Tag 101-105 - I come from outside from the beach.

Since Jan had to take a break from climbingon the recommendation of the doctor due to his swollen toe, we hadsome "free" days over Christmas that wanted to be filled.

So we decided to go on a day trip toNeapoli (the Greek city, not the spaghetti) and Monemvasia on the23rd. When we were driving over deserted field paths in the eveningand looking for a parking space for the night, we realized how muchwe actually miss this feeling of excitement and freedom. It's timeto set sail from the safe harbor of Leonidio again and continue ourodyssey through Greece.

But first we contented ourselves withthe southern coast of the Peloponnese. The sun rewarded our sense ofadventure with summer temperatures and even the locals spoke of aparticularly warm Christmas.

In Neapoli we actually wanted to visit apetrified forest, but unfortunately we were not able to follow thesigns and Gretchen was not off-road enough for the roads. So westranded in the middle of a bouldering-friendly landscape full ofrock blocks and overlooking the sea. Sometimes you search for one thing and find something muchbetter. We didn't see petrified trees on this day, but the most isolatedand idyllic bathing bay ever. Of course, we couldn't resist a swimand a sunbath!

Later we visited the old town of Monemvasia.Old town might not be quite the right word, because the brick houses,churches and the lighthouse of Monemvasia are located on a smallpeninsula surrounded by a castle wall and the sea. We were amazed by the narrow alleysand little houses. It's so narrow that no cars or mopeds are allowedin and the tourists' luggage has to be transported to the hotels in wheelbarrows. In the shops full of Greek craftsmanship, we were able tobuy last Christmas presents and start the holidays well prepared.

Experiencing Leonidio on December 24thwas exciting. The people seemed much more relaxed than athome. The market was as cozy as ever, the sun was shining, asmall youth band walked through the streets and collected donations,paralyzing the traffic. It is a tradition in Greece forchildren to go from door to door on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eveplaying the triangles to announce the birth of Christ - whichexplains the oversize frequency of sighted triangles.

We then celebrated Christmas Eve veryrelaxed with friends. There were lentils and spaetzle, chocolatemousse, chocolate bananas, life lessons from fathers (The sky hasno limit, but the ground is), lots of laughter, a baby cat andlots and lots of climbing conversations. A visit to Panjika at the end was also a must.

Even though it was somehow strange andnot quite as festive and Christmassy as usual to celebrate Christmasfar away from Germany, the wintry temperatures, the usual customs andour families, we had a wonderful evening thanks to the great company. Many thanks to Johanna,Pablo, Nico, Lukas and Martin for the invitation!

Unfortunately, the good weather didn'tlast in the following days - but we weren't climbing anyway.So we had a few cozy days in the van. Spending the holidays reading, eating and playing chess cuddled up under the blanket while the rain patters on the windows and roof - I could get used to that. Nevertheless, we werehappy when the rain finally stopped after two days and we could goswimming in the sea again.

A few quiet (and climbing-free) daysbringing a gave way to some reflection, because from tomorrowonwards "Team Berlin" will visit us here and certainly keepus busy. Making new friendships is great, but seeing old friends again after a long time is even better. Climbing together again, whatever we can do, and the upcoming New Year's Eve party will certainly be a worthy conclusion to ourin the meantime last days in Leonidio. We're looking forward to it!

Until then, rest on!