Somewhere in the Aegean, en route for Mykonos, Wednesday

Well, I have consulted with the oracle in Delphi, and now I have a riddle to assist me in my journey. Now, if only I can decipher the obscure "fortune."

Even after leaving Delphi, I'm unsure which was more amazing: ancient Delphi or modern Delphi. I toured ancient Delphi with "S", and we had a great time! Part of the fun was placing ourselves with our modern-day wit back in the age of the ancient Greeks. As we viewed the ruins between the Bank of Athens and the temple of Apollo, it became a bit of a game as we guessed where the Greeks enjoyed their cheap pita sandwiches, where they met for their weekly games of Texas Hold-em, where they rented the latest new releases and where the magic happened with the lovely Greek ladies... which if today is any indication, there were plenty.

We also commented on the ancient Greek obsession with the erect penis. While, I understand their reverence of the root of all male power, applying today's stigma on male nudity it is impossible to even imagine such artwork as socially acceptable. This led to our discussion of wondering just when it was the shift took place making the nude female the most beautiful. Sure, there are always artists that glorify the male body, but there are so many more that pay homage to the lusciously curvy female. That was even true long before the internet.

Modern-day Delphi is nothing short of remarkable! The structures are built into the side of a mountain. Clearly, this is ski country in Greece... and I cannot help but wonder what the skiing here is like? How long is the season? What's the base/powder ratio? Is it warmer than it is in Colorado? How easy would it be to find out? Can I still find a 2€ gyro in the winter? How will it taste with hot chocolate?

Our hotel's front door opens onto a street four stories above the street the back door opens onto, due to the steep grade of the mountain slope! It makes hiking through the city an actual climb, but I would think I would stay in shape if I resided here!

I love the Greek food, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm craving Oriental and Mexican food. I wonder if we'll find any here? Someone, I don't recall who, made the observation that we haven't seen many Mexicans here in Europe... which I'm inclined to attribute to their sense of family and their closeness to their families. I could be wrong.

After being in Greece for a bit over a week, I have to admit I find the hotel's control over the power usage of the guests brilliant! In the room, there is a main switch that controls all but the fridge, and you must either insert a key card or the keychain attached to the room key. It is in place to insure a guest doesn't leave the lights, A/C, and whatever on unnecessarily when not in the room. The only minor inconvenience this poses is the necessity to recharge all of our modern-day conveniences overnight and while we sleep. It would be nice to be able to recharge the iPod, digital camera or laptop while out on the town.

I suppose it is the thinking like that, combined of course with the American need to have an ice cold or cozy warm room *waiting* for them upon their arrival, which makes such brilliant management inconceivable in the US.

The ferry ride is taking sooo long, but the ferry is comfortable. Titanic references are being thrown around, and who can blame us? The lounge is very luxurious, although it looks like a lounge that the early seventies forgot. At least the seating is comfortable and we can move about as we please. And to think, I was concerned after S's horror stories about a previous ferry trip. This isn't so bad!

We are looking forward to our short stay in Mykonos, which has quite the reputation in my guide book as a party island. I hope so, I need to get my dance on, my drink on, and find someone fun to party the night away. Of course, S wants to hit the nude beaches too. How can I say no!

Flickr: Delphi | Greece

Nafplion, Tuesday

Yesterday, I ventured away from the group. There is a venetian fortress overlooking the town I just had to see. Legend has it there are 1,000 steps to the top, I didn't bother keeping track. However, I was happy to have had an early start. Later, when I was descending the hill, I encountered many tourists making the trek upward in the full sunlight. I had been protected by shade for climbing much, much earlier.

There was so much to see in the fortress. Many rooms, many steps, many nooks and crannies. Spending the entire day up there cannot even ensure seeing all of it!

There were many steps. In addition to the steps along the bottom, there were even more going along the top of the wall that were accessible to the tourists. Curiosity overcame my fear of heights, and I took the stairs less traveled... at least as far as I was able.

The view of the beach and the neglected resort looking over it was phenomenal! Many photographs were taken of the island, the sea, the passing ships... all in the same frame, yet the day was so clear I could almost make out the conversations on the beach several meters below.

An observation: For the most part, I've been content to stay with the group, there are many sites to see and I'm appreciative of the work to guarantee I see so many things that I would likely have missed on a trek of my own. However, I'm noticing that the adventures are more rich and fulfilling whenever I wander off on my own. Perhaps it is the freedom to interact with people, both locals and fellow travelers, without the rigid time constraints the group must adhere to.

I'm somewhat sad I missed the ruins of Mystras, but the architectural wonder of the fortress simply couldn't be missed.

Food in Nafplion has been largely unimpressive. Not to say it wasn't filling, or even good, there just hasn't been anything to stand out as exceptional. The lone exception is the crawfish, which was outstanding! I've enjoyed crawfish back home after a friend threw a crawfish boil party shortly after returning from a trip to Louisiana, so I knew I had something to look forward to... and the crawfish tails were even better than I remembered! Pure heaven! However, I imagine some people find the entire critter delectable, I am not one of them.

Now, on the road to Delphi, I am being acquainted with our tardy traveler, who's passport went through some mysterious disappearance... perhaps some adventure of its own. We've hit it off quite well... I enjoy her wit and sense of humor. She's a theatre major and free-spirited, which is refreshing! Until now, I've been afraid most of the group is a bit closed off, and not willing to make the most of the trip, which I fully intend to do. We shall see what Delphi has to offer!

Flickr: Nafplion | Greece