Life on Crete in the summer is happening mostly outdoors. Old and young sit outside in front of their houses, little kids run between tables and through the streets until midnight.

With the sun fading, locals and tourists alike come back to life. Below is a picture of one of my favorite taverns in Gavalachori. Service was very good, prices were better than reasonable and – we were usually the only foreigners there. ‘That is always a good sign that one has found a real Greek place.

Our favorite tavern

Some road bends hold a special spot for mailboxes. Some houses and villas are built way up high in the mountains and this is the common drop off spot for the mail.

Mailboxes in the mountains

Last chance for swimming at Scorpion Bay

While at Scorpion Bay we often heard the arrival of passing goats. Their bells made a nice sound in the gorge.

Goat navigating her way around the mountain top

Crete’s scenery and Cretan hospitality are one of a kind. I would like to come back here some day, but in a different season. I heard in winter the island is green and one would not be able to recognize it from the impression of summer. Right now we see lots of red soil, deep blue seas, olives growing like mad, and the simmering heat on dusty roads. I smell Souvlaki and have tasted homemade Tzatziki. I have tried new dishes like Moussaka and Boureki. My daughter has discovered a passion for boiled shrimp. I prefer Mythos beer (similar to the German brand Jever) over the locals’ preferred import brew (Heineken and Amstel).

There are plenty more good things on Crete.