Wrap-up: an American werewolf in Olympia

Ancient Olympia was a significant religious site in Greece; it was also the location of the first Olympic games.


Although remains of the Temple of Zeus still exist (above), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the statue of Zeus, does not.

We have an idea of what it might have looked like, though.


With so many ruins, it's easy here to get an idea of how things once looked...

Especially when people try to run the length of the stadium.

You know, the root of the word "stadium" is a Greek word.


The last day of the cruise was smooth sailing. You can see we took safety precautions.


And although there were a few startling surprises,

there was nothing we couldn't deal with.


And there was time on the way home to stop in Germany for ein bier.

An American werewolf in Delos (and Mykonos)

Delos is a small island in the Cyclades. In Greek mythology, it is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.


A center of politics and trade as well as religion, Delos has spectacular remains, including the Terrace of Lions, dedicated about 2600 years ago.

The island itself is really gorgeous, and the light is incredible.

And even if there were sherds lying all over the ground, we would never DREAM of taking them. Even if they were probably not in their original context.

Mykonos is about a mile away by boat. The water was pretty rough, but it made for great scenery at lunch time. The mussels were good but the octopus was meh.


Yes, it is that white and blue.

Yes, the wildflowers and sites on Delos were really that cool.

An American werewolf in Corfu and Athens

We weren't in Corfu long, just long enough for a lovely wedding and splendid Greek lunch.

And since *someone* left his dinner jacket at home, he ditched the party and pondered the "wine-dark sea."

The next day was a brief stop in Athens. The highlight was the Acropolis and the Parthenon.


We saw the Caryatids of the Erechtheion Temple, which is part of the Acropolis complex.


Seeing buildings and sculptures that you've only known from books and television is brilliant. Overwhelming. The details alone are works of art.


And it is always neat to see people crowding a place that people have crowded for thousands of years.

Graffiti has been around as long as humans have. This is a more recent example.


After visiting ancient sites, viewing the modern port of Piraeus, and thinking deep thoughts about how there are a lot of things that haven't changed so much over time...


...sometimes a refreshing snack with a friend is in order to put it all into perspective.