Well, it was supposed to be a visit to the monastery where they make wine and have a won’t tasting, but niether the tasting room nor the museum was open at Toplou monastery. In light of the previous evening’s tummy troubles, it was probably for the best. I was disappointed that the museum wasn’t open.
This monastery is the site of two attacks. One by the Turks during their occupation of Greece when they killed all the monks in 1821 and one during WWII, because the Nazis discovered the monks were harboring resistance fighters and operating a wireless radio. Two monks and the Abbott were tortured and killed. The entire history dates back to the 14th century. Many other events have occurred here!
I was able to go inside the church but I was hard to see anything because they keep it dark to preserve the artwork and no photos are permitted. I found one painting quite interesting. It seemed to be trying to depict all the major stories in the Bible.
From there, I ventured on to Vai where there is a native date palm forest on 250 acres and a beach. It was a perfect warm and sunny day, so I took some time to have a nap on the beach. What better way to recover from food poisoning?
After my nap, I drove a little further to Itanus, another Minoan settlement that at one time it vied with Ierapetra for control of eastern Crete. It’s believed it was destroyed by pirates during the Byzantine era. Thus it is a ruins and Ierapetra is still a thriving city.
Situated in a high bluff, I could discern where a temple was and homes. The Greeks are not big on signage at these sites, which is unfortunate. I have noticed that when people find shards of pottery, they place them together on a rock rather than taking them. However, many smaller shards are on the ground and being walked on.
From there, I made my way home for an early night. I was surprised that I had as much energy as I did. I stopped at a grocery in Sitia to get some ginger ale
and more fruit juice to calm my stomach. I also got a mat to put under my yoga mat because these concrete floors are cold (4€) and a fleece throw for the couch (5€). I was using a blanket but it was not soft. I will probably leave both behind when I come home, but I am already loving the fleece!
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