Four days of rain behind us, along with several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the historically significant Athens, blue skies dominated the “Signature Sail Away”! Wind Surf gathers all on the aft deck to raise a toast as they raise the sails and head off to the next adventure. Yes, we did actually sail away from Athens, although it may have been short lived.
Setting sail on the Wind Surf from Athen’s Port of Piraeus.
Off on a new adventure.
The first stop on the itinerary was Nafplio, the first capitol of the Greek state (1823-1834), in the eastern Peloponnese.
Our mooring off the coast of Nafplio.
Tendering in to the Nafplio port.
High on our agenda was Epidauros (another UNESCO World Heritage Site) – a most important healing center in the entire Greek and Roman world. Built during the 4th century BC, the theater of Epidauros is the most perfect and renowned monument of its kind, combining superb acoustics, elegance and symmetrical proportions. The importance of music and the arts for the body, soul and healing was recognized by the Ancient Greeks who encouraged patients to watch theatrical performances. The architect who designed and built the theater was one of the best architects in Greece and designed this theater with acoustics so good one can be sitting in the last row and hear a coin drop on the stage. It’s true!! As a result, the theater is still used in the summer months for concerts.
Entering the Ancient Theatre of Epidauros, near Nafplio.
Still perfect.
Seats approximately 12,000 people.
The beautiful setting is used each summer for concerts and plays.
The theater was adjacent to the sanctuary-hospital of Asclepius, the ancient Greek God of Healing. Also on the site is a museum, housing many of the antiquities found on the grounds, the temple of Asclepius, a small odeon, a stadium and the remains of many other buildings.
Statue of Athena – One of many statues found during the excavations of the historical site.
Remnants of the Sanctuary of Asclepius.
.
Athletic stadium used way back when.
The trip to Epidauros is not to be missed. But, there is much more to discover in Nafplio – so back to town to wander along the promenade and find a nice taverna for lunch.
An ancient entrance to the walled city with more modern art forms on display.
The Castle of Palamidi stands proudly over Nafplio. It is one of the most important and best preserved castles in Greece – although built by the Venetians in the 18th century. Today, the 999 steps were NOT on the agenda so it was viewed from our lunch spot below;-)
The Fortress of Palamidi sits above the city.
After lunch it is time to stroll the alleys of Psaromachals (the oldest neighborhood in Nafplio) and enjoy the scenery, architecture and perhaps a gelato from Antica Gelateria di Roma.
Scenes of old Napflio.
Trying not to lose our hats to the wind.
Next on the itinerary was Mykonos – – or not! With the smaller ship and non-agreeable weather, the next port was changed to Milos. It was learned quickly that one must be adaptable because several changes were upon us. Milos has beautiful beaches, but given the turbulent seas (and last minute redirection) it was not possible to see many of them. Instead, excursions on the island were the order of the day. The Christian Catacombs, the largest in Greece, may have ‘housed’ up to 2,000 bodies.
The Catacombs of Milos. This crypt contained space for a small child above the adult.
The cleaned up, lighted displays did not convey the damp dirty depths we expected in catacombs.
Perhaps the best claim to fame for Milos is the discovery here of the famous Venus (of Milos) di Milo now residing in the Louvre in Paris. It was discovered in 1820 and is believed that the missing arms may have also been at the site but taken by ‘hunters’. Her discovery spot was near their theater and was probably an adornment there.
This recent replica of the Venus de Milo erected near the discovery site – we did NOT take a side trip to Paris!
The ancient theatre of Milos sits above the small village of Klima.
.
The town of Triovasalos.
Sightseeing does work up an appetite, so back to the port town of Adamantas to find a nice little Taverna for lunch.
A beautiful view of the port city of Adamantas, Milos.
It has been a couple of interesting days as there was a redirection, an unscheduled day at sea due to the redirection and lots of rocking and rolling on the ship;-)!! But all is well – sights so far have been fun and intriguing and we are doing well. We believe the next stop is Kusadasi and Ephesus;-)
E & G with sea legs!!
Elizabeth & Gary's Magic Bus Tour 