I took a day trip through the hotel to Delphi. It’s about a 2 1/2 hr drive (mostly beautiful) to the ancient Temple of Apollo. This is also the place where the oracle would inhale fumes and receive messages to be interpreted by priests later. The site is on a hillside (near a Greek ski resort) and part looks over the Gulf of Corinth. On this temple was carved the famous “Know Thyself” and “All Things in Moderation” quotations. The site was fascinating and the stuff in the museum great too. I walked through all and also saw the ancient stadium for the Pythian Games—a rival to the Olympic games. I didn’t receive any messages that I know of ☺, but that “know thyself” comment is probably the key to the Oracle idea and similar to New Orleans fortune tellers. These seers often merely reflect what is brought to them in a vague enough way that helps the seeker understand what they already know. Of course, the mind-warping sulfur vapors might help. Deep thoughts….
Many on the bus are unaware that their travel plans may be toast on Tuesday and Wednesday. I had the misfortune of sitting in front of a loud and obnoxious American complaining about the cost of things due to the strike, etc. His wife/girlfriend was trying to calm him down but he just got worse and worse as if he was drinking. This is why I dislike tours—getting trapped with annoying people—but I would have had trouble navigating this.
It was a 11 ½ hr day. Good news when I hit my hotel! My flight has been moved up 1 hr to leave before the air traffic strike! I received an email from British Air. (Lesson learned: always provide an email or phone number when traveling abroad. Trying to call them directly never did work.)
I went upstairs to the hotel bar for the rooftop view of the Acropolis and the sunset. It turns out the wine and beer is super cheap and I should have made it up here before. Lots of Canadians and Aussies and a few American Special Olympics affiliates were hanging out. Although it was enjoyable overall, I heard many more Athens crime horror stories that made me nervous. I decided to skip dinner and say safely on my rooftop! I have to leave for the airport at 4:45 am (by cab) so this is for the best. I think.
