This is the first time that I visited the archaeological site (Altis) at ancient Olympia. I have driven by the site many times to visit my mothers’ village. I even went to the museum, but I did not have the opportunity to visit the site where the gymnasiums were. This was where the athletes would train for the games.  I remember back in the summer of 2004, when Athens was hosting the Olympic games, and sitting on the grass of the ancient stadium with other spectators from around the world. We were waiting for the priestess to light the torch in the gymnasium area. It was a cloudy morning and all of a sudden the sun came out and the torch was lit. It was an experience that I will never forget.

Walking through the site I was a bit disheartening to see everything in ruins. It’s hard to imagine how the site looked like back then. Despite being in ruins the site was very beautiful and tranquil.