Katakolon

We are docked for the day in Katakolon, Greece, which is the port closest to the site of the ancient Olympic games. I'm sure those who arranged a tour to that site are happily snapping photos and being treated to informative lectures, but I am sitting on deck enjoying looking at Katakolon.

Debate continues as to how to pronounce the town's name, with emphasis on the second syllable (ka-TACK-a-lon) being the current favorite, though the third syllable (kat-a-COAL-un) having its adherents as well. But what has won my heart is its scale: this is easily the tiniest port we have docked at. Nary a container in sight. There are three cruise ships docked here: us, the Cunard Queen Victoria. and the Costa Fortuna (yes, that is the line which had the ship capsize off Italy, one must wonder how many of their cabins are booked).

But the port itself is miniscule. A row of shops and restaurants along the harborfront that lack the grab-the-tourist-dollar frenzy we've seen elsewhere. Houses where actual people live extending up the slopes that ring the harbor, with trees that look to be two-thirds evergreens, though that may be because it's still mid-April. And it's quiet. A truck goes by on the main street, and you can hear it. What a refreshment for the soul!

Now you will have to excuse me while I immerse myself in the luscious human scale of Katakolon. I will attach a photo or two, but they don't do it justice.