Florida Beach

Florida Beach, just east of the Iraklion airport, was arguably the best place on the island during a summer afternoon. Most tourists sooner or later relaxed there as did the local inhabitants. It was conveniently located about 30 kilometers from base. The cave at the west end of the beach had held German munitions during WW II. Across the road from the entry was a non-descript Greek Orthodox shrine. Available in the covered entry area of Florida during the summer months were cold drinks such as gazos, Minos and water as well as karpuzi and other things to eat. In the bleak winters, the beach was a forlorn piece of real estate, totally abandoned. But it was an ideal spot for us to visit late at night. We would build a roaring fire, open our drink of choice, and talk about anything except for work.

"Right over there is the cave we told you about -- where the Minotaur hid. Want to go explore it with me? It's safe. Just stay close and hold on to me tightly so we don't get separated."

"That mountain behind us is where King Minos threw his son into the sea. Then, according to myth, his body broke into pieces and formed the Greek islands. That's what I read anyway - I think."