As hot as the Olympic torch.....

In Olympia we visted the ancient stadium today.  According to our guide, there were 300 priests who lived there all the time.  The others came for practice and the games but then went home.  Upon arrival competitors had to strip to show that they were not carrying weapons.  The games included boxing and wrestling.  The games lasted 5 days and the last day was ceremonies.  Whoever acted responsibly got crowns.  Those who cheated or were bad sports got publically thrashed.  So it wasn't awards based on who won but more on how they acted.  We got to walk under the arch and into the stadium.  Pretty cool.  We got to see where the torch is lit, to this day.  It's a quite unimpressive slab of rock.  I thought it would be fancier.  The site had quite a bit remaining, considering it was from the BC period.  No reproductions.  What's there is what was there. Then we went to the museum to see statues and reliefs that were from the archaeological site.  It was hot, hot, hot.  The hankie was getting a workout today!  So, I ended the day in the chilly pool again. I practice my swim strokes....being in Olympia inspired me :)