We have been up to the top of the world to visit the ruins in Delphi and were they impressive!!
We thought we were high up in our campsite with such panoramic views but we ascended the mountains yesterday for another 10 km or so until we reached Delphi. After researching it on the internet we visited the museum first as reports said that helps to put it all into perspective and that was amazing in itself.
A bit about Delphi first for those that know nothing (like us before we went).
Zeus released two eagles from opposite ends of the earth and when they met and collided, impaling each other with their beaks, they dropped to earth, marking its centre - and that was at Delphi. A large stone marked this place called the Navel Stone and an oracle would listen to people's questions at this place, go into a trance and tell them (via the Gods of course) which decision to make. Some say that if you keep an open mind and ask a question, the answer will come to you there. We tried and I heard zilch, Steve reckons that after he asked his question a bird started singing and stopped again when he opened his eyes. It was a lovely song so he thinks thats a good omen!!
Spiritual or not, as we approached the magnificent setting appeared to be extra special and a visitors attraction in itself - then we visited the museum and ruins and were even more impressed.
There are statues in stone and bronze - some tiny and some huge - and all with great detail on and very well preserved considering their age - some from 500BC. The statues have inlaid eyes, eyelashes and veins visible on the feet. Now we know where the Romans got all their ideas from - they copied the Greeks. Their examples of mosaic floors exceeds the Roman versions and were way before they had a go at it.
The ruins themselves are set amphitheatrically (thats a word used a lot around here - even the campsites are set that way!) so we had to keep climbing, and climbing and climbing to see them all. There are lots of them and its very easy to visualise the actual place in its day. The Temple of Apollo is simply immense - see pic and the Stadium huge and set at the highest point in the mountain. The athletes needed to be very fit and strong to just get up there never mind participate in games!
Although the day was very hot - 36c+ we were determined to see it all and we did. It will last in our memories as one of our greatest finds.
After our trek and climb we went into Delphi town to have a look around and a spot of lunch. It was very quiet - everyone is complaining at the lack of tourists and we can see why - how they make any money we don't know. It made it easy for us to get around though.
Then back to the campsite, a siesta and then we cooked a lovely cassoulet for dinner. I have received quite a few emails from people who say they love to hear about our culinary efforts - so that is for them specifically. Afterwards we had some juicy melon.
Then a couple of hours on the internet and a couple of chats on Skype and it was time for bed.
This morning we decided to look around the nearby town of Itea and pick up a few things before we leave tomorrow for Athens. There was not a lot to the town as we soon found out and we were amazed at the high prices of things. The Greek yoghurt for example is more expensive here than in the UK. We asked about a car wash and they wanted 10 euros! - far more than in the UK. We did buy some very nice looking steak for tonight at a good price (if it tastes as good as it looks it will be lovely) and some lovely fresh chicken for a thai green curry tomorrow. We are now in the position of using all the food up that we have stored in the caravan as there is less than a week left. Thai green curry paste, rice, fish sauce and coconut milk need to be used up.
Back to the van and while we were having a coffee someone phoned to ask about buying the caravan. I did a good selling job over the phone (I think) and she said she will phone me back after discussing it with her husband. They are friends of a German couple we met at the last camp - he had called them to encourage them to buy it as he was so impressed with Esmerelda!! Recommended eh? can't be bad! we have all our fingers and toes crossed.
A lazy afternoon today and then a drive to a campsite just outside Athens tomorrow - our last camp!!! is that really possible??
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