Mount Olympus, mythical home of the ancient Greek gods.

--OAT: "It was here that Alexander the Great made sacrifices to the gods before setting off to conquer the ancient world."

Another walk (before breakfast this time) down the waterfront before meeting with Basil and Maria to catch the bus to head southwest to the foothills of Mount Olympus. First stop: Dion, the sacred city of the Macedonians, and the location of the Olympic Games that were held in honor of Zeus and the Muses. It was here that Alexander the Great made sacrifices to the gods before setting off to conquer the ancient world. Only 30% of the site has been excavated.

We then drove to the village of Litohoro to see an amazing floor mosaic called the Epiphany of Dionysus. It was discovered back in 1987. It dates back to the late 2nd and early 3rd century A.D. and measures about 7 meters square. It's viewed from an upper level where it was relocated after being carefully removed from the excavation site. We also saw a hydraulis, an early Greek musical instrument, dating back to the late 2nd century A.D. Like the name implies, water was an integral part of the sound it produced. Maria, our guide, played a recording of the instrument on her iPhone for us. Of course, I recorded her recording.

Lunch was at a local restaurant, serving yet another multi-course Grecian meal. A lot of food, but oh-so tasty.

Quick Photo Links: Archeaological Park and Museum of Dion | Mosaic of Epiphany of Dionysis | Hydraulis