First leg

The first leg of my return journey is complete, and I'm safely ensconced in my room at the Kastro Hotel in Iraklion.  I miss Yaya, Dimitri, Dimitra, Tasos, and Katerina already!  It was all I could do to keep from crying during all the goodbyes; that came later.

Meanwhile, here at the Kastro Hotel, there is a gi-normous photo of the Old Harbour of Xania!  I guess the town wanted to give me one last good-bye.

This is not a photo of the Old Harbour of Xania

Being here in Iraklion is almost more surreal than the first time, because the feelings are so different.  When I arrived, I was completely disoriented, scared of getting lost and never finding my hotel again, and the future was a mystery: I had no idea what to expect.  But now, although I'm not as familiar with Iraklion as I am with Xania, I'm confident in my ability to get around, and the future is far more predictable, as futures go: I know I will miss my family in Perivolia, but that I will be glad to see my friends and family in Seattle.  I'll probably experience some reverse culture shock and occasionally confuse people by saying ναι (neh) for "yes".  I'll spend some time getting re-acquainted with people, but these will be people who I already know for the most part, so there will not be many big surprises--an entirely different sensation from not knowing anyone and not being quite sure what each day holds.

Well ... to time head out and find something to eat!  Tomorrow, Athens and Madrid, where I'll probably confuse everyone by speaking Spreek or Granish to the waiter.