Delphi and Olympia

Yassis again.  BTW I know from last year’s blog some of you ‘dedicated’ readers put comments on the blog. Sadly I never received them unless you actually have a blog yourself – which was 3 of you and you know who you are. The settings have been tweaked but if I don’t respond it means email is the best way to communicate. 

Had the first of what will be many bus rides from Athens to Delphi and were reminded of the hairpin turns the roads take  in Greece.  Yikes!  

Delphi is one of the places on Brian’s bucket list and although I was there as a backpacking 20 year old my memories were vague.  Actually it seems all I remember is being on the top bunk at a youth hostel and experiencing a mild earthquake which was rather appropriate given the location.  The site itself has stunning vistas and the museum, which I am positive wasn’t there on my first trip, was excellent. 

Left Delphi on a Saturday and discovered buses don’t necessarily run every day, including the direct bus to Patras in The Peloponnese I had researched.  We ended up taking three regional buses, one local bus, one commuter ferry (free) and two short taxi rides but made it to Olympia in one day of travel.  More archeological and museum nirvana was on the agenda.  The profusion of spring blossoms fill the air with nature’s perfume and at times it stops me in my tracks so I can take in a big drink.  Love love love the scents of orange blossoms, lilac, jasmine, wisteria all mingled together. Oh and freesia!  One of my favourite cut flowers to buy at home and here they are outside in window boxes and pots. 

The site of Olympia is simply amazing – much more to it than the iconic stadium.  My camera battery died while in the museum so pics are limited but that allowed me to really take in the site.  

Stayed in a retro style guesthouse run  by a Greek-Italian and the room had the cutest fridge ever! 

Next up is Pylos and Nestor's Palace.