Nafplion, Greece and Surrounding Area

The day began early for our Argos area adventure – 8:00a meeting time.  We were hoping to catch the market before hand but found out that it does not open until 8 so it was only a quick stop to the bakery for some goods for the weekend.  We loaded the bus and away we went.  The bus ride was seeming long, but I didn’t really think anything of it.  However, when the teacher lecturing at the sites – Mr.Diamant (Stevie D) – told us that it was the worst traffic he has ever experienced there.  Turns out the reason was all of the rain – which had continued into the day – was clogging up the road causing some issues with the traffic.

After finally getting through the trouble area it was smooth sailing to our destination.  However, with the hold up our schedule was re-arranged and the trip began with a rest stop at the Corinth Canal.  It was so pretty and the water was a wonderful blue.

After the rest stop we made our way to our first archeological site – Lerna.  We entered the site through a wonderful orange grove (where we got some souvenirs on the way out). 

After Lerna, we went to the city where we were staying – Nafplion – and made a stop at the local archeological museum. 

There was some really cool stuff there.  Obviously, the jewelry caught my attention.

After the museum we took a wonderful walk along the water to listen to more about he city.  The sun was setting on our first day of our adventure and it was truly amazing.

We checked into the hotel which was amazing because guess what?!  Hot water was available on demand for as long as you want.  I know this doesn’t seem like a big deal – but it was amazing.

Saturday began early with our adventures to Epidaurus, Franchthi Cave, and some exploring in Nafplion.  On our way to Epidaurus we stopped at a Mycenaean Bridge for a photo opportunity.

Then we were told a cheesy story about Epidaurus and how it was the most peaceful place and changes life.  Well – as cheesy as it was – it was true.  This place was by far my favorite place we have been to so far.  It was an ancient medical center where people went to get healed so it had a sentimental meaning with me as well as the beauty that it possessed.  Here are just some pictures to describe it because I have trouble finding words.

After Epidaurus we made our way to Franchthi Cave – where our teacher actually worked for a while so it was great to have first hand reference.  This place was beautiful.  This was the first sight off of the bus.

We ate lunch on the rocks by the water before making our way to the cave.

We then made our way to the cave.  It was an adventure to get around and up to the top of the cave but it was an amazing time.  We call it Frank the Cave for fun.  Well, Frank the Cave is no joke – huge and awesome. 

We had some time to ourselves to take it all in and enjoy the view from around the cave.

When we got back to Nafplion we took the time to walk the 1000 steps to the top of one of the castles, which existed in the town.  We got it right in time for sunset and it was yet another view to remember forever.

Sunday was our last day in the area and it began with a trip to Argos.  I got some really nice photos of the site there.  The mountains covered with snow on the background were a sight to see.

Then was for the big finale – Mycenae.  This was a very big archeological site.  We made our way up to the major center making a few stops on the way.  We stopped at a couple of Tombs along the way – one had a very bad ju-ju.  Check it out.  But they were truly a sight to see – it is unbelievable how big everything was.

So after leaving that we continued to make our way up to the site.  It was amazing.  I know I am using this adjective a lot but seriously speaking it is the only way to describe it.  We walked to the top and had an amazing view of the area.  

 We went down a cistern which I thought would make me freak out but it did not at all.  Then we hit up the museum and I found some jewelry as always.

It was hard to leave the area but we had to.

We made our way home and were all basically dead but had enough energy for a nap and then going to James’ Joyce for the Superbowl at 1a.  It was simply put probably the best weekend of my life.

Rain Ruins Everything/ Happy Birthday Kimmy

So the day began as normal but one significant difference – ton of rain.  We were supposed to go on back-to-back field trips before our night class buuuut once we got to the amazing Acropolis Museum we found out that the Agora trip was canceled and we just had normal class.  The rest of the day was spent in class.  Our night class decided he didn’t feel like class today so we didn’t have that.  The evening was spent preparing for our trip and just having fun all together.  Kimmy’s birthday is tomorrow so HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DEAR!!!  I leave for my trip and it is going to be a good one.

Greek Shopping

So my day began with the norm – wake up, shower, and breakfast.  This was followed up by a quiz for our City States class.  We didn’t actually have class just a quiz so I can’t complain.  Then after class we had to meet with our teams to discuss who will be speaking when and the details about that.  Then it was for a day of shopping.  Greek shopping is an experience.  First – the only store that seems safe is H&M (which are on every corner so it’s a good choice).  Every other store just seems like its either work clothes or old people clothes.  And shoe stores – they are an adventure of their own, Kimmy would love it.  They are all just on display and you aren’t supposed to touch them.  The display isn’t like it is at home though; they are set up on the floor all over next to each other in a huge square/rectangle.  Then you just say which ones you like.  Then it’s the sizes.  European sizes are different and confusing and I feel as though they lie at times.  Then it’s finding the stores.  We go downtown and there are like 4 post offices and a thousand bakeries but finding the stores you want to shop in seem so difficult.  Anyways, after walking about I did come across some successful purchases.  I got a (fake) leather jacket from the Greek store Zara and jeans from H&M.

After shopping we went back home and relaxed before our Modern Greek class.  After class, I went to the neighbors for dinner – burritos, so good – and then sleep.  A long day of field trips tomorrow and then Friday we leave for our trip!!!  Which we found out in Greek is going to be our best trip we have.  Apparently there is going to be some great jewelry and it is a very romantic place.  I’m excited!

Tired Tuesday

A late Monday night led to a very tired Tuesday.  It was good though.  We had class literally all day long.  I got some time to take a cat nap on the roof in the sun which was amazing.  While on the roof I got some cute pictures:

Then after class we came back to the apartments and just relaxed and studied.  We have to do way too much work here, but it is getting better I think.  Tomorrow is a quiz and then we have the day off until 4:30 (because our museum trip was canceled!).  There is a transportation strike – has been for the past couple days – and so it is just going to be a beautiful day in the sun shopping.  Jeans, bra, shirts and jacket???  We shall see!!!