Katakolo, Greece - Saturday 7 July

The pretty fishing village of Katakolon is near one of the most important religious centres of ancient Greece.  At a time when the Greek people badly needed a focus of unity, Olympia provided a neutral and attractive centre where they could meet, compete, worship and honour one another for a wide range of accomplishments. 

Two important religious festivals evolved to take place regularly and thus draw the 150 warring communities of Greece together.  The Delphic games were held every two years in honour of Apollo, Olympian god and safeguard of universal harmony.  The games at Olympia were held every four years in honour of Zeus, father of the gods.  The traditional date for the first Olympiad was 776 BC, beginning a tradition that lasted for more than 1100 years.

Because of the immense popularity of the Olympic games, the Temple of Zeus, and the great statue which was housed in it, was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The modern Olympic movement began in 1896, when Baron Pierre de Coubertin arranged the first games in Athens.  Every four years since then, the torch bearers return here to ignite the flame, which is then carried to the site of the games.

David and I had a pretty slow start to the day, needing some R&R after the hectic pace we’ve been setting.  We walked down the main street of Katakolon and wandered around.  David perused The Museum of Ancient Greek Technology and Inventions.  If the Romans didn’t conquer them in BC they would have invented the first steam engine, according to the Museum.  They had working models of most of the ancient pulleys, pressure vessels and a water alarm clock.

We managed to find a café with good, free wi-fi and updated emails, blog etc.  Spent the afternoon having a swim and drinks – fine, warm weather! Dinner in the restaurant at a table with a sea view - water was a little rough and we could feel a gentle rocking.  Big party night on the deck!