Return to Iraklio

We take the bus back to Iraklio, as it is written in Greek, and I realize then that I have lost my mobile on the bus. It must have slipped quietly off my lap. Oh no! Big disappointment. We return to the bus station the next day to enquire about lost property, but no, never to be seen again.
This time we stay at the Green Olive Hotel in the heart of the shopping precinct. Our room decor amazes us. Large photos of Greek life on the walls and in the open wardrobe spaces, Japanese style floral print in the bathroom, and a little balcony to sit out on and watch the crowds below. Again there is complimentary raki and

crusty biscuits.
On our last two days in the city, we visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, and then another smaller museum on the esplanade which even has a WW2 Exhibition and mentions the Australian soldiers fighting there. We are very keen to see this exhibition.
At the museum, we see again the bull-leaping fresco from the Palace of Knossos. Our guide had told us that this was a sport in those days where both men and women (men painted in red and the women in white) would mount a bull and then somersault off its back. Another would be holding the bull's head at the time. An amazing feat and no doubt many died. The bull was the most feared, and therefore revered, creature in their culture.
The Museum houses an exhibition displaying archaeological finds from Neolithic to Roman times (6th millennium BC to the 3rd century AD). There are exhibits from Neolithic life and the Early Bronze Age on Crete (6000-1900BC). Then we can see later exhibits from palace

life between 1700 and 1450BC together with the development of maritime trade. The detailed pottery and exquisite jewellery items amaze us all. The Minoans had a very refined taste in all aspects of life. There is even an example of a "royal dinner service" with impressive detail over the pottery cups, jugs, bowls and dishes.
The Minoans were an educated people. They were merchants, artists, warriors and experienced sailors. Their maritime empire was vast. They were the first people in Europe to use a written language. We hear they were different from the Greeks, not subject to continual invasion attempts, and were therefore able to focus on their life, economy, administration and art. In one of the exhibit rooms, we see a model of an ordinary house, complete with stairs and balcony.
However, there is still debate over the destruction of the Minoan civilization. The latest view is that caused by the eruption of the Santorini volcano and subsequent tsunamis which occurred after this.

We also visit the sea fortress at Iraklio where in ancient times they kept watch for invading barbarians. Many cannonballs of all sizes remain in the lookout rooms below. We learn
On our last night in Greece we dine at the hotel restaurant below and enjoy a bottle of Italian prosecco. George our bartender is quite chatty and recommends a Greek champagne, of which there are very few. However, he discovers it is all sold out. The food is delicious, especially my truffle oil risotto and the salad. We are sad to leave this beautiful hotel - our Green Olive - will we return one day? Who knows? The staff are so attentive about lining up a taxi for us and pack our suitcases in for us. Of course we tip again. A short trip to the very crowded airport and we are on our way. Back to London for a few days, and then the long journey home to Oz.