Our first challenge getting out of Athens was the rental car. We took a death-defying ride in a taxi to the car rental place, very glad seat belts have been invented. I think our taxi driver was a former INDY 500 driver. After signing the papers, the said “get in the car VERY FAST”. The did not have a parking lot at the building, just pulled the car in front of traffic at the busy corner in front of the rental agency. We threw bags and ourselves into the car in record time and were off.
View of Delphi from Hotel
Our first stop was Delphi. This was a beautiful little town situated in the tree covered mountains about 2.5 hours out of Athens. We could see miles of olive-tree covered mountains from our hotel. All 1000 inhabitants of Delphi have they’re own olive tree grove, from which they make olive oil for mainly home use. They each also work in the tourism industry (it’s a busy ski town in the winters season and tourist attraction in the summer).
Laurie the tour guide
In Delphi, we saw the famed site of the Oracle of Delphi. This was one of the most important sites in antiquity. Rulers came from all over to consult with the oracle before making any important decision. Today, only the foundations of buildings, a race track and a theater remain. You really need a book or guide to know that this pile of stones was once the famous temple of whoever 3000 years ago. We guiding abilities of yours truly (with a little help of a guide book).
Rob ready for the olympics
After Delphi, we drove on to ancient Olympia, the site of the ancient Olympics. I had studied this in college, but it was a huge difference actually being there. We saw where the ancient athletes trained, competed in the running events, and where they light the modern Olympic torch every year. A major part of the income of the town is from tourism. In the off season (like when we were there), the shop keepers outnumber the tourists 10-1. They stand in the shop and almost drag you into the shop if you accidentally look in they’re direction.
Mom and dad hard at work touring
The hotel guy told us of a great scenic route to get to our next destination. He did NOT tell us that it involved off-roading up these steep windy roads with virtually no signage. The roads were not paved, and our rental cars tiny engine barely made it. At some intersections there were sings in greek, at others no signs. We wound up in a few tiny towns of about 100 people where I don’t think they spoke English. Not enough to help us find our way at least. We did see women in the local garb entirely black riding donkeys, men hearding sheep by either foot, donkey or truck, sheep without shepherd…it felt a little like we stepped back in time 100 years ago.
Its all greek to me
We did make it safely to our next destination, the lovely sea-side resort town of Tolo. From Tolo, we did day trips to see the ruins of Ancient Mycnae (from around 1400 BC), the harbor town of Napthlion, and the best preserved ancient theater at Epidorous.
After this week long adventure into ancient Greece, we navigated our way back to Athens and survived the return of the rental car. The 10 days just flew by for us on this incredible trip. The following day, Rob and I sadly bid my parents farewell and returned to Amsterdam…where I have lots of exciting blog entries to post about.
