Greek Seek - Day 7

 

This morning we left Heraklion and flew back to the Athens airport. From there we rented a car and headed north. Our planned route was to go to Delphi and then head to Kalabaka where we plan to stay two nights. On the way out of Athens, we got stuck in a traffic jam that really wasted a lot of time. We eventually stopped at a rest area (which here has restrooms, gas and food sources) for a break and some lunch. I had food from a place that I can't really pronounce but I believe is also called Gregory's in English. I believe it is a Greek chain here because I have seen them in every city we have visited.

The drive both to Delphi and then to Kalabaka was breathtaking! We basically drove through Greek mountain ranges. It was a completely and totally different Greece! 

These villages reminded me of Germany

We arrived in Delphi and got tickets to the Archeological site which also included the museum. Delphi is the location of the mythical oracle that Greeks would come from far and wide to visit to hear their prophecy. There is quite a bit of myth and legend around this oracle. Prophecies spoken were always in verse and some have survived and are in existence today. Right after we entered the site and got our audio tour started, it began to slightly rain. We debated staying until lightning showed up! We decided that it was best to go to the museum first, at that point. We were hoping the storm would pass so we could get back to the site; however, the storms didn't subside so we had to forgo those ruins. I was disappointed not to explore the ruins, but the museum did have so many artifacts from the digs in the area.

Most of these types of artifacts were around the top exteriors of each side of a temple and told stories through the images.

A hymnal

The largest and most intact artifact found on the site.

Most of these items date from the 8th century BC to the 4th and 3rd century BC. The reason there were so many artifacts found in the area is because all the visitors that came to see the oracle brought gifts in hopes of receiving a pleasing prophecy. The gifts ranged in size and value. Archeologists discovers two large pits filled with nothing but small artifacts! Some of the larger finds were actually gifts to the oracle and some were part of the ruins. The ruins contained multiple structures, temples, and stoas.

We left Delphi and headed to Kalabaka, further north. Again, the views were beautiful! It was a great rural drive through the mountains!

He was not moving - we had to drive around!

We arrived in Kalabaka fairly late and checked into our Airbnb. We still needed food so our host recommended several places. We opted for a quick bite at what our host considered "fast food." We all got a chicken gyro each and the bill was only 9 euros!! So good, all the way around! More exploring tomorrow!