Just because I'm not producing a new brochure doesn't mean that there's no activity round here. Granted, it's less manic than it's been in the past and far less stressful, but we still need to create new tours and generally keep the interest up.
To that end I've just been in touch with Stella in Crete who has operated our tours there since Day 1 - and that's a very long time ago. We're going to offer the destination again after a gap of several years and the memories come flooding back. It really is the most amazing island which has got a bit of everything. Sure it's got the coastal strip of tourism which can be fairly revolting in parts, but go just a mile inland and you go back in time. Shepherds still lead there sheep (and it wasn't until I'd seen that happening in the Eastern Mediterranean islands that I understood the significance of the Good Shepherd in the bible! Round these parts the shepherds round the sheep up; there the animals follow the man they know and trust.
Enough theology! Back to Crete. Those Minoans knew a thing or two and, although our tour majors on birds with lots of botanical interest (although not necessary expertise), we take time to enjoy the treasures of archaeological sites such as Knossos. The scenery is impressive with three dramatic mountain ranges crossing the island and a couple of beautiful high plateaux. Then there are the tavernas! Working on the theory that a holiday should be a holiday and not a route march (!) we have our lunches in (usually) rural tavernas, taking care to sample the local wine which is included in the cost of the holiday. I'll never forget one occasion when another British group passed the taverna outside which our laden table shook to the sound of our laughter. Clasping their brown paper bags with dry sandwich and hard-boiled egg, the looks of neat envy were sad to behold!
I'm working on the cost as we speak and hope to have the whole thing up on the website 'ere long and definitely before I leave for Shetland and Fair Isle on Monday. In fact, it's inaccurate to say "Shetland AND Fair Isle because the latter is part of the archipelago of over 100 islands, stacks and skerries which make up this very special destination. I've got several friends in the group and am looking forward to a very good trip.
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