September 1 – Dion, Mt. Olympus and Delphi

We were up very early for a very early start as we have quite a bit of driving today.

First sighting was Mt. Olympus, which turns out to be a series of peaks, not just one.

Then we stopped at Dion, the major city at the base of Mt. Olympus and the home of the Greek Olympic games (CONFIRM).  We walked the open air museum which was quite extensive but was beginning to be overgrown again.

Then we stopped at the very nice museum where many of the statues, pottery and other items found in the area were on exhibit.

An ancient musical instrument made of pipes.

Then it was off for another fairly long drive with more beautiful the scenery...mountains, seas, olive groves and more.with a stop for lunch right on a bay.  

It feels like we are routinely repeating ourselves but the day was lovely (if hot and humid), the food good, the views great, the breeze cooling and soothing and the company great.

Then it was off towards the mountains and Delphi, home of the Oracle of Delphi.  The drive was through very beautiful, mountainous country.

First stop was the museum.  The Greeks really know how to put together exhibits…we have enjoyed all of the museums as they have been very nicely curated and the artifacts very well displayed.  Of course, it helps that they have so much to work with.

Then it was a very short drive to the actual ruins.  The Oracle was not in residence (Paul and Jim both looked closely) but the ruins were interesting.  

There were a lot of ruins to see...

with the most interesting areas being the amphitheater,

the Temple of Apollo,

the Athenian Treasury,

the Agora,

and the Temple of Athena.

We could see the Gymnasium far down the hill but didn't go there, even though it was close to the Temple of Athena...was just one too many hikes.

We ended the day at the Harbor Beach Hotel in the outskirts of the village of Galaxixi.  The hotel was very nice and facing the bay.  There is a lovely green lawn, a large pool and the bay beyond.  Great views.  Our room is on the lower level with a walk-out patio facing the lawn and pool.  Great.  Unfortunately we cannot get internet in the room, only the lobby, and there is no restaurant in the hotel.  And town turned out to be 6 or 8 miles on down the road.

Fortunately Lefteris (our driver) took us into town later so that we could have dinner.  The town is a seaside village, probably a fishing village, or at least it once was.  We need more time to explore the village so likely will try to stop there on our way out tomorrow.