Laertis said something to me on our first day that really sound good. He said this itinerary was a relaxing one. An to his credit, each day has been pretty easy going. Tomorrow, we head into Athens to visit the Acropolis and the busy city. It will not be relaxing, lol, but each small village on this journey has brought charm and they will not be forgotten. What hasn't been relaxing is our travel schedule. Checking into a hotel each night just to check out the next morning has been taxing on us all. It is good to be back in Athens where we will spend the next three nights before heading home.
This morning, we had our most hectic departure of the trip. Our cliffside hotel was really nice, but it was hard to get to and from...this morning, our shuttle bus ran several trips and we hired taxis, they brought nearly 40 people with their luggage down to our bus. It wasn't chaotic. It was well organized, but is was hectic, if that makes sense. The breakfast at the hotel was quite a nice spread. Similar options from our other locales, but seemingly fresher. I had a sampling of croissants and coffee...classic!
Adding to the noise of the morning, it was our coldest day and it had rained all night. None of us really wanted that shift in weather. It is, what it is...however, and we gathered on the bus for our ride to Delphi. It was about a 45 minute drive and it reminded me again of how skilled these coach drivers really are. Long, wet, and windy roads, but expertly maneuvered. We drove through the "Winter Mykonos" which is Greece'e best ski town. The one road isn't wide enough for two busses, but we lucked out and didn't need to back up at all. It was a really expensive looking place too.
We soon arrived at Delphi. This is the famous resting place of the Oracle of Delphi. The fumes rising from the ground apparently gave the Oracle to see the future and to help the kings of Greek City-States make important decisions about their people. It existed, as a place for Ancient Greeks, at the same time as Olympia. That means it was around for 1200 years. When Christianity appeared on Greece, the favor of this place fell from grace and it soon disappeared into obscurity. Earthquakes, erosion, and vandalism all played a part, but most of this icon place fell to rubble and was forgotten. Our tour started outside. Elfie, I think that was her name, found a place for us to sit while she gave us most of the backstory.
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| A picture from inside the museum shows what it used to look like, for reference. |
Elfie took us up several levels at Delphi. She explained how significant this place was to the Ancient Greeks and also explained that Oracle isn't just a person, it is a place. It didn't matter who the "oracle" was, the power came from the place. She also explained that the fumes that inspired the wisdom of Delphi were hidden until excavated only about 50 years ago. Let's hope there is still some magic in that hot air as the EU was actually hosting an economic forum in Delphi this week.
When Elfie wrapped up her portion of the tour, we had free time to explore higher sections of the grounds. I only made it to the theater, while others made it to the stadium. As I descended towards the museum, I saw a couple of cute pups and as the moderator of "Dogs of Saugus, MA" on Facebook, I had to take their picture. They reminded me of a couple of Monty's friends at The Bow in Lyman, ME.
The archaeological museum was packed when I got inside it. I snuck my way past tour group after tour group. There was lots of interesting stuff, but mostly in rooms filled with crowds. Laertis said it was busier than usual because of the conference. I did find this room with gold and silver adornments and it was empty. It gave me time to take pause and reflect on what's really important. Its funny how gold and silver have always had value. To me, though, its friends and family that really bring worth into the forefront. You just don't get to see that in museums. You can see it on trips like this, however!
It was a smooth ride back to Athens from Delphi, although we hit a little traffic. The kids slept for most of it, but there was a cheer when we drove past a McDonalds. Tonight, while I write the blog a group of us are at a Greek Family dinner show. I am at the hotel because the road has taken its toll on us. Packing up every morning has exhausted so many of us, lol, so Mr. S took half of the group to the show and I stayed back here. We are hoping a good night's sleep and not having to pack up and move everything will bring some stability into our days. Personally, I am glad to be able to get tonight's blog out. I hope to get some picture of the event from the kids and I will upload them later on if I do.
Mr. Lavoie, currently sitting in a hotel lobby realizing that there are a few other group leaders here doing the same thing...probably for the same reason.
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