M is for Mellissani Cave

Oh my, this is one gorgeous place!  Located in Kefalonia Greece, the top of this cave is surrounded by forest.  In Greek mythology the cave is known as the Cave of the Nymphs.

 Oh my!  Beautiful!

 

The site of this cave is a short trip from Sami or Agia Efimia.  There’s a boatman at the cave to give tours.

The first exploration of this lake was in 1951.  An old lantern was found that now has a home in the Archeological Museum of Argostoli.  Other excavations in 1962 found plates, figurines and oil lamps.

Isn't this gorgeous?

This impressive natural wonder is one of the main attractions on this beautiful resort island.  The cave has two large halls with an island in the middle.  One of the halls is open to the sky and lets in sunlight that shows off the crystal clear water.  The lake water is brackish (a mixture of salt and fresh water.) 

The lake is 1640 feet from the coast and a little over three feet above sea level.  It isn’t level though so the water does circulate to the coast.

 Don't you just want to see this place right now?

 

The second part of the cave has a roof with stalagmites and stalactites and is navigated using a rope to pull the tour boat through a narrow channel.

Please click here for more information.

G is for Giethoorn

Wow, if you want a simple life why not try Giethoorn, Netherlands where there are no roads at all and everyone gets around town using foot bridges and boats. 

Apparently little has changed here since the 1800’s with most homes having thatched roofs.  It’s too bad it gets so cold here because it’s beautiful.  There are over four miles of canals and all the bridges are wood.  I imagine that’s a maintenance issue.

This is the Venice of the Netherlands and there are guided canal tours for tourists.  The village was founded by fugitives in AD 1230 but became known after it was featured in the film Fanfare by Dutch filmmaker, Bert Haanstra, in 1958.

Most of the villagers get around by boat because there are no cars allowed in the village.

Interesting, huh?