We’re in Greece, where we just wrapped up filming our Easter special for public television. And, while Easter may seem like old news to you, it was just yesterday here in Greece. Because Eastern Orthodox Christians use a different calendar than western Christians, Orthodox Easter was a week later this year…making it possible for our crew to be in two places — Italy and Greece — on the “same day.”
I’ll be reporting on Greek Easter for the next few days. While some countries do Christmas with more gusto, it’s clear Greece (along with Spain) pulls out all the stops for Easter. We decided to focus on the action in my favorite small Greek town, Nafplio.
My longtime favorite hotel in Nafplio is Pension Marianna, run by Petros Zotos and his brothers. Here’s a zippy review of their amazing breakfast (fresh from the Zotos family farm, and very organic), followed by a peek at the view from their rooftop breakfast terrace.
At the end, you’ll notice me stumbling over the words for “good day” (kalimera) and “squid” (kalamari). As a clueless tourist, I often get my day off to an embarrassing start by greeting people with a cheery, “Squid!”
What a lovely re-visit! We stayed here in 2010 as part of a RS Greece tour! Lovely to see our host again and to know the breakfasts are a delicious as ever and oh, that spectacular view….The rooms are wonderful, too. No two alike-ours was a “cave”! So enjoyed our stay in the Pension Marianna!
Hi,
Greece looks great! I wish I was there with you guys.
I spent yesterday reading Rick’s 2015 Italy guidebook and using it to plan my October trip. It’s an awesome book!
Ciao,
Jeff Doppelganger
I’m sure yelling “squid!” to passersby elicits a few smiles!
Drooling over the breakfast and the view-but oh, the opportunity to eat the breakfast and look at the view? Would be heavenly! Personally, I think you should keep greeting people with “squid”
:-)
We celebrated Easter 2014 in Nafplio. That will be one of our travel memories that we take to our graves. Unmatched and unmatchable.
A question that has nagged me since relates to the Eastern Orthodox seeming emphasis on the Good Friday events in contrast with the Easter Sunday celebrations. For us in America, Good Friday is a pause and Easter is pageantry and celebration. People we asked said that the public celebration is on Good Friday but that Easter festivities are more family oriented. Perhaps you got a good explanation and will include it in your program.
When do you expect your program on Easter/Nafplio to be available?
Was a beautiful place!
Beautiful, Rick as my wife and I enjoyed that delectable breakfast this morning with the same view from our room as we travel a few days behind you with your tour. Colin is fantastic! Even though your book is comprehensive, what we are learning from him and the guides (Faye, Patty) is so enriching. This is just great!
Thanks