First stop: the incredible achievement of the late 1800's, the Corinthian Canal which saved ships hundreds of sailing hours by cutting through the isthmus between mainland Greece and the Peninsula. Begun in 1880 it was finished in 1893.
The ruins of ancient Corinth where St. Paul visited, chastised and cajoled these early Christians. The mountain in the background is the Acropolis of Corinth. About 700,000 people once lived here, 400,000 of whom were slaves. St. Paul had lots to do.
Here's an architecture lesson: The first column, simple in design is from the Doric period, the second (snail design) is Ionic and the third, more complicated design is Corinthian. (You will be tested later.)
The plan of the original city.
We discovered this carving depicting a man in a boat. Makes sense in Corinth since many of its inhabitants were hard-living sailors. (Another reason Paul was faced with obstacles here.)
The Lion's Gate at Mycenae, built in 13th century BC. (That's 3,300 years ago if you're counting.) The heads of the lions were plundered.
Mycenae had a commanding view of the countryside.
The girls try out some modeling poses for their "life in the ruins" shoot. Hmm, could they be getting tired of posing for me?
The Northern Gate (the city's back door).
The Treasury of Atreus, a beehive tomb, often referred to as Agamemnon's tomb. It dates back to the 14th century BC. (This information comes from National Geographic Traveler provided by Clare, the Historian.)
The charming seaside town of Nafplio, original capital of Greece following the War of Independence from Ottoman rule in 1821. (Make your reservations now. Tourists have discovered its a great place to get away from it all.)
Gelato beautifully presented and gratefully consumed in the afternoon heat.
The Palamidi Fortress, a castle on the hill built by the Venetians in the 18th Century.
Another favorite resting spot.
Another proclamation by Isabelle. "OPA!"
The acoustically-perfect theatre at Epidaurus, built in the 4th century BC and still used for performances.
We were shy about performing, so we executed a few dance steps. A group of Italians, however, were not so shy and entertained us with snippets from various operas. They could be heard in the top row.
The adjoining sanctuary dedicated to Asklepios, god of healing, son of Apollo.
Papa "heals" the girls who are suffering from heat exhaustion. (It's either 103 or 95 degrees, depending on our driver Cosmos' interpretation or Papa's science education. We're going with Papa - it's 95, but felt like 103.)
One last photo of the Acropolis (taken at 10 p.m.)
A balmy evening, Chamomile tea and a lemon meringue tart. Once again, does it get any better than this?
Location:Argolis
1 comment:
Greece, like all of the Mediterranean coastal countries, is nearly devoid of lush forests. Evidence of a plunderd past like the cedars of Lebanon. I can imagine how it was WAY back then when forests dripped over the now mostly barren Greek countryside. Plant a tree before you leave for home!
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