Had my castle-storming’ shoes (sneakers) on today because Ken thinks there’s a high probability I will slip and fall walking on 1,400 year old cobblestones. I have cat-like balance. I don’t know what he’s talking about.

Still HOT.

Visited the medieval fortress town of Monemvasia. It’s built on a tiny island off the east coast of the Peloponnese. The town has been continuously inhabited for more than 14 centuries. Was told the plumbing situation is also about 14 centuries old.

There was a whole upper level to the fortress that you could climb up to (because of course there is). Nope. There is a zero percent chance I’m climbing up there.

Also visited the Monemvasia Winery this afternoon to learn about and taste the revival of the historical Malvasia wine.

Malvasia was super popular in medieval times. When the Ottoman Turks showed up, they ripped out all the vineyards, so that grape and style of wine was mostly lost. It’s only been since 2010 that Malvasia has been revived in Greece.

Malvasia is a sweet wine, made by drying the grapes in the sun for about two weeks before pressing them, concentrating the sugars. Ergo, naturally sweet wine. It’s truly a special wine. Bought a couple of bottles to bring home.

We had lunch in the quiet fishing village of Gerakas, where you will find the only fjord in Greece. Yep, there’s a fjord in Greece. Came as news to me, too.

Bonus: On this day in 1821, Greek independence fighters liberated Monemvasia from the Ottoman Turks. This is a BFD in these parts. There was a wreath laying ceremony this morning, with all the priests, the mayor, members of parliament, a smattering of Greek military, people in traditional costumes, and a marching band. Tonight, there was a re-enactment of the sinking of a very bad Turkish warship. Ken thought the Turks might win this year. Excruciating wait for anything resembling firepower. Enter mosquitoes. I’ve never wanted a ship to sink faster.