Sept 17

Our last day in Nafplio and Greece. Headed home tomorrow. I was up at 6:30 again after a restless night and difficulty falling asleep with random phone calls coming in through the night. David was snoring as well and I finally headed to the bedroom upstairs where the bed was so hard. But I got a decent night of sleep. Woke the guys up at 7:30 as we wanted to get out to do our hike up the mountain to Palazzo Palimidi before it got too hot. Stopped for a latte and headed up the hill. The morning was so beautiful. Not a breath of wind and the temperature was lovely. The 1000 steps didn't seem too daunting and the views were breathtaking! The Palimidi has been used by soldiers throughout the centuries to gain control of Nafplio. Not as old as much of the ruins in Greece, it was built in the 1700's. But it was an incredible place. Of course, we had to pay to enter. Almost all the archaeological sites in Greece charge entrance fees. I'm sure we've spent hundreds of dollars. We wandered around the top exploring all the different rock military rooms and installations. So interesting. We could see many people swimming at Arvanitia Beach from our vantage point at the top. The water was so clear and still. We decided to hike back down and get in. No towels. No swimming suits. We just went for it. I peeled off my running shirt and went in my Jockey bra and running shorts. This was one of the greatest swimming experiences ever. The water was perfect. So clear. No waves. Like a gigantic swimming pool of sea water of the most beautiful colors ever. Loved every minute of it. We all swam out quite a long way. It is so easy to stay afloat with all the salt and the calm water. Stayed in a while and then got out and hightailed it back to the apartment. I wanted to shower before we checked out. The guys were right behind me. Got showered and packed and left the apartment just on time. Stopped at the restaurant in Nafplio which we really liked from the day before and had lunch before we left. This time I was smarter. Got a latte, yogurt with fruit and nuts and bread. Loved my food but still couldn't finish it and I was so full! 

Finally ready to hit the road and head back to Athens with a couple of stops. Our first stop was Mycenae. This archaeological site is from the second and third millennium BC. It really is incredible but it was hot and I am about ruined out and so is Avi. David still managed to really enjoy it and we walked through the museum as well. Pretty unbelievable all the items they have collected from this site. And it is impossible to figure out how they built these walls thousands of years ago. The stones are huge and we just have no idea how they moved them.

Our next stop was Corinth Canal. This canal was attempted many times throughout history but was finally actually completed in 1893. It is an incredible sight and the water is about 180 feet down with towering sheer rock cliffs on each side. They had bungee jumping here which we did not realize. I watched someone do it and it was terrifying. Avi decided he needed this experience which I could not even believe he had the guts to do. But he did it. I could barely watch. Scariest thing I've ever seen. What a guy. 

Finally headed to Athens and our last apartment here. We checked ourselves in and were surprised by the very nice apartment that waited for us. We dropped off our bags and walked to a Greek restaurant the owner of the apartment recommended. The night was lovely, gentle warm breeze and so relaxing. More gyros, hamburger and lamb steaks with of course, Greek salads. We got some fried cheese with honey and sesame seeds which was pretty delicious. Can't begin to eat all this food.

Finished and walked back. Settling in for our last night and flying home tomorrow. Can't get us checked in for the London to SFO leg. Hoping it will work out again and we'll be able to sit together.

Could not have asked for a more delightful vacation. So much fun and so much to see, learn and appreciate.