Epidarus, Greece

Yesterday we began our last little adventure within our big adventure abroad.  We went downtown to the car rental place our travel agent that the Athens Centre set us up with.  They were very nice - although I was warned that since not having an international drivers license there may have to be a talk with the US Embassy if something were to happen... so we're just crossing our fingers on that one :-)  We got a cute little automatic/manual car and go on our way.  Of course, those who know me, I got the English GPS option so no worries.  Although they did set us up with a map.  They asked where we were going and we said to the Peloponnese: Epidarus, Sparta, and Olympia.  They tried to talk us out of Sparta.  See this is the reason we had to rent a car.  There is no good, reliable public transit to the Peloponnese and no tours (we also did not want to go with a tour) went to Sparta.  Sparta was important to go to.  So I drove out of the city and away we went.

We went from Athens to Epidarus with little problems - almost going through the Greek "ez pass" lane - and then the rain came.  As soon as we parked it began.  We tried to wait it out at the food stand but that didn't work.  So we tried to wait it out at the museum.  Epidarus is a site that contains an ancient healing sanctuary - like an ancient hospital.  It also has a big theater that is still used for events.

It just got worse.  So we made the decision to go up and at least see the theater but called it a day for the site.

We got back into the car and Tyler drove (in the pouring rain) to Sparta.  It wasn't too bad though.  The views around this area are amazing.  I say it's almost like driving to State College but the mountains are so much bigger.

We got to the hotel and they were very nice, again.  We attempted to dry off clothes with the blow dryer and warm up with hot showers.  Then, in my opinion, the reason we came to Sparta.

I know it seems silly but this was where Tyler and I had our first date.  It was nice to be back and get to do it again.

Afterwards we walked around, got some snacks for the ride today, and relaxed.  Today hopefully the rain isn't as bad as we plan to go to the Sparta museum and then hike Mystras - I think a site that goes under valued here.