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.

Day 6 - Olympia to Delphi

This morning we started the day visiting the sanctuary of Olympia which flourished from the 10th c. BC to AD 426. It was a major religious, cultural and sporting centre. We spent a fair bit of time here checking out the gymnasium, the Philippeion, temple of Zeus, the hippodrome, the stadium, the temple of Hera where they light the flame for both the summer and winter Olympics. They are still excavating the site and it looks like there is still a lot to uncover.

After the site we visited the museum which houses all the statues and antiquities found on the site. They again have done an amazing job reconstructing the temple of Zeus monumental pediments. They also had some shields, helmets, cuirasses, greaves and other offensive equipment used by soldiers. The museum houses the finds from prehistoric  Olympia from the late Neolithic to Mycenaean times.

After another gyros for lunch we took a short walk of the village before our drive to Delphi. They don't have lamb like at home, it is either chicken or pork, the pork is sensational. I am hooked. The drive to Delphi was magnificent. We stopped at a couple of gorgeous villages along the way for coffee breaks and photos. One in particular was Galaxidi which is said to have been created from a star coming down from the sky to create a harbour. This is were Greek merchant shipping began. The drive up the mountain to Delphi looks down over the sea of olive trees, you can also see the aqueduct along the side of the road which they tell us takes water to Athens.

Our hotel rooms look over the valley into the Kolpos Iteas, it is the most amazing view. We visit the temple of Apollo tomorrow and will have lunch at the side town of Itea. After lunch we head inland to Kalambaka.

I must say our coach is fantastic, not only do the seats have extra leg room, recline but the isle seats slide sideways to create extra space in between the chairs. Huge big windows which are kept speaking clean and of course a loo. We rotate seats everyday so we all get a go at the front.

 

After another massive buffet dinner we did a short walk into town before coming back to the hotel lobby to get on the net.

Until next time J&N

Day 5 - Nafplion to Olympia

So instead of beginning with the start of the day let me just say that the night ended with Donna and I dancing on tables. This I thought I would never see. We woke up to a Magnificat day and view, the water was calm and still and the sky was blue, another 30 degree day forecast. Today is Noel and my 10th wedding anniversary so we Exchanged gifts and headed to breakfast. Donna and Mark had a card waiting for us which was lovely.

 

After breakfast we did a small walking tour of the town then headed back to the hotel but no tour director just the local guide to show us around. After the tour we met up with one group who did a rush job to the dentist that morning and had a tooth pulled, he was in terrible pain and had an infection so the quick fix was to pull it. Still no sign of our tour director. We then headed for Mycenae which was once the main centre of the Mycenaean world. Unfortunately because of the strike we couldn't explore it however we could see it quite well. It was a civilisation that evolved throughout the entire Greek world between the 16th and 12th c. BC. The Mycenaean acropolis dominated the Argive plain and housed the Royal House of Atreidae and their people. It was also discovered from excavations that the site was inhabited as far back in the 3rd millennium BC and have found creations from the Middle Helladic period 1900-1580 BC.

It was after this tour we discovered that our tour director Bill had to return to Athens for personal reasons and we were to get a new one after lunch. For our inconvenience Insight shouted us lunch complete with drinks. The meal was huge, fried cheese, moussaka, dips, Greek salad and of course lamb. We met our new tour director Rulie who is Greek and hit the road to Olympia. The Hotel Antonios isn't as nice as last nights but ok for one night. The drive here was nice along the coast and though the mountains with some great scenery.

Did the mandatory Facebook check when we arrived were Brooke and Michael had posted a picture of the dogs with a sign wishing us a Happy 10th Anniversary which really made my day.

We headed out for dinner around 7.00pm were we undertook some cooking lessons. I felt like I was on Greek Master-chef.   This was fun and we all took turns in creating several different dishes. Dinner was this massive Buffett which was truly delicious but I am sure they had enough for another 200 people. I am sure I have out on 5kg and I haven't even been here one week.

Next came the Greek dancing and plate smashing which ended up with Donna and I dancing on the tables. We had only had 500mls of wine each so how that happened I don't  know. Hopefully the video isn't already on You Tube.

Looking forward to investigating Ancient Olympia tomorrow but until then goodnight J&N.

