Advertisement
Published: October 17th 2008
Edit Blog Post
From Olympia, we headed south to stay a couple of nights in the coastal village of Kardamyli. Not much to do in this tiny spot along the Agean Sea.
The landscape is rugged. Hard to imagine making a living from the earth in these hills. Pirates and bandits hid here. Down by the water it is more inviting, though the beach is made up of stone and pebbles. We took a sunset stroll with our friends and ate at a charming outdoor taverna. It was another delicious Greek supper.
In the morning, we headed out with a couple of friends, to walk up to Agia Sofia, past the Old Kardamyli tower houses. On the way, we came upon a goat. Not so unusual in the country, but he was munching grass growing out of the steep wall and seemed stuck to the side. He was joined by another, who casually walked down the steps to get a closer look at us, as if she was wondering why we didn't have an umbrella. (we were beginning to wonder the same thing) It's not a difficult hike, but the test came when the clouds gave way to a steady, sprinkling rain.
Keith encouraged us to continue. And it wasn't too bad, but by the time we returned to the village, we were soaked to the bone! Some of our friends who had opted to play cards at a cafe, noticed the miserably wet "greek" woman, walking down the street, only to realize it was me! Now that we are back in the city, that quiet secluded trail, in the harsh country side, is a very pleasant (soggy) memory, another one of those moments to remember!
The village is just that, a small place, and it doesn't take long to see it from end to end. Walking along the coast line, we saw a little harbor. We hung out around the marina, looking at the boats, and watching the skies. It was still raining off and on. From the marina we could see a restaurant on the cliff, and decided it would be perfect for supper. We amused our host, by first choosing to defy the clouds and sit at a table beyond the porch. "Okay" he said, looking up at the clouds. He asked us where we were from, so as not to confuse him we said "North Carolina". Of
Limanaki
harbor in Kardamyli course it rained, so we moved to the protected covered porch. He said "okay", then when the only other people there left their perfect spot by the cliff side, we picked up our drinks and moved. Again, he said "okay". (North Carolina tourists are so picky) Then we were joined by more friends and the evening was complete!
We were the first dinner guests, and were seated long enough to see more staff arrive, which we think were members of the family. Our host, even changed out of his t-shirt, into a more appropriate button-up shirt. When it came time to pay the bill, it was presented to us by the youngest member of the family, being held in the arms of our host. Earlier we had watched the little boy arrive to the open arms of "grandpa". He had been entertained with playing blocks with "grandpa" while the others saw to the needs of the guests arriving for supper. The little boy was shy, but he was the same as little boys you see everywhere. Curious, playful and adorable.
Above the town of Kardamyli is Kastania. A very small village hidden in the folds of the hills. We
Keith in Kastania
I love how the ladies are watching him peeked inside tiny churches with frescoes from the 12th century. This village doesn't see too many visitors, and it was fun to be noticed by folks as we followed our guide through narrow streets!
On to Monemvasia.
Advertisement
Tot: 0.239s; Tpl: 0.017s; cc: 33; qc: 146; dbt: 0.1492s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.4mb
Betty Joan
non-member comment
Beautiful Pictures
Loved the pictures - I would like to have some of them to enlarge and frame. We have been traveling and this is the first time lately I have had a chance to look at your blog. thanks for sharing. I plan to call Lib tonight and ask about her trip. BJ