4th and last(!) palace at Malia. Everyone is pretty much jaded except for Dr M herself. It’s amazing how she keeps up her energy. Finally, Gournia, mansion and town, last site. Went back to Herakleion museum after lunch with T and S. Took a leisurely pace. (800 Drx) About 3 hour bus ride from HPAKΛEIO to XANIA (2400 ΔPX). Mostly same shrub and stunted vegetation until we neared Xania when there were actually trees! Walked to Hotel Kriti. Nice hotel, decent room, best of all is the swimming pool! For 3800 ΔPX! Really near the sea, so 5 of us (+ C, Iv) had dinner by the sea. Fresh swordfish, retsina, white wine, fries, tsatsiki (2050 ΔPX). Free raki and dessert. Dessert was good but only took a sip of the raki, which was stronger than Zaros’. Took our time, then had a leisurely stroll in search of coffee. Short diversion on swings. Nice café place, Nescafe for 400 ΔPX, again took our time. Great to have the sea just next to you in the dark. Incredible that the water is so clear. Best thing is the waterfront is not chock-a-block with restaurants and people, just a few, nice and quiet and peaceful. Went back at about 1 am.