The Oracle of Delphi / Overnight in Itea

WEDNESDAY MAY 27, 2015

Today we left Lamia and headed through the mountains to Delphi, the place where the Greeks would come to query the oracle, but more importantly to show off their rich treasures and exploits (the "World Expo" of its day).   Once more we had issues with the GPS but were saved by following the "big bus!"   

Follow those tourists!

Feral Cats at the Delphi Museum Cafe ("they keepa down the snakes ands the mice")

We're sure none of these has rabies...

The "Omphalos;" a large stone meant to represent Delphi's position as the center (aka navel) of the world.   What?  You can't see it?

This will interest any engineering buff.  This retaining wall supported the rebuilt temple of Apollo, built in the 4th century BC.  It has not been reconstructed, it has stood undisturbed for 2400 years through countless earthquakes and human activity.  Every stone is in place, there is no warp, there is no sag.  Now that's engineering!

The ruins of the temple of Apollo.  The oracle dwelt in the basement and huffed the collected vapors of ethylene, methane and ethane once a month--then she gave you her sagacious advice.  

Up the Sacred Way

Looking back down the valley.  It was quite a hike up there.  How they lugged all that marble up the hill boggles your mind.

The reconstructed Treasury of Athens--where Athens left all their "bling" to show off your...er...dedication to Apollo.

The Theater.  Delphi had panhellenic games similar to the Olympics but also had poetry and theatre contests.  

After finishing in Delphi we drove on south, down out of the mountains to the coast to a little coastal town called Itea.  This little beachside community was a real gem: clean, wide streets, not crowded.  In fact we nearly had the hotel to ourselves (we think it was 10% full).

Waiting for the restaurant to open.  Greeks eat late.  6:30 pm = "really early for dinner."

Countless sea urchins and remarkably clear water 

Everybody wants to be exotic.  This beachside notice certified the water as safe and tested as clean and bacteria free.  Notice the name of this stretch of rocky Greek beach:  "Miami Beach!"

Walking out on the pier

Skipping stones while waiting on dinner.  Dead ringer for Waikiki

Obligatory Food Pic:  The Seafood Sampler

We asked the waitress what these are called.  Answer: "small fish."  

Little tasty fish snacks.  If you swallow them fast enough you don't even notice the bones.

View from the Hotel balcony.  Once again, an out of this world bargain.  We're sure that prices will go back up when we get back to the conventional tourist areas, but for now Opa!

Tomorrow:  Ancient Olympia!