Tuesday 5 June Neo Itylo bay

We are at the meeting point of Exo and Mesa Mani, (outer and deep Mani),with old Itylo perched precariously above us. Apparently this area was a centre for piracy, and there seems to be a piratical theme amongst the tavernas and cafes around the bay. The road that takes us to Areopoli tomorrow stretches along the eastern side of the bay and then disappears majestically upwards. So we spend today in Neo Itylo bay relaxing on its sandy beach surrounded by the impressive mountains. We sunbathe all day on sun loungers and in true Greek style no one asks us for any payment. There are no garrulous Greeks, or English, just the plash of waves, which is very peaceful. As Helios' chariot arcs slowly across the sky ( we're both reading "Circe", a retelling of Greek myths about Circe, daughter of Helios), we wander across to another taverna for lunch, as usual right on the sea, overlooking the bay to the west. Total mileage today on the bikes about 2!