Day 35- Crete, Kissamos, Maleme, Galatas

We were off today to visit WWII places of significance and with Graemes knowledge on the battles here in Crete, there were a couple of paces to see. First we drove 2 hours to the most western point in Crete to Kissamos (Kastelli) to say hi to my Grandfather again. The bay is somewhat changed, with the port being more developed but the towering cliffs that protect the bay are still imposing- especially as it was windy and covered in clouds today. I have my Grandmothers engagement ring that my Grandfather gave her which is nice to bring back here.

ANZAC poppies growing wild in the sand of the bay

We then drove on to Maleme where 6000 Germans landed in the battle of Crete. Stopped and had lunch at an amazing bakery in the middle of nowhere that catered for an upmarket crowd?!

After that we reached Galatas which Graeme really wanted to visit. He has the book of the same name which has a photo of a German soldier lying dead in the street with his tank behind him. We stood in this same tiny little road- and we are talking smaller than Ohaupo and wandered around by the memorial just up from this. It isnt lost on us that we live on the other side of the world and we know of this tiny little village where Kiwi's stood and re-took the village from the Germans.

In a nearby closed restaurant we could see their back wall had all sorts related to the NZers being there- rather freaky is on the shelf in the window is that same Galatas book Graeme has at home. Beside the memorial which Graeme recognized as soon as we arrived, is a small museum with letters and artifacts from both sides.
This postcard had been left propped up on a shelf…..

We decided to head back to our place as it’s a good couple of hours back but so easy as its just one picturesque highway the whole way.

These are the mountains where kiwis hid in caves during WWII after the battle of Crete, where they either waited the war out or tried to get out in small boats. Many of the Cretan locals helped hide and feed them. I have read a book written by 1 of 3 Putaruru brothers who lived through this- tough as nails they were!.....


Got back and had showers- it is a crack up as it is a mini length bath and the shower head is hooked at waist height- you need to get in some funny positions to get wet properly lol!

Went down to Agia Pelagia and had a great meal on the waterfront again at ‘Zorbas”. They always give you complimentary grappa (that’s fire water!) and the greek desserts soaked in honey at the restaurants.

Drove back up the hill- there are 34 hairpin turns back up that mountain!@$!#!