2017 BOCA and BUBBA INVADE THE CONTINENT: DAY 20 SUN JULY 02 NAFPLION, GREECE

Too damn hot (established yesterday) to tour so we canceled our trip to Ancient Corinth and the Canal. I was so ready to experience that Corinth Canal. Have you seen it? Initially the ships traveled around stormy cape Maupan (the southern most point on the Peloponnese) and was one of the most dreaded capes of antiquity. Rather than risk sailing around it, boats would be unloaded on one shore of this isthmus, dragged the 4 miles across on the paved slipway and then back in the water. Say what??? The traffic enriched Corinth had inspired plans for a canal back in the day and here it is. Emperor Nero began construction but the project was only completed between 1882 and 1883. The 4 mile long 75 ft wide canal is now obsolete in an age of giant container ships which easily weather the cape, but small freighters squeezing through are regularly seen from the road bridge above. Pleep has been through the Panama Canal several times and wanted to experience this one too. Dang.

So what is so special about “ancient Corinth”? Pleep did a little digging and explained-Ancient Corinth derived its property from its position on a narrow isthmus between the Saronic and Corinthian gulfs. As mentioned, transporting goods across this isthmus even before the canal was built, provided the shortest route from the eastern Mediterranean to the Adriatic and Italy. Founded in Neolithic times, the town was razed in 16 BC by the Romans, who rebuilt it a century later. This wealthy city was blessed with surrounding fertile plains and an impregnable (Pleep loves when I use that word) defense system. Attaining a population of 750,000 under the patronage of the emperors, the town gained a reputation for licentious (another Pleep favorite) living, which St. Paul attacked when he came here in AD 52. Excavations have revealed the vast extent of the city, destroyed by earthquakes in Byzantine times. The ruins constitute the latest Roman township in Greece. Pleep was so looking forward to playing at the Temple of Apollo.

Actually we learned quite a bit about the Peloponnese on this trip- many ancient and medieval ruins are abundant on the Peloponnese and they provide the main focus of sight seeing for the tourists- those who are not at the beach- the trekker and naturalist folks. Boca enjoys the day trips from a ship- that’s natural enough.

While the idea to visit these ancient ruins was glorious but too hot to enjoy and glad we did get off the ship to visit it last week when in this port- on board activities were in order- Bubs worked out, Boca had a spa day- getting that peeling facial and rid of those grey roots. Oh and washing her underwear- her 2 week supply ended and no way was she going to pay $2.50 per pair (why are/is underwear called a pair?) so she used the ship shampoo and scrubbed away. Cussing and fussing went on as she hung them on the line over the tub- needless to say quite a sight and Bubs suggested that she put them out on the balcony if she wanted them to actually dry within the week. Are you crazy bubs! They will thinking I am getting ready to set sail…and yes, for future reference $2.50 per pair is sounding very much like a bargain.

This relatively small country- about the size of Louisiana- with 11 million inhabitants, really packs a punch. Having a spa day gave Pleep and me an opportunity to brush up on our Greek History- prehistoric Greece, the Dark Ages and Archaic Period, Classical Greece, Hellenistic Greece, Roman Greece, Byzantine and Crusader Greece, Venetian and Ottoman Greece, and what we know as modern Greece. The making of modern Greece- with the Greek War of Independence, marked the overthrow of the Ottomans and the start of the “Great Idea”- an ambitious project to bring all Greek people under one flag. The plans for expansion were initially successful and during the 19th century, the Geeks succeeded in doubling their national territory and reasserting Greek sovereignty over many of the islands. But don’t forget they attempted to take Asia Minor by force after World War 1 ended in disaster. In 1922, millions of Greeks we’re expelled from Smyrna in Turkish Anatolia- ending thousands of years of Greek presence in Asia Minor. We have sadly seen that part of the world up close and personal in Constantinople aka Istanbul. No love loss between the Greeks and the Turks- to say the least. In spite of the most recent debacle financially, the people of Greece have much to be proud of- such a rich history rife with turmoil.

Greece is considered the cradle of Western Civilization, being the birthplace of democracy, Western philosophy, the Olympic Games, Western literature, historiography, political scene, major scientific and mathematical principles and western drama. I pray that the leaders of today can finally resolve issues that may embrace the wonderful people of Greece- in a positive trajectory- garbage and graffiti included. Maybe a little Metaxa will get their creative juices flowing? Metaxa or Ouzo have solved many many problems. Nearly 3/4 of the land is mountainous, uninhabited or uncultivated. A third of the population (some say closer to half) lives in Athens- the cultural, financial ad political center in which modern and ancient stand side by side. We always have loads of fun in Athens- OPA OPA!

While Boca can not get enough garlic (hello scordalia lovers), Bubs says no thanks but thinks this would be the perfect key chain for Boca. FYI- old Greek remedy to ward off bad stuff- better than the evil eye?

or this?

Superstitious or religious?

OMG saw this new store being opened in Athens...modern progress?

These short - 7 day itineraries- increase the “young crowd” cruisers- Bubs and Boca used to be the kids on Silverseas now we are the old ones! And here's a first- the entertainers were so good last night- I attended both shows- how's that for some cruising talent- Rock With Me!

I do like that we only have to “muster” 1x not every week. And when you muster on this ship, no going out on the deck- just casually stroll to the bar for instructions. Not bad. And the food continues to be excellent- dang. Pleep enjoys his daily delivery of caviar. He has become quite the aficionado of the Beluga.

Adorable Ari (Mgr of Food and Beverage) and Bevin (Mgr of all other) have been doing a fantastic job making sure things are running ship shape- groan. Our new Cruise Director is absolutely delightful- Handre (South African) and such a tuxedo jacket- maybe his Mom had some leftover upholstery?