The sun set over the sacred isle of Delos and we could not wait to get ashore to explore the archaeological site. Considered the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo it developed into a religious center in ancient times. Thirty thousand people lived on the island in the first century B.C. and suddenly a violent attack ended its glory. Never inhabited again it became a ghost island full of temples, agoras, homes, and art.
Our walk took us to the sacred lake where a palm tree strands reminding us where the gods were born. Opposite is the famous terrace with statues of archaic lions—an offering of the Naxians—to overlook and protect the spot. The sanctuary is surrounded by endless housing with central courtyards and beautiful mosaics and cisterns. In the museum we witnessed objects from daily life: clay cooking pots and pans, stoves and stone tables. Some of us hiked to the top of Mt. Kynthos passing a shrine to Herakles and others up to the theater. The theater cisterns impressed us all and the view over the harbor took our breath away.
In the early evening we got ashore in the charming town of Naoussa on Paros island, with the island of Naxos visible in the distance. Both islands were significant centers of the ancient world and famous for their white marble. Naoussa was a small coastal town where pirates exchanged their loot and today has one of the most attractive old harbors. We walked around before dark and most of us stayed ashore to watch the sunset and to dine. Locals with their children, all generations, and visitors all mixed together into joyful group and the quiet town came alive.
Sea Cloud attracted the town’s attention all lit up at night and everybody wanted to know more about her. We returned late in the evening attracted by the piano on lido deck like the sirens’ song luring Odysseus. Another day is ahead and more discoveries await us.
