After months of riveting updates about construction delays, another foster puppy, and our ongoing war with the Cretan water supply (spoiler: water still winning), we finally bring you something different. Something wild. Something fun.
Yes, dear readers—it happened.
We left the house.
Voluntarily.
With no building materials, tile samples, or emergency vet visits in sight.
A Smiley Invitation
Our friend Donna—local legend and proud member of Smile Cruises (yes, that’s a real company, and yes, their staff actually smile)—invited us to join a cruise on their shiny new boat. Destination: Menies Beach, tucked away on the wild Rodopou Peninsula.
We saw “new boat” and “cruise” and immediately translated that to “no phone calls from contractors” and “zero chance of being asked to foster another puppy.” So, we packed the essentials: bathing suits, snacks, drinks, sunscreen, and that elusive thing called optimism.
The dogs and cats were gently bribed with fans, treats, and soft beds to nap through the heat of the day (10:00–15:00). And—drumroll—they did. Honestly, we think they appreciated the break from us just as much.
Coastal Wow Factor: Activated
Departing from Kolimvari, the boat cruised along the eastern edge of the Rodopou Peninsula, a stretch of coastline that looks like it was designed by Zeus during his dramatic phase. Think: massive cliffs, narrow gorges, sea caves big enough to house your entire extended family, and not a single unfinished concrete wall in sight.
The weather? Absolute perfection. Sunny skies, a gentle west wind, and that absurdly blue Aegean water that makes you question all your life choices that didn’t involve moving to an island.
Little Choironisi: Snorkeling & Surprise Squid
First stop: Little Choironisi (“hee-ro-ni-si”) Beach—a hidden cove so clear and calm it practically whispered, “Put on your goggles, mortal.” And we did.
The underwater world was like a Mediterranean version of Finding Nemo. Swarms of fish in every possible metallic color, coral formations (including tiny red ones that looked suspiciously decorative), and not one but two giant squid gliding by like they were late for an underwater meeting.
And let’s not forget the sea urchins, Jane’s absolute favorites. Her enthusiasm for them was best expressed by an impressive backwards doggy-paddle while muttering “NOPE NOPE NOPE” through her snorkel.
Mythical Beach Vibes at Menies
Rejuvenated by snacks and seawater in uncomfortable places, we headed on to Menies Beach, home to not just sun, sand, and goats on cliffs—but also a slice of ancient mythology.
Cue Michel’s happy history-dance.
Our cruise guide Maria (who deserves a Netflix series) shared the legend of Britomartis, a Minoan goddess and total badass. When King Minos chased her for nine months (seriously, dude?), she leapt off a cliff near Menies. But plot twist! She was caught by fishermen’s nets (diktya) and became the goddess Diktynna, protector of nature and sea. Naturally, they built a temple there, because ancient Greeks didn’t just leave a Yelp review.
We explored the ruins—cisterns, carved pillars, and the remains of a monastery—before Jane and Michel went full underwater explorers again and swam around the sunken remains of a WWII artillery carrier. Because nothing says “family day out” like combining ancient myths with submerged wartime relics.
A Rare Thing Called Relaxation
The rest of the cruise was simple and beautiful. No construction noise, no barking (ours or the animals’), no urgent calls about water issues. Just sun, sea breeze, laughter, and one too many sandwiches.
We floated.
We talked.
We let Crete remind us why we’re doing this sabbatical in the first place.
Yes, we’re here to build a home. Yes, we have decided to foster too many animals. But we’re also here for days like this—full of beauty, history, adventure, and the occasional judgmental squid.
Closing Thoughts (With Saltwater Hair)
So, if you’re in Crete and someone named Donna invites you on a boat trip—say yes. Pack your swimsuit, your curiosity, and maybe leave your sea urchin phobia at home.
Because sometimes the best way to survive the chaos of housebuilding… is to get on a boat and float far, far away from it.
Until next time!
Yours, saltier but happier,
The Sabbatical Family 🐙🌞⛵🐾
One response
Merci für diesen lebendigen Beitrag und natürlich wünsche ich euch immer wieder solche kraftvolle Auszeiten…. 😍😘