Katákolo, Greece. Excursion: Ancient Olympia & the Village

It was good to go ashore when we reached the Port of Katákolo, Greece.  I'm sure a few people were a bit tired of being cooped up.

The tour I had today was to Ancient Olympia, a place than can be challenging at the best of times for those with mobility problems because of a cobbled stone road and gravel paths and steps to negotiate.

Ancient Olympia was a very interesting place but unfortunately I didn't get to hear much of what our guide told us because I was constantly keeping an eye out on guests in between other visitors to the site.  There were athletic training areas, a stadium and temples.  Only men could take part in the Olympic Games and they were naked when they took part.  There was lots of information to take in.

Our guide took us to the main points of interest but hopefully I will be able to go back to explore the ancient ruins fully.  But from the areas that we saw - it was almost like going back in time.  And using a bit of imagination can help too!  During the tour I saw a cat resting on a stone under a tree.  It was receiving lots of attention from visitors and seemed to enjoy human company.  

After the ancient village tour we went to the new Olympia village which is just on the outskirts of the old village.  We were given time to have a wander around, buy souvenirs and gifts or simply sit at a café in a square in the village and watching life go by.  The new village was sweet with a lot of character, and had a laid back feeling. 

PHOTOGRAPHS

Ancient Olympia

MS Prinsendam and views of Katákolo from the ship

From Orpington to Fishguard.

Our route, more or less, over the past few days, but more winding
towards Tenby and St. David's.

It has been a mixed week of sorts.  

On Monday I had bad hayfever which made me feel miserable and unwell. I was also aching all over.  So took some antihistamines which didn't seem to help ended up with getting a different antihistamine which has acrivistine in it rather than citirizine or loratidine.  Needless to say, I slept the day away and was quite dopey on Tuesday as we made our way up to Wales.

We spent the next few days with friends, putting our caravan on their driveway.  It was good to see Sue, Ian and their family again.  With them working during the day we kept ourselves busy, getting out and about as well as stocking up our caravan with food.

On Thursday we said a fond farewell to our friends and made our way towards the ferry terminal in Fishguard.  

On the way we stopped at the delightful village of Tenby, where we had a good wander around and had a bite to eat.  We sat on a bench overlooking the bay and were joined by a couple of seagulls and sparrows hoping for an easy meal.  The sparrows managed to get some crumbs that fell at our feet, but the seagulls remained hopeful.  Before we left Tenby we popped into St Mary's Church - it was beautiful inside.

Our next stop was at St David's is the smallest cathedral city in the UK.  It is in actual fact a tiny village with a huge beautiful cathedral and an old bishops palace ruins.  The choir was practicing for evensong.  The singing, along with the organ music, was beautiful.  I had a good cry.  My thoughts were of dad, mum and my twin - and wished they were still alive.  Paul kindly lit a candle for them.  

We arrived in Fishguard, well in time for the 23.45 ferry to Rosslare, so we parked in a parking lot close the the ferry terminal and cooked a simple meal.  A bit later on we will drive to the ferry terminal to check in.

PHOTOGRAPHS

Tenby

 

 

 

 

St. Mary's Church

St. David's