The Oracle, Hydrocarbons, and Athens

As the myth goes.....

The Oracle of Delphi, in ancient Greece, was the go-to place for all guidance and prophecies.

The temple of Apollo

Delphi

                           Pythia, The Oracle    (pc:Wikipedia)

The Oracle

Now picture this..

Pythia, the high priestess of the temple of Apollo at Delphi, who served as The Oracle, is seated  on a gilded tripod in the inner chambers of the temple.

There is a long queue in front of her, kings and soldiers and businessmen with expensive gifts waiting to ask her about their future.

She is in a trance after inhaling a "certain gas" coming out from the ground.

At this point, she is connected to the divine - hence she knows all the answers.

The Oracle was very wise. Her answers were never wrong.

A king came to ask for her advice. He had a goat and a diamond necklace as an offering.

He asked: "O great Oracle, will I win the war?"

She answered:  "The river should not be crossed."

He asked:  "Which one?"

She said:  " the one with the boats , the fish and the water.."

The corporate guy was next. He brought iPhone 33 for her.

He: 'O great Oracle, will there be another re-org this year?"

She answered: "Keep the cost down"

He:  "ok, but my question is...."

She: "Keep the cost down"

 ....looks like vague (interpret anyway you like) answers have always made a successful career.

😀😆

The Hydrocarbons...

Scientists and historians believe that the 'gas' she inhaled was a natural hydrocarbon, like Ethylene. This theory gained prominence after geological surveys detected these gases around the site.  However, it is still a debated theory.

As the guide told us all these beautiful stories, it triggered some thoughts in my mind - especially the hydrocarbons bit.

I spent a large part of my professional life (still am) exploring smart ways of extracting hydrocarbons from the ground. Seismic imaging, drilling, flow monitoring, simulating, .....name it! 

Why did it never occur to me that taking a quick 'sniff' might give me some Oracle-ish powers? 

I took a deep breath and told myself, all is not lost.  

I may still have time (before the next re-org happens) to explore other uses of hydrocarbons.

😀😆

[extra information, maybe irrelevant but still...]: 

Wikipedia says, in the old days, Pythia was a young girl, but after she was once kidnapped and violated, a woman older than fifty years old was chosen to be the Oracle.

All set, ask me a question........

Athens

What a gorgeous city!! What wonderful stories!!

The weather, the people, the history, the food, the wine .....and so much more.

Greek architecture is a celebration of art, finesse and resilience. I stood in front of the Acropolis in awe, overwhelmed by its gigantic structure, its fine architecture and its mesmerizing stories.

It was so humbling....

Acropolis

Greek cuisine is a celebration of the Mediterranean spirit- simple, fresh and colourful.

Each ingredient has a character of its own which is allowed to bloom and shine on the plate.

Olives are the queen of the region, adding their subtle flavour to fish, lamb or vegetables.

Partnered with out-of-the-world cheese, a drizzle of Mediterranean lemon and a splash of olive oil - each dish is a delicacy.

Food in Greece is not just something to eat - it is served with elegance, conversation and creates a connection.

Efcharisto! - Thank You.

If you get a chance, do visit Athens.

ps: I will write about the handsome Greek Gods some other day.  Beautiful stories....