Friday June 15
We had an easy morning and met Panos around 10. We drove out
of Nafplio heading toward Epidavros, about half an hour, on beautiful country
roads, surrounded by olive trees.
I had been looking forward to seeing the amphitheatre at
Epidavros, and it didn’t disappoint. It was simply stunning. Standing on the
stage looking up, or standing up in the “Gods” looking down, the effect was
surreal! The ancient Greeks chose their sites strategically. Of course we can’t
imagine what it looked like in 330 BC, but today, the view is filled with
mountains, rocks, and olive trees. It is beautiful. Both the architecture and
sound are mind bogglingl
The unexpected bonus of the trip was the Asclepian Sanctuary
which is built just beyond the amphitheatre. The site is basically the location
of an important healing cult that illustrates the significance of the power of
the healing gods, primarily, Asclepios. The site is huge, and if you follow the
signs you will see the various buildings that make up this complex: hospital
for the sick, burial grounds, dining area, gymnasium, a stadium used for
ancient games, a building “the Avaton” where patients slept to receive a
visitation from the healing god. Some of the methods used are a little scary:
such as the use of snakes!! There were ruins from the Temple of Asclepios, and
so much more. It is all overwhelming from the point of view of age, amount of
information, and level of importance in today’s life.
In short, it was a fascinating visit. Once again, I have not
covered this in the detail it deserves, but I do hope that you will visit Greece
and see for yourself the significance of Greek history. In the meantime, I
shall try to learn and understand more!!
Panos drove us back to Nafplio, and we sat and relaxed over a
coffee and processed all that we had seen. He came with us, so it was great to
be able to de-brief with him!
We caught the 4 p.m. bus to Kalamata, where we are now. Once again, our bus left on time, arrived on time, and was beautifully smooth and careful! Yorgos called us shortly after we got in to check that we had arrived safely,
and to suggest a restaurant for dinner. We followed his suggestion and did a 5
minute walk to the Vino Banco Tapas. It didn’t disappoint.
So, with very full
bellies, we are now off to sleep in our room in the Hotel Rex in Kalamata.
1 comment:
Amazimg!
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