In future I must remember to use the Kelly Kettle as there’s not running hot water in the “bush”. Diff-lock low second had us safely back to the main road and onto Vergina, burial site of the Macedonia kings. SPOT
We were a bit dubious about paying 8€ to see some empty tombs and earth mounds, but once we entered the museum we soon changed our minds. A walkway leads down into the darkened interior of the major tumulus, inside which the museum has been constructed around the in situ tombs, four of which can be viewed. The main tomb is believed to belong to Philip II, assassinated in 336 BC, and was found still intact in 1977, having escaped the grave robbers.
The items buried with Philip II are on display, with the silverware looking almost as new, as does the gold box which contained his bones, and the amazing gold-leaf diadem worn on the funeral pyre (the detailing on which has to be seen to be believed). The king’s armour and weapons are also remarkable in their completeness, even after almost 2400 years. A second tomb was also intact, probably that of Alexander the Great’s son, containing similar, although not quite so grand, items deemed necessary for the afterlife. Photography was unfortunately not allowed, so you’ll just have to visit.
We had some miles to do so went against our normal instinct and hit the newly constructed motorway to head east as far as Kavala on the coast. Again we were the only people on the campsite there, which meant that we were the focus of attention for the site’s cat population. This forced us inside the Land Rover to enjoy our pasta and meatballs in peace (albeit being watched through the windscreen from the bonnet by one particularly insistent tabby - it was like something out of an Alfred Hitchcock film). Sixteen pairs of eyes were focussed on our washing up; Greece really needs to instigate a mass neutering programme. SPOT
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