Stadiums and Donkeys

 02 - May - Epidavros and Hydra

The Ancient theatre at the Asklepieion of Epidaurus is our first stop today.  This amazing theater could hold 14,000 people and everyone could hear the voices of the actors without ancient microphones.  Kevin Spacey proved it by doing two performances here in Richard III before he got in trouble.

The theater - little kid for scale.

The theatre hosted music, singing and dramatic games that were included in the worship of Asclepius. It was also used as a means to heal patients, since there was a belief that the observation of dramatic shows had positive effects on mental and physical health.

Obligatory resident dog.  Sissy just lays there waiting for belly scratches.

We moved on from the theater to the museum where we saw a statue of Asclepius sporting a cool stick and a snake. Hermes ripped off the idea when he invented the caduceus later on. 

Asclepius himself

After all that education we headed for the ferryboat for a trip to Hydra island (aka Iydra) for a couple of slow days to relax.

Hydra is unique because there are no cars or even bikes on the island.  Luggage and freight are hauled by hand cart or donkey.  We did see a couple of electric fork lifts but the donkeys don't seem worried about losing their job.

Today's morning load from the freight boats.

 

Donkeys anxiously waiting to load up.

One thing Hydra is famous for is a lot of cats.  Cats are everywhere, usually in groups of 4 or 5.  They seem to stake out their own territory around restaurants of course but they are not aggressive or bothersome.  Many varieties, some really unique.

We met this guy while strolling the harbor.

Hydra is a favorite among the sailing crowd so quite a few boats in the harbor.

CATamaran (get it?)

We caught a bit of rain this evening but managed to find a nice spot for cocktails.

Who needs dinner when you can have some Ouzo or a nice Martini with olives soaked in Mastika.

Speaking of libations, Greece can keep  up  with anyplace when it comes to alcohol.  Greek bartenders will make just about any drink you like and Greek beer is good and cold.