Sunday, May 31, 2015

Almost heaven — Nafplio

Photo impressions of this first capitol of Greece. On a rocky outcrop — more on that in the next posting after I've walked to Palamidi Castle: 999 steps UP! & down, of course— this small peninsula juts into aquamarine waters of Argolikos Gulf. How small, you ask: one can walk across, up, down and across it in 15 minutes or around it in 30.

Totally touristic, but in a welcoming Zorba the Greek way — "but why not!?!" are the words I've heard most often, so far. Nafplio is FULL of restaurants, tchotchke, swimsuit, and ice cream shops. Flowers and window displays with artistic flair subvert the kitsch. Balloon man and organ grinder delight the jillions of children here for the holiday weekend. Friendly service welcomes me at every turn.

In less than 24 hours, I'm smitten :-)

Every street is a bower of bougainvillas - restaurants open for mid-day meals and really start hopping at about 10 PM, busy until way past midnight. Smart hoteliers install AC. Close windows and turn on fan: dreams come quickly to tired travelers — that was me, last night!


Green-framed view from my room. Pedestrian zone keeps vehicle noise to a minimum, although occasional small motorcycles buzz down alley-wide street like bees to the blossoms. Yes, there are stairs, lots and lots of stairs!

What to do with those unused concrete blocks? Paint them, stack them, and serve coffee & ice cream!

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