Day 4 - Athens to Nafplion

Today another 30 degree day with blue sky started with a city tour of Athens followed by a visit to the Temple of Zeus and the Acropolis. This time we had a guided tour so we got to hear this history etc. of the Acropolis which was very interesting. Noel and I also went over to Mars Hill were it is said Christianity was born in Greece. After the Acropolis we walked down to the Acropolis Museum. This was excellent, the museum when it was being built they discovered a very significant large ancient city ruin so they had to build the museum over the top of it with glass floors so you can see the excavation. The excavation is amazing to see under the glass floor both inside and out.  The building itself is impressive with all natural light used inside to light up the exhibits.

We only had a short time to stay so our guide took us to the highlights. Very impressive the way they have set it out so you can walk around the statues. The models of the buildings and then on the 3rd floor the replication of the temple is truly impressive with both replicas and authentic pieces to show how the pantheon really looked.

After the museum we had lunch in Placa, we decided to go for gyros which we know as yiros. Very yummy, the pita was so light and fluffy, completely different from what we get at home.

After lunch we hit the road along the coast to Nafplion. Along the way we stopped at the man made Corinthian canal which was very impressive and quite unbelievable really. Shame no ship was going through at the time.

We got to Nafplion and discovered we had been upgraded to a better hotel were we have an amazing room on the sea front. The Ampithtryon Hotel is  very flash and the view is spectacular over the bay. We went for a walk into this very pretty village. The old quarter is paved In marble which is stunning. Noel and I went half way up the 999 steps to the Fortress of Palamdi. The views from here are incredible. We only went half way up as it was closed due to the strike. It is 220 meters to the summit up the marble stairs, the fortress was built 1711-1715. It was founded by the Venetians but fell to the Ottomans before it was complete.

After some exploration by Noel of the wall at the bottom we headed back after a drink in the village before dinner at 7.30. The meal was excellent and we all sat with a South African couple who are living in Canada. They are both doctors and have also lived and worked in Ireland. They are a very nice an interesting couple to talk to. After dinner we did a walk into the village and back along the waterfront as it is a very mild  evening perfect for a stroll.

Tomorrow due to the strike we will miss out on our proper tour site however Bill has arranged a walking tour of the city instead which means we get to sleep in.

I would be happy to stay in this town a few days, it is said to be the most beautiful village in Greece and it is living up to this reputation from what we have seen. it reminds me of the French villages with its quaint little streets but instead of cobble stones it is marble paving which would be very slippery when wet I would imagine.

We head to Olympia tomorrow and check out some Mycenae ruins along the way.

Chow for now J&N

Day 3 - Athens

Today's walking adventure of Athens started after a great breakfast at 8.30am. With our map in the hands of Noel we headed for the Acropolis. We were only led astray once by Noel's navigation and we began our climb to the top. Not as hard as climbing Lofty and as we went up the south side  not crowded. That soon changed and as we got up closer to the top the crowds began but not too bad.

The sacred rock of the Acropolis was for many years the most important religious centre of the city of Athens. With the Parthenon, Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion erected on this site it is an impressive place to visit. The weather is perfect, blue sky and around 30 degrees.

We decided after the Acropolis we needed a nescafé frappa so we sat in a park for a rest and to hydrate in an outside café. Then it was time to hit the pavement and we then walked to the National Archaeological Museum. We found this no problem so Noel was awarded a probationary Athens Tour Guide licence. This museum is the largest Archaeological museum in Greece and one of the most important museums in the world devoted to Greek art. It contains unique works of art representing the major civilisations that flourished in Greece. It had some amazing gold jewellery and terracotta figurines, bronze collections and incredible sculptures. The museum also had a display form the Antikythera Shipwreck dated to 60-50 BC. The finds from the shipwreck bear witness to the aesthetic preferences of the purchasers but also the phenomenon of the art trade in western civilisation.

Time for lunch so we headed back down the mall for a lovely fresh roll. After lunch we split up, Noel was off to the war museum, Mark was off to try and get a ticket to the soccer game tonight Olympia v Paris, Donna and I were off to shopping street.

Donna and I did some successful jewellery shopping, I got some gold earrings, Donna earrings and a ring. I also bought a dress and we both got bracelets. Happy with our purchases we stopped for a drink before our walk back to the hotel. On the way back we went passed Parliament house and it was changing of the Evzone Guards which was nifty.

Noel was happy with his trip to the war museum and Mark is like a child on Xmas morning as he has his ticket to the soccer. Mark is also now a member of the Olympia Football Club which he had to join to get the ticket to the game.

