Delphi, Greece
Early in the morning we entered the bay of Itea at the Corinthian Gulf. We drove through the vast olive grove of Amfissa surrounded by the mountains of Giona and Parnassos.
After a winding drive up to the Parnassos we reached the famous ancient Oracle of Delfi and Sanctuary to Apollo. We followed the steps of ancient pilgrims walking on the sacred way up to the altar and temple of Apollo. There, in an underground cave-like room at the back of the temple, sat Pythia, the mouthpiece of the god, and prophesized by inhaling gas emitted from a chasm in the rock. There was also the navel stone, a symbol of the belief that Delfi represented the centre of the Earth, according to the ancient Greeks.
Our group enjoyed the spectacular views of the breathtaking mountains and valley, views that constantly improved as we kept going up the mountain. Most of us made it up to the theatre area, where in antiquity they held theatrical competitions as well as music competitions in honor of Apollo, the god of music. And some even made it up to the stadium, at the highest point of the site, where sports and races were held every four years during the Pythian Games, and the victors received a laurel wreath as a prize.
In the afternoon we had a very interesting presentation by Grace on the Fourth Crusade and its impact in the Balkans, as we sailed east in the waters of the Corinthian Gulf to reach the Corinth Canal. This very impressive artificial canal was constructed within 12 years, completed in 1893; it greatly facilitated navigation between Italy and the Aegean, changing trade routes of the time. It is still in use by any vessel that can fit through its narrow and steep walls. It is four miles long and brought us fast to the other side where the Aegean Sea, and specifically the Saronic Gulf, lies.
That brought us to Pireaus later in the evening, after a smooth sail enjoying Sharon’s wonderful slide show of our cruise and the Captain’s cocktail party and dinner.
