We began the day with a trip to Olympia, the site of the world’s first Olympics over 2,700 years ago. Our guide, Zoe, explained how justice and peace were themes of the Olympic Games. Although there was considerable warring between nations, it always stopped for the games as they strove for “the great ideal.” 

The large temple to Zeus held one of other ancient wonders of the world, a giant statue of Zeus. It was later stolen and then burned in a fire. They found the molds used to pour the pieces, allowing them to verify the sizes and shapes. 

The actual Olympic stadium was sparse. It was a 600 foot flat area with a natural bowl around it for spectators. They figure 50,000 people came to the event each year, all men. It was considered a requirement of manhood at the time to attend once during your life. Paul ran part of the Olympic track because . . .. why wouldn’t he? He then took a picture triumphantly entering the stadium area. We also saw where the Olympic torch is lit each year of the Olympics, right in front of Hera’s temple. 

After Olympus, we took a tour of an Olive production plant for a tour, tasting, and history lesson. It's amazing how olives and olive oil are featured so prominently in so many aspects of Greek life.

Following the tour, we drove through the Peloponnese mountains to our beautiful sea side town of Kardamyli where we got to our room just in time to see a fantastic sunset over the water right in the middle of our patio balcony. Wow! And we are literally right on the shore!