Sabbatical Day 15

July 4, 2004--Day 15
Yesterday we arrived at Delphi, then went to one of the archaeological sites, then shopping and wandering in the nearby town of Arachova. We returned to Delphi for dinner and to check in to our hotels. The dinner was one of the best I’ve had on this part of the trip—stuffed grapeleaves and meatballs. After dinner I got on the Internet (€5/hour) and updated my website, typing several journal entries in. I also checked my e-mail briefly. As far as hotel rooms go, this one was the worst so far. I’m not at the Amalia per my itinerary, but rather at the Hotel Vouzas. The view from the restaurant makes up a little for the room. I’m waiting outside for the bus. Inside, Greek church is on the television, reminding me that it is Sunday. I went to the kiosk across the street, to see if there is such thing as the “Sunday newspaper,” but it seems most papers have a combined Saturday/Sunday edition. If I haven’t mentioned it already, the kiosks are the cheapest place to buy water (€.50-€1) and Coke Light. We’re supposed to get back to Athens this evening, but I’m not sure there will be much to do there, because it’s Sunday. From what I understand, the final game of the EuroCup is tonight. The plan is to visit the Delphi museum this morning (though much of it is apparently under renovation), then visit the main archaeological site. One of the neat things about the sites throughout Greece are the matching ticket stubs are brochures at each site. There have been a few sites that I didn’t receive a brochure, and one of the stubs is a bit wrinkled, but they will make a nice addition to my scrapbook, or whatever I put everything in. I bought a bag yesterday to put souvenirs in. I’ve bought a lot of postcards, and two books. I am down to €5, but I can get more at the hotel when we get back to Athens.
1:45 p.m. Delphi was good. We started at the museum, which was under renovation as previously mentioned, so only one room was open—the famous Charioteer of Delphi, and a few other artifacts. Then we went to the main archaeological site. There was much to see—the Temple of Apollo, a theater, and the belly-button of the ancient world. I climbed all the way up to the top where the stadium, home of the Pythian Games, is. Lunch was at a restaurant… I didn’t get the name. I had a salad with feta cheese and an appetizer sampler plate, which included fried cheese, spinach pie, grape leaves, zucchini, etc. It was a very enjoyable lunch. Then we headed back to Athens, stopping midway for a “pee pee” stop, as our tour guide says. We made quite a few hotel stops. Ours was the second to last. I am on the fifth floor this time, but my room is very similar. I decided to return to the Acropolis, as it is one of the few things open on Sunday. I took the Metro (subway) this time, rather than walking. I found the Metro to be easy to navigate, inexpensive, and quick. I bought an Acropolis ticket for €12… I think my remaining tickets from last time had expired, and I forgot to bring them anyway. I bumped into Jacinta and Morick at the Acropolis… I headed toward the Ancient Agora. My self-guided tour was relaxing and enjoyable. It took me awhile to find the Metro station (a different one than I got off) but I eventually did, and I returned to the hotel in just a few minutes! Much nicer than walking!

In the Footsteps of St. Paul: 40068