Friday 25^th September – Galixidhi (Delphi)

38:22.601N 22:23.286E

This morning, after breakfast, we went to the square in the centre of town and caught the local bus to Delphi.  We had to change buses at Itéa and noticed that they were setting up for what looked like a car rally on the front next to the marina.

Itéa

© Pyxis 2009

We had only a short time to wait for the connecting bus and we were soon in Delphi.  We set off in search of the archaeological remains, consulting a map on a wall and then heading off up and out of town; we ended up wandering cross country to a locked gate, able to see the remains some distance away in the valley.

A few others had done the same and were generally milling about.  On the way down the hill, I did the female thing and asked directions; there was a Greek Festivals museum nearby – the lady at the desk was very helpful and yes we were going the wrong way.  A short while later, after her very good description of the way, we were down at the ruins and spent a good few hours wandering around this massive site. 

Ancient Delphi is reputedly one of most spectacular classic sites in Greece. It is set amidst ravines and sheer cliffs on the side of Mt Parnassos overlooking the Gulf of Corinth.  It is noted for the Temple of Apollo, the Sanctuary of Athena and the Delphic oracle (although she wasn’t in).

When we went to the part of the site nearest the archaeological museum, we found that the upper part (with the Temple of Apollo and the Theatre) was closed due to a recent rock fall from the cliff above it.  We realised that that was why the entrance we had originally tried to enter by was closed.  The side-effect of this was that entrance to the rest of the site was free, which was nice.

Delphi

© Pyxis 2009

Exhausted, we strolled back to town and sat in the shade waiting for the return bus and met up with a Dutch couple who had done the same trip as us.  It turned out they were berthed near us with their catamaran and when we got back they invited us aboard; we sat drinking and sharing experiences and had a lovely time.

We finally returned to Pyxis and, having looked at the forecast for tomorrow which shows both wind and rain, it looks like we will be here another day or two L