Greece Day 2: Delphi

♦ July 30, 2019

Another early start today to join a bus tour to Delphi. The trip is about 2.5 hours. Our tour guide, Mariana, kept the trip interesting, pointing out landmarks along the way and telling historical anecdotes. After a winding, narrow mountain road, we reached the spot on Mount Parnassus where the Oracle resided.

Stone where the Oracle would sit.

I had read the mythology but I guess I never realized that this was an actual place. Leaders came from all over Greece and neighboring areas to consult with the Oracle on matters of state. While the oracle’s advice was a bit of a show, she would fall into a trance, speak in riddles, etc, the area itself provided other opportunities to influence political outcomes and share the culture of education, art, athletic competition and music.

Inscriptions in the stone from visitors

Trees and pedestal.

Remains of Apollo’s Temple

The spot of Apollo’s temple and the Oracle must have been a challenging place to visit, high up on a mountain where,even to this day, the road is winding and difficult. Guests would make the pilgrimage, bringing gifts, receiving their advice and then staying to enjoy theater and musical performances, observe sporting events, as well as meet pilgrims from other areas. The oracle’s advice tended to favor diplomatic resolutions rather than war. Delphi served as a hub to spread the culture of education and art. Mariana also pointed out the significance of athletic competition as a lesson in peaceful conflict resolution, i.e., there can be a winner and loser but no killing!

After a tour of the temple area, we had free time to explore on our own. Sarah walked up further to the theater. I found a shady spot sit quietly and absorb the surroundings: tall sculpted cypress trees, marble stones, pine needles, the overwhelming sound of cicadas, spectacular views of an area still relatively untouched surrounding what was once a influential and bustling center.

View from my shady spot

In the Delphi museum, there are beautiful sculptures and friezes excavated from the temple and its surroundings. Also in the museum is the statue of the Sphinx that once stood atop a high pedestal near to where the Oracle gave her advice. Our guide walked us through the rooms after our free time at the temple site.

Majestic Sphinx

Nike

Apollo and Artemis firing arrows and taking names

Socrates

Athena

Greek warriors, Medusa shield

By now it was late afternoon and time to head out. We stopped at a lovely restaurant with traditional food and spectacular views of the valley.

Greek salad, the real deal

View from the restaurant

We returned to Athens that evening and Sarah and I walked to Anafiotika Cafe in Plaka for dinner. We waited for a table in the rooftop with a view of the Acropolis. I had a dinner of olives, bread and eggplant stuffed with feta. For my last night in Greece I splurged and ordered Galaktoboureko (Greek custard pie) one of my favorite desserts.

Olives

Eggplant

Last view of the Acropolis

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