Leaving the charm of Galaxhida for a three hour ride across the Polonese.
Quick stop at a seaside resort to get a break from LEON we climbed into the town of Olympia, very small with at least one street going in a single direction ending at the ancient sites. We hustled our way through and found a tight spot to park and tour.
For twelve centuries this was the most important site for religious and athletic events in the ancient world as well as the site for the original Olympic Games. Most of these relics either have not been unearthed or laying on the ground where they once stood. The original parts standing have been incorporated into newly formed blocks to simulate at least some form so that you can begin to formulate what this city once was. Athena offered the olive tree to the city of Athens thereby cementing the Olive Tree as the Greek symbol. So it was therefore a must to offer an olive branch to the victors of the games. Among some of the structures are the Temple of Zeus (where the athletes gave the oath before competition), Temple of Hera, the Gymnasium and of course the Stadium. Winding our way through the city we ended it in the stadium. It is not like the stadiums we envision but with its banked sides and flat bottom, we had the opportunity to run like the Olympians:)
Looking for lunch we happened upon our hotel for the evening and completed our reservation, asking the kind gentleman for a dinner choice. His choice was the Garden Taverna at the top of the hill, great food and the best sunset around. We headed up and made reservations for 7:30PM returning to explore the remainder of the city.
Dinner again was fabulous as was the scenery. A few of us were concerned as we were being served by young teens, probably family members:)
A quiet evening walk then turning in as Justin and Cameron have a workout planned for the morning then getting back into LEON for a drive across the mountains. Goodnight