Olympia

Take the ferry from Zakynthos to Peloponnese. Just 45 minutes from there!

Visiting this ancient Olympian site (8th century) a second time is still breathtaking. Stepping back in time engulfed in stories of loss, victory, greatness
and tragedy.

 The Olympic Stadium!

Bases of Zane (Zeus) posted the names, fines and incidence of cheaters in the games! 

Rocket Salad!

Praying Mantis joins us.

 And then the rain began! It's a downpour, but we  make it through the Olympic site and head back to our green cafe (from 8 years ago...) just in time!

The sheets of rain came down!

Olympia

Imagine you are an ancient Olympic athlete in Olympia, crossing the archway into the stadium. The hot sun on your neck, buzzing of cicadas fills your ears. You race across the track, sweat on your brow, a heartbeat so strong and fierce it take you back in time.

The grandeur of the site overwhelms us. The time and preparation to honor the athletes obvious. Through occupation, earthquakes, statues like the 12 Labors or Hercules survive, sacred places, like the site between the statues Hera and Zeus--the place of the reenactment of the lighting of Olympic fire. It's all still there--still vivid in the remains--everything recovered but the Hippodrome. Even remnants of the walk of shame--statues that honored and shame the cheaters of the great races.

The buzz is still there--and it's so apparent how important competition and athletics has been and will always be. What is it that drives us to compete? To push our physical nature? An innate sense of immortality? Here is seems that the gods and goddesses feel it too.

That night in the quaint town of Olympia--we have drinks in the Green cafe--under sycamores, surrounded by green glowing lights. An old Greek waiter that had a tough time with my minimal Greek created a new beverage for me--a mix with Morello cherry that becomes my favorite. The candle light flickers in the wind and kids play soccer along the streets.

The buzz is still there... ah, Greece. How do I love thee?