Friday, June 21, 2024

Greece - Crete 2024

Greece has standardized on type F sockets and plugs. Type C and type E plugs can also be used thanks to their compatibility with type F sockets.



MAP OF SAVED PLACES
https://maps.app.goo.gl/AbMELsSEH1wP69946



RETHYMNO 


Venetian Fortezza Castle
Also known as the Fortezza, this castle is a spectacular landmark with panoramic views of the city, mountains, and sea.


Rimondi Fountain
Built in 1626 by the Venetians, this fountain is located in Platanou square, which was once the center of the Venetian city.



Arkadi Monastery
A symbol of the Cretan struggle for liberation, this monastery was besieged by the Turkish army in 1866 during the island's revolt against the Ottoman Turks.



Ideon Cave
The Ideon Cave was famous for being the place where Zeus, the Father of the Gods, was born and grew up.



Psychro (Dikteon)
Cave in Lassithi Plateau, as Hesiod in his “Theogony” does not specify the precise location of the cave.


Boat Trip from Chania to Theodorou Island & Lazaretta with Swimming
Booking
€17/ €27
4.5hr - 10:45am
- Traditional wooden boat
- Visit of Theodorou Island
- Swimming & snorkeling at an airplane wreck and at Lazaretta
- Lunch with a shot of raki on board


RETHYMNO Restaurants

Taverna Knossos (old town)


Zefyros (old town)







Taverna Stavros (old town)





Finikas (by the house)




Taverna Vergina 2 (by the house) - live music








NORTHERN COAST




Seitan Limania (near Chania airport)

Balos Beach (far northwestern tip)



SOUTHERN COAST

Preveli Beach

During the 60s and 70s, it was a favorite destination for the hippies. On the banks of the Grand River there is a large colony of Theophrastus palm trees, which give the region a sense of a tropical landscape. The river, forming a small lake, 500m long, before emptying into the sea, has water all year round. You can walk along the river, under the shade of palm trees and other trees, and start ascending in the beautiful canyon. A big fire in 2010 burnt almost everything of this paradise, but the palmgrove recovered and still remains a heaven on earth. At the exit of the river, a sandy beach with pebbles and sand is formed, with sea water being very cool due to the river. In the eastern part of the beach, there is a beautiful rock reminding of a heart. The beach is not well organized because the area is protected, without any umbrellas.


Domnoni Beach

A long, sandy beach in the southern coast


Kourtaliotiko Gorge

Kourtaliotiko Gorge is located in the region of Rethymno and it is 3 kilometers long. It is one of the most impressive hiking destinations in Crete to go hiking, with dense vegetation, caves, enormous rock formations, ponds and a breathtaking waterfall.
https://nasganev.com/kourtaliotiko-gorge-and-how-to-get-there/
Mili Gorge



Anendyk Ferry to Agia Roumeli to hike end of Samaria Gorge
https://anendyk.gr/
going: 10:30, 1pm, 4:30pm
return: 11:30am, 5:30pm

Samaria Gorge

Elafonissi Beach (southwest)


Minoan Palace of Phaistos
The first palace erected here was in around 2000 BC. Destroyed in an earthquake, it was replaced by a second palace in around 1700 BC which, despite also being destroyed in an earthquake shortly after, established Phaistos as the most powerful city in southern Crete, rivalling the Palace of Knossos in Heraklion for power.

Matala Beach
The Enclosed bay of Matala is located at the exit of a small valley. This is one of the most popular tourist tours and Matala the most visited beach as this beach became famous for the rock caves and the `70s Easy Life of the hippies. In the Neolitic times the caves of Matala were used as Houses, later in the roman time as burial chambers.


HERAKLION



Palace of Knossos
€19 - 8-8pm
buy tix


€24/€48 
9hr - 7:20am Heraklion
- Agios Nikolaos
- Mirabello Bay
- Spinalonga (1h20 stop, including a guided tour of 45 minutes)
- Kolokytha Bay (1h30 stop & BBQ)
- Agios Nikolaos (1h30 stop)
- Return to the starting point



FOOD

Filo Making in Rethymno old town
30, Vernardou Street, a Venetian mansion houses the workshop of Giorgos Hatziparaschos, the last traditional phyllo master making ultra-thin phyllo pastry (phyllo Kroustas in Greek) and kataifi pastry (thin-strand pastry) by hand. Phyllo is an essential part of Greek cuisine.

Horta - cooked greens

Pilafi - Wedding Rice

Bougatsa - custard pie

Kohli - snails






GREEK PHRASES


Hello/Goodbye

Yassu

How are you?

Tee kanis?

I’m fine, thank you

Kala, efharisto

Nice to meet you

Harika

Good morning

Kalimera

Good afternoon/evening

Kalispera

Goodnight

Kalinichta

Please

Parakalo

Thank you

Efharisto

Yes

Neh

No

O’hee

Excuse me

Signomi

What is your name?

Pos se leneh?

My name is…

Me leneh…

Do you speak English?

