NAFPLIO
Nafplio was such a treat! We were there over a holiday, so we got to see how the locals spend their holiday weekends. The streets were lively and the restaurants were packed and you could feel the happy energy in the air. We loved it! Nafplio is another sea-side wonder, with cobbled, bougainvillea-lined streets heading to views of the crystal clear water.
Day 9: Nafplio
Today was May day! Due to the holiday, our schedule got adjusted a bit, but thankfully Rick Steves' guides are always prepared. We had an appointment to tour a monastery near Sparta and see the beautiful frescos inside their church. David W. told us that the Greek Orthodox church follows a different schedule, so this day wasn't a holiday for them. It worked out great! Afterwards we had lunch in Sparta and then headed to the beautiful town of Nafplio.
Do you remember that scene in My Big Fat Greek Wedding where the dad is introducing all the members of his family? That is what it felt like when we arrived at our Nafplio hotel. A gentleman and all his sons and nephews lined up and he introduced them all with pride. Then they one by one grabbed our bags and guided us through the maze of stairs to our rooms. The views from the hotel were spectacular, high up over the town and we could see all the way to the sparkling water! Because David W. knew the restaurants would be crowded with the holiday, he arranged for us to have a barbeque on the patio at the hotel. Our bus driver cooked for us! We enjoyed delicious grilled meats and salads while we chatted with our new friends and watched the sunset over the beautiful town. Could not have been a more perfect way to spend a holiday!
Day 10: Mycenae and Nafplio
After a leisurely breakfast soaking in our gorgeous view, and a walk through town to gawk at the stunning bougainvilleas draped all over the buildings, it was time to meet up with the group to travel to Mycenae.
Once again, as we stood in front of the tomb and Lion Gate in Mycenae, I was struck with the magnitute of standing in a site established in 1600 B.C., a site linked to Homer's work, a site that was a main city for a civilization that hasn't existed in thousands of years. It is the most sobering of realizations, that you are such a small speck on the vast and endless timeline of history. It is breathtaking!
After a lunch of more gyros (are you sensing a pattern?) and the most delicious fried feta drizzled in honey, we decided to visit the Palamidi fortress that tops Nafplio. For those so inclined, this is a solid hike up a reported 990 steps to the top. The day had turned hot and we decided that we would take a taxi to the top instead, reserving our energy stores for our dessert-hunting plans later in the evening. What a stunning view from the top! We were graced with another picture perfect day, and the views were just astounding. We did brave the hike back down the steps, which was a bit dizzying and had some uneven, steep steps.
We had a group dinner tonight, and David W. had a treat in store for us with traditional musicians and dancers to entertain us. Most of the group participated in the dancing, laughing until we cried. It was fantastic. After dinner David and I went on a hunt for loukoumades, a soft, donut like fried dough that we had heard about. It did not disappoint! All in all, it was another incredible, enlightening, delicious day!
