DELPHI
It was time to meet our bus driver, Anestis, and see our enormous, beautiful, pink bus. There were enough seats so anyone who wanted could have their own seat! Anestis turned out to be a very competent bus driver as he negotiated the traffic and tricky, narrow roads of Greece. Squeezing that bus between narrow spots and backing the long bus up on the winding roads seemed to be no problem for Anestis. There were times when we gave him a thunderous applause for his superb driving skills! He constantly amazed us!
Anestis motored out of Athens in the morning in pouring rain. As we got out into the countryside, the landscape turned very beautiful wtth the green mountainous terrain. Stunning purple/pink trees and flowers doted the countryside. As our bus drove into Delphi, the views were spectacular!
Anestis motored out of Athens in the morning in pouring rain. As we got out into the countryside, the landscape turned very beautiful wtth the green mountainous terrain. Stunning purple/pink trees and flowers doted the countryside. As our bus drove into Delphi, the views were spectacular!
We prepared to learn more about Delphi. After checking into Hotel Tholos, we hiked to the site to meet our local guide, Penny. She explained the importance of Delphi. The "old timers" believed that Delphi was the center of the earth and its position was determined by Zeus. Apparently Apollo shot arrows at Python who had guarded Ge's sacred ground for hundreds of years. Python was killed and Apollo earned the right to call the beautiful land of Delphi his sanctuary. The worship of Apollo as the god of light, harmony, and order was established between the 11th and 9th centuries. Over many centuries, Delphi grew in importance and size. During the 8th century B.C. Delphi became well known for the Oracular powers of Pythia who was a great seer or fortune teller. She would utter incomprehensible words and might have been high on intoxicating vapors. Most major decisions in Greece were only made after consulting with the Oracle. I love this story!!
Check out the slideshow below by clicking on the play area to see wonderful Delphi!
We had a terrific meal at the Taverna Vakchos, our hotel restaurant, that night. David had taken our order earlier which made things very efficient. The next day we headed to the Peloponnese Mountains and Dimitsana. Click here to view it.