I have never been mountain biking in my life. Yet here I am in Thredbo, embarking on one of the best tracks in the country. The drawcard, however, turns out to be twofold. The mountain biking is excellent, but Thredbo is a destination of its own.… Read the rest
Spooks
It’s easy to get the spooks around Dubai on Halloween. A right festival is currently underway in the city.
The decorations in our neighbourhood begin in earnest at least a week beforehand although retail promotes things at least a month in advance.… Read the rest
Traditional Cretan Farm Delights
Some people are born for the land. It seems so for Michalis who is now farming alongside his father, Giannis, on the farm he grew up on this traditional Cretan farm just outside of Rethymno in Crete. Michalis’ father has been producing sheep and goat milk here for 50 years.… Read the rest
Knossos Palace
Knossos Palace, home of King Minos, birthplace of the Minotaur, entrance to the Labyrinth. This site feels enchanted from the first step.
History
Entering from the West Gate late on a hot summer’s afternoon, I encounter the 22,000 sq.m… Read the rest
The Fortezza, Rethymno
Rethymno’s Fortezza tops Paleokastro (‘old castle’), the steep hill that presides over the city and the site of Rethymno’s ancient acropolis. The fortress and the city are immersed in Venetian and Ottoman history which is still evident today despite German occupation during WWII.… Read the rest
Chania’s 5 Best Restaurants
Why choose just 5 best restaurants when one could, and to some extent I have (literally), eaten my way around Crete? One of the delights of travel is the opportunity to discover new things and flavors could very well be at the top of this list.… Read the rest
Koutourouki Cuteness
Nestled in a tiny vine covered alleyway in the Old Town area of Chania yet tucked away from the tourist throngs of the Venetian harbor front is Koutourouki. In terms of dining, it is cuteness itself!
It is 7pm and is still early by European standards but we have been walking all afternoon and are ready for a meal.… Read the rest
Kolymvari
Kolymvari
This small fishing village on the island of Crete, Kolymvari (also Kolymbari) is located about 25km (30mins) drive from the Venetian port town of Chania.
Out and about on The Little Fun Train for the afternoon, we visit this tiny fishing village which promises a lovely spot to linger for a day.… Read the rest
Polemarhi
This small homemade operation is run out of Polemarhi in the foothills of Crete’s Maleme region. Out on the Little Fun Train for the afternoon, we have already discovered the villages of Kolymvari, Marathokefala and Vouves. Each with their own version of charm and slice of history, from monasteries and saints to millennia old olive trees, the traditions here are rich and varied.… Read the rest
Vouves
Another tiny village in the hills behind Maleme, Vouves boasts the world’s oldest olive tree.
The Olive Tree of Vouves
This millennia old olive tree with its twisting, gnarled trunk still bears fruit. It is estimated to be between 2,000 and 4,000 years old.… Read the rest