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

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

So we decided to go on a day trip to Neapoli (the Greek city, not the spaghetti) and Monemvasia on the 23rd. When we were driving over deserted field paths in the evening and looking for a parking space for the night, we realized how much we actually miss this feeling of excitement and freedom. It's time to set sail from the safe harbor of Leonidio again and continue our odyssey through Greece.

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

In Neapoli we actually wanted to visit a petrified forest, but unfortunately we were not able to follow the signs and Gretchen was not off-road enough for the roads. So we stranded in the middle of a bouldering-friendly landscape full of rock blocks and overlooking the sea. Sometimes you search for one thing and find something much better. We didn't see petrified trees on this day, but the most isolated and idyllic bathing bay ever. Of course, we couldn't resist a swim and 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 small peninsula surrounded by a castle wall and the sea. We were amazed by the narrow alleys and little houses. It's so narrow that no cars or mopeds are allowed in and the tourists' luggage has to be transported to the hotels in wheelbarrows. In the shops full of Greek craftsmanship, we were able to buy last Christmas presents and start the holidays well prepared.

Experiencing Leonidio on December 24th was exciting. The people seemed much more relaxed than at home. The market was as cozy as ever, the sun was shining, a small youth band walked through the streets and collected donations, paralyzing the traffic. It is a tradition in Greece for children to go from door to door on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve playing the triangles to announce the birth of Christ - which explains the oversize frequency of sighted triangles.

We then celebrated Christmas Eve very relaxed with friends. There were lentils and spaetzle, chocolate mousse, chocolate bananas, life lessons from fathers (The sky has no limit, but the ground is), lots of laughter, a baby cat and lots and lots of climbing conversations. A visit to Panjika at the end was also a must.

Even though it was somehow strange and not quite as festive and Christmassy as usual to celebrate Christmas far away from Germany, the wintry temperatures, the usual customs and our 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't last 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 were happy when the rain finally stopped after two days and we could go swimming in the sea again.

A few quiet (and climbing-free) days bringing a gave way to some reflection, because from tomorrow onwards "Team Berlin" will visit us here and certainly keep us 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 our in the meantime last days in Leonidio. We're looking forward to it!

Until then, rest on!