Blogs from Pelopennese, Greece, Europe - page 21

On to Monemvasia. A most unusual place. The name means "single entrance". It is an iceberg of an island, jutting almost straight up out of the sea, connected to the mainland town of Gefyra by way of a causeway. Founded in the 6th century, the town saw most of it's inhabitants leave during the Nazi occupation of WWII, and the Greek Civil War, which ended in 1949. The lower town of Monemvasia is perched on the seaward side, and cannot be seen from the mainland. Once you pass through the old fortified gate, you find yourself in the maze of extremely narrow passage ways. The 17th century buildings are undergoing careful restoration, since being "rediscovered" in the 70's. This was the first place we saw mules and horses used for transporting goods, such as building supplies. ... read more

Days 5, 6 and 7-- we are mastering the art of broken english. "You like this food?" "Is hot, no?" Today is Day 8, we're still in the Pelopennese, just visited Olympia, the site of the first Olympics. But let me catch up. As I said before we arrived in Athens Sunday morning, and so much for the hot greek sun we've heard so much about, since there were thunderstorms and it was cloudy all day. We got to our hotel, checked in, putzed around, and headed out to see the sights. We were staying a bout a mile from the Acropolis. On the walk there, we saw the Olympic Stadium, which was used for the first modern olympics in 1896, Zeus' Temple and the Parliament Building. After this we made our way to the Acropolis. ... read more

With a little difficulty in communication I finally manage to purchase ourselves and the camper van tickets for the last ferry of the day. A quick shop for food and we’re on our way - boarding just in time! The trip is long and hot, sleeping in the van is near impossible due to the heat and noise of the engines so armed with a pillow and sheet I enter the communal areas of the ferry in search of somewhere to call my bed. The air conditioned areas enable a more comfortable sleep. Had it not been for the roaming announcer at each stop, I would have slept all of the way. Patras is the arrival port and first taste of Greece. Having not had much sleep the first impression is not great and my main ... read more

I was inside for the most I've been since in Greece We haven't even had a meal inside yet It's all outside but today I had a grumbling tummy from the antibiotics (which also make my mouth taste bad long after I've taken them) and a greasy omlette Em was also not feeling good so we giggled at Greek t.v. we watched Alias Monk in English and a version of cash cab a game show where you answer questions in a taxi as they take you to your destination it was a Greek version and a lot more intense the inside of the cab had bubble lights and pimples on the seats Euro cup frenzy is going on but not so much here since Greece is out but there is still a nice t.v. or huge ... read more

This is my favourite spot on the itinerary. It has great historical sites in the vicinity, good shopping, lots of great restaurants, awesome gelaterias and an inviting atmosphere without the plastic you get with a North American tourist trap. It also has good swimming and an ok beach. I understand there is a better beach around the corner, as well. We started our sightseeing by taking a taxi to Palamidi castle. It was well worth the 5 euro not to have to climb the 999 stone steps leading up there in 25-30 degree heat. The view was amazing and the castle enormous. We walked around for a couple of hours without seeing it completely as we found out later that some of our group had seen things we missed. The location is extremely defensible, perched on ... read more