We drove to the end of the monemvasia causeway and then caught the bus to the city gate.
Very different to when James and I visited in 2018 … this time shops and tavernas were open. Tourists struggling with luggage over the cobbles. Still beautiful, although some renovations more sympathetic than others. And still some to do.
Jennifer & Chris had ice cream. F&E a coffee. I walked to the far end to find the reconstructed wall and the cafe, which had been open where J and I drank wine. I then strode back to the car … the others arriving by bus at the same time.
Some places still to he renovated. Most renovations are tasteful, a couple out of placeLunch in Gythio
Spotted motorhoming Brian with Zoa 🐕 as we finished lunch in Gythio. I was slobbered on … by Zoa, not Brian.
A calm crossing. Thankfully.
Frances spotted a pile of sick bags!We used one, but to score our card game on. Quite a decent wine haul.And pleased the planning (love a spreadsheet) worked.
F&E again up earlier than their natural body clocks. Early at Ancient Nemea… beating the coaches and crowds again. However, not a major site so no coaches at all.
Ancient Nemea was the birthplace of the Pangellenic Games in 4 BC. However, like so many prototypes, subsequent versions were better. The Games moved to Argos.
Temple to Zeus C4 BC3 columns erected in 2000 to help folk visualise …… So many column pieces should they decide to erect more
The stadium was close by. Through a tunnel that another tourist dawdled through. 4000 spectators but they had to perch on the ground as no evidence of seats.
Image of the stone starting blocksThe actual starting blocks They didn’t run any further!!!Entrance tunnel used by the atheletes
Winery No. 6 – Lantides
Despite email confirmation, they had forgotten our reservation. However, the son of the founder stepped up. No nibbles though.
It was a step up to the stools too
Very good wines and inexpensive compared to some. Purchases.
Winery No. 7 – Aivalis
Bit of a theme for today … our reservation forgotten. Son of the founder stepped up. They did find us some nibbles. Lovely young man, but he looked like he had been in a massacre … covered in red grape juice. What a way to go!
Only 3 wines. Two oaked @€25. The other had only been bottled 2 days ago and so needed to settle. Small purchases.
And thank goodness no more wineries. They have all been interesting and different but we are so done.
Back at the apartment we reheated the take away from last night’s restaurant.
And drank the opened bottles used for the tastings that today’s wineries had given us.
I thought James and I would have visited here. Checked the blog … it seems not. A few coaches when we arrived. 30-40 when we departed. I mostly skipped the museum due to the crowds.
Site had a concrete path to follow with good info boards. Agamemnon and other Greek hero’s ruled here.
Lion GateCopy of the gold mask that may (or may not) have been Agamemnon!The top pix are the Treasury Tholos / tomba little outside the citadel – largest one. Huge dome. Other tholos around the site
Winery No. 5 – Palivou
Another tour. More wines. They are irrigating which the others weren’t. 🙄 Seemed quite commercial with organised tours turning up. However the Estate Nemea was pleasant and worth the €9 each for the 2 boxes I bought. Would have liked to taste the one partly aged in Acacia wood. Not available for tasting and not about to pay €60 for a bottle to identify the nutty notes.
Meal out was fabulous. Walking distance for us all. And taking out salad and pork dishes … cold for us to reheat tomorrow..
Corrie Corinth Canal has undergone a transformation since I was last there. It had closed due to landslide, but reopened in June 2022.
Major construction – new concrete sides and the steep hand cut slopes replaced by some terracingWe circumnavigated the fencing at the top to get some views. Saw a couple of tourist boats … 11,000 a year. Too narrow for commercial traffic
Then went up to Accorinth. We found Corrie there 8.5 years ago. Fortunately no puppies this time. More changes. The cafe is a more permanent structure and the fortress entrance is now by steel staircase to avoid the old slippery stone road.
Views still the same
Onto the house in Nemea. Novices F&E sent the the bakery for a savoury pastry for lunch. Came back with a custard one 😆. We forced it down, trying not to think about the cake calories consumed at Accorinth!
Winery No. 4 – Barafakis
Empty glasses! But not for longMix of oak and clay
A few purchases may have been made.
Jennifer and Chris are in a posh hotel but deigned to join us in our apartment for supper.
The wine tour was conceived at a Chania wine tasting in January. Just as had our previous wine tasting to Heraklion with Nikki & Rob. Where there is good wine … Frances and Edward were up for it during their Crete trip, as were Jennifer and Chris from Crete.
This is my first trip since loosing James 2 months ago.
We were due to cross Kissamos to Gythio at 0815 on Wednesday 30th. Bad weather forecast. So SeaJets messaged, emailed and telephoned to advise the crossing was brought forward to Tuesday at 1930. Maria cancelled for a games night. Corrie’s drop off brought forward. And we were off.
The ferry left on time. It was rough. Frances poorly 🤢. I felt 😫. Neither of us ate. But did managed a glass of the Sekt Jennifer had brought. Docking at 0230