Milate Agglika?

What time is it?

Ti hora ineh?

How much is this?

Poso kani?

Cheers! (when drinking)

Yamas!

Thursday, June 13, 2024

Greece - Naxos 2023


Greece has standardized on 
type F sockets and plugs. Type C and type E plugs can also be used thanks to their compatibility with type F sockets.


https://goo.gl/maps/mTuwHjv3cB1cU4Rk9



A 16% service fee is included in the bill at restaurants, bars etc., but is not displayed separately. The service fee should be written on the menu - look for it towards the end, along with municipal taxes and other charges. An additional tip is is not obligatory, but it is common to round off the amount, especially when paying in cash. 

SKY EXPRESS

Sun 8/27 other options:
10am arrival
1. Flight: Sky Express 1pm-1:40pm €110 FLIGHT GQ402 (Alenia ATR 42/72(Small))
2. Flight: Sky Express 4:00pm-4:40pm
3. Ferry: Tera Jet, Rafina 2:50pm-5:55pm €70 (30min Taxi €50)
4. Ferry: Pireaus 5:30pm-11:55pm €42 (80min Taxi €60)

Mon 9/4 options:
1. Flight: Sky Express 11:10am-11:50am €110 FLIGHT GQ401 (Alenia ATR 42/72(Small))
2. Flight: Sky Express 1:30pm-2:15pm
3. Flight: Sky Express 8:55am-9:35am
4. Ferry: Tera Jet, Rafina 10:40am-2pm €70 (30min Taxi €50)
5. Sun 9/3 Ferry: Ekaterini, Rafina 3:30pm-9:20pm €43 (30min Taxi €50)

Flights

JetBlue / AA


JFK-ATH
Aug 26, 2023-Aug 27, 2023
05:45 pm-10:30 am
9 hrs 45 mins
B6 4486 Boeing 777 Operated by AMERICAN AIRLINES
Seats 22G-K
AA 334

ATH-JFK
Sep 4, 2023
04:15 pm-08:10 pm
10 hrs 50 mins
B6 4485 Boeing 777 Operated by AMERICAN AIRLINES
Seats 23G-K
AA 333

Sky Express
Sun, Aug 27
13:00 - 13:40
ATH "Eleftherios Venizelos"
JNX Naxos Airport
Alenia ATR 42/72(Small)
SKY express GQ402

Mon, Sep 4
11:10 - 11:50
JNXNaxos Airport
ATH "Eleftherios Venizelos"
SKY express GQ401

Car
Autounion

HOTEL
Victoria Studios & Apartments

Day trips
KERRAS CRUISES
10am - 6:30pm from Agia Anna to Irakleia & Koufonisi
€50 ADULT $25 child - 0-5 FREE

Cycladic cruises
http://www.cycladicruises.gr/en/home
9:30-6:50 Irakleia & Koufonisi Thu - €45/$22.5/Free under 6
9-6:50 Delos & Mykonos Mon, Wed, Sun - €60/$30/Free under 6

Gate A arrival
Passport control
Baggage claim

Go to B gates for next flight

Temple of Demeter


Apano Kastro


Melanes (village hikes)




Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Bermuda 2024

https://maps.app.goo.gl/bg3AAXbXnx4WgM4y9

APT - Cliffs of Marley

BermudAir luggage

- Carry on: Max (including wheels and handles) 23 x 14 x 10 in;  20 lb
- Check-in: included in the fare up to 70 lb

For Bermuda there are two associated plug types, types A and B
120V

Emergency number 911
King Edward VII Memorial Hospital

U.S. Consulate General in Hamilton
ADDRESS:
16 Middle Road
Devonshire, DV 03, Bermuda
(441) 295-1342
HamiltonConsulate@state.gov

The Bermudian dollar (BMD) is the official currency of Bermuda, an island nation in the Atlantic ocean. The BMD is pegged to the U.S. dollar at a rate of 1:1, and American currency is often used interchangeably on the island.

Bus fare: coins only - exact change
3.50 (3 Zone)
5.00 (14 Zone)
2.75 (All Zones)
$12.50-$15.50 each trip

Tickets (Booklet of 15)
$25.00 (3 Zone)
$37.50 (14 Zone)
9.50 (All Zones)
$69-$94 whole family

Ferry Schedule 
same price



BUS 7 Schedule
Hamilton to Dockyard Via South Shore Beaches, Lighthouse and Somerset / Barnes Corner

Bus stops are marked along the side of the road with pink (inbound to Hamilton) or blue (outbound from Hamilton) poles.





TAXI
Hitch App
approx $50 airport to warwick parish
cash only!

