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Another day, another city on a hill. Today on the itinerary, the Byzantine city of Mystras.
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The views begin immediately upon entering.
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Here we go a-climbing.
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Look at the energy they are putting into this! Who needs a stairmaster when you have a Greek vacation?
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We had to watch every step on the very cobbly cobblestones.
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Towers outside the palace.
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The palace is in the background.
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We had so much access to the buildings on this site. We could go into houses and churches, follow alleys and stairways, with very few restrictions.
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Another doozy of a climb.
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Allyndreth popping up from the road less traveled.
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The church of Saint Nicholas has frescoes you could go right up to and admire with no ropes or barriers between you and they.
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Due to time restrictions, we did not go up to the fortress on this site, but we did make it to the uppermost church, Hagia Sophia.
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Another day, another stupendous view from a Greek hillside.
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And down we go.
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Down, down, down.
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Niche statuary.
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The Pantanassa Monastery is still active.
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Sparta is only a few minutes from Mystras. There is nothing left of the ancient city, but the modern urban center has ice cream! We have our routine down at this point. We spend the day climbing 80 or more stories, then treat ourselves to ice cream. Dinners aren't until 9PM or later anyway in Greece, so we have to do something to keep our tummies happy!
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