We left Monemvasia this morning to head to Mycenae and after 3ish hours on the party bus, and some Sunday morning British rock, we arrived. Walking around the ancient citadel was amazing because it helps to link the potential reality to the mythology. Standing on top of the fortress you can see the water and the two mountain passes that would have been critical for military control during the time of the Mycenians. The size alone makes one feel insignificant, especially after learning from Prof. Saloway that the lentel block alone ways as much as a Boeing 747 airplane. All of the bricks used to build the walls were larger than any other fortress, temple, or castle we have visited yet and we would like to hope that the legendary royal family that once resided here lived the lavish lifestyle we imagine. We even had the chance again to venture down a dark tunnel but unlike our other adventures we never found the end.
Next on the agenda was the Tomb of Agamemnon, which has never actually been proven to be the tomb of Agamemnon. Samantha took a minute to inform us of the early archaelogists who first visited here in the form of rap to the tune of “Fresh Prince of Belair” which we all appreciated. The tomb is one of the only remaining indoor structures which is still complete. It is a dome structure with an incredible entryway which once contained one or more ancient peoples burial sites and the treasures buried with them. It was around 40 feet high and 46 feet in diameter. Our voices echoed as soon as we entered and we couldn’t help but strain our necks as we gazed at the ceiling. However, you also can’t help but get the unfortunate feeling that it may collapse on you at any moment.
Lunch was had at a small restaurant in town known as the House of Schliemann. It was one of the more interesting places we have been to because many celebrities and intellectuals have stayed there over the years. The owner takes pictures of the guestbook where famous people have signed and hangs them on the wall. He was more than happy to take the time to tell us about each individual signature. All kinds of people have been there from Allen Ginsberg to J.K. Rowling to Nazi soldiers, to archaeologists that only the Professors have ever heard of. It was interesting to learn that Mycenae has been a place of inspiration for many years for people of all different professions and interests.
The bus ride finally ended in Nafplion where we are staying the night. Some of us chose to climb the 833 stairs up the hill to ancient Venetian castle before dinner. The stairs were gruesome, but as I have come to learn from all of our adventures so far in Greece, the climb was well worth it. On top we could see the entire city and the water surrounding it. It was absolutely breathtaking to watch the sun set over the mountains from our castle top view.
Our night came to end at a taverna where we all met for dinner. The food was great as usual. Our amazing and hilarious bus driver Dmitri has been promising us a surprise for the last couple days and tonight he finally came through. At 8:30 as promised he had some people come to the taverna to teach us to dance like true Greeks. Just watching them was entertaining, but having the chance to dance ourselves was of course ridiculous, but also a lot of fun. This is the second time in Greece where dinner has led to dancing and laughing. The night was perfect and we are all thankful to Dmitri for helping us to learn more about the Greek culture. Hopefully pictures will be coming soon…
Brynn Hoffman
Emily Morris
Note: This post was originally from January 21. Sorry it is out of order but we just realized today that it never posted.
