Day 6: The Olympics and Zorba

Today we landed in Greece and we explored the ruins of Olympis.  The first Olympic Games were held here in 776 BC and every 4 years thereafter for the next 600 years.  During the Olympic competition, the city-states were bound by a sacred truce to stop fighting and take part in the athletic events.  This location was also the ancient sanctuary of Zeus and so the games were a religious tribute to Zeus.  In an Olympic year the Olympic torch is still lit at this site.

 The participants in the early games competed in the nude and for that reason, women were not permitted to watch the games.  There was only one winner in each event (no 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd place). The winner received a Laurel Wreath of olive tree leaves for his head.

We had lunch at a Greek restaurant where we were introduced to Zorba Dancing.  It was participatory and lots of fun.

Olympic Stadium: Start and finish lines are in marble.

Zeus...now we know what he looks like.

Ann at the Temple of Zeus

My imitation of Zorba the Greek

Greece, as you know, is in the midst of a serious economic depression.  It is very evident as you drive through the countryside and see tons of garbage piled high on the side of the road.  The country apparently cannot afford to fund the position of garbage collector and other service areas.

We have now set sail for Athens and the Acropolis.