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Nafplio, Greece
Nafplio is a small seaport near Athens, and at one time it was Greece’s capital. There is an amazing amount of historical sites to see. We visited:
Epidaurus Theater: Built around 3000BC, this theater will seat around 16,000 people. The acoustics are amazing, even today, a sound made in the center can be heard throughout the seating area. An entire community was built, including schools, religious buildings, even a hospital. Even old medical instruments have been found.
Old Corinth: An important Ancient Roman town overlaying an important Ancient Greek town AND the site where St. Paul was tried and acquitted for blasphemy by the Ancient Jewish establishment. The hilltop fortress site above the archaeological town is also the site of “the 1000 temple prostitutes” in the ancient temple of Aphrodite against which St. Paul preached in his Epistle to the Corinthians.
The Corinth Canal connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland. The builders dug the canal through the Isthmus at sea level; no locks are employed. It is 4 miles long, and 70 ft wide at its base. The canal was started in classical times and an abortive effort was made to build it in the 1st century AD. Construction finally got under way in 1881 and was finished in 1897.
Mycenae is one of the most important archaeological sites of Greece. The fortified citadel is nested over the fertile plain of Argolis near the seashore in the northeast Peloponnese.
Mycenaean is the culture that dominated mainland Greece, the Aegean islands, and the shores of Asia Minor from about 1600-1100 BC. The Mycenaean Era flourished in mainland Greece since 3000 BC.
West view if the theater
Seat detail
Seating rows
Museum pieces
Bridge over the canal
Another view of Old Corinth temple remains
Many itms were found
Statues were an important design element
Another view of statues
Temple of Aphrodite
A gate opens to the temple
A view of Mycenau
Myceneum gravesite
Santorini, Greece
The first known inhabitants of Santorini date back from around 3,000BC. In the ensuing 5,000 years it has survived war, natural disasters, economic strife, and political unrest. In fact, at one time local resident were forbidden to fly the Greek flag, so the building wre painted the now famous white and blue.
Early nobles and wealthy people deied the best place was to view the ocen from the lower slopes, so the poor were banished to carving homes out of the “undesirable” caldera cliffs. Today, of course, the lower slopes are mainly farm and ndustrial, the prime places are looking inside the caldera.
There are three ways to get to the rim: on foot, by donkey, o by gondola. We took the gondola to the top, then explored the maze of small streets and alleys of the town of Fira. It is hard to choose what scenes not to photograph! We then took a local bus to the town of Oia (pronounced “eye-ah”), another beautiful city in white and blue. Again, picture lots opportunities, and we had a nice lunch of local food and wine.
The local bus is a story in itself. The road from one village to the next is high on the edge of a cliff, with lots of hairpin turns. In addition, the roads are narrow, and the bus driver fearless. I can see why some people don’t want to look!
All in all, the visit to Santorini was a memorable one.
Colorful flowers against the white buildings
Nice looking pool!
Church tower and building
Even local glass work reflects the color s blue and white
Scenic lbue dome
Looking towards Oia
Santorini church
Kotor, Montenegro
Our next stop was in Kotor, Montenegro. This small city is located along a scenic bay, which reminded me of the fjords in Norway (but without snow and waterfalls). It was built between the 12th and 14th century. The Old City is an excellent example of Middle Ages urbanization, consisting of small, narrow streets and squares. And places to get wine and food.
One of the highlights is the 2.8 mile long wall. Much of this is restored, and walkable, up to the old fort. This takes 1,320 steps, and gives a good test of heart and legs. Of our group, Romola and I were the oldest to reach the top. Yeah!
Montenegro itself became a kingdom in 1910, and became part of Yugoslavia in 1918. The 20th century was a difficult one, and in 2006 Montenegro became an independent state and recognized as the 192nd country member of the United Nations.
Going towards Montenegro
One of the lintels in the city
Romola and Tanya, working their way up
In the chapel, part way up to the fort
A view back from part way up
You can see the last third or so of the steps going up
And, a view looking up
Shane and Tanya, at the top
Looking down from the flag on the fort
Inside the city of Kotor
You can see most of the wall here
A lovely yacht in the harbor
A church in one of the villages along the shore
This small island is the home of a chapter of nuns
Another magnificent yacht
Croatia visit
After Venice, our cruise stopped in two Croatian cities:
Split was built as a retirement “home” for the Roman Emperor Diocletian. He was the only Emperor to retire, most were killed in battle or political upheavals. The city was beautifully built using marble, and with continuing restoration and maintenance, it is a magnificent place to visit and stroll through time. Lots of museums and historical exhibits to keep you occupied.
