Ancient Olympia

The ancient ruins of Olympia can be reached by taking a ten euro round-trip train ride from the Greek port of Katakolo. The train ride is slow, but comfortable and interesting as it passes through small towns and sweeps through areas of dense growth in approaching the modern town of Olympia, a short walk from the archeological site. My anticipated return train never showed up, but another one came an hour later. Going early is probably wise.
The archeological site is interesting, if not very imposing, upon entering.

However, as soon as one becomes oriented and starts to appreciate all that occurred here from 776 BC, when the first Olympics took place, up until current times, when discoveries are still being made, the area becomes fascinating to explore. This column of the Temple of Zeus, home of the Statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was reconstructed for the 2004 Olympics.

The gold and ivory statue of Zeus has been missing for about 1,500 years, perhaps awaiting future discovery. Ancient Olympia's stadium has an entry way for athletes not unlike the tunnels from which today's athletes emerge.

As a runner, I could hardly resist running the length of the field, and was not the only person doing so.

Not often one gets to run on a 2,789 year old course.

These are remains from the Temple of Hera.

These columns are from the Philippeion, constructed by Philip II of Macedonia in 338 BC to celebrate military and athletic victories.

Here's another view.

One of the more interesting recent (1954-1958) discoveries is the workshop of Phidias, who created the Statue of Zeus (432 BC).

Here are some interior views.

 

Again, in these rooms a wonder of the ancient world was created.

In the Fifth Century, the workshop was transformed into an early Christian church. The rounded apse is visible in this exterior view.

A couple more views of ancient Olympia, home of the Olympic games between 776 BC and 394 AD.

Looking to the sky.

Walking back to the train station one passes through modern Olympia, a well-maintained tourist town.

Where one may consider wonders of the modern world.

Ciao.

Walking About Mykonos

The town of Mykonos, on the Greek island of the same name, is an intricate maze of interesting walkways, where one is almost bound to get slightly lost, and to enjoy doing so. Hardly a single street is without charms.

Most of the walkways are quite narrow.

Here's another one, with dining tables.

Some of the wider streets allow traffic.

The above truck encountered another vehicle coming in the opposite direction, whose driver very carefully turned off on a side alley to allow passage. Mykonos also has no shortage of stairs.

These steps have their own display window.

Small Orthodox churches are found throughout the town.

This one is well decorated with flags.

Some are stark white and simple in their design.

Save for the pleasant climate, one might think these constructed of snow by Eskimos.

A glimpse inside a Catholic church.

Perhaps the most popular images of Mykonos are of its old windmills.

Here is one standing alone.

There is a section of town referred to as "Little Venice." It has not just the narrow walkways of its namesake, but a row of structures sitting on the water.

Also as in Venice, many people beautify their narrow stone neighborhoods with flowers.

Another flowering of colors.

Even the old and worn sections of town have their charm

A pleasant home with the benefit of shade trees.

And, finally, a reflection of Mykonos, with flowers.

Ciao.

Santorini: Visiting Fira

The Greek island of Santorini took its current form some 3,500 years ago with a major volcanic eruption that resulted in the volcano's crater sinking to the floor of the sea. The volcano is still stirring today, as life goes on in towns built on a base of lava. Approaching by sea near the town of Fira, one sees the white buildings atop the cliffs.

Drawing closer, one begins to distinguish the routes up to Fira.

To climb to Fira, one may ride a cable car, ride a donkey or walk. The downside of the cable cars is one may find oneself in a long line waiting when it's time to come back down. The downside of the donkeys? Depends on what kind of a day these guys are having.

Now, walking has no downside, other than having to share the walkway with the donkeys. For different reasons, both donkeys and humans are well advised to watch their step.

At a brisk pace it takes about twenty minutes to reach Fira on foot. Needless to say, the fine views along the way only get better atop this volcanic rim.

Here's a closer view looking down on Fira.

It's a town of white buildings, blue sea and sky.

Another view.

Eating out on Santorini means eating out, literally.

The Orthodox churches in Fira are beautiful in design and artwork, including this mosaic.

There's also a Catholic Cathedral, and the name "Santorini" is derived from Saint Irene.

The climate on Santorini is so ideal, doorways often lead from the outdoors to... the outdoors.

An older door from and to the outdoors.

Most of the homes are beautiful in simple white; although some are more creative in design.

Santorini thrives on tourism and has its share of souvenir vendors. Still, it's an inspiring setting for artists to set up shop.

And decorate walls.

In approaching by sea, one is drawn to the whites and blues of Santorini. Once there, ones vision is drawn back to the sea and sky.

After a few miles of walking I came across what looks like a part of the Grand Canyon stretching off this Greek island.

Hope to walk out there in the future. For now, a glimpse of a Santorini sunset.

Ciao.