Cyprus and Crete

It's Tuesday 7:40 am, just trying to do a quick update. Everyone is very friendly in every town we run through. Some are small villages and other bigger tourist centers; the crowds are quite something. There has been lots of media coverage too which helps. In each town the Mayors give speeches of thanks and there are stage dances in traditional ceremonial dress by the youth. Some offer huge lunch and dinners to us to support us.

Sunday was a travel day—bus, then plane, then overnight ferry to Crete. The ferry was just like a cruise ship, quite spectacular. We slept in berths of 4 beds, woke up at 4:45 am then checked in at hotel and on the road quickly.

I am so glad to hear the Delta run went well And thanks to everyone for that. Can't wait to see Stacey on Rhodes.

We are traveling throughout Crete until Friday.

Something interesting for you—the Flame of Hope. When it was lit each of the athletes that were selected to run with our teams lit small 500 ml lanterns. When we were on the plane I was seated by two Greek police officers from our support staff. They each had lanterns on the floor that they were guarding, with small flames glowing in each. So the flame never goes out!!

As we travel through the beautiful country on our bus I look ahead sometimes and see our motorcade of support vehicles and motorcycles, it is quite amazing. We are now all listening to Greek music on the bus and trading stories. My vocabulary consists of Greek, English and Spanish.

Our last stop on Monday was the beautiful resort of Chania. Absolutely spectacular. A very large crowd was waiting in the square as we ran in.

Bus is loading, we have about 4 or 5 ceremonies today.

» See photos on Flickr (there is an option to view as a slideshow).