Dubrovnik is called the Pearl of the Adriatic because of the extensive use of marble during its construction. The city walls are said to be Europe’s finest and most complete. A disastrous earthquake in the 1600’s caused extensive damage but the city has been rebuilt as much as possible. Historical remnants, such as the original foundry, are still being found and excavated.
The Azamara cruise line arranged for a magnificent concert by Croatia’s most famous cellist, Ana Rucner. She did a fabulous and most energetic concert in the middle of old town Dubrovnik. Most enjoyable.
Church tower
Emperor Diocletian used many colors from around his empire for his pillars
Classical Venician style
Clock tower on the square
Approaching Dubrovnik, walls visible
Rector’s Palace
Guess they didn’t like drain spouts, which this is
The wall supports style looks like Roman viaducts
Enjoying a short rest on the wall
Tanya and Shane on the wall
Some parts are still waiting for restoration
Hands holding a grape vine
Inside the recently discovered and excavated foundry
Cannonball molds inside the foundry
Water spout at the Onofrio fountain
Dubrovnik main tower
Classical Venetian three bells
Colorful flowers against stone wall
Church tower
Venice, Italy
Venice. What more is there to say? One of the great destination cities of the world. This is where our cruise started, and where we had two days to explore.
On the first day we hit the touristy areas. St, Mark’s and surroundings, canals, and gondolas. Just like the brochures (except way more people)
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Amsterdam, 2015
Instead of just walking around, this year we took a guided walking tour of Amsterdam. That worked well, we saw things we never saw on our own, and received a history lesson at the same time. The guide (Michael, of Free Walking Tours) did a great job, mixing facts and humor.
We started in the red light district (yes, girls were working at 3PM) followed by a visit to the Jewish neighborhood that was devastated in World War II. We reviewed the history of the Dutch East India Company (Holland was the most powerful and rich country in the world during the Golden Age), and how that influenced the building of canals.
We learned about drugs in general (the Dutch have the most liberal laws, yet have one of the lowest drug use rates in the world). We then traveled to the wealthy part of town, including a visit to one of the very expensive court yards. We also visited a traditional cheese house and tried some samples.
As you look at the pictures, note how many buildings are leaning. Amsterdam is on mainly reclaimed soil, which is unstable, and requires frequent maintenance. So we learned a lot and were entertained at the same time. A great afternoon!
The Royal Palace
A very fancy shopping center in an old building
Inside the shopping center
Some government buildings and churches
Of course, a canal with typical bridge (and bicycles)
Grandma with grandchild enjoying a break at a stoner coffee shop
Some impressive residential buildings
Inside one of the private courtyards
More canals, more bicycles
Classy buildings along the canal
Canal, and old church
Walking one of the shopping streets
Fashionable footwear
Smallest house in Amsterdam (the red building), 39 inches wide and occupied too!
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges was a portal to The Amber Road, a trade route to the East that began in 1600 BC. Traces of human activity in Bruges date from the Pre-Roman era. The earliest fortifications were built in the first century BC, to protect the coastal area against pirates. The Franks took over the whole region around the 4th century. Viking incursions of the ninth century prompted the reinforcements in the walls and buildings.
Bruges had a strategic location at the crossroads of the northern and southern trade routes. It fostered a wool and cloth trade, growing into one of the largest trader cengters in the world. This opened a trade in spices, and also advanced commercial and financial techniques. A flood of capital soon took over the banking of Bruges. It became a major art center, attracting painters, novelists, and prominent people to settle here. But this prosperity would not last..
The silting of the local rivers and channels eventually closed the waterways, and trade dropped. The city suffered, and population declined. But In the last half of the 19th century, Bruges became one of the world’s first tourist destinations attracting wealthy British and French tourists. Now tourism is the major source of income for the city.
Bruges is known for chocolate, beer and lace. But it also has a great art history, and has the original “Madonna and Child” by Michelangelo on display in the Our Lady church. A spectacular place to visit!
