Deb : I sometimes wonder if you can fall in love with another civilization/culture when you are besotted and passionate about another. Is it too late for me, or is it just my nature? My love of Greece started early, when I was about ten, and read Gustav Schwab's "Gods and Heroes". It blew me away. When I finally got to see Greece in 1982 I knew I had returned to my true home. The home of my soul and my heart, at least. Η Ψυκή και η καρδιά μου.
I honestly think that you need to drown yourself (metaphorically speaking) in knowing all about your passion. That includes modern and ancient history. Modern Greece has an interesting and varied history. They are still consumed by politics.
PatH - Thanks so much for that link about Delphi. I have visited there twice, and awe-inspiring is the correct adjective for Delphi. Unfortunately, the lower part of Delphi, ie down the hill from the Temple of Apollo, had recently experienced some seismic activity and was deemed unsafe to visit. There is the Sanctuary of Athena, a beautiful building of Tholos style. Also not too far from there are the sacred Castalian Springs.
The Oracle who was called Pythia, was said to perch on a tripod over the gases that emanated from the rock below. She, the Pythia, made some interesting, although always cryptic prophecies. I must see if I can find a source of those prophesies online.
