Tag Archives: cruise ship

Ogling Olympia


Olympia 1

Olympia

Olympia is just over 25 miles (41 kilometers) from Katakalon.  Make sure you bypass the taxi drivers hounding you as you first pass through the port security gate.  They want a ridiculous €80 (about $112 U.S.), and for that price you get just one hour at the site.

Olympia

Olympia

You’ll need almost two hours just to visit the ruins, and that’s not even stepping into the museum.  So, how do you get there for less (a lot less) and get the time you want?  By bus.  Geo Travel is located just past the parking lot outside the cruise ship wharf.  This outfit will transport you to Olympia in a comfortable and air conditioned Mercedes Benz tourist bus, give you 2 ½ hours or more onsite, bring you back to town, and they’ll do all that for just €20 ($28 U.S.).

Olympia 3

Olympia

Entry to the archaeological site is €6 ($8.40 U.S) per person.  Make that €9 ($12.60) if you want to add a visit to the museum in the same package, but you won’t really have time for that.  That’s especially true if you want to quench your thirst before climbing back onto the bus for the return trip.

An Olympic Goddess

An Olympic Goddess

One of the sights you’ll see as you traverse this incredible site is the arched gateway to the Olympic field.

Gateway to the Stadium

Gateway to the Stadium

Beyond that gateway is the stadium where the games took place and the marble line that designated the starting point for many of the races.

Starting Line

Starting Line

Below is a gallery of other wonders awaiting you at Olympia.  Click on any image to bring up the slideshow.

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Catching Katakolon


Katakolon

Katakolon

This was our second sojourn to Katakolon in just over three years, the first while on our 54-day cruise aboard Holland America’s MS Prinsendam.  It’s a charming little fishing village that in ancient times served a very important role as the port city serving Olympia — the site of the original Olympic Games.

Katakolon Fishing Boat

Katakolon Fishing Boat

Since we’d been here before we spent only of small fraction of our port time in Katakolon itself this trip.  Instead, we took a bus to visit Olympia.  But, as you can see, you can do a lot of great photography in a very short period of time here in Katakolon.

Dining on the Waterfront at Katakolon

Dining on the Waterfront at Katakolon

All around you’ll find great colorful details to photograph.  Spotting a photographic gem is not difficult to do here.

Freshening the Bedding

Freshening the Bedding

Restaurants line the waterfront of the village, as well.  Many offer free WiFi in addition to cold beer, so kick your feet up after you’ve returned from Olympia.

Katakolon Closeup

Katakolon Closeup

While you’re sitting there, sipping beer and cruising the internet, keep an eye out for those splashes of color awaiting your camera.

Reflections on Fishing

Reflections on Fishing

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Fun Photo Friday — Piraeus


Piraeus, Greece

Piraeus, Greece

Today’s Fun Photo Friday presents some of my favorite Piraeus shots taken last week.  For instance:

Piraeus, Greece

Piraeus, Greece

And this one:

Piraeus, Greece

Piraeus, Greece

And here’s today’s slideshow (click on an image to bring it up):

 

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