Over and Under

We awoke to the sound of a "Delphi Alarm Clock." Initially, it sounded like wind chimes singing in the breeze, which is fairly constant between these mountains. In time, we noticed that all of the different pitches of the chimes were accompanied by "baaa" sounds.  Looking out the window we  found the local goat herder transporting approximately two hundred goats and more than a few sheep (not yet separated from the goats) from one grazing area to another.

After breakfast, we trekked to the archaeological site and began our ascent up the 'Sacred Way.' In ancient times, Delphi was considered the center of the world--the place where two eagles converged after being released by Zeus to fly around the world.


This carved phallus marks the 'center' of the world.

Along the pathway there are numerous outlines of treasuries where worshipers from different parts of the world would leave offerings for the gods. This well constituted example is the ancient Athenian treasury.
Leaders and even regular folks traveled hundreds and thousands of miles to consult the Oracle at Delphi. She would provide insight into the future, and her proclamations--sometimes cryptic, sometimes blunt--would be communicated with the help of priests in the Temple of Apollo.

This entire area was built as a sanctuary to Apollo, and the oracle was his 'voice' in the world. Apollo loved music, and you can see in this next image that the theater was next to what is left of the footprint of Apollo's Temple. There are approximately six fluted columns still standing along one corner of the perimeter that have been in place since the 6th century B.C.

An athletic competition arose in Delphi that for a time rivaled the size and scale of the ancient Olympics. At the very top of the pathway was a stadium (only the best athletes would have any breath left after climbing this mountain to the stadium location--we can all attest to that!!!). There are still discernible marble lines for the starting/finish line. There is also a clearly differentiated bench at the midway point in the stadium built for 7,000 which was the location for the judges or dignitaries. Our girls had some disagreement about which way to be 'on your mark'!

We had a great day of trekking up and down the sacred way, enjoying the fresh breezes and sunshine, and perusing the antiquities in the very well designed and stocked Delphi Museum. Many of the Greek and Roman mythology names, symbols, and stories have come alive this week for our girls. References from the classroom, and even from the Harry Potter series, are visibly depicted in stone and through arts and crafts, and stories that come alive in places like Delphi.

When we ate our first meal yesterday evening here in Delphi, we noticed a table in the small area not designated for the middle school age tour group dining in the restaurant.  A German speaking family were seated with three boys, two of which looked to be around the ages of Katherine and Finley.  Then, at lunch today they came to the same lunch spot where we were lunching.  As we left we quipped, "See you tonight!" and enjoyed a shared laugh at our good taste in restaurants, as we headed to tour the museum.  As dinner time approached, we decided to try a restaurant our hotelier had recommended.  The restaurant consisted of two parts situated across the street from each other, causing the wait staff to traverse the street repeatedly, delivering meals, menus, and drinks.  As we arrived and settled into our chairs in the breezy outdoor plaza where we chose to sit, we looked across the street and were unsurprised to see our German friends.  When they finished their dinner, they came over and introduced themselves, laughing at our synchronicity in restaurant choices.  They were on a two week holiday and would be moving on to a Greek island in the Ionian Sea tomorrow.  We wished them safe travels and great eating!