Epidaurus & Epídhavros Port
Another great day started early in the morning when I stepped out and saw the picturesque little port of Palaia Epidaurus. There is no way I can compare it to the spectacular Venetian fortress we saw yesterday or the amazing castle city of Naxos. It has its own charm though, and is more appreciated early in the morning because of the calmness and serenity it radiates. We were ready to go at 9:00 am and quickly found our way to the buses that would drive us to the “sanctuary-hospital” in Epidhavros. I dressed up nicely today because that’s what we do in Greece. I am one of the two guides leading the tours and as I started my commentary I was moved by the way everybody was paying attention to what I had to say! When we arrived at the site it was not busy so we visited the museum where we saw the “thank you letters” of the ancient patients inscribed on marble and the tools used by the ancient doctors. The site was cool, as always, because of the beautiful pine trees. We enjoyed our tour around the “hotel” called xenon in ancient Greek, the baths, the temples and the other ancient monuments.
I am always astounded by the view of the theatre. It is almost perfect since it has survived almost intact! Every time I see this theatre I am still amazed by its beauty; framed by the pine forest, the rocks sparkle after being touched by thousands of hands, pinkish color that seems to reflect the bright light. I can almost see it crowded with a noisy audience drinking wine and fanning themselves in the ancient times. Ellie, my colleague recited ancient Greek tragedy and her powerful voice completed the image I had in my mind.
Driving back to the port we had a great view of our ship – the Panorama. We could almost smell the orange trees everywhere around us. We even saw a few oranges even though it is not time for them yet. Back on the ship we had our final event for our Olympics on board! I am running now to see everybody diving off and to check out the best “athletes”! I forgot to mention that Stephen Carhart has his birthday today. He is one of my new friends and a fabulous diver! I am saddened that we must leave this port later today…