Tonight Donna, Noel and I will meet our fellow travellers and a light dinner whilst Mark is of to the soccer.

Will add some photos later.  Big day tomorrow cheers until next time J&N.

Day 2 - Dubai to Greece

Today we had an early start with breakfast at 6.30am as our airport transfer was at 7.30am. Our flight to Athens was only 4.5 hours which seemed short after the 14 hours previously. Today is warm and overcast. They were hoping for the first rain in months but it didn't happen. Looks like the weather is going to around 30 for the next week. Warm but no too hot for site seeing.

Got to our hotel the Divani Caravel after about a 30min drive and checked in. Not too bad, rooms are ok a bit tighter than Dubai but big for Europe. We met our travel director Bill who is a tall Irish guy. He gave us the run down and suggested as we arrived a day early stuff to do tomorrow. On that list he recommended we go to the acropolis as there is a strong rumour there is going to be a strike on Wednesday the day the tour is going there and he would hate us to miss it.

We hit the mini mart for drink supplies and then headed up to the roof top pool which has an amazing view of the city. You can see the acropolis clearly from here, can't wait to see our first Greek historical site. Might be over it in a week. It at the stage still excited. We ordered a coffee so we could take in the view. Lucky I remembered a cappuccino in Europe is served with a pile of cream and not froth as Donna and i both ordered that first off. Have to remember the order is a double shot of espresso with milk from now on.

We went to a local Greek restaurant Oroscopo near the hotel for dinner and sat in the park.  Wasn't cheap but it was very good. The food was fantastic and plenty of it. We ordered too much of course, serves are bigger here plus they gave us complimentary soup and dessert on top of what we ordered.  Wine is cheap, 5.80 euro for 500ml carafe. It was such a mild pleasant night to dine outside, it didn't get dark until after 8pm. People walked their dogs, we even had a French bull dog playing with a ball. I have never seen one so active.

Got back to the hotel so full Noel and I just crashed. I think we are still adjusting to the time zone. Not really suffering jet lag just need early nights, maybe the jet eze tablets do work.

Big day of walking tomorrow venturing out and about. No free Wi-Fi in the hotel, they want 15 euro a day, I don't think so. Lots in the cafe's free just around the corner so will update blog when I can. Apparently most of the hotels on the way will have it free in the lobby.

Until next time J&N

Day 1 - Dubai

Arrived in Dubai after a long flight. The Emirates flight was not as bad as I thought it was going to be, the food was good and I loved the stars on the cabin roof to simulate the night sky. Good selection of movies and I didn't find the seats too restricted. We ended up in the very last seat at the back of the plane which in the end weren't too bad. No-one banging the back of the seat and a lot more storage room behind you. We arrived on time but the airport was busy so we had stay in a holding pattern for 45mins which was a pain; at least they turned the entertainment system back on.

So much for the tough customs laws, saw no one, they checked nothing. Noel grab some beer from duty free; lucky as we have found none for sale anywhere. Hit the hotel for a shower and met Mark and Donna for a wander in the Deira City Mall over the road from the hotel for an early lunch and look around. We then decided to chill out for a while and have a nana nap before spending some time at the hotel pool. The weather is 40 degrees and fairly humid which surprised me I thought it would be dry heat. The hotel we are staying in is the Novatel Deira City near the airport which is very nice, good sized rooms and bathrooms. Was worried at first as our room is right next to and overlooking a Mosque however the windows are obviously double glazed as you cannot hear the call to prayer so no early wake up call.

We headed back out at 7pm and caught the Metro to Dubai Mall. We decided to go Gold Class, very nice. I must say the thing that I have noticed is this city is so clean. Everything is clean, public toilets, car parks, trains, train stations, roads, everything. Everyone speaks English, shop assistants, cleaners, restaurants, we haven't found anyone who doesn't. With no problems on the train we arrived at Dubai Mall station and took the sky bridge which seemed to go for miles to the Mall and the Water Fountain Show. We just missed one so we waited the 30 minutes for the next one. While we waited we checked out the lights of Dubai and the tallest building in the world the Burj Khalifa.

 

 

The water show was good, not great but we can tick it off the list. We then went into Mall for dinner and headed back on the Metro to the hotel as we are now feeling exhausted.

Athens tomorrow, flight at 10.05am. Time now for some shut eye.