The weather could not have been more perfect today. No, really. About 70. Sky blue and clear. A soft breeze blowing. It was delightful.

Mike and Rick at the entrance to the Olympia site

We checked out of our hotel (the Delphi Palace–thanks Lydia!) and drove along the northern edge of the Gulf of Corinth–through Agios Nikalaus, Naupactos, and Antirhio–to the new bridge spanning the Gulf at Rhio/Patra. What a beautiful suspension bridge! It glistens white against the blue of sky and sea–spreading its wings like a graceful dove. Quite a feat of engineering! I usually take the ferry over the Gulf (Agios Nikalaus to Eghio) but the bridge is a faster route to Olympia.

We crossed over to the Peloponnese and drove towards Olympia. I got sleepy and we pulled into a small town to get a coffee. It’s Sunday here and the Greek Orthodox Church was letting out from morning worship. We stood in the town square and watched as they formed up in a procession–led by a brass band–and walked an icon through the streets of the village. It was fun to watch–a slice of Greek life.

At the stadium at Olympia

We arrived in Olympia and went straight to the site. It being Sunday today, the site was free! We spent a couple of hours wandering around the temples and stadium and gymnasiums, gaping at the size of some of the ruins, awed by the accomplishments of men dead 2500 years! The trees were in blossom–rich purple and white. It was a gorgeous day with the sun shining, the wind wafting, and the bees buzzing. We had a great time.

Then to the museum. What an incredible collection. Stuff from 4500 b.c. all the way through the Roman era. The pediment sculptures from the Temple of Zeus always amaze me and move me profoundly. The Hermes of Praxiteles is one of the great masterpieces of the ancient world. The museum alone makes up for all the difficulties you must encounter to get to this site so far from the rest of the Greek world.

We checked into the Pelops Hotel (www.hotelpelops.gr), rested a bit, and then went out for a lovely dinner at a largely deserted restaurant. All in all, a great day.