BEACHES

Jobson’s Cove


Horseshoe Bay Beach
Rum Bum Beach Bar & Grill
12pm-9pm (closed Mondays)

Elbow Beach


SITES


South Shore hiking trail spanning 10 beaches


BOAT RENTAL

https://www.h2osportsbermuda.com/
2 Cambridge Rd, Somerset Village MA 02, Bermuda

$100 (1hr) - $380 (8hr)
Average gas used for 4hr approximately $35-$50 dollars


St. George's Unfinished Church

St. George's Tobacco Bay 


FOOD
Drop it APP to order from Lindos
OK to drink tap which is rainwater

TO RESEARCH
- budget restaurants 
- marley beach zone on bus?


Monday, June 26, 2023

Aruba 2023


ITINERARY
Tue
4pm Arrive
5pm car rental
6pm grocery store
8pm house

Wed
Beach day 

Thu
Beach day

Fri
Beach day 
4pm Pickup Sherri 
Moomba sunset dinner
Herencia market

Sat
Arikok national park
submarine/snorkeling

Sun
Donkey Sanctuary
sunset cruise

Mon
Beach day 
Dinner Nusa

Tue
8am breakfast/beach
11am check out
12pm return car
2pm flight

TIPPING
15% - 20% is customary.

The Aruba ED Card (Embarkation/Disembarkation) is a mandatory step for every passenger entering Aruba, including babies and kids, and needs to be filled out and approved. 7 days prior to arrival.

OUTLETS

GOLD COAST COMMUNITY
Salinas restaurant: The happy hour is twice a day (12-2 and 5-7)
live music in Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays


SIGHTS

Eagle Beach

Palm Beach

Baby Beach
Beach beds, windscreens and snorkel gear are available at a rental fee.

Arashi Beach
Facilities: bar, beach chairs, cabanas, parking


Malmok Beach

Arikok National Park
$11/adults; kids free
The San Fuego Entrance is open from Monday to Sunday from 08:00 am until 4:00 pm (ticket sales at the Visitor Center closes at 3:30 pm). The Vader Piet Entrance (San Nicolas) is open from Monday to Sunday from 08:30 AM to 3:00 PM.

The Quadirikiri Cave is famous for its two chambers, illuminated by the sunlight streaming through holes in the roof of the cave. The cave extends for about 100 feet. In the darker portions of the cave nest hundreds of harmless bats.

The Fontein Cave is the most popular of the caves as it is the only one that has the drawings of Arawak Indians on the ceilings, providing a real sense of island history to this cave.


Conchi natural pool
There are two ways to get to Natural Pool. The most common way is to enter Arikok National Park and hire a guide with a 4×4 or ATV vehicle to drive you out to the pool.

Boca Prins

Donkey Sanctuary
9am-4pm - free/donation


GROCERIES
Ling & Sons (has lunch buffet bar)
Monday to Saturday 7:30am - 8:00pm
Sunday 9:00am - 3:00pm

BREAKFAST
Linda's Dutch Pancakes
Palm Beach 6-D, Palm - Eagle Beach Aruba
8am-2pm
Menu

Willems Dutch Pancakes (Diner with lunch)
J.e. Irausquin Boulevard 370 Arawak Garden Across From Barceló Resort Aruba
7:30 - 10pm 
Menu

Pancake Factory
J.E. Irausquin Blvd 384 A, Noord Aruba
8am - 2pm
Menu

King Fred Princess Diana
L.G. Smith Blvd 330, Oranjestad Aruba
8am - 1pm Wed-Sun
Menu

Dutch Pancakehouse
Renaissance Marketplace
LG Smith Boulevard 9
Oranjestad, Aruba
8am - 9pm

LUNCH/DINNER
Moomba (with chair rentals)
JE Irausquin Boulevard 230, Noord Aruba
Breakfast Buffet ($15.95)- 08:00 am - 12:00 pm
8am-10pm
Bar Menu 

Arashi Beach Shack (with chair rentals)
L.G. Smith Boulevard 135 | Arashi Beach | Aruba
10am - 9pm

Surfside Beach Bar (free chairs)
L.G. Smith Boulevard, Oranjestad (Surfside Beach)
9am - 9pm
Menu

Cafe 080, bar food near the house
Noord 90, Noord Aruba
4pm - 12am
https://cafe080.com/menu/

Nusa (Indonesian)
Kerkstraat 4, Oranjestad 0000 Aruba
4pm-11pm
Menu

Pika's corner (locals food)
Route 3 Palm Beach, Noord, Aruba
7am-10pm Mon-Sat

Pestechi House (patties)
Caya G. F. Betico Croes 42, Oranjestad Aruba

BUFFET
check Moomba

CRUISES/ ACTIVITIES

$60 pp (includes kids riding with adult)
$68/adult $45/child

$60/adult $46/child

DAY PASSES
De palm beach?

SHOPPING


Paseo Herencia
10am-10pm
6-10pm kids' train/ carousel
Enjoy live shows on stage at 8pm and our nightly water shows at 7:30pm, 8:30pm and 9:30pm.
Monday: Latin Dance Show
Tuesday: Steelpan Music
Wednesday: Cultural Dance Show
Thursday: Acrobatic Show
Sunday: Violin Show

Local Market
9-6pm, by the cruise terminal