Epidaurus, Greece
I have to admit that I don’t really like waking up in the morning. One of the few exceptions to the rule is a visit to Epidaurus the ancient hospital-sanitorium of southern Greece because we approach it exactly the way the ancient Greeks would. By ship!! The port is so picturesque and has a calming effect on me. Michelle our Expedition Leader agrees with me.
It’s 7:30 in the morning and I rush upstairs for a cup of coffee. I get out and face the pine forest and the rocky coastline. This time of the year pine is fresh and bright green, full of light and heat brings out its incredible aroma. Everything is calm as if Poseidon is asleep. In Greek we say “the sea is like olive oil.” I meet a few of our guests and we quietly enjoy the view. Later on we board our Zodiacs and go straight to the little town of Old Epidaurus, I think that everyone is still asleep in town. We arrive in the ancient site and I try to explain to our guests the importance of the ancient hospital.
We wander through the hotel, the stadium, the dormitories for the patients, the baths, the library, all buildings necessary for the ancient patients who arrive from all over Greece. The little local museum enlightens us a bit more, with thank you letters to the god of healing, and surgical tools. The last and most impressive is the theater, the highlight of the tool, the best preserved theater in Greece, carved out of pinkish limestone 2,400 years old. Famous ancient Greek and modern actors have enacted all those “dramatic” myths for the amazed audiences of Greeks and “xenoi” (foreigners). I can see Ian, Cooper, Brian and Aidan running up the seats to reach the top so they can check the acoustics! A beautiful song, by our performer Katie, catches me by surprise!
On the way back to the port more “drama”! An “idiot” (Greek word for a man that cares only for himself) had parked his car on the main road to the port blocking our way. The police arrived and the moment things got exciting I had to go because I was really looking forward to a swim.
The sea is warm and pleasant and the pine forest is my view. Later on we sailed to Nauplion and I admire the rocky landscape along the coastline all the way to the volcanic island of Methana. After a few hours of relaxing sailing I visit the bridge where I find Leia on the ship’s wheel (she is 4 years old!) next to captain Dimitrios.
Nauplion becomes visible at the distance. Its remarkable fortress, Palamides, the acropolis and the fortified islet of Bourgi stand out, always making me think of hardships and battles, but also of incredible walks, architecture and of course ice cream. The moment we dock I am ready for a walk in town. It is Saturday night, so it is the perfect time for a night in town.
