Day 7 - Delphi to Kalambaka

Today started with breakfast over looking the most amazing view from Delphi towards Itea. After breakfast we visited the Sanctuary of Apollo. We started with museum which houses what has survived dedications that adorned the Panhellenic Delphic sanctuary. As with most of the museum visits they went a bit too long but a few of us watched a video on how to make a bronze statue which was very interesting, I didn't realise it was such a process.

We then went to the site itself which was amazing and definitely the best preserved site we have seen. The sanctuary extends over a series of terraces in the foothills of Mt Parnassos. It was for many century's the religious and spiritual centre of ancient Greece. 

We explored most of the site and even made the climb to the stadium. Strange it was on top of the hill. I guess if you couldn't make it to the stadium then you shouldn't be competing. On the way back down Noel investigated a hole in the side of the temple but  decided not to go right in thank goodness.

After the sanctuary we went down to Itea on the beach front for a seafood lunch. It was then time for the four hour trip to our next stop Kalambaka. The drive through the mountains was amazing, the scenery was fantastic. Along the way we stopped at Thermopylae where the 300 Spartans fought the Persians. From here the magnificent scenery went down hill.

We came down from the mountains to the huge valley which is 80km wide and 100km long where they mostly grow cotton but also kiwi fruit (strange) sugar cane and tobacco. We can now see the impact of the financial state of Greece. So many abandoned business along the way. Rubbish along the side of the road and over grown weeds. It is such a shame as everything previously has been so beautiful.
 
Finally we made it to Kalambaka to our hotel which has a magnificent view of the cliff housing of the monasteries we will visit tomorrow.

 Another huge buffet dinner, we sat with a great couple Carol and Andre form Canada who share our love for dogs. After a large lunch I was good and had 99% salad for dinner as if I keep going I will need a 50 week challenge when I get home.

I have leant a lot on this trip about the origin of words we use today from ancient Greek words but today I was like a slap in the face. Our guide was talking about the monks and how their day starts at 6.00pm sunset until sunrise. During this time they fast. In the morning they break the fast, hence the work 'Breakfast'. Obvious I know but I had never thought about it before.

Last day of our land tour tomorrow before our cruise starting Monday. J&N

BTW: GO FREO - we had no Wi-Fi today so I had to SMS the biggest FREO fan I know Cyndi, sorry Chris but it is Fremantle's turn.