June 29 - Olympia

Today we got a little reprieve on our wake-up time. We didn't have to be up at the crack of dawn. We were able to go to breakfast at 8:00 and then swim before we had to pack up and leave.

The hotel is gorgeous. The rooms are spacious and we have a balcony that overlooks the pool.

The food was varied and provided many cultural specialties. I love buffets that give us that opportunity.  And,  with our relaxed schedule today, we could sample and enjoy.

When we left,  we discovered that the hotel was right next to the ancient Olympia site. We literally drove down the hill and parked.

The site is still under excavation,  and the was some work going on today. Our guide took us to the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, the walls of fame (and shame), and finally the stadium.

The stadium is a far cry from what we see for the modern Games. There are no seats,  just a field worth a marble finish line.  Our guide told us that the shot put flee the 2004 Olympics was held there - and they didn't bring in seats! 

Then it was back on the bus for the ride to the ferry. It's hard to imagine that we left a week ago today.  So much has happened and we still have so much to come!