Sometimes, the biggest surprise of travelling, is the surprise of finding out that the place you travel to is unexpectedly closed.  After heading out 180 km from Athens with a driver and a guide in a rather large car, we were all quite upset to find that the hill at Delphi was unexpectedly closed. That despite some thorough checking by my mother-in-law, online, and with our Greek hostess.

Which meant that the treasury, the theatre and the museum would have to be reserved for another day and another trip. Not to mention the Temple of Apollo, the original locale for the Oracle herself, the Pythia (high priestess).

At least the view was good…. and we managed to find a kitty!    ^The closest we got to the theatre.

Not all was lost. We spent a bit of time wandering around the Sanctuary of Athena Pronea. Having been in the car for a couple of hours, the wandering mostly meant ‘trying to use up some energy. Which, for us, translates mostly into silly photos:       

Luckily, my mother-in-law is fast on her feet, so instead of driving immediately back to Athens, we decided to first spend some time wandering around the nearby small town of Arachova, and then checking out the Monastery of Hosios Loukas.            Best thing about Arachova? Nice views.

Even nicer pies (cheese, cheese and spinach, tomato and ham).

I foolishly forgot to take some photos, but, if you’re ever there (presumably after a long day of wandering around Delphi), bypass the restaurants, and instead treat yourself to a 1-2 euro spanikopita.  ^last family photo before the boys are forced into life as monks:    

Hope you guys have better luck if you ever try to schedule an appointment with The Oracle!