Katakolon (Olympia), Greece

We drove 30 minutes to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympics. Ancient Olympia was one of the most important cities in classical Greece. The Santuary of Zeus was an attraction for pilgrims and later was host to Olympic games. Fires burned many of the area forests around Olympia in 2007. We went on a private tour with about 15 other guests (unfortunately our guide was not very clear in what she was saying). We drove first to the Monastery of Skafidia who were only welcome to us because we are American. It was built in the 10th century and nuns offered us candy and allowed photos without a flash only because we are American (?!).  We did learn that there is some issue with earthquakes and government not paying for damages to houses. This area towards Olympia had many crops of fruits and vegetables. After we stopped at Skafida, we went to Olympia (it was soooo hot!).

Approaching Katakolon

At Port

Driving to Skafidia, many farms, passing a truck full of tomato

10th century Monastery of Skafidia (which defined as small fish boat yards?)

Inside chapel, allowed to take photos without flash

Inside chapel

In courtyard of Monastery

Alex greeted with his winning head dress as we arrive in Olympia

Temple of Zeus, 776 BC games began and we were told that they would sacrifice 100 oxen. It  also had a focus on music, the person with the best voice and best flute player would be chosen to announce and play during the games. There were only a few games a boxing/wrestling, running, pentathlon, chariot races. Everyone would gather at the Temple of Zeus to honor the gods. The Olympics were the best ways to train for soldiers.

We loved this idea! Anyone who did not follow rules at Olympics or said  dishonorable things about competitors would have to pay for a bronze statue of zeus and have their names and family names on the statue. These statues are in a line as you enter the stadium. Alex thought it may be a good idea to replace the bench table at Canyon Vista with names in bronze!?

Winner! In 7 BC, the winner would get free meals for life, a statue of himself and his town would give him a prize too.  Athletes had all different "careers" one winner was a milk man and wanted a new milk cart. Alex learned that he was overdressed for his "run" as all Olympians were naked. Plus, there were no women except one who was allowed to be disguised as a trainer since her sons were all Olympic champions.

At the entrance of  Ancient Olympia

It is so gigantic and hard to imagine how it looked, but there were photos inside the museum to show us.

Temple of Hera where the flame for the Olympics was lit and 16 women would light the flame and sacrifice a cow.

Jim in front of Temple of Hera

Alex and I in front of the area where the flame was

Race started by string around runner and let go at start

Exit of the stadium, it was SOOO hot!

Inside the museum where the display of the pediments from Temple of Zeus

More pediments from Temple of Zeus (built around 425 BC)

Illegal photo-got busted!

Famous statue of Hermes from Temple of Hera which was built by Pheidas who was the famous sculpture of the Parthenon. He was accused of stealing gold from the Parthenon, so he came to Olympia to build other sculptures. This was so amazing as you walked around this, the face of Hermes changed expressions. Really amazing!

Tools from 7th C BC, just incredible.

Only cool treat here and was well worth the 10 EUROS!!!
Then, we were off to our special lunch at the Olympion Asty Hotel in the forest of Olympia which had a view of the Alfeios River, Kiparisia Bay and the Ionian Sea.  We ate some Greek specialties including our favorite Greek salad.

Our lunch-done! back to ship

After our tour guide told us how great it is to swim at any of the beach near Katakolon, we walked outside our room on our balcony and saw the strangest sight! Jelly fish as far as the eye could sea-thousands of them-EVERYWHERE!!! Alex decided for the ship pool instead!