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Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Greece: Finding ourselves in “Pigi” Heaven

KARDAMYLI - We headed south one morning during our summer adventure in the Greek Peloponnese on the winding two-lane highway that lead us back from our coastal setting and up into the Messinian hillsides.

We were off to find, and then explore, Pigi.

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Pigi, Greece
We’d been told the place was home to a restaurant that came highly recommended. Then The Scout found a house listed for sale there. . .a combination we couldn't resist.

After making a sharp exit onto a narrow road that appeared to get smaller, we parked the car and decided to proceed on foot. We’ve learned that some villages in Greece -- built long before cars arrived -- are so small that driving into them isn’t the best idea. We made a wise call on this one as the road into town quickly narrowed to what appeared to be a wide pathway.

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So narrow was the road that we squeezed up against a building when much to our amazement a car approached us from the opposite direction! But aside from that car and its two occupants, it was as if we had the small village to ourselves. We didn’t see another person as we explored the small settlement with a population of 67.

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Our footsteps echoed on the roadway and we spoke in stage whispers as we didn’t know who might be behind those magnificent doorways. . .

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Or up those ancient stairways.  . .and we certainly didn’t want to disturb their morning’s silence. . .

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So we walked to the church. . .as with most villages, it was the centerpiece of the town.

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And then walked a bit further and admired the views. . .

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. . .from the café, that hadn't yet opened for the day. And we never did find that house for sale.  But to our way of thinking, we had just had a great introduction to  “Pigi Heaven”.

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A home's sitting area built into the cliff behind the house

We know this is a place we will certainly return to one day . . . its charm is too hard to resist. And who knows? Next time we might see another human being?!

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That’s it for today’s outing in Greece’s Peloponnese. Thanks so much for joining us! And welcome to our new followers and subscribers~



Linking up:
Travel Photo Thursday – Budget Travelers Sandbox
Travel Inspiration – Reflections en Route
Mosaic Monday – Lavender Cottage Gardening.

56 comments:

  1. How beautiful are those photos Jackie.This is a great place indeed.Thank you for your sweet comments, they are so much appreciated.
    Wish you a happy day.
    Olympia

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    1. We are still enchanted with your wonderful country, Olympia. Thanks to you for your visit! Happy weekend ~ Jackie

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  2. That is the most attractive village I have ever "been" in. Are you tempted to find that house?

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    1. We 'waffle', Jan. Had the deal gone thru last summer we were set to try out a part-time anyway Grecian lifestyle. . .now we aren't so sure. . .but it was a stunning little place. . .

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  3. What a gorgeous place...and it seemed like you had it all to yourselves!

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    1. I know there had to be inhabitants somewhere, but I am not sure where they were that morning. Thanks much for the visit, Lauren!

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  4. Oh, my! Only 67 people? What a find, Jackie! I love those doors and that little porch. How absolutely beautiful. How far is the nearest town? Supermarket? Gas station? Still, it's heavenly.

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    1. Everything is very close in this area, Marcia. The nearest gas and store is probably no more than 15 minutes away. . .another selling point for a second home there ;-)

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  5. This is such a charmingly small and quiet village that I can't believe a store and gas are only 15 minutes away. I would have thought it was in the middle of nowhere. Was the cafe tiny too or did it seat half the town?

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    1. No, the cafe was a good sized place and not far from the church so I suspect it is the gathering place of the community. Friends who recommended it said it was some of the best food to be had. . .so we will definitely be returning -- hopefully when it is open!

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  6. Cool! Are you home, or back in Greece now?

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    1. Back in the ol' Pacific Northwest, Dick. No more Greece. . .this year, anyway.

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  7. Jackie and Joel...I just love, love, love your photos...especially of the window.

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    1. Oh, thank you for the nice comment about the photos, Corinne. Glad you like them!

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  8. Looks like getting there was half the fun! I posted the door picture on my Pinterest page. Loved it!

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    1. Oh thanks both for the visit today, Irene, and posting the photo. . .it is always appreciated!

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    1. Hi you two - Hope you see this response as I've tried to comment on two of your posts and haven't been able to get it to go through. We are sailing along with you though. . . and loving your South Seas adventures and island-hopping!

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  10. Hi Jackie,

    Seeing as the most common translation of 'pigi', ('πηγή') means 'source', I think it's rather fitting to say that this little gem of a village is one of the sources of your continuing connection with Greece's charming and enchanting locales.

    Happy weekend!

    Poppy

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    1. It certainly was a 'source' of joy! And those joys are what will keep us coming back time after time to Greece! Thanks for the visit, Poppy. Happy week ahead!

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  11. What evocative pictures. We once stayed overnight in a converted tower house in the Mani. Saw one person other than the nice couple who ran the hotel. I am not sure we even learned the town's name. Pigi sounds familiar, and we may have seen it on that trip. Love the memories you bring me.

