Agia Marina, Crete (Greece)

Woke up in time for brunch (barely) - the six hour time shift got me again... After checking out of the Naval Station Rota Navy Gateway Inn, I met up with my crew at around 1200L.  We got airborne before 1400L. Everyone felt that it was good planning to shorten this day to one flight - we just had to fly to Greece! Great weather across Spain and into the Mediterranean. Mountains, beaches, plains all visible - beautiful! Also saw Palma Majorca (brings back memories - see 1997). Weather stared to get worse near Sicily and continued until Crete. Landed at Souda Bay Air Base with rain and wind. Had to wait for nearly two hours for transportation...  During the delay, I figured out I'd lost my sunglasses. Finally arrived at our off-base lodging, the Royal Sun Hotel, in Chania. Second time here (see 2006). Great view of the Bay of Chania from the balcony! Called my friend Nick - we ate at his cousin's restaurant last time - he told me it was open and we headed over to Agia Marina to have dinner. When we got there, it was closed - turns out, this is the Orthodox Christian Easter Sunday! Luckily, there was another restaurant down the street that was open. The manager was very energetic and invited us into his place with a warm smile and friendly words. We were offered some good local wine and he explained that the Easter holiday was just ending tonight. Last night, there was a city-wide candle light procession through town (wish we had seen that...). Kevin and Julius had the lamb special and I had souvlaki. Great dinner! While we were eating, it started to pour. We stayed until they were closing (2300) and then headed back to the Royal Sun in the rain. I'll sleep well tonight!