Olympia
My mini-pilgrimage to Irene Mawer’s beloved Greece continues with a visit to Olympia – ancient home of the original Olympic Games.
Andy and I nearly missed Olympia. We confused it with Mount Olympus, which is on the far side of the country, many miles away. It was only by pure chance that I happened to see Olympia on the map and commented to Andy that there must be two places with the same name. Happily, I checked it out in time and we spent two nights in the town, and a massive six hours at the ancient monument itself.
We weren’t in any hurry, so we paid the 6 Euros (the fee is only half the normal price at the moment, as it is winter) and examined every nook and cranny. I was extremely surprised to learn that the eternal flame is not eternal, rather it is extinuished! The spot where the flame is lit is not marked, which I thought was very peculiar. Andy and I spent some time studying photographs and arguing about just exactly where the actual spot was. I attach a photo which shows me standing where we both finally agreed the perfect match is, in front of the Temple dedicated to Hera.
My itinerary in Greece is flexible. Tomorrow we will visit a dog rescue centre where we will probably adopt Sidney (or Stanley, as he may become). Then it will be a weekend in Athens before returning to the rescue centre to collect our new family member.
If you have any suggestions for places with connections that Irene Mawer would have appreciated, please do let me know. I plan to go to Amfissa (Amphisa), where both Irene Mawer and Ruby Ginner were awarded the Freedom of the City for raising a vast amount of money to help them to repair their water supply after the Second World War. That is near to the theatre at Delphi. Unfortunately, as it is winter, the theatre may be closed – I will find out in due course, but I am told I should still be able to see it from the road. Fingers crossed.
Unfortunately, the theatre on the Acropolis where the Ginner-Mawer School performed in 1930 is also closed for the winter – but I know that I can definately see it from the path which runs around the outside. So that is something, at least.
Epidaurus is also on my radar, and Mount Olympus, home of the gods.
Anywhere else with classical, theatrical, or dance connections , please?
If you have any suggestions, I can be contacted via this post, or via Messenger, or via email fizzycloud@hotmail.com
Thanks.
