Pretty Spaces and Holy Places

Temple of Apollo

 Instead of a weekend trip, we just took a day trip to the site where the Temple of Apollo still stands, located in Delphi. We traveled about 3 hours on a bus to visit what remains of this sacred site. The Temple of Apollo is also the home to Pythis, the Oracle of Delphi (known as the most important oracle in the ancient world). In ancient times, pilgrims would travel from all over the world to visit the Oracle in hopes of acquiring the wisdom and advice of the Oracle. People traveled hundreds or thousands of miles to consult the Oracle (who could interpret the future) before making important decisions. This site held such an importance among the ancient people that they considered it to be the center of the world. It was affectionately called the "belly button" of the world.

The natural spring where pilgrims would cleanse themselves before approaching the temple of Apollo.

Erika and I holding the "belly button" of the world.

Even though this looks like a temple, it's actually the Treasury of Apollo. It is covered with "graffiti" or hymns written to Apollo.

The believed site of the Oracle (although we don't know for sure). Hollywood movies lead us to believe this.

We took a nice hike up the mountainside to the Stadium of the Pythian games, which were held once every four years (similar to the Olympics but not on the same year). When I saw the stadium, I had to resist the urge to run down there and just sprint down the length of it. The field was just begging me to come run on it (especially since I was dressed in my Nike shorts and tennis shoes). According to one of our RA's at the dorm, a few years back they did allow people down there until there was a really bad flood.

Who wants to race?

Before we leave....Selfie at Delphi.

We stopped for lunch in the small, quaint mountain town of Arahova. The weather here was at least 10 degrees cooler and for the first time since we've been in Greece, we spotted what looked like possible rain clouds! While it seems to be storming every day back in Florida, it has yet to even come close to raining here. There are rarely even any clouds dotting the crystal clear blue skies.

Hosios Loukas monastery

Our last stop of the day is probably one of my favorite places so far. I know, I know- I say that a lot. But I liked this place for a different reason other than just the beauty of the architecture and its surroundings. We stopped at the Hosios Loukas monastery {dating back to the 10th century}, which has the most calming atmosphere and aura. It's located in a picturesque valley surrounded with olive trees. Byzantine monasteries like this one are generally built in locations surrounded by natural beauty, always in harmony with the surrounding landscape, which follows the example of the ancient temples. This monastery is still active, which means that the women must wear skirts that cover their knees and keep their shoulders covered as well. The men must wear pants, and all of this is done as a sign of respect.

I feel certain all of our daddies would approve of this new stylish look.

The inside of the monastery was decorated with intricate frescoes and mosaics, with this characteristic golden background.

Upon entering the monastery, a visitor can light a candle (after making an offering), say a prayer and leave the candle in the sand. Lighting a candle reminds us of the light of Christ we receive during baptism. Like the candle that is made of pure beeswax, our hearts should also be pure.

This monastery was one of those magical and captivating places that you never want to walk away from. It felt like the site was alive, instantly calming and soothing you as you walk through the doors into this sacred and holy place. It felt natural to feel the presence of God, to reflect on everything that He has blessed me with, especially the chance to come on this trip. As I was going through the process of signing up for this study abroad trip, everything seemed to perfectly fall into place according to God's timing. And being able to visit such a sacred place really just made me stop and realize how amazing this life is. Life is short and none of our days are guaranteed, so why not take full advantage of each day? Live life to your happiness standards, don't get caught up in the mad chase for success and money. The Greeks seem to have mastered this way of life, living each moment the way they choose. Taking time for long coffee breaks with friends, closing their stores for siesta {naptime} hours, living with kefi. I'm trying to bottle up this characteristic way of Greek life so I don't loose sight of what Greece has already taught me thus far.

Desperately trying, but always failing to capture the magic and beauty of the sites we visit in a photograph. The view of the olive trees and majestic mountain range.