Monemvasia Greece

September 1

We had a very nice surprise on Monday evening when we arrived in Monemvasia Greece. We certainly were not expecting anything quite as beautiful and interesting as this place. The fortified city clinging to the side of the steep rocky outcropping is hidden from the mainland so we had no idea of what we were about to explore once we walked through the small tunnel entrance to inside the town. The island was once connected to the mainland and released during a massive earthquake but is now connected by a 2km causeway. The only way into the town is by foot so if you happen to stay in one of the many small private hotels there, you are on you own regarding getting your luggage in and out. We saw many struggling with large suitcases through the very narrow streets and the wheels barely coping with the very rough and uneven cobbles.

The town has been compared to and often called the Gibralter of Greece with the island rising to one hundred metres above the sea. It is a living museum of Byzantine, Ottoman and Venetian history. The history of all these places is extensive and unfortunately being that I am a more visual feasting person I don't retain as much as I would like to as Im usually enjoying more of the scenic beauty on offer.

Because there is only one small entry into the town and very narrow streets the only mode of transport is donkeys which makes it very difficult for transporting goods into the town and makes for very slow progress in doing building and repair work. There are still many buildings in ruin but what has been done has been done very well. The Archaeological museum is housed in the muslim mosque  and is one of the best preserved buildings in the town and many of the private vacation homes, shops  and small hotels have been noticeably restored too.

 Monemvasia is home to only six permanent year round residents but in the summer the wealthy greeks have weekend and holiday stays in their restored houses.

 New version of the modern rock garden!!!

 We had a very inexpensive dinner  both evenings in Monemvasia. beautiful view and atmosphere. Our fish was so fresh it was in danger of swimming off the plate. Richards even happy to pick out a few bones just to have the freshness. He would'n't do that at home. A lot of the fish here are served whole so he's now getting used to that.

 The island of Monemvasia that hides the old town.

Our early morning walk to the old town. Tried to get there before the crowds and get some better shots with no tourists and also to beat the heat which was stifling .

The main street into the town centre. (above)

  Got to the top of the town. The boy needed a rest and just sit and enjoy the scenery. It was a bit early to expect a coffee.

 On our last evening we had a meal on the mainland just as the sun started to go down and there was a very nice cooling breeze. The colours in the rock were amazing, the fish were jumping, the towns cats  (of which there were hundreds ) were starting to congregate in the hope of a tid bit of food.

 Then darkness fell and everything looked even more beautiful. A great way to spend the evening. Even the cats I don't mind. Thats typical in Greece.

Well hopefully I will get to update a bit more tomorrow as we are now about to leave Nafplion and will arrive in Athens in the morning where we intend to have a quiet day as its going to be hot hot. The last few days have been thoroughly enjoyable but also quite tiring.