Today we made a pilgrimage to one of the most important sites of the ancient world: Delphi. Its spectacular setting under high limestone cliffs is certainly worthy of the god Apollo. In ancient times, pilgrims from all over the world traveled to Delphi to consult the oracle for any major decisions that needed to be taken. The oracle's priestess, Pythia, always gave ambiguous answers that could only be deciphered by the Priests of the Oracle. Our guides Effie and Laura took us through the Agora and along the Sacred Way, as well as to the Temple of Apollo, where the oracle resided. We also took an ambitious climb to see the well preserved 3rd century Theater, as well as the Stadium. We also saw the Omphalos, or belly-button of the earth, in the lower portion of the site. We visited a great museum, whose exhibits include the frieze of the Treasury of the Sifnians, the Naxian Sphinx and the famous Charioteer, originally created to commemorate a victory during the 476 BC Pythian Games.
During lunch, Pan Orama set sail, eastbound in the Gulf of Korinth. We arrived at the west end of the Korinth Canal in the late afternoon and everyone piled on deck to see the transit of this impressive manmade canal, which connects the Gulf of Korinth with the Saronic Gulf. It was unbelievable! Then more feasting at the Captain's Farewell cocktail party and dinner.
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