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I hugged a column inside the Parthenon. INSIDE! I really cant believe that (partly because your not meant to touch the marble. We didn't realise that and it was too late by the time the man yelled at us! It was such a privilege and a once in a lifetime opportunity. Considering it has been my lecturer's goal for the past 30 years I would say I am rather lucky, wouldn't you?
I know the Parthenon is supposed to be impressive and don't get me wrong it certainly is but it think because it is THE building that everyone talks about it has lost some of its wow factor. Personally I really enjoyed seeing the Erectheion because I have been dying to see the caraytid porch for what feels like forever! Of course among the serious consideration of the acropolis Eleanor, Jess, Flick and I proceeded to spend the spare half hour we had up there taking ridiculous photos, with the Parthenon in the background! Who ever said history couldn't be fun? We are thinking we might use them to lure other students into next years trip!
On Monday night we went to the Australian Ambassadors house here in Athens for a cocktail sort of evening, which was lovely. I think most of us were falling asleep in our first wine glass though. Tuesday dawned nice and early, too early in fact, as 35 drawn looking students pilled onto a bus and headed for Eleusis. Just to make the day better it felt like -8 and was pouring, not the best day to be trekking around an ancient site. Eleusis was worth it though as you can walk through the remains of the telesterion. From Eleusis we travelled to Marathon, the site of the famous battle, 'that saved western civilisation', to look at nothing at all; because there is nothing at all there. Unless you count the giant burial mound that is a reconstruction of one that was excavated (and probably destroyed because a certain H. Schliemann led the dig!!). After Marathon and its museum we headed to Rhamnous, a very small place situated right on the edge of what was the edge of Attica. Although raining even heavier now and blowing a gale, the walk up to the Temple of Nemesis was striking, with tombs along the either side of the path. At the top there is fantastic view of the remains of Rhamnous. Unfortunately they have been off limits for about ten years, which is very disappointing as there are quite a lot of remains. I don't quite know why it isn't available as my lecturer jumped the fence last week and said there doesn't seem to be any sort of work going on there. Jumping the fence at Rhamnous is now on my list of things to do!
I have just returned from this action packed day so I think I will head to the nearest coffee shop for a 1 euro coffee (yes, 1 euro!! Food is sooo cheap here!). I have uploaded some photos for you all to look at - enjoy!
Yassou!
- comments
Beck Wow Rach! That is such a buzz! This trip sounds like it has been soooo worth it! The photos don't appear to be here though... just the one of you hugging the column!! Of course they may be here and me in my untechnological state may not be able to find the button to hit... :))
Kerry Pleaaaaase don't get arrested jumping any fences.......mind you that could mean i have to come and bail you out, hmmmm?.......
Rach the photos are here beck you have to go to the photos bit though and go to the Attica album :) the trip has been amazing so far, totally worth it!! Mum, ill try not to get arrested but i really cant promise anything haha you can rest assured it will all be in the name of ancient history if it does happen. Say hi to Clance for me xx
Janette Hey Rach, how exciting, pleased you are having a great time, looking forward to following your adventure through here, enjoy every minute, love Janettie xoxo
Jo Hey Rach, just packing for Nelligen, not quite Greece, but we'll get there one day. Hope the weather improves for you. Sounds like you are having a great time regardless!! Jane and Madison were stalked tonight walking home in Sydney... doesn't sound like they were coherent enough to have actually followed the girls too far and they were nearly back to the motel. take care, luv Jo
Rach Hi Janettie, glad you are enjoying my posts! That sounds awful Jo, hope the girls are OK. You will have to let me know how Nelligen is, although not quite Greece, l'll bet its warmer and sunnier!!! Love to all xx