Navplion Greece

Navplion Greece

(pronounced naf plee o)

Yesterday was a sea day in which we basically did nothing. Had a formal dinner and ate far too much as the main course was half a large lobster, steak and veges. The choice and quality of food is exceptional and we are struggling to limit our intake.

Today was a sleep in day (which Alan obviously forgot about) so once again I was awake before I wanted to be.  We dropped anchor in the outer harbour of Navplion (a large Greek Island) and at 9am we boarded the tender to go ashore.  We had not booked a tour here as we just wanted to wander around the old town ourselves.

The main claim to fame for Navplion is the Palamidi Fortress which is perched atop a 700 foot crag and takes an almost vertical 899 steps staircase to reach.  Needless to say I passed on that one! Instead we wandered the town and up the lower slopes to another fortress which is falling apart at a rapid rate.  The sign says its being restored from 2007 – 2013 but unfortunately it looks like the Greeks have run out of money and nothing has been done for a number of years.  Its reaching the dangerous stage with a few signs placed knocked over in the long grass saying ‘danger’.  Nevertheless we walked thru some tunnels and up and down very steep steps and eventually wound our way back to the centre of town to the Museum which is full of Mycanae artifacts.  Interesting stuff dating back to 1500BC up to 1000AD recovered from tombs.

The ocean is that incredible blue that you seen in photos and so clear you can see the fish even at great depths.  Very tempting to just jump in when you are sweating from all the uphill climbs but really air temp only 25 degrees so not hot enough for swimming.

Don’t know how the oldies manage the really steep steps getting to and from the houses – must just be a lifetime of traversing them so that even on walking sticks they don’t seem to get out of breath (even though I was huffing and puffing like an old steam train).  Stopped in the main square for a cool drink under the shade of magnificent old trees and more than adequate umbrellas on comfortable cane lounges and watched the

Greek way of life go past us.

Back to the ship in the arvo where we managed to get a couple of recliner lounge chairs in the crows nest where we could continue to watch the world out of picture windows, read a book, snooze and drink cocktails.  Altogether a pleasant day and the first I have felt relaxed in.

Been 1 week on the cruise now and starting to settle after being sick and worried sick about Triona and then Mum being admitted to hospital with a blood clot on the lung.  Fortunately all home from hospital and doing OK so now trying to relax a little.

An early dinner tonight compliments of Holland America (for being good folks) at the Asian Fusion restaurant. Off to Katakolon (Greece) tomorrow.

Back from dinner with a very extended tummy.  The food was incredible! certainly worth the extra $15 they usually charge (ours was free) now going for walk around the deck as I am over full.