Knossos

were actually a little disappointing to me. They were apparently “reconstructed” by some British archaeologist in the 1900s, so a lot of what’s there is really only his interpretation. But it wasn’t built up enough that we could actually go inside any of the impressive buildings.

it was with a personal guide … She took us down the princess baths and the dolphins afreschi. The place is now closed for tourists because they take pieces of the walls foe souvenir!!

Expensive for the few things there are to see. And they are mostly fakes !

Some of the earliest (and nicest) memories I have are of growing up in Irakion and going with my parents to explore the ruins of Knossos, which are just outside of town. They have preserved many of the old wall frescoes, which alone are worth the trip, because they beautifully capture the freedom and spirit of an ancient, long-gone civilization that is radically different than other ancient Greek civilizations, as well as ancient Egypt or Mesopotamia. Unlike the others, the Minoans developed in peaceful isolation, and were more interested in living the sweet life than making war on their neighbors. Their women were relatively free, and their culture was full of life.

So of course, a giant volcano had to erupt and destroy everything. Etsi einai h zoi.

...and well worth to visit. It was very hot when I was there though, so bring lots of water.

To realize this place was old to Homer!!! Wow.

In fact we went in the middle of May 2003 and it was the coldest day out of 14. Our tour guide told us that it was like a cretian winters day – we told him it was like an English summers day!

I borrowed a car from a friend in Chania and drove the couple of hours to Knossos. A perfect day trip. Visit the site in the morning, take lunch, visit the Archaeological Museum of Herakleion in the afternoon, headed back in time for a nap, dinner and dancing.

I happened to visit on a holiday so the museum and site were free. I did pay for a tour offered by a local lady and also bought items from the museum. The best part is a room off-to-the-side in the museum which houses large classical sculptures. Wow.

but still worth visiting