Siting on our balcony in Nauplion, Mommy Eleni and Papou Nick planned our route driving to Monemvasia, our next stop on Amalía's grecian odyssey, and on Thursday, Aug. 9, we set out.
Luckily Amalía slept through most of the harrowing drive along narrow mountain roads. (Lesson learned, if there's a choice between a scenic route and a faster route inland on modern highways, do not pick the scenic route.)
Monemvasia is a medieval city carved out of large rock, something like Mont Saint-Michel in France. It's connected to the mainland by a causeway. No vehicles can go inside--you enter on foot through the tunnel-like gate and climb up the winding cobbled streets. Everything is accessible only on slippery stone stairs.
Our room was part of the Theophano Art Hotel, opened this past March. Like every room in Monemvasia, it was cave-like, with arched ceilings, because all the buildings are basically carved out of the rock. Amalia loved going up and down that ledge you can see behind her and the steps to the bathroom.
Here is the alcove where Yiayia Joanie slept.
At twilight we went to a nearby taverna/bar to watch the sunset.
It gave Amalía a chance for her favorite activity: pushing chairs around in a restaurant.
And stealing cutlery.
We had dinner at our favorite restaurant on the island: Matoula's.
The next morning we had a delicious homemade breakfast at the main building of the Theophano Art Hotel, far below.
Here is the reception area. They sell art works and have musical events as well.
This window looks out onto the quiet square outside.
On the way out of town we stopped at the studio of artist Gregoreas Manolis and Eleni bought one of his works just as Yiayia Joanie had bought one many years before.
Then we were off on a drive to the region of Greece called the Mani. We stopped for lunch at the scenic town of Areopolis
Where Amalía discovered a new favorite food: fried zucchini patties.
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