Olympia

Let's visit the site of the first Olympics, where countries came together regardless of war to compete for glory. Let's check out the place where the Olympic torch is lit every four years, where the drama throughout all of Greek mythology has its first root, and where both victors and cheaters were made immortal--statues received honor or spit. CHECK IT OUT

Western pediment (LOOK AT THAT CRAFTSMANSHIP!!) showing the centaurs tryin' to rape...typical

Nikki (eyes closed, sorry) tells us about the HUGE ivory/gold statue of Zeus, one of the wonders of the ancient world destroyed by Christians...typical

Helmet of Miltiades--signaled Greek victory over Persians, prompted dude to run 26 miles and subsequently die...the marathon was born!

300,000 Euro to reconstruct this pillar

It was a splendidly beautiful day! Apollo blessed us with sunshine, and Demeter was being reunited with Persephone. Snapped a pic of my free time

FIRST OLYMPIC FIELD EVA

Eastern pediment. The charioteer race that started all the Greek drama. 

Starting line (marble slab with grooves as 'blocks')

Our fabulous guide Nikki

After our time in Olympia we had to get on an overnight ferry to Italy and leave Greece behind. Le Sigh. Greece was incredible-my favorite country, for sure. I know they're having some serious economic issues right now, but honestly I can't blame them. They deserve to sit around and eat oranges and soak up the sun (sunshine 360 days of the year in Greece), because Greece is perfect, and we owe everything we know/believe to the people of this flawless land. Except...ok, maybe they definitely need to get their act together...but I bow to the superiority of the Grecian life.