Celebrating Turkey Day the Greek Way!

This last weekend, instead of spending time coloring the turkey in the newspaper and judging the floats in the Macy's day parade, I went to Epidaraus, Nauplio, and Olympia. The results: lots of rocks and not nearly as much football

Thanksgiving itself was spent mostly on a bus. We drove several hours before arriving in Epidaraus, a sanctuary to the healing god Ascelpius. There was not a whole lot to see, and what was visible was under restoration. But, there was the most beautiful theater I have seen yet! It was stunning. Drew recited some Shakespeare while we sat in the tops seats. We could even hear him drop a coin!

Drew reciting some Hamlet

 After a picnic lunch it was back to the bus until we arrived in beautiful Nauplio (the first capital of Greece).  It is a stunning town in the eastern Peloponnese. We treated ourselves to some gelato from a shop owned by two Romans. It was absolutely amazing and so much fun to speak Italian again!

Palm trees and castles on Thanksgiving! 

oh gelato :) 

Afterwards, several of us went walking by the shore and Mary, Michelle, and I traveled along a cliff side path. We met Megan Levis along the way, who took us to explore some ruins. It was like a jungle gym for adults. So much fun climbing all over the ruins! I felt like I was in Ireland! On the way back to the hotel, we met a not so friendly dog who unfortunately took a liking to us. Finally after getting him off our trail, we returned safe and sound to the hotel.

Walking around 

And exploring some castles 

After drinks by the sea at one of the beautiful restaurants, it was time for Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey, salad, potatoes, and even stuffing (well some form of stuffing) were provided with carrot cake for desert. It was delicious, not quite up to my spoiled standards, but still yummy.

Michelle, Michael, and Me enjoying a different but delicious dinner

The next day was spent at three castles: Tiryens (a smaller one where Robert the history professor insisted we act  as human columns, or hearth in my case), Mycenea (a huge castle with  a giant cistern and a museum full of writing tablets and weird jewelry), and  Palamidi (the big castle overlooking Nauplio where we didn’t really learn anything and just walked around). 

Me being the fire in the megaron (throne room)- Photo by Kelly

After the learning portion was over, more exploring of the city occurred. Mostly the day was spent back and forth gazing longingly into a closed shop with a beautiful thimble in the window. Finally after hours of me checking in, it was finally opened! The store owner had just returned from a vacation and was overjoyed to talk to us: "It American thanks day, yes? I see Obama and turkeys." 


After a long drive west, we arrived in Olympia. Sadly I left my camera on the bus and had some issues with my memory card. But this was the place where- you guessed it- the Olympics first began in 776 BC. Other than this, it is known for holding a statue of Zeus that was considered when it existed to be one of the 7 wonders of the world. The best part of the day was when we played tag and ran around in the stadium- we're all still kids at heart. We also visited the Olympic museum, and the next morning the Archeology museum before heading home to Athens. 

 Hopefully I can get some more pictures from Olympia. Keep your eyes peeled for updates!