Athens Arachova & Delphi Meteora & en route Tinos & Delos Mykonos & Santorini Naxos & Syros Crete Cats
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There's something magical about the Greek country side ... mountains, forests, olive groves. And, then there's the magnificent ancient site of Delphi. |
 A memorial to Greek Resistance Fighters in WWII stands alone on a mountainside on the way to Arachova. |
 Most of us think of sun and sea when Greece is mentioned, but it also has a busy ski business. The town of Arachova (right) is the center of of one of the more popular areas. |
 The driver of our enormous bus had to negotiate this narrow, two-way Arachova main street. |
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 The view from our balcony at the Santa Marina Hotel, in Arachova. |
 The sunsets were spectacular. As birdwatchers, we did a double-take when we saw these chimney-top smoke deflectors (right). |
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 The archeological site of Delphi takes it name from this small village that is nearby. |
 The recently renovated Delphi Archeological Museum was filled with stunning art, such as the Sphinx of Naxos. |
 Statues of brothers Cleobis and Biton by artist Polymedes from approximately 600 BC, in the Archaic Era. |
 We were fascinated with this scene of Apollo pouring wine into the earth as an offering because of its similarity to the Egyptian scribe pouring ink into the sand and the Peruvian shaman pouring chicha (corn beer) into the ground. |
 It's amazing how many civilizations claim to contain the "navel of the World." It is represented by this sacred stone, or omphalos. |
 The omphalos stood on this tall, ornate column. |
 Thin sheets of gold ornamentation were found at the Delphi site. Also click here for more of the gold that was found. |
 The large bronze Charioteer (478 B.C.) is one of the most treasured exhibits. It is part of a group commemorating the winning of a race in the Pythian Games. |
  Later sculptures of heroes. |
 A view inside the archeological site. |
 The Temple of Apollo was at the center of the site, which attracted worshippers and politicians from around ancient Greece. It was the site of the Oracle. |
 Before the temple was built, there was believed to have been an oracle at this large natural rock. She was the original Sibyl and it is known as the Sibylline Rock |
 Wildflowers grew among Delphi's stones. |
 More stones and wildflowers. If you look closely at the center of the wall, you'll see a Lesser Gray Shrike. |
 Across the road and down a hill is the Temple of Athena. |
 Another view of the Temple of Athena. |
Athens Arachova & Delphi Meteora & en route Tinos & Delos Mykonos & Santorini Naxos & Syros Crete Cats