Mystras

We took a 2 and 1/2 hour bus ride on Wednesday through Sparti (what we call Sparta) to Mystras. In 1204 the Franks chose Mystras as the headquarters for the Greek empire. They had some good years here until they were conquered by the Byzantine Greeks in 1259. According to legend, Frankish leader William de Villehardouin might have escaped if a Greek soldier had not recognized him because of his famously protuding buckteeth.

Mystras contained churches, more than 2,000 houses, a huge Palace of Despots -- some 25,ooo people lived there. We hiked through many of the ruins and visited several of the churches. The footing was so treacherous in some places, I was glad I had my walking stick. The despots never walked, and now I see why!

After Constantinople and and the Byzantine empire fell to the Turks in 1453, Mystras held out -- the last Byzantine emporor was crowned in the cathedral at Mystras, and Mystras finally fell to the Turks in 1460.

We stopped briefly in Sparti (again, the place we know as Sparta.) Tony was amused that the first thing he saw in Sparta was a woman in pink spandex pants who was smoking a cigarrette and walking her poodle. I wanted to see the Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil, and Tony wanted to buy a SPARTA t-shirt. We did not have time for me to get to the Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil, so I will live the rest of my live feeling a bit culturally deprived now. Tony could not find a SPARTA t-shirt. He was appalled to discover that there were plenty of Hanna Montana t-shirts, but no SPARTA t-shirts. I could find no words of comfort for the man.

At this point, we boarded the bus for the 2 and 1/2 hour ride back to Nafplion. This will be our last night in Nafplion as we plan to head to Delphi next. We were on own for dinner last night. Tony and I had a great dinner. We shared some Fried Feta. [Cathy, I think you would LOVE the cheese over here!] Then Tony had some Greek pasta, and I had some pasta with more Feta and cherry tomatoes. We both had Greek salads for lunch. The food here is great.

Dickie and Jeni, we are getting LOTS of use out of the First Aid kit you gave me for Christmas. Nothing bad, just small aches and pains, but the First Aid kit has REALLY gotten lots of use, so thanks for that.

Jacob, I hope you are enjoying reading the blog, send questions if you have them!

We have loved hearing from home. The students are all having a great time and learning a lot.

Joanie