#winteringreece2016

Yesssss! I made it to the top! We couldn't go inside because it was closed because of Christmas. But thanks to the best guide I've ever had, Maria, who kindly helped me on the way down, I made it! She regaled me with little stories & just the right amount of information & I had a wonderful tour. The views were spectacular and the positive, powerful energy I felt from the rock was incredible. Yes, of course there were a few tears as I wished Uli had been there with me to experience this with me, but I think he was there with me & I know he was proud that I accomplished what I'd set out to do. It's a fabulous sunny day - I've stripped off 3 layers (no I'm not down to a bikini, but t shirt & jeans). Now I can properly wish you a lovely festive season & all the best for 2017 #Dec2016 #lambisstory #monemvasia #winteringreece2016 #placeswithspecialenergy (at Castle Of Monemvasia)

Suddenly the streets have filled up with romantic couples, groups of young people & families - all in good cheer & out to have fun over the festive season. I've been booked in for a Christmas Eve feast at one of the more upmarket restaurants. So I'll wish you all very happy holidays, Merry Xmas and enjoy your time with family and friends #Dec2016 #lambisstory #monemvasia #winteringreece2016 (at Castle Of Monemvasia)

My tour today didn't quite go as planned, but it was most enjoyable nonetheless. We were s'posed to visit the caves of Kastanias ..... Let's just say the others did, but I couldn't make it. The way down was too steep for me & as I have fear of heights, I got vertigo & head spins so I stayed outside. Didn't really mind that much as the driver/guide had irritated me a bit. As the only Greek speaker on the tour, all his remarks were directed at me. Well at first he regaled me with stories about his exploits aboard the cruise ships he worked on, then he corrected my English when I spoke to the American couple and to top it off he made too many racist jokes so I told him to STFU & let me enjoy the view. Here I'm looking out to Elafonisi & the amazing turquoise stretch of sea. Will go for a little stroll round Monemvasia now before going out for a Christmas meal later on #Dec2016 #lambisstory #winteringreece2016 (at Peloponnese)

Spectacular colours for sunset today. Felt I was in the middle of a painting. Had a great meal in the taverna of a woman who feeds the cats of the area. Chatted away to her & her daughter & the only other guests I n the place. Everybody is very friendly here. Got back to the guest house without getting lost & sat outside listening to the waves crashing against the rocks. Time for a tsipouro before heading to bed #Dec2016 #lambisstory #monemvasia #winteringreece2016 (at Castle Of Monemvasia)

I'm in awe at the beauty of my country. Today I had a trip round Mani. After driving through a very fertile part of Peloponnese that supplies the rest of the mainland with vegetables, passing countless olive groves and citrus fruit trees we came to the stark stone built towers of Vatheia. Unfortunately I couldn't go inside the area to explore as it was all locked up & I didn't want to risk climbing over the fence to get in. Actually all the old stone houses and towers of Mani impressed me immensely - so austere, so imposing, so elemental. Thoroughly enjoyed today, the weather was kind as well. Will go out now in Monemvasia to have a bite to eat & wander around the town a bit #Dec2016 #lambisstory #mani #winteringreece2016 #placeswithspecialenergy (at Vatheia)

I think this is the building that loomed out at me last night. It's in the courtyard outside my guest house. Probably some kind of kiln. The wind has dropped today & I'm off to explore Mani. #monemvasia has a certain energy to it. You probably think I'm being dippy hippie but I feel the energy of some places strongly. Ios definitely, but also Athens near the Acropolis & certainly Stonehenge. Now I've added Monemvasia to this list. These places call to me .... I can't explain it better #Dec2016 #lambisstory #winteringreece2016 #placeswithspecialenergy (at Castle Of Monemvasia)

On my way back to the guest house (got slightly lost), this loomed up in front of me. What is it? Haven't got a clue. I'd borrowed a torch from the guest house, but unfortunately it conked out before I got anywhere. The family run taverna I ate at was a find. Tried out a local specialty saïtia, which is a type of spinach pie & followed this with an amazing vegetable soup - truly delish. I finished off with an excellent tsipouro & an orange cake (on the house). Everybody seems so friendly here. Am tucked up in bed looking at a wonderful booklet about #monemvasia that the owners of the guest house presented me with. Luckily the wind has died down a bit so I should get a good night's sleep. A tour of Mani is on the programme for tomorrow #Dec2016 #lambisstory #winteringreece2016 #spookybuilding (at Castle Of Monemvasia)

Did I mention how dramatic it is? It's also quite spooky. Wish I'd brought a torch .... well I can always use my phone. Yes, it would be more enjoyable with a loved one to cuddle up to, but hey, that's not on the cards so I might as well enjoy it by myself. Just getting ready to go out again for a meal. So far everybody I've met has been friendly .... & I really don't mind eating alone #Dec2016 #lambisstory #winteringreece2016 #monemvasia (at Castle Of Monemvasia)