The Belfry on the Grote Markt in Bruges
Colorful buildings on the Grote Markt
An almost gone skill, hand making making lace
Tower of the Our Lady church
A bridge over the canal, and swans on the canal
Canal view
Another view of the Belfry, viewed across one of the canals
The street our hotel is on
Impressive even at night
Window shopping
Government building at night
Yum! Chocolate! Check out the chocolate tools
Grote Markt buildings at night
Madonna and Child, by Michelangelo
City view, on one of the main canals
Local architecture, on the canal
Inside a local church
Harp concert, and it was spectacular!
The smallest bridge in Bruges
Old house on the canal
Evening view around the Grote Markt
Rotterdam’s Market Hall
Rotterdam was pretty much leveled during World War Two, and has been under reconstruction ever since. Now, it is considered one of the most architecturally diverse and interesting cities in Europe, if not the world. One of the buildings that has gained the most interest is the magnificent Market Hall.
Shaped like a large Quonset hut, it has a complete fresh food market with restaurants inside, and apartments in the structure itself. Some look to the inside, some on the outside. In either case, it is a spectacular place to visit, both from an architectural point of view or just to sample and eat the large variety of foods available.
Looking at the Hall from the outside
From the outside, the apartments are obvious
An innovative design in the same area
More innovative buildings near the Hall, which is just visible on right
Activity on the floor, under the artwork
Looking up at the ceiling artwork
You can see the fantastic painted shapes, as well as apartment windows looking in
French bakery on premises, too
Lots of good vegetables, and pretty well anything else you may want
Sail Amsterdam
When we arrived in Holland we found out that Sail Amsterdam was in progress. What is it? Well, it is one of the largest maritime events in the world. It was started in 1975 in celebration of the 700th anniversary of the city of Amsterdam, and was so successful it was repeated every 5 years. So we were invited by family to take in the fun.
You could tell how busy it was when we got to the Utrecht train station. People everywhere, the train was standing room only. But a short 20 minute ride got us to Amsterdam. And then the crowds really started! Not only people, but we were amazed at the number of boats…. and the variety. everything from rowboats to 5 mast sailing vessels, and even a car!
The events takes place in Amsterdam, on the river IJ. It is a big river, and lots of room for moored boats. But the spectacular part was the continual parade of boats, with no seeming logic by what type or where. Each boat was on its own to go upriver, turn around, and come back down river.
Check the pictures….
Crowds at the station
Look at all those boats!
A real flotilla of boats on parade!
No boat? No problem… take your car.
Even had musical accompaniment, here a Dixieland band
Even a one man band!
Replica of a Spanish galeon, reminicent of Columbus
View of the bow. Don’t think I would cross the Atlantic in one that size!
Captain’s quarters
Bowsprit
Reefing the sails
From ocean to mountains and back to ocean
After leaving Isle of Skye, we headed east. Our first stop was in Fort William. And the road there was spectacular. Yes, a little narrow, yes a little curvy, but spectacular scenery along the many “lochs” (lakes) along the way. And with occasional castles — some restored and operational (like the famous Eilean Donan), others in ruins — there were many stops. An overnight in Fort William was interesting.
Fort William is at the foot of Ben Nevi, the UK’s tallest mountain. It is the home of hiking, climbing, and ice climbing. We did none of these! But we did visit Inverlochy Castle, a 13th century ruin but still original shape. And a visit to Neptune’s Stairsteps, a system of 8 locks that raise/lowers a ship some 65 feet. Opened in 1822, it was an engineering marvel of its time.
From there we traveled into the mountains. Reminded us of the Rockies, but a bit more rounded. But beautiful. We had a light lunch at Glencoe Mountain ski resort. From there only 50 miles to our B&B, but what a miles! Very, very narrow roads (I called them single and a half tracks) that undulated up and down and twisted just to add limited visibility to the driving pleasure. Watch out foe that bus heading the other way!
Our B&B was an old converted manse, right next to the ruins of an old, old church and graveyard. But it was pleasant, and we were back at sea level.
One more view from our B&B on Skye
A small waterfall in volcanic rock along the way
Scotland’s most famous castle, Eilean Donan
A castle ruins near Inverngarry
Entrance to Inverlochy castle
One of four Interlochy turrets
Posing for the ages
One of Neptune’s Staircase eight locks
Ship’s heading up the Caledonian canal. The closest sailboat, a 50 footer, was from Oslo and just returned from a trip to Newfoundland and the US east coast.
Mountain vistas
More mountain scenery
A small stream is picturesque
Deep valleys
Our B&B, an old manse under restoration
Church ruins and graveyard
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