Crete Unfiltered: Gyros and Good Times, My Crete Adventure Unveiled.
Sharon Preko • 19 January 2024
A Spontaneous Working Holiday
A few years ago I visited Greece for a working holiday for 4 months with one of my best friends, I can say it was one of the best trips I've been on. Picture this: we're chilling in the college canteen, brainstorming our summer plans. Suddenly, a lightbulb moment! We hatched a genius plan for a working holiday, but the big question was, where to? After doing some research, we were pretty sure Crete was the perfect fit for us, and turns out, even as first-time travelers, we were spot on!
Welcome to Chania, or is it China-nea?
Picture the sheer thrill as we eagerly packed our bags and went holiday shopping months before the big day. Leaving Ireland behind, we soared from Dublin to the enchanting Crete, a 4-hour plane journey (excuding the delay, because what's an adventure without a touch of suspense?). Stepping off the plane, the humidity and scorching heat of Greece smacked us in the face. With zero knowledge of Greek, our attempts at pronunciation became the stuff of legends. For example: Chania, which we confidently dubbed "chin-nea," only to discover it's elegantly pronounced "ha-nia." But in the midst of linguistic mishaps, our journey unfolded with laughter, wide-eyed wonder, and the pure joy of being lost in translation.
Here are some basic Greek phrases so you wont make the same mistake we did:
- Hello: Γειά σου (YAH-soo)
- How are you?: Tι κανείς (tee-KAH-nis)?
- Thank You: Ευχαριστώ (eff-kha-ri-STOE)
- Please/You're welcome: Παρακαλώ (para-kah-LOE)
- Excuse me/Sorry: Συγνώμη (See-GHNO-mee)
- Cheers!: Στην υγειά μας! (STIN-eh YAH-mas)
- How much is it?: Πόσο κάνει αυτό (POH-soh KAH-nee af-TOH)?
And last but not least
8. I love Greece: Αγαπώ την Ελλάδα (Ah-gah-POH teen Eh-LAH-tha)
Greek Cuisine Delights
Upon arriving at our staff accommodation, let's just say they had their quirks – interesting would be an understatement! With work kicking off the next day, we wrapped things up for the night. Our work base was in Agoi Apostoli, where we served as Accommodation Assistants at Porto Plantainas Hotel. The work culture was a bit different from what we're used to back in Ireland, but in a few weeks, we got the hang of it. Exploring various local restaurants and cafes became our thing, helping us truly appreciate the flavours of Greek cuisine.
Here are some of my favourite local restaurants;
- Taverna Dimitris & Saki's - This tavern was located on the same street as our hotel, Every other day, we found ourselves drawn here, creating a tapestry of moments that ranged from birthdays to bittersweet last-day dinners.
- Zygos Grill & Pizza - a true embodiment of authentic Greek cuisine, echoed with the aromas of gyros and souvlaki. We stopped by here every day, we'd swing by to snag a massive gyro for a mere €3.50 – an absolute steal, and so worth it.
- Cafe Loca - This spot quickly became our go-to hangout, where laughter and memories effortlessly wove themselves into the fabric of our days. Here, amidst the cozy atmosphere, we savoured the delights of amazing Greek coffees and treats.
- Funkys Pizza - There was this pizza joint – a slice of heaven, really. For just €1.50, you could score the freshest slice of margarita pizza But let me tell you, the queues were absolutely wild.
There were so much more but I'd be here forever and this would be five pages long.
My Top Destination Picks
Balancing the 8-4 grind six days a week didn't leave much room for exploration, but we were determined to squeeze every drop of adventure out of our holiday.
Despite the tight schedule, here are a few favorite destinations that made it all worthwhile:
- Old Venetian Harbor - Climbing its steps offered a unreal view of Chania, creating a sense of peace and tranquility. Each visit was a retreat to serenity, a moment to soak in the beauty of the island
- Agia Apostoli beach - Ah, the favorite beach spot – just a 10-minute stroll from the accommodation, making spontaneous visits a breeze. And let's admit it, the art of sneaking onto sunbeds meant for paying customers added a cheeky thrill to the experience.
- Barcade Play Café - A mix of both an arcade and a café was a really smart business move. We were always drawn to here whenever we visited the town they had everything from a game of pool to virtual experiences, it was our go-to, a haven of entertainment that blended the best of both worlds. No wonder it became a regular stop on our exploration checklist!
- Municipal Market of Chania - Anything you could think of could be found at this market from corny t shirts to "designer" finds. It was a sensory feast, showcasing local specialties like mouthwatering olives and cheese, alongside traditional clothing and crafts that highlighted the incredible craftsmanship of the Greeks.
As I wrap up this chapter of my Cretan escape, I'm left with a heart full of memories – laughter in unexpected places, the taste of authentic Greek cuisine, and the warmth of a community that embraced us. It wasn't just a job; it was an adventure. So here's to the winding streets, the hidden corners, and the stories shared over gyro bites and coffee sips. Until the next adventure comes,
Αντίο, Crete!,
μέχρι να συναντηθούμε ξανά,
Sharon Preko.
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