Morocco, Greece, Egypt, Jerusalem & More: Delphi

Delphi, the spiritual capital of the Ancient World. At the time, hosting the all-important Temple of Apollo, where The Oracle resided. The Oracle was basically a woman, typically dressed in white, like a virgin, even if she wasn’t, and acted as anonymous vessels for the words of Apollo, as interpreted by the priests. Although far out in the remote Greek, mountainous countryside, it was still a spot frequented and visited by kings; philosophers, Emperors, ancient billionaires, historians, and anyone that was anyone of the day. Socrates came to Delphi and was so inspired by the phrase “Know Thyself” inscribed on the Temple of Apollo that he pursued the path of self-knowledge… and changed the course of history. Alexander the Great asked “the oracle” about whether he’d be successful in conquering the world. When the oracle hemmed and hawed, Alexander grabbed her by the hair and wouldn’t let go. The helpless oracle cried, “You’re unstoppable.” Alexander said: “I have my answer.” Our trip in Delphi led us to encounter this Temple, the ancient grounds, and even to meet some pilgrims of today who were also searching for their own answers to the meaning of life and its direction.

Besides the Temple of Apollo and Oracle, the small town of Delphi is also famous for hosting the ancient Pan-Hellenic Pythian Games in its Stadium. Second in importance only to the Olympic Games, athletes would wrestle, race, and fight, and often do much of it naked, except for a shield and greaves. Delphi, in its time, also boasted a powerful Treasury, and was home to gifts/tributes from all over the world, appeasement to the Gods and Temple of Apollo/Oracle.

The first morning was spent visiting these sites, as well as the museum which hosted many of the “gifts” that were not destroyed over the centuries. Quite a nice local museum, it was worth the quick stroll through it. I particularly enjoyed the stone with music written on it, some of the oldest music in recorded history. The music can be listened to as well! We spent the afternoon hopping around to different restaurants watching the World Cup and enjoying the view, which was basically present in every single establishment. When we saw the view, either from the hotel balcony, any restaurant along the “cliff-side-of-the-street”, we would just lean back and stare in awe at the incredible vista spanning across a huge valley; mountains, and the Gulf of Corinth in the distance, including with its two smaller towns along the water’s shoreline..

People came to Delphi to figure out their lives and future. That still is true today, as we met a couple of people not from there, but happen to “be” there for a while, figuring things out. To see the town, we really honestly only needed 2 days, instead of 3, but it was a relaxing stay at the Olympic hotel, catch the views, and chill out. Places of note - Telescope Restaurant, Tavern Bacchus, Taberna Ta Skalakia, and the Cafe/bar next to Olympic Hotel (not on maps), with it’s upstairs and downstairs and the bomb dig view + Nova Blockade play area ;)

Now its off to the countryside, and a loop around the Cornith Gulf, coupled with some exploration of some unique Greek cities!