Medieval Monemvasia

 

Carved into the side of an island, we reach Monemvasia from the mainland by crossing a one lane causeway. No cars are allowed into the city so we have to park alongside the road leading up to the main gate and walk in. "Really?" Michael asks as we parallel park, ocean on the left, towering mountain on the right.

"Yes, and we should pack light since we're only staying one night." I pull out my scarf, begin to place some essentials in the center and then I tie it all up into a little sac. "Hobo Marv, huh!" Michael is amused and I think it adds to the adventure. 

 

 

As promised there is an entry way that looks like a short tunnel through a stone wall. Stepping through it we are momentarily plunged into darkness From the contrast of the blasting sun. Turn a corner and the entry opens up onto a narrow cobbled walkway.

 

 

We are told that our hotel is "all the way at the end of town, the last hotel." Already dripping with sweat, I brace myself for the long walk, which, takes 3 minutes. 

The town is unbelievably tiny! Small shops and restaurants line the cobbled path(sidewalk? It's super narrow). Shopkeepers hang outside gazing lictkrsdly. I feel a little self conscious walking by. They look too bored for a "kalimera!" And their gaze makes me feel like a smile would intrude on their space. Maybe it's my own lack of personal space that's making me slightly uncomfortable. It's hot and the narrow path is making me feel a little claustrophobic. 

 

I'm grateful when we reach the end of "the road" and it opens up to a rocky veranda with tables, chairs and a view of the expansive ocean.From here you can see the wall that borders the town. Even walled in, the view of the Ocean makes feel like I'm on the edge of the world and the edge of time.