Central Greece: Delphi and Kamena Vourla

 October 4, 2023

Road trip in Central Greece

We left Athens this morning heading north to Central Greece.  As we left town, there was a morning traffic jam on the expressway.  There are four million people living in Athens.  It was notable to me that many buildings and expressway underpasses were heavily marked with graffiti.  I asked our tour guide why this was so pronounced.  She began by saying that this was not a "gang" problem, but a soccer fan problem.  Obviously, it was not seen as a problem. 

Once out of the city, we passed many warehouses and corporate business type buildings.  I notice Nestle, Barilla (Italian pasta), Jumbo and other places labeled "cash and carry" markets.  Eventually the fields of corn, olive trees, and other agriculture become dominant.  I can see many solar wind mills and solar farms among the farming areas.  

Wind farms on hillsides

     

Solar Farms

     

JUMBO Warehouse

Central Mountains

We move into a mountainous area and went through small towns with Greek Orthodox Churches that are typically white cross shaped buildings with a red dome.  Along the way, there are rest stops for food and souvenirs.  As we see the mountains getting bigger, we go through an area known for downhill skiing.   Mount Parnassos in Central Greece is the largest and best known.  On the  south western slope of Mt Parnassos, is the ancient ruins of Delphi.  This was the home of an Oracle who was consulted about important decisions throughout the ancient classical world.  Our tour is going to visit these ruins today.  (I am still recovering from covid.)  I stay behind and wait out the hike to Delphi at a local restaurant.  Sylvia went with the hike.  

Hilly Highway 

Mt Parnassos

Ski Resort town Mt Parnassos

The tour group all came back from their hike to the Delphi ruins for lunch at this restaurant.  Very good Greek foods.  Sylvia had roasted wild boar and I had chicken shish-kabob.  Neither of us had room for Baklava.  The waiter put on a bit of show by continuing to say in very loud voice "Baklava!"

Now we continued by bus to a coastal resort town called Kamena Vourla.  It is on the Aegean Sea with many beautiful beaches.  The Knimis Mountains rise just south of the town.  It is crossed by Highway 1 which connects Athens and Thessaloniki.

We stayed at a 5 star resort on the shoreline of Kamena Vourla. The area looked a lot like a cross between Waikiki and Door County. 

After unpacking, we took a little walk along the beach and shops.  Seeing an Orthodox church, we stopped and lit a few candles.  

At the resort we had Mass for the Feast of St Francis (Oct 4th).  Supper buffet was grand as has been the case throughout the trip.