Could the Olympic Games come back to Athens for 2008 if political protests prevail? Athens is keeping quiet - they remember all too well being on the wrong side of a similar discussion back in early 2004. That was when outside observers doubted that the Greek Olympic facilities would be ready in time for the Summer Olympic Games and some started suggesting the Games go back to Atlanta instead. But the Greek Olympic facilities are still in place, largely underutilized, and a few travelers who stayed home from the marvelous Athens Olympic Games in 2004 may indeed be wishing they'd have a second chance in 2008. Dream on....

But if you do want to have a Greek Olympic-style experience in 2008, consider attending the Nemean Games in Nemea on June 21st-22nd. The Nemean Games are a recreation of a different ancient sporting event which is open to all and happens every four years.

Hundreds of athletes from around the world don traditional ancient Greek garb to participate, victors are crowned with wreaths, and more than 10,000 spectators are there to cheer them on. It's a unique, special, and very humane take on athletic competition.

The "Other" Olympics - The Nemean Games 2008

Flags decorating a nearly-empty Olympic venue in 2004. Photo: deTraci Regula, licensed to About.com