Crete here we come

03.12.2024

Wow the sun is shining and we quickly set up our Sunfolder...we need electricity again or rather still...Starlink consumes quite a lot of power and the total sum of all consumers is the problem. Unfortunately, it starts to rain again at some point and we pack everything up again.

We receive a message on YouTube from our “neighbors.” Marion and Jesse from Luxembourg. A lovely, nice family that also runs a YouTube channel called “ab die Henne.”

We stand outside in the rain with Marion and talk about everything and how one ends up moving into a camper...very interesting and truly a great decision. We receive a very interesting tip and our travel route might change considerably again...but more on that later.

I walk to the bakery and buy bread...very delicious bread and in the early afternoon we enjoy the milk cake...really very tasty..and the cinnamon....heavenly.

Today we go out to eat and want to get a döner at the “Dönerbude” we saw the day before....BUT...as it often happens..the place was closed. We could remember a restaurant where many Greeks were sitting inside and eating...it can't be bad there. We sit inside and have one set of menus taken away and another set placed down. As it often goes, the thought comes...oh yes, this is probably the “tourist menu” with different prices...but when we looked at it, we could see that we received an English menu...but at first we're a bit suspicious ☺️. I get a souvlaki (a bit too fatty for me) and Freddy eats gyros with fries. Then it struck me: I made the wrong choice. Freddy gets meat from me and in return, I get really delicious gyros.

We walk through the city, full and satisfied, and enjoy the wonderful lighting.

The bed calls and we willingly comply.

04.12.2024

Following the tip, we walk to the “ticket shop” to book a ferry and yes....it works 252 euros for the vehicle and 2 people and on 05.12.2024 at 5:00 PM we set off with the ferry to Kissamos in Crete...we're really excited because we could only book a car up to 5.00 meters online. We meet Jesse there, who has already given us a thumbs up and then we knew everything would be okay.

Jesse comes to our window and we chat and chat about YouTube, van life, and much more. Really very nice and pleasant.

We walk over to the Vodafone shop to buy an unlimited prepaid card that costs 30 euros for 30 days...but as so often...the card was sold out and only available the next day. Unfortunately, that didn't work because we wouldn't be there anymore. But according to the statement, there are many Vodafone shops in Crete, so it’s no problem. (Thanks Jesse for this great tip).

We drive to the harbor area around 3:30 PM and wait for boarding....now it gets interesting...I think we have to reverse onto the ferry...no way, right? I am already about to ask Freddy if he wants to drive...but anyone who drives a camper in Athens can handle anything...

We drive forward onto the ferry and I can already see what awaits me...oh dear, oh dear...once in the other direction and back up to the other vehicle. The mirrors are folded in, Freddy has to get out of the vehicle and I am guided with hand signals on how to steer into this narrow corner. Wow, a finger's width of space next to the motorcycle, and then I had to quickly grab my things and get out of the vehicle because the next one had to park so close that our door couldn't open anymore. A bit hectic and my hands trembled a bit, but Freddy filmed everything and will be seen on YouTube soon. He was proud of me, and once I calmed down, I was also proud of myself.

We find a spot with adjustable seats, but later we wander into the lounge area and join Marion, Jesse, and Mads. Six hours of crossing, and we had a great time conversing. Everything very engaging with such nice people.

11:50 PM arrival and off...Everyone to their vehicles...Now we know who invented Tetris...the Greek employees on this ferry. We have to wait a bit because other vehicles had to leave first, and a few seemed to be a bit sleepy...I get in, leave the engine running, and I am waved out...gently turning in, and then I’m already away from the “rear” of the wall and can leave the ferry. Respect for such “Tetris.”

We drive off the ferry and can park less than 200 meters away for the night. Quiet and really beautiful.