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    1. Oh I am envious of your stay in a Tower House. . .and you have inspired me to do a post on those that we've seen in our travels. It is so nice to know that you understand the beauty of The Mani. . .happy travels to you and Ken as you continue your travels (I loved those eateries you are showing us on FB)

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  12. Your photos are captivating -
    Totally drew me in and took me with you on your walk through this charming village.
    I'm of to Greece in a few weeks - You've whet my appetite for what I am about to experience :)

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    1. Make sure you get beyond Athens and TBEX. . .it is only three hours away and you'll find enchantments just like this place scattered all over the Peloponnese countryside! Glad you enjoyed the photos. . .happy week ahead.

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  13. I like to go to Pigi! I love charming little village like these. I can't stop staring at your photos. I had to convince myself that it was a real village and not a period movie set:) What a beautiful discovery, Jackie. Thanks for sharing it with us.

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    1. Oh you two would love this place. In fact it would be great to go to that cafe with you two sometime. . .maybe it will happen one day! Thanks much for the visit - have a great week!

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  14. Just amazing photos of such a beautiful place. I too would determine to return some day.

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    1. Oh, thanks so much for your visit today. As always love the comments as well. I do hope you'll be a regular here! Have a great week - and I am glad you enjoyed the photos.

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  15. What a cute village, lovely views. The road is tiny. I can not imagine driving down that road..Thank you for sharing your visit.. Have a happy week!

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    1. We've found a few where we held our breath as we squeeked through the narrow passages between centuries old buildings. Many have become one way streets through town for a very good reason! Thanks much for your visit - have a great week!

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  16. Wow, I hope to visit this area when I go to Athens for tbex this fall, looks fantastic!

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    1. It's only four hours from Athens and most of that is freeway, Noel. I do hope you get to the Peloponnese before or after TBEX!

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  17. We love spending time in those out of the way places....without lots of tourists! This really does look idyllic! Enjoy your week!

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    1. This is just that kind of place - so lovely and yet untouched by mass tourism. Hope you have a great week as well!

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  18. Certainly looks like a piece of heaven to me. I wonder why you didn't see anyone around their homes?
    Thank you for linking to Mosaic Monday Jackie.

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    1. I suspect most Greeks know to stay inside during the summer's heat . . .it is just those like us who have to see it all, that get out and about when it probably would have been best to stay inside in the cool of the stone buildings.

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  19. How beautiful and quaint, Jackie. I especially like those narrow street views. I can easily understand why you'd like to go back -- and now I want to go there, too!

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    1. Oh Andrew you would have that camera of yours going 90 miles an hour here. . .I can imagine the beautiful photos you would take! As always, thanks for the visit!

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  20. This town reminds me of my husband's hometown in Southern Italy--the narrow streets, antique wooden doors and the beautiful views!

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    1. Oh Pat, don't so many European cities have those marvelous doors to history, with streets that echo with footsteps of the past and then lead to breathtaking views. I will look forward to learning more about your husband's home town -- hopefully you write about it on your blog (I am a newbie to your blog).

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  21. Oh what a beautiful part of the world Jackie!
    How lovely for you to wander around - maybe it was very hot and they were all inside sheltering from the sun!
    Yes it's always a good idea to abandon the car when the roads get narrower!!!
    lovely photos!

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    1. Yes, I think you nailed it - they did have the good sense to stay inside while we just couldn't get enough of everything and had to go explore! Thanks so much for your visit~always appreciated!

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  22. What a beautiful little village. The lace curtain in the doorway is a lovely touch, and practical, too. Those narrow streets and wooden doors really add to the charm.

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    1. I love their use of lace instead of screen doors -- so much so, that I've done the same in a doorway that leads out of our master bedroom. It sways in the summer wind and reminds me of our favorite Greek villages. Thanks for your visit Lorrie!

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  23. Beautiful place, still retaining its old charm.

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    1. Oh Rajesh, you are so correct: it is a lovely, charming old village. Thanks for your visit.

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  24. A most blissful place close to heaven...I can see why you want to return.

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    1. It really was heavenly - one of those kind of places that will stay with you for years to come. Donna, thanks for your visit today!!

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  25. What a beautiful place to be. I love the Greek islands.

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    1. Greece is a strikingly diverse and beautiful country whether on its islands or mainland. We have been ensnared in its magic! Thanks Riet for you visit - hope you'll return soon!

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  26. What a lovely morning adventure! Did the cafe/restaurant ever open?

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    1. I suspect it did - probably more like 4 p.m. and then long into the night!

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  27. Wow, it looks so delightful. Even without the description your pictures looks so quintessentially greek you'd spot them a mile off. Exploring on foot sounds like it was fun as well as practical, you can see a lot of things up close that way.

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    1. These small towns are certainly 'pedestrian friendly' and do encourage much walking! Thanks for stopping by - hope to see you as a regular at Travelnwrite -- keep those comments coming!

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