Blogs from Pelopennese, Greece, Europe - page 8

Today we joined with fourteen other passengers to catch a small bus from the port of Gythion to Monemvasia. The town is located on a small island off the east coast of the Peloponnese, the island was separated from the mainland by an earthquake in 375 AD. The island is now linked to the mainland by a short causeway 200m in length. Its area consists mostly of a large plateau some 100 metres above sea level, up to 300 metres wide and 1 km long, the site of a powerful medieval fortress. We entered through the lower town gate, learning that the town's name derives from two Greek words, mone and emvasia, meaning "single entrance". We were lucky to have a guide with us to explain the history of this beautiful town as we wandered the ... read more

Today was going to be special since we had last minute made changes to our plans. According to the original plan we were to visit the Salamina island and stay in a cute Flintstone themed house. However the island didn't have much to do so we decided, just previous night, to check out the countryside of Greece province Peleponesse. The Peloponnese is the stuff of legends. Literally. It is here that Hercules fought the Nemean lion and gods walked the earth, meddling in mortal affairs; it's from here that Paris of Troy eloped with Helen and the Argonauts set sail in search of the Golden Fleece. Celestial and mythological charms aside, this region bears tangible traces of the many civilisations that once called it home, witnessed in its classical temples, Mycenaean palaces, Byzantine cities, and Ottoman, Frankish and ... read more

Two more Greek locations down with two more to go before our departure back to the states. We have been filled with Greek mythology the last two days, so I am hoping the next two stops will be more relaxing. The last two stops were Katakalon and Itea, each being home to some gems of Greek history. Yesterday we went to Ancient Olympia where we toured the uncovered ruins dating back to the 7th century BC. This was the site of the original Olympic games between the not so friendly city-states of ancient Greece. Our guide did a fantastic job of depicting the times and really bringing the location back to life. It is so amazing to hear how much they accomplished and the complex structures they built so long ago. After the morning tour, everyone ... read more

You just cannot help yourself sometmes . Folk smile at you and you just have to smile back. You cannot help but say Kallimeera or kallisteera depending on the time of day to complete strangers when they say good morning or afternoon to you. Everything from driving down narrow impossible roads to silly bike riders with three on a bike leave you with an inane grin on your face. Like a Cheshire Cat we cannot stop grinning. Greece as a country just keeps on giving. After leaving Pylos we drove a few miles along the coast road to the shell filled beach of Navarino. The campsite is sprawling with eight streets running down to the sea. The prime real estate with a beach view has gone already and it looks as if once here folks hunker ... read more

From Navarino Bay Suzy climbed her way up a long and winding road. We had not planned to visit Nestas Palace at home but as time was not tight and we were trying to fill it in it seemed a good idea to detour and visit the little visited Myceanean complex. It was out of the way a little but somehow when you have time on your hands it makes sense to use it wisely and see something interesting. We are getting into the habit of rising later but even after eating breakfast , paying our bills we were still on the empty car park in the middle of nowhere at early o'clock. The car park was as always dusty. Suzy is looking dusty too and in need of a good wash, polish and spruce up. ... read more