Today we traveled beyond the Attica region and to the sacred territory of Delphi. The center of the universe for the Hellenes, which inspired the Amphictyonic League, an ideological predecessor of the United Nations. After a nice ride up Mt. Parnasus we arrived to Apollo's sacred city. The common places of worship for the Hellenes were essential to diplomatic debate and conflict resolution. After a visit to the oracle site and the museum we sought nourishment in Delphi and a walk in nearby Arahova.
The oracle has spoken and has made known to us that Crete is in our future.
Yasu,
ReplyDeleteWalking up the marble steps of Delphi, the oracle spoke to me within my mind. She told me to be wary of the Spartans coming for the South, to take mind of beauty that surrounded me, and to step back from the sulfuric gas that was coming from beneath me. Delphi, the city of Apollo, was filled with ancient runes from antiquity. The treasury of Athens still stood with only a glimmer of the marvel that once stood in its place. At the top of Delphi laid a stadium that once filled with hellians watching men compete in games of strength, speed, and agility. The food at the village of Delphi was AMAZING. The meats were tender and savory, and the vegetables fresh and crisp. Still savoring everyday in Greece as it were my last.
Kalispera,
Aaron
Delphi was amazing all the old ruins and the atmosphere itself adds to the feeling. Being able to see the small villages and all the way into the valley with all the olive trees is breath taking. Seeing the mini replica of the temple of Apollo and the treasuries for all the ancient cities of Greece was interesting because it gives you a visual of what the area would look like. Another part of our trip was us walking through the small town and seeing all the sights. In short this day was amazing and the bronze statue of Apollo was the highlight of the day.
ReplyDeleteBeing at Delphi was astounding. It was just so amazing to climb to the top of this great mountain and look down at the valley below. It was crazy to think that every summer the Greeks would come here for a meeting with the oracle and participate in athletic events. The food, of course, was just as excellent as ever. We ate and laughed about the cute little surrounding town and how we never wanted to leave. It was truly paradise.
ReplyDelete~Mary
Today we went to Delphi to see the temple of Apollo and the location if the Delphic oracle. It was a ling windy two hour bus ride up which led to an even windier hike up through the ruins to the stade and theatre. Ancient Greeks were all about compromising the body and mind with faith. A healthy body and an inspires mind keep a person happy. The Apollo museum was filled with pieces that were found about 100 years ago. Many were also lost in an earthquake. The lunch we went to in Delphi was probably the best food I've ever had! Everyone told me to eat a piece of chicken, so I did and it was delicious! Come to find out it was actually rabbit!!! I'm glad they tricked me though because bunny is delicious! Right now were about to go enjoy some delicious pastries. Tomorrow we are flying over to Crete 8'm so excited! Catch ya later
ReplyDelete-Ashley
Delphi was amazingggg!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt has hard to imagine how this entire city existed...up a mountain! It was amazing to see all the ruins of treasuries and temples, theaters and stadiums that once put together this entire sacred city. The temples to Apollo and the Athenians were beautiful in their destruction, it was mind blowing to see how much of them were still standing!! The remains of columns and buildings and structures were also beautiful in their own way.
Climbing all the way to the top of the mountain provided not only breathtaking view (the picture of me and Erika is my favorite!) but also a glimpse into Athenian life in Apollo's city with a stadium, that remains basically intact! On the way dow, I wanted to snap a picture with every new hill we climbed (I know typical, but the views were sooo beautiful!!!)
Running to catch the last minute opening to see the Delphic Oralce was completely worth it, providing another inlet to Athenian life seeing where they made their offerings. Plus, the view was also amazing, looking back on the hike we just accomplished!
Trying 'chicken' aka rooster and bunny today were both great!!! The town where we ate lunch was beautiful among the cloudy haze of the day, and I will never forget the restaurants view and amazing food! The long bus ride was fully worth it today.
-Kerry
And as always- the thoroughly enjoyed the museum because it gave us a preview of what the city would have looked like when it was still functioning.
ReplyDeleteAs we drove through the the mountains of Thebes on our way to Delphi beyond the most outer reaches of Attica deep into the reaches of Spartan territory, a very different emotion was awaken in me evoking a very distinct feeling than that of what was experienced in Athens of Attica. I began to understand how geography might shape the culture of a peoples as they developed lifestyles to suite their surroundings. The desolation of the mountains, as opposed to the comforts of the sea side village, bestows upon its traveler a sense of harshness and rigor that causes one to introspectively question their inner purpose, yet simultaneously evokes a sense of wonder and boundlessness as a pilgrim on a journey that, though traveled by, is different every time leaving us yearning for more among the unexplored labyrinth of infinite questions without answers.
ReplyDeleteRyan J. DeAngelis
CORRECTION: (6th line) suit their surroundings, NOT suite.
ReplyDelete