Delphi – Kalambaka 10 September 2011

Weather – sunny

Temperature – 30+ and blazing!

We set off at a moderate 8.30 am which is a later start on a tour.  Our first stop was the Delphi Museum to immerse ourselves in the details of the ancient site of Delphi (described in my guide book as the enchilada of Greek sites !!!).  There are some magnificent statues in the museum including The Twins of Naxos, the winged sphinx and the bronze Charioteer.  The charioteer is one of only four bronze statues surviving in the world.

The Temple of Apollo was surrounded by treasury houses from the Greek city-states and one (The Treasury of Athens) has fortunately remained intact to give us a good idea how the area looked in ancient times.

We strolled in the heat (about 38 degrees) up the ancient pilgrim path and around the Temple of Apollo where the priestess received messages (oracles) from the god Apollo.  The priestess’ were identified as young girls not unlike the present Dalai Lama and took up their esteemed position at about the age of fifty.  Their age expectancy after that was about ten years as the effects of the vapours from the temple and potent water took its toll.  Technically, the poor woman was probably ‘high’ for the rest of her life.  A lot of mystery surrounds the advice given here.

Looking down on the temple and down to the valley I thought of my friend Brian who said it was his favourite place in the world.  Well, despite the fact we didn’t have a clear view because of the hot and hazy day the unfolding valley landscape which disappeared down over hills dotted with olive groves was certainly spectacular.  As an ancient Greek this landscape was the backdrop for the theatre which must have been magical.

 We wended our way up the path passed the theatre and onto the stadium all the while turning around taking photos and soaking up the culture. 

Lunch was at a little café near the site.  David and I shared our lunches of stuffed tomatoes and cabbage leaves.  It was a very delicious lunch that David washed down with a Greek beer (again). 

We then put in a long drive on the way to Kalambaka.  A short stop to learn of the history of Thermoplae and take photos of the modern statue of Leonides.  The Spartan king died defending the small pass against the Persian king Xerxes and thus provided  time for his remaining troups to gather and defend behind him.  This wonderful epic tale was depicted in the movie ‘300’which I never saw so I will make the effort when I return home.

Tomorrow we are joining another tour group to complete our seven day tour as our fellow travellers return to Athens.  We will miss the lovely company of our diverse and interesting new friends.

Photos:  The Winged Sphinx and The Charioteer at the Museum of Delphi;  Desley and Cameron in front of the Treasury of Athens;  David and I with the backdrop of the Temple of Apollo in the background.