Agia Sophia, Monemvasia, Greece
I returned last week from a glorious holiday in Greece! My husband and I planned our vacation to explore the vast history of that corner of the world (and relax when we were had satisfied that craving). It was the perfect Covid-era vacation because the places we visited were all outside. And even though it was hot, it was a breezy-to-windy, and dry.
We saw the Acropolis, of course, and a total of four ancient theatres (three Greek, one Roman). We hiked up to three castle sites (in Nafplio, Monemvasia, and Plaka), walking up paths that date back to the Bronze Age.
Our favorite was the castle town of Monemvasia. We spent a wonderful day there meandering through the stone streets of the Lower Town, ascending through the Upper Town, then hiking up winding, steep, rock-strewn paths to get closer to the ruins of the old fortress, all the way up. It was not an easy climb. But every so often we'd stop, take a water break, and marvel at the view of the town and the blue Myrtoan Sea below.
And then we'd start back up. Eventually we reached the end of the path. The tip top of the rock was further on; we'd have had to blaze our own trail to reach it—which did not seem wise given the impending sunset. We were rewarded with stunning views of the sea and the storied Byzantine/Venetian church, Agia Sophia.
I love hiking up new paths. The metaphors come so easily then. It's just like any task: put one foot in front of the other, and soon you have reached your goal. Of course, when climbing up paths that are made of irregular stones hundreds of years old (including slippery marble!), you need to observe, assess, and think about each step. Which is also like life. If you break down any task, from preparing a speech (as my current clients are doing), to producing a play (as I am doing), and take each step thoughtfully, you'll get there.
Savor the process. And when you reach your goal you'll be able to enjoy the view!
