Toga party in Sparta for Halloween

CYA traveled to the Peloponnese this week.   Much like in Northern Greece, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the varied landscape of the peninsula.  We traveled from Olympia to Sparta, Nafplio, and Delphi.  These famous, ancient sites were as grand and awe-inspiring as I had hoped.  The oracle of Delphi had stunning buildings and views.  Olympia, the site of the very first Olympic games retained its majesty from centuries past.  We saw numerous buildings and artifacts that students around the world learn of, such as the Charioteer, the Lion Gate of Mycenae, and the temple of Apollo at Delphi.  The ability to see them in person compounds my education and leaves me continuously grateful.   

On Halloween, everyone on my bus held a Toga party in Sparta.  How could you not?!  

Nafplio was a magical little town on the coast.  The weather was warm and the sea literally sparkled in the sunlight.  We climbed a medieval fortress then proceeded to walk down the hundreds of steep steps back to the city center.  Each twist of the stairway brought a new view, more beautiful than the last.  The quaint town had red shingles and was dotted with ornate churches.  The sea was never far from view. 

The main streets of Nafplio were home to the usual tourist shops and restaurants.  However, a little searching brought true rewards.  We ate at a delicious, empty Greek restaurant down an alley lit by string lights.   We ordered appetizers one at a time, sharing each family style while sipping white wine local to the area.  After a few hours, we wandered into a gelato restaurant known as the best in Greece. 

The streets themselves were narrow and paved with cobblestone.  Flowers hung from every balcony and ivy covered the walls.  Old fashion lamps emitted a soft glow at night.  All in all, the town was picturesque and adorable.  For anyone traveling to Greece, I would highly recommend visiting the Peloponnese and Northern Greece, in addition to the islands and the capital.  Greece has so much to offer to anyone willing to adventure a bit out of the norm to enjoy it.