Kritsanna and Agios Nicolaos

reading on the roof terrace

It got warm on the weekend with temps over 20 C during the day. I spent a lot of time on the roof terrace reading, while husband went running. Actually, he went running pretty much every day, so has come a lot further with exploring the surroundings than I have. We also went on walks together, in and around Kritsa. I tried to work out every day as well: mostly resistance exercises and some yoga. We had gotten internet and I skyped with the kids, showing them around, hoping they will come to love this place as much as we do already.

Husband taking off on a run

Kritsa consists of 5 neighborhoods. I think they are roughly divided by the dry washes that come down from the mountains and lead flood waters safely through the village when heavy rains occur in the mountains. Kritsanna is in the neighborhood called “Old Mill”, the ruins of which are located right beside the bridge that crosses the dry wash to the bunch of buildings of which our house is one.

Sitting on the bridge with the old mill in the background.

Our next door neighbor is a sweet little old lady named Maria, 85 years old. She has a donkey which she brought every day to loaded with vegetables from her allotment and greens for donkey food. Then she would feed and water him while unloading before going off again. Our conversations have been very basic: “hello”, “good?” “yes thankyou”. Both husband and I spent some time every day studying greek. But it is a difficult language. The more necessary the word, the more unpronouncable it seems to be: like εφχαριστω (efcharisto – the ch pronounced like the german «nicht») - thank you or ξενοδοχειο (xenothocheeo) – hotel, or διαβατηριo (thiavatirio) – passport.

Maria's donkey

We went to Agios Nicolaos twice. Once to go to the market, the second time to pick up the Titles for the house and adjoining stable from the lawyers. Agios Nicolaos is only a 15 minute bus ride away from Kritsa. Bus travel in Crete is comfortable, punctual and cheap. A local ticket costs 1,60€, a ticket from the Airport in Irakleio to Agios Nicolaos costs 7€. 

Agios Nicolaos

In Agios Nicolaos there are at least 5 municipal beaches. There are shops and restaurants and cafes. My favorite is at one of the beaches and has all kinds of fancy iced coffees and chocolates. It also has internet.

Cafe Bueno in Agios Nicolaos