Knossos (The buildings).

Oh dear, it's raining and has been all day and night. I guess I'm driving to the Hall tonight for disco aerobics. I did go out to get some milk when the rain had eased and was even tempted for a short walk on the beach before the returning rain sent me quickly to the shop and home.

Today was our last Welsh class of the academic year though of course we will be meeting our friends for our library sessions. And I shall continue with my daily Duo Lingo and perhaps attempt to watch the Welsh tv channel.

Now for a bit more sun.

Long before our neighbour told me about their Cretan holidays I had wanted to visit the Palace of Knossos.

It was a good choice to wait until the spring as it wasn't as hot as it had been in September though I was grateful for my loose silk shirt. We were also fortunate in that entry was free (and to the museum) on May 18th, International Museums Day which was a saving of E80.

I expect like most people I had thought that the term 'labyrinth' referred to underground cellars and tunnels in which possibly the minotaur had lived. But the term simply referred to the vast maze of rooms and corridors of the palace in which no doubt it was quite easy to get lost.

This model in the museum shows the size of the palace with some parts, three or even four stories high. It may have been four thousand years ago but this was a very sophisticated civilisation.

To avoid the crowds of people walking round with guides we headed around the outside of the site first before making our way to the centre with its grand plazas and ceremonial rooms. Note the peacock, of which there were a number, perched in the tree above the walkway.

The Hall of the Axes behind which were the queen's chambers.

And of course the famous reconstructed bull fighting fresco.

Open staircases brought light and air into the lower floors.

The ceremonial throne room with its stone throne. A room where religious rites may have been performed.

I took too many photos to put them on one post so will save the frescos and ceramics for tomorrow.