Friday morning we finally were able to visit the ancient sites in Athens. It is funny to know that we have been in Greece for over a month and we have never visited the local sites. Anyway, our first stop was the ancient agora of Ancient Athens. we walked around, saw the Eponymous Heroes statue foundation, the temple of Hephaistos, and many other things I must learn for my test on the 25th. :) Afterwards, we broke off for lunch, returned to visit the Kerameikos (has many tumuli and graves from the classical period), and ended class for the day. Jacquelyn and I hiked around the Pnyx for a bit to scope it out for my presentation the following day. Then we got some amazing Greek yogurt smoothies, went shopping for dinner, and returned to Dioskouros. Jake, Zoe, Jacquelyn, Kari, Kylie, and I enjoyed a nice home-made meal of chicken, sauteed mushrooms, arugula salad, and cinnamon honey apple slices.
Saturday was another long day around Athens. It began at the Theater of Dionysious on the Acropolis (note that we actually hiked up half way to the top, and descended-therefore making it officially 33 days since I set eyes on the Acropolis and have still not been to the top). We learned a bit about Oedipus and drama competitions. Then we moved to the Pnyx where I gave my presentation about the assembly and democracy. We had a BYOF (bring your own food) picnic there on the hillside, and then ascended the intense hill of Phillapopos. Jacquelyn, Kylie, and I have hiked that before, but not following our speed-demon of a professor. After that hill, we climbed the shiny rock of the Aeropagos, where classical murder cases were held. Class was dismissed and most of us went walking around setting dinner plans. The rest of the night involved food, showering, and leisurely book reading (my favorite).
A view of the agora in Athens
The Theater of Dionysious
The Pnyx
Sunday was the day. We FINALLY went to the Acropolis. We had a bright, early start (to beat the tourists), and was able to experience the masterpiece of Athens. The Parthenon was pretty amazing, but is, unfortunately, still covered in scaffolding from renovations. We spent most of the morning on site, had a break for lunch, and then went to the new Acropolis Museum. My favorite part of this museum was the pediment and metopes sculptures from the Parthenon. I wish I had pictures of this museum, but the security guards (who acted like they were protecting the American president) tried to tackle me and take my camera (not really, but you get the idea). That evening we all went out for a group dinner to a local taverna, got gelato (the best of course), and headed to bed.
At the Acropolis in front of the Parthenon
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