First Day Trip

Well last night we ate at TGI Fridays! We picked it because we wanted to know what their version of "American food" was and it was on the top floor of this indoor mall! It was so beautiful. We sat on the outside porch looking over the city and got to see the sun set and the moon rise. Greeks take a long time to eat, we were there for two hours! The food was really great. My french fries actually tasted better because they use olive oil which is very delicious and better for you! We saw a bunch of young people their lounging on the porch and inside with their drinks. It was very social!

This morning we left for our first day trip to Marathon, Brauron, and Sounian. Marathon was actually somewhat of a disappointment. It turns out the legend of Philipides running all the way from Marathon to Athens to report their victory over the Persians is most likely a myth. Our professor said that it most likely evolved from the story of him running to Sparta over the course of two days (still quite an effort) to ask them to help. I was upset by that because I always thought that was such a wonderful story. Who knows, it could be true! The "hill" that makes Marathon famous is also sort of a letdown, it is actually a reconstruction of a pile of bodies. Not only did they remove all 192 bodies of the slain Athenians but they totally moved the hill from its original spot! I was a little upset.

We then drove another hour to the other side of Attica (the "state" that Athens is in") to Brauron. This was cool. These were ruins of a temple of Artemis. This was also the site of the cult of artemis. This involved any girl around age 5-10 who participated in "the bear dance" that showcased their transition from a child to a woman. Archeologists don't know much about it but it involved casting off their childhood robes, running across the temple, and then putting on their adult pelos (toga). The temple still had many features in tact and it was very beautiful.

On the drive to Sounion was my favorite part. It was absolutely beautiful! We passed all of these houses on the coast that were huge and all had pools heading towards the ocean. The houses are so much more spread apart and all have those red clay roofs. We passed so many beaches and coves that only had about 4 or 5 people on them. The water was crystal clear and bright blue. Everything was just so European! Windy roads up through the mountains and dirt paths down to the sea. There were cars parked right up against the beach, never would be allowed in the US! I decided I want a house here someday.

Sounian was gorgeous. The temple of Poseidon is up on the highest hill overlooking the water all around it. It is so majestic from far away and beautiful up close. We trekked up the mountainside so we could see it and we even saw where Lord Byron carved his name in the side! They were the most fabulous views I've ever seen. I could just imagine the ancient ships headed off to battle. The coves were so cozy and private! Not as crowded as the ones in the US.

My roommates Dora, Heather, Bette, and I are headed to Mykonos tomorrow, so excited!
Love you all
Updated pictures here: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4270051&l=42f469d401&id=590541644