Handsome Pop & Bird

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Joined: January 1st, 1970



Europe » Greece » Pelopennese » Nafplion July 2nd 2024

Took a stroll about Nafplion. Attached find eight images from the tour. Also drove up to Palamidi Fortress, of course pictures also attached along with other Venetian Fortresses in town. Our last drive of the trip😢occurs in the morning to Athens, where we have a room for two days, then on to Atlanta. Athens has two museums that interest us, one for items uncovered at the Acropolis, creatively named The Acropolis Museum, and also the National Archaeological Museum is here. Both are museums par excellence. We had thought when in Athens eight years ago we neglected the later and have been lashing ourselves over the back for such a blunder, scheduling some time in Athens to correct the glaring omission. However, upon previewing the contents, it became obvious the blunder did not occur. Yet the curation ... read more
Mycenean Figurines
Section of Palamidi Fortress
Plateia Filellinon (Friends of the Greeks Square)

Europe » Greece » Pelopennese » Nafplion May 30th 2024

Arrived at a pleasant and spotless Airbnb for the next four nights. We were just admiring the place when the owner bluntly informed us to keep the screens closed as mosquitos are here. Just super, been avoiding the bloodsuckers so far, but she said such a warm winter the awful insect kept them company all winter. Imagine that will produce a bumper crop this year. Imagine we must burden you folks with two postings from Nafplion. This one and a few pix of the Venetian Fortress. There are four here.... read more
Lunch Somewhere in the Peloponnese
Mycenean Palace/Fortress
A Look Down

Europe » Greece » North Aegean May 29th 2024

Drove almost four hours from Delphi to Olympia in the Western Peloponnese. Rather nice drive through country that is noticeably less arid than Cyprus or Crete and more scenic. There are many olive trees and some grape vines, they even receive enough rain to grow hay, although for what we don't know, as have not seen one cow or horse. Olympia, while memorable, is less impressive that Delphi. It is thankfully, quite flat resulting is easy walking. Departing later today for Nafplion along with Epidavros where sits a reportedly exquisite ancient theatre and also Mycenae. Yes, finally come face to face with the folks who assisted in the destruction of the Minions and reputedly Troy as well. Neglected to mention earlier, but while the Olympic Games officially began during the early 8th century BC, the Mycenaeans ... read more
Bird's Bathtub
Palaestra
Workshop of Pheidias

Europe » Greece » Central Greece » Delphi May 27th 2024

Toured the Oracle's home town of Delphi, but unfortunately, she had nothing to say. That killjoy Roman Emperor Theodosius I in 390 AD banned all pagan worship, including the Oracle. We all know Christians complaining of Pagans treating them poorly, yet when they gained power, the process was repeated. Furthermore, he destroyed much of what was there further reducing what survived to our era. The Oracle may well have existed as early as 1400 BC under the auspices of the Myceneans, you know those folks who assisted in the downfall of the Minoans and have been fingered for conquering Troy (likely false). Over time her legend grew and many votives (offerings in fulfillment of a vow) were constructed by various countries and city states in her honor on the Sacred Way. It's a bit after ten ... read more
View Below Theatre
Roman Agora (market)
Sacred Way

Europe » Greece » Crete » Heraklion May 23rd 2024

Yesterday we toured the quite amazing museum, while today a short drive to the place where a significant number of the items were recovered. The Palace is understandably not as impressive being a rather old fella-about 4,000 years old, and mom nature has labored during that time to reduce the once magnificent palace, an endeavor in which has been met with considerable success. Yet a sufficient amount remains to grasp the scale of this huge palace even if the luxurious trappings have long since disappeared. From the palace we attempted to proceed to Vathypetro where Bird had her heart set on viewing the world's oldest wine press. Alas, not to be. Google maps took us first through a village with extremely narrow streets then upping the ante with a dirt, rock and potholed "road" on which ... read more
West Porch
West Magazines
Charging Bull Murial

Europe » Greece » Crete » Heraklion May 20th 2024

Not sure we mentioned but it shouldn't rain here in the summer. Yet during our first ten days it rained three times including a flood while we drove from Sougia to Plakias with hail. Well, things have thankfully returned to normal as no rain since. Yay. Okay, now for the best experience thus far. We visited the Archaeological Museum to view information of the Minoan civilization, and we certainly were not disappointed. This is the best world class museum that we have never heard about. Artifacts are wonderfully curated beginning in prehistory extending to Roman arrival. In particular, however, this is the best presentation of the Minoan Civilization in the world from the early days during the late Third Millennium BC until it collapsed about 1450 BC. There are several theories regarding the collapse ranging from ... read more
Jewlery
Bee Pendant
Vessel for Banquets

Europe » Greece » Crete May 20th 2024

Arrived here mid-afternoon on Saturday after a couple of stops along the way. The central feature is a small lake that communicates with the sea after a Turkish governor dug a short canal. The lake is actually quite attractive as lined by charming cafes and shops.... read more
The Bullet Tree
Wine Cellar
Final Minutes

Europe » Greece » Crete » Rethymno May 17th 2024

Made it to Rethymnon where the chilly weather continues. However, forecast for Friday was initially 37, no not Fahrenheit, it's Celsius, which would be 99F. Yeah hot. It is Thursday as I now write this with the current forecast indicating we now will experience a cool 93. Bit of a change from our chilly days wouldn't you say? As for Rethymnon, yes certainly preferrable to Sougia or Plakais, yet it is no Chania. Overall, the island has underwhelmed us. Except for the superb food with cook-at-home prices. We recall a restaurant review where a guy complained of bill totaling 37 Euros (about $40.) where they had a starter, half carafe of wine and two entrees. Would you complain in the U.S.? Plus flavors are just wonderful here. Of course, we do not cook even when staying ... read more
Lighthouse and Seawall
Porta Guora
Perfume Manufacture

Europe » Greece » Crete May 9th 2024

We have a total of two photos from Sougia, beach and a computer screen. Place not so much what we expected. It's very laid back (knew that) but also very little infrastructure (rather like some of the more remote islands in the Bahamas we visited during our sailing days). Nonetheless, folks are here, many our age. A gentleman from the Netherlands stopped by to chat one day saying he has been coming here for 50 years. Well, okay, but not us. Seems many northern Europeans find places such as this appealing. Checking out of here a day early so should anyone wish the room, you are welcome to it. Traveling to Plakias on Friday and will show you a pix of the google route. Do not wish to hear anyone else complain about a route being ... read more
Route on Friday
Male Peacock at the Monastery
Beach in Plakias

Europe » Greece » Crete » Chania May 6th 2024

Another eventful travel day occurred on 1 May departing Cyprus for Crete. Among other events our plane was an hour late, which was exactly our layover in Athens before departing for Heraklion. So, guess what happened? We missed our plane and had to stay overnight in Athens you say. Well no, after dashing about the airport with no clue about where to find our flight, and going through exactly the same security twice, we arrived at a different departure gate than listed on our ticket, discovering they held the full Airbus 320 for an hour to wait on us. Unbelievable, but what a relief...at least for us. No folks, not over yet as our rental car agency closes at nine with the two weary travelers arriving at Herkalion at eight needing to collect luggage and clear ... read more
Venetian Harbor
Venetian Harbor
Lighthouse Earning It's Pay




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