Best laid plans...

After a lovely breakfast and walk along the sea, we headed north from Monemvasia to Nafplion past orange and olive groves, a fig orchard (only one we've seen as they just seem to grow wild everywhere!), mountains and valleys. We had a series of switchbacks coming down to the sea across from Nafplion, then around the top of the bay and into town. It was so busy! We found out that with Orthodox Easter and a Yacht show, hotels were booked but we were able to get 1 night. We parked 2 blocks away then wandered along looking at the super yachts and through the old town, had dinner and to bed.
We decided to move to a hotel in Tolo, a small seaside town down the road so packed up and went to the car to discover we were completely blocked in by a street market! We asked the fellow if we could help move his things to get out, no, there until 3 or 4! Good thing we didn't have a flight! Our plans for Epidaurus and Mycenae were dashed! Nothing we could do but wander Nafplion so we headed up the hill rather than the 851 steps to the fortress, took in the views, wandered down to the beach and along the sea front, and around the point to the yacht show. Mostly power yachts and a few sail boats, one classic yacht where we stopped and chatted. The exhibition was for yacht brokers to enlist the boats for charters, not lowly peons like us!
We decided to get things from the car- swimsuits, books and head to the beach. When we arrived at the car, we realized 2 cars beside had somehow gotten out so now it was our turn to negotiate! The market people turned out to be helpful moving bins, and hanging clothes and directing Bob through the narrow passage forward, reversing and turning while I walked in front clearing things and people! When we got out, I felt liberated! Bob did an amazing job with the standard shift saying he wouldn't have been able to do it on the first days with the car! All the switchbacks and tight corners paid off! Since it was early afternoon, we checked into the hotel in Tolo and went off to Epidaurus which has the ancient healing centre and an amphitheatre that is still used today! Fantastic acoustics and in ancient times could seat 14000 in and around! Disappointing archeological site though as it's overgrown and has scaffolding to repair but the theatre was worth it.
The best laid plans sometimes change and work out!Leggi altro