Just a quick update...
After surviving a Florida-like torrential downpour that partially flooded the streets of Athens, we are back at our hostel waiting for our flight tomorrow to Cairo.
The last few days have been nothing short of relaxing, with breathtaking scenery and lovely summer weather. We bargained with the owner of our cute little beach bungalow, and were able to stay for uber-cheap (our fridge was busted) and spent the last few days really exploring Nafplio, eating great Greek food and coffee, and sunning ourselves on Tolo's beach. Every morning, after greeting the cats, we would take a short walk to get bread, milk, at baklava. We had a marvelous view of the crystal clear sea, and could easily see to 30 feet! And about 100 meters from our bungalow was ancient Assini, an old ruined acropolis, that was mentioned in Homer's Iliad. We scrambled all over it, and could make out the outlines of old homesteads and foot-paths. Parts of the fort, such as the walls and stairs were still very much intact.
In Nafplio, we had a similar excursion, but had to climb 1000+ stairs to the massive Palamidi Fortress built by the Venetians in the 16th century and was nearly all intact! Unlike any historical site in the US, there were no ropes or gates blocking access to any parts of the fortress. We were able to crawl down dusty little holes to peek in at old cisterns, partly filled with water (note to self: bring headlamp next time). By taking photos using the flash, we were able to see if the stone staircase we were following down didn't drop away. Free to do what we wanted, we explored the fortress for a few hours.
After tonight, we fly to Cairo!
Miss you all.
