blue sky above us, and in places along the wall, murals and art work to break the grey concrete facade.
I also read of how Zeus transformed himself into a bull, seduced Europa, and rode with her down to Crete. She bore him three sons, including Minos, who came to rule the island. The lands above Crete were named for her, and that is why Europe is so called.
The mermaid sculpture at the top of this blog post was found halfway along the harbour wall.
Wandering in the sunshine, it was a lovely way to spend the day.
And I’m telling this story
In a faraway sea
Sipping down raki
And reading Maynard Keynes
And I’m thinking about home and all that that means
And a place in the winter for dignity