 I will always cherish the memories I have from the most beautiful city of Crete. Rethymno was a mystery to me before I arrived but soon I found my way around. I used to get lost until I learnt the narrow streets of the old town like the back of my hand.  The lifestyle in Rethymno was better than I ever imagined. Greek food is amazing and it surpassed my expectations. Simple meals which smell and taste like a dream! Always go to the restaurants where you see Greeks dining. That's how you can recognize the best local spots.  Traveling around the island of Crete was simple and not expensive at all. We were almost always hitchhiking. It’s not hard to stop a car, but it will help if you speak any Greek. People in Rethymno are kind; I made a lot of friends with whom I still keep in touch.  When I first arrived, searching for a flat was difficult. All newspaper ads were in Greek and the landlords often don't speak English. It is useful if you have a Greek friend to assist you with finding an aparment. Rental prices are more or less the same as in Poland, depends on which area you choose to rent an apartment. As for budget, I used my savings and the scholarships I received from the European Union / the University of Krakow. That was enough for me and I did not have to count every penny that I spent. But I had to work hard and save before becoming an Erasmus student.  The year that I spent in Rethymno was definitely the most memorable year of my life. I think these few months included everything that an exchange student could wish for. Making new friends with whom you'll share life experiences and good wine. Bathing in the sea at night, lying on the sand and stargazing. Simple things worth living for. These moments are fixed in my memory. Rest assured that if you choose to be an Erasmus student in Rethymno, you will always find your way back. Because part of your heart will stay there forever. Katarzyna Cieślik wrote this article on behalf of Apartment Old Town. She studied economics in the University of Crete as an Erasmus student and management in Jagiellonian University. She is an avid photographer and has her own blog. This article has been proofread and edited by Valanti. Have a question? Write it in the comment section below!
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