Tues, April 21 we finally & sadly left Kardamyli on our drive to Monemvasia. It was a beautiful drive over hills & through valleys covered with olive trees and, as we came down down the hills to valleys, orange trees for miles --all in bloom. The scent was wonderful. As we approached Monemvasia on the coast, it was the same stunning turquoise sea. The town is actually located on a huge rock that was a fort in the 1200's. It was Byzantine, then Ottoman, then Venetian until the early 1700's. A lot is still intact, as far as ruins go. Some people still live on the Rock or The Castle, as the locals call it. Mostly it's a tiny village on twisty walkways filled with tourists, hotels, restaurants & shops. We stayed on the Rock which was fun & the views were wonderful. The little town across from Monemvasia is Gefyra & is built around the tiny bay. We had another fabulous meal at Scorpio's sitting on the waterfront gazing at The Rock and a beautiful schooner anchored in the bay for a few hours.
Wed, April 22 we drove an hour north to Mystras, the ruins of one of the best preserved Byzantine cities. The churches are amazing with incredible frescos. The Byzantine art style is mesmerizing. It was a great day. We walked up & down about a million steps. Even the WCs required steps! Got back to Monemvasia for another late (and large) lunch - again at Scorpio's. It's a good thing for all those steps! Tomorrow we leave for Nafplio, our last stop in the Pelopenese. More to follow. . .
(Still having photo issues--last photo is view from our hotel terrace to the ruins below )
Byzantine church at Mystras
Lunch at Scorpio's--fried anchovies & grilled eggplant , tomatoes & feta
I am amazed (and envious) of all you are seeing!
ReplyDeleteYou probably are not aware of the headlines about how any day now Greece is going to default or explode financially - the people you visit don't seem to be bothered. Good thing.
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