We had a very quick start to the day because Nikos (who drove us from the airport) was going to pick us up at 8:30 and drive us around to some historic sites out in the countryside. (That's why I only posted my blog later in the day) When I woke up I washed my hair. Then we had a snappy breakfast of Coco-pops and a loaf of brown bread that dad had bought the previous day. Nikos arrived and we were off!
We drove for about an hour and as we were driving he was telling us some interesting info about Greek history etc. We arrived at our first destination, which was the Corinth canal that joins the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. We got out and crossed over the bridge (the canal is 8 meters deep!) Then we got back to where Nikos was waiting with the car.
We carried on driving and he asked us whether we would like to see a shop that sells pottery. We said yes and as we walked into the shop, one of the owners showed us how they make the pots. It is a family business and she is the third generation. They make all the pottery by hand, using the techniques that the ancient Greeks used. Many of their pieces are museum copies and it tells you this on the bottom of the piece. We then looked around: mom bought a pot, Ashlyn bought earrings and I bought a little jewllery box that is a museum copy.
We carried on driving until we reached ancient Corinth (the city that Paul wrote Corinthians to) Nikos told us to try not be longer than an hour because we still had lots more to see. We first looked at the ruins outside and then went to look in the museum.
Our next stop was Mycenae. This is the ruins of a palace complex and tombs dating from 1700-1100 BC (!!!!!!!!!!) I really enjoyed looking through the museum and then walking up to the palace ruins. We saw the Lions gates and found out that the relief above them (of the lions) is the oldest relief in Europe!
We got back to Nikos and he drove us a little further to where we were going to see a tomb. There was a tour bus just behind us and we were lucky to get there just before them, because we could look at it by ourselves for a few minutes. It is a Thalos (beehive) tomb and it is called that because the roof slopes slowly inward, in the shape of a beehive.
It was almost time for lunch and Nikos asked us if we wanted to try souvlaki. This is like a pita filled with the meat of your choice and tomatoes, onions, chips and tzatziki sauce (Greek yogurt with cucumber) We have been wanting to try it so we definitely said yes! We bought 2 each and then he drove us up to the Palamidi castle, which was our next stop. this is a huge Venetian castle built between 1711 and 1714. It has 7 different forts, each designed to withstand the enemy. You were allowed to walk through and explore it, which is exactly what we did (after lunch) We first ate our souvlaki (we had to sneak them into the castle) They were delicious! We ate them looking out over the sea (the castle is built on a hill, so it has fantastic views)
Then me and Ash went off and explored the forts. It was so amazing- there were doorways and steps leading to all sorts of unexpected places. It was just like you would read in a book. That was definitely the high of the day for me and as you can imagine, Ashlyn absolutely loved it!
After that, Nikos said he could "put the cherry on the cake" for us. He brought us to a Greek ice-cream shop! I had 2 scoops: Kinder (like a chocolate) and Cookies. Yum!
He then drove us all the way back to our apartment (I fell asleep in the car) I posted my blog and then read my book. We then went out for dinner to a very nice place near Monastiraki square. We had Mousaka and the waiter also convinced us to try something sort of similar to Mousaka but with macaroni inside. I preferred the Mousaka (it was amazing) but it felt good to be adventurous!
Thanks for keeping such a detailed account of our trip, Nicole. It's a lot of work but so nice to have! Wasn't that castle awesome? Mom
ReplyDelete@ Joan: you beat me to the comments!!!! Opa wanted to know if I can print the whole blog of the holidays. He is SO enjoying this. I am looking forward to your photobook (I'm sure you'll make one).
ReplyDeleteYesterday sounds like a wonderful day. Inspiration for Joan's writing? Like the Poison and peril story!! Nicole will follow in your footsteps with her writing, it is interesting, witty and informative! Keep it up Nicole!
Wonderful that you can do all those things on your own, with just a tour guide for the 4 of you and not in a big group. Time and places that you want to see and be flexible.
Hi, This is Brian Stillman back in Nampa. I am enjoying keeping up with you in your travels. The castle looks like a good fun time and its great you can explore it. Where are you finding such great tour guides?
ReplyDeleteMay the good times continue! Thank you for the work you are putting into your blog. The pictures, details, and text flow very well together. God bless you in your efforts.
What a wonderful day, judging by the pictures and your narrative. I was looking at it all and struck by this thought: here in SA we don't have those types and sceneries, the ruins and buildings, castles etc. All of itlooks beautiful and unusual. O I would have loved that castle, but only in daylight hours, I am sure!
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