Sunday, March 30, 2014

From a Place Called the Peloponnese


I write today from Poulithra, a small coastal village in the Peloponnese. It is a rather enchanting sort of place; but then to our way of thinking many such Greek villages are just that.  We fell under this village's spell last year and returned Friday after spending our first night in another charming town, Astros, some 30 miles north of here.
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By now we’ve decided that marathon flight day/night/day of 24 hours plus, to get here was worth it, although at the time we weren’t sure.

Having picked up a rental car the size and the color of a ripe cherry, we’ve embarked on a road trip that will take us through both the history and hidden corners of this part of Greece.

Our route – still not cast in direction or dates - will take us back to old favorite places and yet lead us to new discoveries ~ the entrance to Hades, among them.

 We are well off the “American’ tourist track. It is a shame more of our fellow countrymen (and women) don’t venture into these postcard perfect areas that draw hordes of European travelers in the summer months. The tourist season in Greece kicks off with its Easter holiday week and continues through summer.


But  now the villages are blissfully quiet, streets are empty but for the locals who call out greetings to each other and the two American tourists who stroll in their midst.

The air is filled with bird song and the scent of orange blossoms. There’s still a nip in the early morning and evening air.  We stroll along narrow streets to tavernas to dine each evening – the sky a star-lit umbrella. We are still among the early eaters – dining at 8 or 9; Greek diners begin arriving after 9.

We’ve re-couped from the jet-lag that always packs a punch for  the first few days. We’ll be back on the road again come Monday. Hope you’ll come along with us. And this weekend, take some time to stop and smell the flowers ~ we are!






[Travel Tip: I wrote our last post in Istanbul where we spend the night en route to Greece.  That routing  saved us about $1,000 in airfare costs – thanks to a deal The Scout found on Kayak.com. We used a free night stay coupon at the Marriott Courtyard and the airfare to Athens was about $125 for the both of us. And we’ll spend a few days at the end of the trip visiting that fascinating city – a double win, to our way of thinking.]

14 comments:

  1. We visited the Peloppenese on a cruise and did an excursion to Mycenae. Goosebumps. Enjoy your time there.

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    1. The history in this area almost numbs your senses, doesn't it Suzanne? Thanks so much for stopping by today!

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  2. "...the villages are blissfully quiet, streets are empty but for the locals..." Oh Jackie, this so sounds like my kind of place! Did you have some good meals there? :)

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    1. Oh Mike we've been stuffing ourselves at the tavernas. . .huge meals and they cost about $20 US for two, which includes a pitcher (or two) of wine!! You would LOVE it here!!!

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  3. I am so there with you - lovely descriptions - the perfect time of year to visit. And great tip about Kayak - thank you. Filakia F xx

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    1. Oh Francesca, I know how you understand this. Do hope you get back here for a visit soon - I would love to read about your trip and see your photos as you do both so beautifully.

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  4. It really does sound like a lovely time of year to be there, Jackie. Keep enjoying it. Thanks for the travel search engine link.

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    1. Just heard the news about the quake and tsunami - hope you are safe!

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  5. I have never heard of this place but it sounds devine. I yearn to rent a cottage in France, or Italy or Greece, or Spain one day. Somewhere to absorb the lifestyle, write and take photos!
    Have a wonderful trip. And thanks for taking to time to stop by by blog earlier this week.

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  6. Hi Jackie,

    Just catching up with my regular blogs, as I've been on the go lately, and am enchanted by your first post on your trip to Greece this year, especially with your 'report' on one of my favourite scents, orange blossoms!! Please think of me when you take in their hypnotic essence, as I will miss this beautiful season this year!!

    Off to visit your newer posts!

    xo
    Poppy

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  7. A stone house in Greece?!! WOW!! I am surprised, but I shouldn't be, as many who come to visit fall in love with the landscape and never want to leave, yours truly, for one! Yes, I couldn't agree with you more: parts of Greece are definitely more beautiful than the ever so popular, Tuscany! In my own little neck of the woods in Crete, the countryside is so absolutely stunning that it was the sole reason we chose to build our one and only home there, nestled between orange orchards, vineyards and vegetable patches! Our sea views are a bonus!

    Wishing you the best of luck with your house hunting and hope you find your gem among all that stone! Keep me posted and if you're thinking of Crete as an alternative, let me know if I can be of any assistance.

    xo
    Poppy

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    1. Sorry,

      Was supposed to have left this on your newer post! Anyway, you probably gathered that...:))

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