Stanstead to Heraklion

[G.K.]

Off on our Hols in a month or so, down to a place on Crete we've been many times before. The food is fantastic, the people are genuinely friendly, the weather always seems fantastic. The final destination will be a fishing village called Elounda, just up the road from Plaka and a short boat trip from Spinalonga.

Now, Greece is in a bit of a pickle at the moment and as a Nation they've been taking a lot of flack from the rest of the world. Sad indeed.....Anyway, without being political (heaven forbid ) I thought I'd share my experience with this part of Greece:

In a recent survey the people of Greece were discovered to work longer hours than anywhere else in Europe.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17155304

On Crete I have never witnessed any crime. If you leave a wallet visible on the beach whilst swimming it will be there when you get back. My son lost his wallet a few years ago, it was returned complete with all the money. A car or bike is safe parked unlocked with the keys in the switch. If there is theft, it will be a fellow holiday maker.

The smiles and friendly gestures are genuine, prompted by a real respect for their fellow human beings, not created by a need to make profit. Although I'm sure they appreciate us spending.

The average Greeks are fine folk but they have been let down by politicians and money folk.....

.....OK, some of that was opinion but what the hell::)

All that aside:
Before I go on holidays I usually recreate the flight on FSX. We will be flying from London Stanstead in a 737-800. Booked with Thomson and Landing at Heraklion (or Iraklion). I try to imagine that we are on the plane, this gives an added pressure not to crash, this is quite effective at focusing the concentration 8-)

On time, no delays.

[Flying Trucker]

Nice commentary and nice shots...

[andy190]

Great shots.

[GlobalHobo]

Lotta memories. Love the Greeks! I like to recreate certain flights, too. Used to do the Iraklion trip fairly regularly from Dublin when I was with Futura. Good times. Used to battle Thompson for the good parking spots. Thompson's still here, Futura's just a memory. Have a fantastic holiday!

[G.K.]

Thanks for the comments Doug, Andy and Global (nice shot BTW).

There's certainly lots of interesting places to try and spot out of the window on route.

Thames estuary and Isle of Sheppey, Alps, Venice, Athens, Canal at Corinth, Santorini (responsible for destroying Atlantis according to some).

The landing at Heraklion always seems a bit bumpy and frantic. 

[GlobalHobo]

[quote]The landing at Heraklion always seems a bit bumpy and frantic.

[G.K.]

[quote][quote]The landing at Heraklion always seems a bit bumpy and frantic.