Running start again from breakfast at 7:30 to bags out at 8:30 and eager beavers on bus by 8:35 for our 9:00 departure. Ann, still exploring the town's walking stairs, had to be reeled in for the quick start. We arrived at Delphi to start our ascent to the ancient Stadium. We climbed past Apollo's temple, behind which the oracles were proclaimed, and then past the theatre. We climbed steps taken since 500 B.C. in the archaic period of Greece. Only 1/7th of the immense complex has been reconstructed according to our guide, Angelica, who met us at the theatre. We descended together while being informed by her commentary incorporating overlays of Roman dominance and even the later Christian elements that have influenced this amazing historical site. Being Sunday, and free day, our experience included hundreds of Greek and foreign tourists throughout the ruins and in the fascinating, small museum.
Apollo's Temple and the Stadium
We were bussed to Arachova where we bought some textile gifts produced in the town and then had lunch where we had our first lamb chops of the day. The bountiful lunch was followed by a very long bus ride to our next hotel in Kalambaka which is dominated by the Meteors, the mammoth rocks, many of which were topped by 15th c. monasteries which we will hike to tomorrow.
Our hotel, Doupiani in the throes of renovation is pleasant and spacious. Our room looks out onto the incredible climbing rocks for which the place is famous. A short walk down the hill took us to dinner with more succulent lamb chops and green salad accompanied by jugs of house wine. We were ready to tuck in by the time we walked back with the promise of some rock climbing tomorrow.
View from Our Room
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