From islands to cemeteries . . .

I am just going to group the last two days together as they seemed to be a bit dull to the relate to the readers of the blog. Going to the places and simply being there was marvelous; however, I do not feel like these days really lend themselves to being summed up in thrilling tales. I will simply touch upon the highlights.

On Friday, we had to hail three cabs for our group as all public transportation was at a standstill due to a strike. The reason for the strike was the abolishment of public TV and radio due to budget cuts. Hailing the cabs was definitely not a cakewalk--everyone and their mother was out in a cab, trying to carry on their normal day to day activities. After splitting up into groups, and arriving at the port in Piraeus we boarded a ferry that took us to Aegina, where we explored the Temple of Apollo, shopped, and then took a bus to the other side of the island to the Temple of Aphaea--essentially the patron goddess of the island. Afterwards, we went back into town where we shopped and I purchased a bag of fresh pistachios--the island's specialty.

On Saturday, we returned to the agora, this time meeting with the author of another of our textbooks: Professor John Camp. He showed us around his dig site, instructing us on his team's findings, and their plans for the future. There, at the dig site, we ran into another Classics major who was interning with Professor Camp for the summer. After that, we returned to the agora for another look around, followed by a swift visit to the Kerameikos Museum and site: the oldest and largest Attic cemetery. There was not much to see, the ruins were dominated by recreations of the actual funerary monuments that are housed in the museum.

Following this excursion was a very brief lunch, then a trip to the war museum for a few of my classmates to give their presentations. We had a very truncated tour as most of the group was leaving for the island of Santorini later that night. I, along with two of my flatmates, decided to just stay in Athens and go on the normal excursions that Professor set up for us. Do not worry, Santorini, I will return for you!:)

A view from the dock in Aegina.

Horse drawn carriages are a big part of this picturesque seaside town.

The remains of the Temple of Apollo at Aegina.

The temple to the goddess, Aphaea.

This u-shaped indentations are actually carved into the bricks to aid in their lifting.

A foot spa in Athens. Little fish are cleaning the patrons feet!!

At the agora. These are half-men, half-fish creatures called Tritons. They were erected in the Roman Period.

The foundations of a temple of Ares: the war god, courtesy of the Romans.

A funeral dedications of two dead sisters.

The lion of the Sacred Way. I think he is really cute in a cartoonish way.

A box and figure that would be used for casting a curse on someone.

A bull that served as a memorial.

A reproduction of the bull as it would have looked in the place that it would have been found.

The ruins ar Kerameikas.

The Navy blues of the Grecians.

A plaque from the ship, Poseideon.

My latest Greek acquisition: a messenger bag with my favorite car emblazoned on it!:)