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Published: March 23rd 2008
Zeus or Poseidon
Zeus or Poseidon at the National Archaeological MuseumWell it's been a whirlwind past couple of days, with many hours spent on the bus. I also have further updates on the animal life here in Athens. Not only are there bats, but on Friday morning as I wandered out of the hostel one of the stray dogs got up, looked at me and proceeded to walk me to the metro station, which I hadn't been to before. I suppose they do serve some civic purpose! Unfortunately I didn't have a snack to give him. Then, as I got off the metro and went to find the National Archaeological Museum I passed this crazy parade of at least a dozen little fuzzy caterpillars, again, pointing me in the right direction. Maybe the other animals also like to see the sights?
The National Archaeological Museum was pretty interesting, with loads of artifacts collected from various ruins and grave sites, which explains why the sites themselves are pretty sparse, except for the large stones that people would struggle to carry off. I always enjoy looking at the jewelry from thousands of years ago, not only because it's something I can relate to but also because it shows me how little our
Horse and young rider
Horse and young rider statue at the National Archaeological Museum interests and desires have changed in that time. Some of the ancient cities of Greece were "well off in gold" and other such treasures, and their grave sites prove it. Outside of the usual suspects such as jewelry, weapons and pottery, the wealthy dead were often covered partially in gold, with the men in gold death masks and babies sometimes covered entirely in gold leaf. It's a pretty morbid site to see. In addition to grave goodies and oh-so-much pottery, the museum houses a pretty impressive statue collection, pictures of which will be forthcoming.
After the museum I proceeded to get lost on my aching feet in the search for lunch and ventured eventually to the bus terminal to Cape Sounion. There are several bus terminals in this city and I get to use each one only once, making it all quite the learning experience. Luckily an older gentleman noticed my lost look and spoke enough French to get me on the correct bus to see the Temple of Poseidon up at Sounion. There are two reasons to go there: there are fantastic views in the afternoon from the location at the edge of the sea, where the temple
Embarrased Aphrodite
Aphrodite covering up at the National Archaeological Museum stood as a beacon to returning sailors; and there is a fantastic view of the sunset, particularly enjoyed by Byron, who was so taken he carved his name into the marble of temple. Unfortunately I'll never be able to vouch for either myself, for my bus was so late getting there that the sun had just set and I was left to stare at the impressive structure in the semi-darkness for mere moments before I caught the last bus back.
The following day, Saturday, I got up early and attempted to make my way to my second bus station. Suffice it to day that I arrived just in time to miss the bus. Luckily it was full anyway, as I was informed by the two young ladies I was destined to spend the rest of the day with who had also wanted to take that bus. Fortunately there was another one a mere three hours later, so we all sat down to coffee to wait. One of the young women, Elana, was herself from Greece and was taking the bus to Itea, her very picturesque home town, a village by the edge of the sea surrounded by mountains which
Aphrodite
Aphrodite and Eros giving Pan the "what for" at the National Archaeological Museum I was to later stare at in awe from my own not-too-shabby location. The other woman, Mira, was a French student studying in Greece for the semester. As we sat we discussed Greek history, mythology and current events, and I realized that missing the bus wasn't the worst thing after all. We had such a lovely time together that I was almost sad when, after having caught the next bus successfully, I had to say goodbye to Elane as Mira and I want off to Dephi.
I have to say that the bus trip itself was worth the journey, apart from the wonderful ruins at the Temple of Apollo and the Temple of Athena. We passed a fantastic little skiing town called Arahova just before hitting Delphi, which was itself as interesting as the ruins for me. So many little shops, little streets, little hotels and cafes and the view! Yes, pictures will be forthcoming. The beauty of the area was totally unexpected for me, and I just hope it hasn't ruined me for the rest of the trip! Mira and I had a fantastic lunch with a view overlooking the sea, the hills and the snowy mountains in
Cape Sounion
My least fuzzy photo from Cape Sounion the distance, and I finally tasted some real thick and creamy Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts as Mira and I discussed French politics and the state of the world in general. Could life get any better?
Today I'm off to yet another bus terminal to go to Nafplio, another pretty little town. I'll be spending the night and will write when I return. Wish me luck!
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Dad
non-member comment
I glad you're enjoying yourself
Sounds like you're having another eventful trip. I'm glad you are finding companions to share time with. Stacy had a beautiful wedding in Disney World yesterday. She and Frank were both very excited and happy. I'll send you some pictures. I'm packing up to return to Kentucky today. I've had a good trip and have spent time with most of the relatives on this side of the family. Hope the rest of the trip goes as well as it has so far. Love, Dad