The Oracle at Delphi

As I was preparing to leave Ithaca and thinking fondly of everything I love about it, the more I realized there were little bits of "Greek influences" throughout the city (aside from the name itself). 

Though the metro area of Athens is populated by about 6-7 million people (out of Greece's total population of 11 million), Greece is quite varied in its landscape. Like Delphi, Ithaca (NY) has gorgeous, rugged mountains and dense greenery. On Cornell's campus, there's a hipster, overpriced, and underqualified cafe called "Temple of Zeus" that's situated in the Klarman Rotunda scattered with Greco-Roman statues. Delphi (and Meteora) were darn cold, just like Ithaca in the winter. See? Little bits of Greece here, too. 

As we were planning our trip, we came across mixed reviews of Delphi. It's a ways outside of Athens, but "The Oracle at Delphi" is a rich part of Ancient Greek history. We were able to pass by on our way to Meteora thanks to Kostas, our driver and guide from H.P. Tours. Kostas picked us up at an ungodly, early morning hour and we made the drive up to the mountains. Though I loved Santorini, I can confidently say that the mountains call to me more. 

If you're a lover of forests, hills, and mountain views, consider taking a trip to Delphi. The Oracle at Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but if you're tight on time, keep in mind that your visit here is likely to be short and may not be worth the extra hours on the road. I think the morning winter scenery made for better photos (no crowds to photoshop out, too!) and certainly helped to speed up our visit. Like Santorini, however, the village of Delphi is very low in activity during the off-season. We were still able to enjoy morning coffee, pastries, and souvenir shopping at Vangelis' shop. 

"Because your daughter take my picture, I give it to her!"

-How I got a free mini wooden spoon-

Roadside stop to see Arachova, a cosmopolitan winter destination, nestled in Mount Parnassós 

  

"We sell by trying, you know? Come, it no make you fat!"
-Vangelis' honey-

Chocolate tart (for breakfast) at Cafe Melpoleio. The baristas didn't speak much English but enough to refuse Dad's payment when he asked for a cup of water. That's Greek hospitality for ya.