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Dimitsana and Kalavytra
Day 4
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We stopped in Kalavryta and I went to the Holocost museum. It was sad to read about the Nazi's killing every male over 14 years old in this little town back in December, 1943. The Nazis also burned most of the buildings. It was over 1000 men and boys that died that day. All of this tragedy was revenge for Greek resistance fighters of Kalavytra killing a few Nazi soldiers. When I think of World War II, I don't think of Greece being involved. So, this was an eye opener for me. Museums like this one really make me appreciate the freedoms my family enjoys and also the soldiers who fight to keep those freedoms.
We had a very tasty trout lunch at a beautiful outdoor setting near Kalavytra. It is one of my favorite meals of this trip!
After, Kalavytra, we went to the Open Air Water Power Museum near Dimitsana. This museum has a restored flour mill, powder mill and a tannery. I really liked the video showing the many steps of tannery.
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During the Greek War of Independence this gun powder mill ran day and night to keep the gun powder in the soldiers weapons. Theodorus Kolokotronis a general in the war, said they would not have won the war without mills like this one near Dimitsana. A gross but interesting fact, did you know that animal droppings had to be collected to make the gun powder? It was the salt petra, or potassium nitrate from the droppings, that was needed to mix with charcoal and sulfer. I wouldn't want that job!
Our hotel, The Dimitsana, was a welcome retreat. This hotel was so spacious and accomodating. It had a bar, very large breakfast room and inviting decks with nice views. |
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David set up an olive oil tasting on the deck at our hotel. The Greek people take their olive oil and olives seriously. Greece is fourth in the production of olives and third in olive oil. I read that half of the people in the Peloponnese make a living from olive production. There are many different varieties of olives. All the ones I tasted were yummy. My favorite is the Kalamata olive. Greece ruined me for canned black olives. Now I hit the olive bar at my local grocery store.
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Dimitsana was not what I expected of Greece. It was rugged, heavily wooded and mountainous. Becky and I had expansive views of the Menalon mountains on the deck off our hotel room. It was peaceful and a great place to catch up on my journal. This was a very nice hotel. Beautiful meeting areas and great breakfast.
To your left is one of the locals in Dimitsana. He was so cute laughing and playing with his Grandma.
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I love old wooden doors. They stand the test of time, well sort of. I see them and wonder how many people have walked through them? Who made these doors and when? I'm sure they were the pride and joy of the owners when these doors were new.
Dimitsana is a fun town to wander around and get lost in because you can't really get lost. I found these doors on a tiny narrow winding side alley in this sleepy old village.
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