The Panathenaic Procession

Luckily our luggage came last night, so we began today with clean clothes. We had breakfast in the hotel (have you ever had REAL Greek yogurt?!) and set out for a busy day. First, we walked to the Athenian Agora, where Ashley talked about the various buildings in this ancient Athenian city square. We enjoyed seeing the Temple of Hephaistos, the most well preserved temple in Greece. Then, we went to the Agora museum.

After this exciting excursion, we trekked up to the...Akropolis!!!!!! This was a big hike. Seriously. On our way, we stopped for Cecily and Tess' "debate"/presentation about the Elgin marbles. Cecily argued on behalf of the British (go GBR!) and Tess argued for Greece. Many marble stairs later, we reached the top of the Akropolis.  Then for about an hour, we explored the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. There were a lot of other tourists, but the view was breathtaking. We walked down to the Akropolis museum, which is a world-renowned museum.
Next, lunch!

Then we headed to the National Archaeological Museum...a measly 45 minute walk away. Don't worry, it was lovely seeing more of the city. Maddie gave her talk about Athenian graves, and then everyone explored the museum. We saw many artifacts that we studied in class. Our feet got tired towards the end, but we persevered for the sake of the art and fear of the wrath of Zeus.

Next about half of the girls went to a lecture about Alexander the Great's chariots (what was his purpose for riding in a chariot? Cultural appropriation perhaps?). Maddie describes this talk as "interesting and incredibly specific-- the lecturer noted that he was the only scholar to investigate this topic to date." Meanwhile, the rest of the group went shopping and rested up.
The group rejoined, and we ended the night with a leisurely dinner in Plaka, the old section of Athens. Now we are relaxing and eating chocolate soufflé on the roof of our hotel, which has a clear view of the Parthenon.

Can't wait for tomorrow!

Total steps, as reported by Tess' pedometer: 29, 079. Total flights of stairs, as also reported by Tess' pedometer: 50. Total miles, as reported by (drum roll please) Tess' pedometer: 12.2
Quote of the day: "I left my feet on the Acropolis." -Ashley Morefield

Happy birthday, Daddy!!

Love,
Maddie and Cecily