39. Olympia

39. Day: Actually, I didn't want to come back here. The disappointment was too great when I was here as a student. "A pile of stones in the dirt" - that was the image I had of Olympia. The return visit is only due to the weather conditions. Because rain is forecasted at our starting point and the planned next destination. And in between it's cloudy. Perfect sightseeing weather!

What luck, because this time we are both so enthusiastic that we even want to continue our sightseeing tomorrow.

A lot has happened here since then: Not only does everything look much better maintained, but many building components have also been restored and reconstructed. And, not to be underestimated, beautiful description panels have been set up, which are also written in German and always include a graphic reconstruction. This allows you to get a very good idea of the purpose and appearance back then. The manageable crowd on site and some blooming plants round off a successful visit.

The spirit of this place awakens in me the dream of an athletic body and the appetite for hard training. Before my eyes, an image of myself with a classically shaped body, bear-like strength, and sophisticated sword fighting techniques is created. Unfortunately, just a dream - the sad disparity between skill and desire.

In the late afternoon, we are overwhelmed by the many impressions and information. We decide to continue tomorrow and stay here for the night. We find a nice pitch with a lot of privacy at Alphios Campground, high up on the mountain. The dinner there (lamb in lemon-oregano sauce) was also very tasty. Only the side dishes, as so often in Greece, were neglected.