We arrived safe and sound in Athens today. After checking in, showering and much needed downtime we headed out for our first delicious authentic Greek meal that consisted of traditional Greek village salad or, “Xoriatiki Salata,” tzatziki (cucumber yogurt dip) and bread, teropitas (fluffy tasty cheese pies!), keftedas (homemade Greek meatballs), loukaniko village sausage, spiced filleto kotopolo and refreshments. Needless to say, we left with our bellies fully satisfied!
On the walk to and from dinner John and Chris, our program instructors, along with Emily, our Program Director and a native of Greece, gave us an explanation of the surrounding areas. On our walk from our hotel, we passed through Monesteraki Square, which gets its name from the many small monestaries located around the plaza, stopped to admire the beautiful view of the Acropolis and got a brief introduction to the modern-ay Grecian Agora which exists along side the Ancient Agora. During dinner, we enjoyed an incredible view of the Acropolis, the temple of Hefestus and a rare aerial view of a section of the ancient Greek agora, which, is currently under excavation by archeologists of The American School of Athens. While walking back to our hotel on the pedestrian promenade at the base of the Acropolis, we learned why the marble used to construct the Acropolis and many Greek structures and sculptures is so famous. This Penteli Marble, which appears white during the day, acquires a beautiful golden hue at night as it absorbs the last light of the day. Athens is one of the only places in the world to host this type of marble as it hails from Mt. Penteli whose ancient quarry is protected by law. Pieces of it may be seen in other cities, but we will learn more about how they came to be located outside Modern Greece later in the week.
Everyone is settled into their rooms at present as we enjoy a well deserved night’s sleep! Tomorrow brings with it an exciting first day of experiential learning: A visit to the ancient Agora and on-site lesson including an oration at the very stone Socrates was said to have been condemned to death, a student-staff luncheon in the hip Psiri district and a visit to the New Acropolis Museum, which recently celebrated its one-year anniversary June 1st of 2011. We will also have the pleasure of a guest lecture by a current PhD student of Princeton University and colleague of John who specializes in early Byzantine Art and Architecture. Until our next post, we leave you with these first images from our group!
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| John and Emily giving background information to students about our neighborhood of Plaka at Monesteraki Square. |
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| Group dinner picture. |
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| Group dinner picture |
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| Group dinner picture. |
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| Katie and Brenna learning about Peneteli Marble. |
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| Sam, Hanna and Mickey from our rooftop patio. |
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Rita, Emilee and Moira from our rooftop patio with a lit up Acropolis in the background.
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