Epidaurus

Travel Dates May 2003

On our final day in Mycenae we decided to drive East to the coast; I was vaguely aware that Epidaurus was in that direction but we didn't really have a destination in mind; just a desire to wander. We invited Pam to join us, as she didn't have a car. The roads were quiet; not surprising as I tend to use back roads and lanes.

We ate a pleasant lunch in a small village cafe (unfortunately the name escapes me) and then arrived at Epidaurus. This was another city from Homeric times, going back even earlier to pre-Mycenaean times; originally a town of vineyards and sailors. Gradually it became the city most closely associated with Asklepios, who became deified as a result of his infallible medical knowledge in the era of the Trojan War; or so the myth goes. His name lives on as the symbol for doctors: the Rod of Asclepius , sometimes confused as a Caduceus.

The principal archeological sites are associated with the old city and the sanctuary of Asklepios - but to a layman like me the most impressive structure was the amphitheatre.

The theatre is built into the hillside and is in remarkably good condition. And, believe me, it is a long trek to the top on a warm May day - but the view was worth it.

Associated with the site was a very interesting, although small, museum of statues, masonry sections and other interesting artifacts from the site.

On the way back we sidetracked into this tiny little village built as a single long coastal strip. A lovely, pleasant spot for afternoon tea (or coffee, or in my case, wine) .

One of the odd things we kept discovering in Europe was occasional clumps of Aussie eucalypts; obviously no-one has mentioned their occasional habit of becoming raging crown-fires as the Californians have discovered. But it was nice to get that glimpse of home:-)

Cheers, Alan