about 1/3 of the 19 people know Greek. How I wish I knew Greek but the alphabet is starting to get familiar. First full day of lessons, Dr D is very interesting, + I find the mystery of Crete simply fascinating. Can’t wait to get there. Had lunch with R + T at a KAFETERIA, selection of Greek appetisers, fried cheese + iced coffee 1550 drachmae each. Went to Porto Rafti beach in the afternoon. Lovely water + view. Experience spoiled by stepping on sea urchin. So far, no pain. M had one spike too but I stepped right on top of one. T swam out with his wallet + had to get everything to dry on his towel. Spoke with S about medieval + modern english, her interests. Had dinner at a YAPOTABERNAS, the table was just next to the sea, had kalamari + fish (smelt). Getting to like the taste of retsina. Feeding mosquitoes. Tired out on bus ride back. Everyone’s pretty studious, doing their (huge) amount of reading.