To Monemvasia via Kastania and Limeni
We've all seen those travel photos with turquoise blue waters and think to ourselves: Photo-shopped! Well we can tell you that what you see in this photo is the real deal! This was the location of our lunch stop for the day.
Morning Stop at Small Mountain Village of Kastania
Prior to leaving Kardamyli, we were so thankful that we had the opportunity to visit with the two girls Ermioni and Ilia who served us our breakfast every morning. They were the nieces of the owner and were involved in this family business. One had finished her education and the other girl was completing her first year of university but for both it was priority to come help out when they had the time. We were beginning to realize how important family is to the Greek people. Greeks love and take pride in working together for the good of the family business.
An hour or so down the road we stopped just short of the tiny village of Kastania in the mountainous Peloponnese. This was a pedestrian only town with tiny narrow pathways, so Thanasis dropped us off and we walked a short distance to the village. It was literally like walking back in time. There were 13 churches with only 42 people living here. We took a lovely uphill walk through town and popped into the tiny churches and David expounded on the rich historical story of this charming community.
Descending to the common town square we were blessed to listen to the church parishioners singing their hearts out in their Sunday morning service. When the service was finished, they all gathered with the priest in the town square for Greek coffee and goodies and lively conversation. How privileged our little group was to sit nearby and relish being a part of this close knit community while enjoying the same lemon cake, deep fried bread and feta. Back on the bus David told us the people of this town survive only on pensions and are thankful for Rick Steves tour groups, the only tour company that visits here. We would have liked to stay for a week of tranquility and refreshment.
An hour or so down the road we stopped just short of the tiny village of Kastania in the mountainous Peloponnese. This was a pedestrian only town with tiny narrow pathways, so Thanasis dropped us off and we walked a short distance to the village. It was literally like walking back in time. There were 13 churches with only 42 people living here. We took a lovely uphill walk through town and popped into the tiny churches and David expounded on the rich historical story of this charming community.
Descending to the common town square we were blessed to listen to the church parishioners singing their hearts out in their Sunday morning service. When the service was finished, they all gathered with the priest in the town square for Greek coffee and goodies and lively conversation. How privileged our little group was to sit nearby and relish being a part of this close knit community while enjoying the same lemon cake, deep fried bread and feta. Back on the bus David told us the people of this town survive only on pensions and are thankful for Rick Steves tour groups, the only tour company that visits here. We would have liked to stay for a week of tranquility and refreshment.
Lunch Stop at Beautiful Limeni
Our destination for lunch was the waterfront seaside village of Limeni overlooking a picturesque turquoise bay. We had patio seating just a few feet from the Sea surrounded by the natural beauty of hills, mountains and rustic shoreline. We felt like we had died and gone to Heaven. And the wine on the menu was cheaper than pop....the dream! David demonstrated how to indulge in the freshly caught Barbounia fish meal without ending up with a mouthful of bones. Funnily enough we had to begin by getting to know our fish with a kiss on the lips! After savouring a cappacino by the beach we navigated the windy streets through orange grove laden orchards with bright fruit ready to be harvested and we passed by loggerhead turtle spring nesting grounds too. Sometimes it is best not to indulge in that afternoon siesta because there it too much to take through the window of the bus and we would miss the wealth of information provided by our incredibly knowledgeable guide David who knew so much about both ancient Greek history and current events. We learned so much during our bus times with David. A total of 5 hours on the bus today, a welcome break from all the walking and hiking we had done the last few days!
Monemvasia - Arrival & Next Day Sunrise
Continuing on our journey we arrived in the late afternoon at the Hotel Panorama where we had a breathtaking view of Monemvasia Rock from our room. We relaxed on our large veranda with drinks and snacks absorbing the unbelievable sight before us. Just letting you know kids, we are not coming home!!!
(Click or hover on Gallery photos below to scroll through and read captions)
(Click or hover on Gallery photos below to scroll through and read captions)
Monemvasia Old Town - A Photographer's Paradise
Anxious to begin our Medieval Castle Town adventure, we met David, ready to catch the shuttle and begin our tour. After the short ride on the connecting causeway to old-town Monemvasia, we enjoyed a guided walking tour with David who explained Monemvasia was settled in the 600’s AD by the inhabitants of ancient Laconia who were seeking refuge. David explained that the rugged island was once connected to the mainland but was separated by an earthquake in 375 AD. During these ancient times, Monemvasia was a working town that provided strategic protection to its inhabitants. Today, the old-town still holds its ancient charms, authentic old buildings, churches, villas, quaint shops and delightful cafes and restaurants overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It is a photographer’s paradise as you will see in these photos.
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Greek Cooking Demonstration
Later back at the hotel, Julie and a few other “wanna-be” chefs volunteered to participate in the arranged Greek cooking class and demonstration. Moussaka, fried Chick Pea Patties, Baklava were show-cased and were served along with many other dishes which we all enjoyed afterwards. What a hoot! Boy those Rick Steves chefs sure know how to spice things up! Our excellent teacher-host was Rena Panou (assisted by Galina) who was ever so patient with these American and Canadian apprentice chefs!
(Click or hover on Gallery photos below to scroll through and read captions)
(Click or hover on Gallery photos below to scroll through and read captions)