If Plan A doesn't work, we'll just take Plan B 😊

Good morning, my dears,

as mentioned yesterday, we actually wanted to drive to the Samaria Gorge very early today, and we got up at 6:00 am to make our way to the bus station. Once we arrived, the nice lady at the counter told us that although the bus was indeed going, the gorge was still closed - presumably due to the current weather conditions.

So what now? We then considered hiking to the Lera Cave in Stravos, which we hadn't managed to do last time. However, the bus only left at 10:00 am, so we went back to our accommodation (as Hermione always says), and I treated myself to a fresh chocolate croissant and a cappuccino at a nearby bakery. The sun was shining, and I really wanted to get to the sea. There, we had breakfast somewhat spontaneously. It was wonderful. Finally, the sun is coming out again.

Just as we wanted to head back to our accommodation, we met Elina on the street. She was about to take Charlie out again, but we took him back with us since he is still injured and needs to take medication. He enjoys every pet and is very cuddly. I can tell you, he is really a sweet cat.

Then we took the bus to Stravos and hiked up the mountain to the cave. The view is breathtaking!!! The sunsets there must be incredible, but unfortunately, we didn't have much time today.

We first considered hiking further from Stravos towards the Gouverneto Monastery, but it was closed today. The weather was really nice today for the first time in a long time, and it was 24 degrees, so we spontaneously decided to have another afternoon at the beach to recharge for tomorrow.

When we returned to Chania, we walked back towards the harbor to see if the sea turtle was in the harbor. Apparently, she is fed by fishermen daily at 6:00 pm and then always comes to Chania harbor. She must be quite large and beautiful. So far, I've only seen her in pictures and videos.

Tomorrow it will be my last time at the shelter... on one hand, I'm of course looking forward to going home, but on the other hand, I could still stay here for a bit longer. The work fulfills me and brings me so much joy, and the dogs are just wonderful. It surely won’t be an easy farewell for me tomorrow... also, the fact that I won’t see Timmy for a while is pretty hard for me already. You just get used to new situations really quickly. But Olivia already told me yesterday that I can come back anytime, and she has a room available. She will likely take over the management of the shelter starting in June, and I’m really happy for her. I think she is already doing really well.

So now, I’ll say goodbye for now until tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed that the farewell won't be too painful and that I don’t shed too many tears... it’s really hard for me, but it has been a beautiful time, and I am incredibly grateful for everything I have experienced and for having dared to follow through with the project 'Out of the Comfort Zone'. And I can only advise you, if there’s something in your life where you’ve been thinking for a while: I want to do that - I could try it. Then do it!!! We all only have one life, and none of us want to regret not having experienced things or not having had the courage. You can do it too!