Only joking! We spent the day exploring the ruins in Olympia where they held the first Olympics from 776 BC to 393 AD. The site was also a place of worship dedicated to the Greek god Zeus from about the 10th century BC.
So we woke this morning to quite a different view in the port of Katakolon.
I have to say it could have been Maine. So different from our other ports in Greece with the arid landscape and white buildings.
We were in port with two other ships which is kind of a bummer. That means more crowds at the site.
We were picked up at the pier for our independent tour of the archeological site of the Olympics as well as a museum. As we drove the 45-mile drive, we both thought it looked like Central America.
We drove by Greece’s idea of a Home Depot.
Finally, we arrived at the site. And what a scorching day! It must have been 90 degrees Fahrenheit with full sun and no breeze. Some people who were from northern climates were really suffering.
Here are some highlights!
The Temple of Zeus was built in the 5th century BC.
The baths and some beautiful mosaic!
The Palaestra is where wrestling was taught as well as some soldier type training.
The Philippeion in the Altis of Olympia was an Ionic circular memorial made of marble and limestone. It contained statues of Philip’s family: himself, Alexander the Great, Olympias, Amyntas III and Eurydice
After the ruins, we went to Olympia’s Archaeological Museum. There were so many archaeological finds dating back 1000’s of years.
This terracotta dolphin bounding over waves is from the 5th century BC.
The museum had some very well-preserved architectural pieces from the 5th and 6th century BC.
It was a fascinating day but I have to admit it would be more enjoyable on a cooler day. My clothes were soaked through by the time we reached our bus. But it was good that we did it our way!
It was formal night so lobster for dinner and if course escargot!
Two great shows and a finalvein in the casino! Life is good!
#greece#olympics#ruins#olympia#katakolon#cruising#palaestra#zeus#templeofzeus#philippeion#port#excursion
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