Kpńtn ~ or Crete, written in Greek.

The road to Knossos ~ this is a road that was build during the time the Palace of Knossos was constructed (although our guide mentioned that there have been buildings on the site from way before the palace).  This road goes across Crete, she said, from sea to sea, which is around 36 miles, give or take.  Much is under buildings, roadways, and homes.  She semi-jokingly said that if you need a plumber, you wait to have them come until late in the afternoon  ~ because if they come across an ancient structure they are duty bound to contact the Greek ministry of Culture.  All digging must stop.  But if the archaelological office is already closed....you see?

Interestingly enough, all antiquities found anywhere ~ including your property ~ is automatically the property of Greece.  If the site is deemed important enough, they can take the property from you by eminent domain.  
 

Once a palatial entrance to the Palace.  Built in the 7th mellennium BC, this palace is the origin of the myths of the Minotaur, Icarus and Daedalus.  It was the political and ceremonial center of the Minoan civilization.

 

Beautiful peacocks hanging out ~ everyone got their phones or cameras out.

 

These two photos show part of the labyrinth, as part of the myth of the Minotaur.

 Gorgeous frescos......

Throne room and throne.  The throne looked almost like a kids chair.

 

A depiction of acrobatic bull jumping.  Our guide thought that it was unlikely to be an activity that was practiced....The idea was to grab the horns, then flip over the bull and hopefully make the landing.  

 

Beautiful ladies.....

One of my favorite frescos......

Last walkabout day in Crete....

 

I was surprised to see so many Egyptian crafts in Greece...

 

Love these jars with the dolphin and octopus figures.

 

Also loved this butterfly pin or broach, which had some colorful jewel or faience in it.  It was small, about the size of my thumbnail...

 

Such an amazing sculpture of the bull.  

Our last night in Greece, we stayed at the Brown Hotel, which was a funky "let's bring back the old days" vibe to it.  There were old record players, consoles and art work of the time (think the 50s). They had a fabulous roof top deck with a bar, and on one side you could catch a glimpse of the Parthenon, as it is lit up.  That night it was also under a partly full moon.  If I hadn't had to get up so early, I would have hung out there with a drink or two.  They also had hot tubs!

Well, that's all folks!  Thank you for hanging in through all these photos!

Love, 365