Under the Olive tree

The moment that we stepped foot in the ruins of Delphi, I had to take a second to prepare myself of the fact that the mythology that I had researched and presented about the previous day are not coming to life. I was was there, the belly button of the world, and had to take a moment to let it all sink in. The day was perfect; a beautiful sunny day with clear skies thanks to the sun god himself. As I walked around the path in Delphi near the temple of Apollo I couldn't help but think "He was here. If it were not for him and the efforts made on his behalf, this would have never been here for me to appreciate". In my head I know that the Greek mythology is not physically "real" but being in the presence of his temple made it more real than any other western religion I have came across. Apollo would have walked the same steps that I was walking, saw the same majestic view of the mountains and the valley as I saw. Moments like this overwhelmed me with joy knowing that I was spiritually in the presence of Apollo.

I was even more enchanted when we wandered around the temple of Athena. To be in the temple of such a powerful and important figure in Greek mythology made me feel so honored to be in the presence of her ruins. I had to take a mental picture and reflect on how ruins were once a bustling city filled with life. As I sat under the Olive tree overlooking the valley below, I couldn't help but think "this is perfect". This is where thousands, if not millions, of travelers have walked to seek their futures; where kings, rulers, and commoners pondered. I sat there thinking about life and how wonderful it is. How although there are troubles and hardships in life, it is still as perfect as it can be because without those dark moments, we would never appreciate the moments of magic and joy.

Stay classy Delphi and thanks for stopping by,

Khadijah