We are staying in the small town of Ancient Olympia, the site of the original Olympics, which started about 776 BC. The site was within a short walk from our hotel for which we were grateful as it is quite warm today. Our guide, Gabriella, was well informed and able to answer all questions. The site is large, containing ruins of the huge stadium, the Temple of Zeus, the wrestling arena, the workshop of Phidius (sp?) believed to be one of the sculptors who worked to specifications of those who sponsored his works, and great rows of stubs of columns testifying to the size and shape of huge buildings that once existed there.
In the arena, a few of the students who have been in track and field had to try out their stamina running the course. Then we went to the Museum which had wonderful statues and artifacts unearthed from the ruins. Like many of the Greek ruins one can see today, they were covered over with soil before being excavated.
I'm not sure when this site was excavated but when we were in Naphlos yesterday, the museum there had good pictures of the archeaologists, and I laughed when I saw the women wearing saddle shoes. That is all it took for me to know they were there in 1952-53, which was when I was in college, and I remember seeing then articles about students going on archeaological "digs" during the summer time.
This Hotel Neda in Ancient Olympia is very nice. The food is very good and there is a lovely pool and outdoor sitting area, where most of the students are at the moment, having been given free time this afternoon. Tomorrow we return to Athens and next we will be going north towards Thessalonica I expect.
I have enjoyed seeing the Pelapponese and the fertile farmland particularly along the lower plains near the water. Lots of olive trees. Gabriella says if one sees no olive trees that means, in that particular area, it must get cold enough to frost, otherwise olive trees grow everywhere in Greece. It has rained more on this trip than on all of my other visits combined. We have experienced short thunderstorms on several occasions. The local people tell us this much rain in June is unusual.
Friday, June 13, 2014
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
A High Point - Mycenae
I am writing this in Tolo, a tourist spot on the Ionian Sea. I have a room with balcony overlooking the water; we all needed a respite from Athens' frantic pace. Today we have a "free" day to do what we wish. I think I will not be doing much walking, except maybe to find a hat - I left mine somewhere at Epidauros.
Yesterday we visited the "pre-historic" site of Ancient Mycenae. I wondered why "pre" historic and was told history in Greece, before the ruins of Mycenae were discovered in the 19th century, only went back to about 900 BC. The Myceneans occupied the mountain fortress and the surrounding land as early as 1500 - 1300- BC. No one knows where they came from. They had quite a sophisticated civilization, forging weapons, making pottery, building dome shaped tombs, (without benefit of the Grecian or Roman arch). They offset the large building blocks slightly so the circular construction leaned slightly inward and took a "beehive" shape. They used a triangle above the door to take the load off the door frame, If one whispers against the wall on one side of the huge dome, a person with their ear next to the wall 40 feet opposite can hear what is said.
The fortress was completely walled and the top of the mountain provided a fantastic 120 degree view. It was never taken by force. They had laid underground pipes from a spring on an adjacent hillside and water drained into a cistern which was then accessed by a staircase inside the walls, so under siege they never ran out of water.
The wind blew fiercely when we were there which made climbing to the top difficult but the view was worth it. This was a high point of my trip, both literally and rhetorically.
Yesterday we visited the "pre-historic" site of Ancient Mycenae. I wondered why "pre" historic and was told history in Greece, before the ruins of Mycenae were discovered in the 19th century, only went back to about 900 BC. The Myceneans occupied the mountain fortress and the surrounding land as early as 1500 - 1300- BC. No one knows where they came from. They had quite a sophisticated civilization, forging weapons, making pottery, building dome shaped tombs, (without benefit of the Grecian or Roman arch). They offset the large building blocks slightly so the circular construction leaned slightly inward and took a "beehive" shape. They used a triangle above the door to take the load off the door frame, If one whispers against the wall on one side of the huge dome, a person with their ear next to the wall 40 feet opposite can hear what is said.
The fortress was completely walled and the top of the mountain provided a fantastic 120 degree view. It was never taken by force. They had laid underground pipes from a spring on an adjacent hillside and water drained into a cistern which was then accessed by a staircase inside the walls, so under siege they never ran out of water.
The wind blew fiercely when we were there which made climbing to the top difficult but the view was worth it. This was a high point of my trip, both literally and rhetorically.
Saturday, June 7, 2014
In Aristotle's Footsteps
It was not an easy day. My stomach was a little"off" this morning and on top of that, we had not been walking long when the band-aid on my toe came off and I had not brought another with me. We walk at such a fast pace it is hard to find a drugstore and stop because one would never catch up. If I knew where we were going, I might chance it, but felt I had better stay with the group.
We visited the War Museum, the Byzantine Museum, the temple of Olympia Zeus, where Nikos, a friend of Dr.Dewey's joined us. Nikos teaches the equivalent of junior-high in Athens and he added many tidbits of information as well as guiding us in where to eat lunch. The last visit of the day was to the Lyceum where Aristotle walked and discoursed with others. So we walked around the rectangle and took pictures. A lovely vista.
By then we were all exhausted and hot in spite of the fact that it had rained today.Yet some had to go shopping as they did not think they had appropriate clothes to go out this evening to a Greek bar to see Latin dancing. No dancing for me. My stomach is feeling better. As soon as I got back to the hotel, I got on my swimsuit and got in the small pool on the rooftop. It was cold but it really hit the spot. Now that I am refreshed and changed I am hungry and ready to eat. But no dancing for me. Greek evening entertainment does not start until 11 pm and by that time I will be asleep!
We visited the War Museum, the Byzantine Museum, the temple of Olympia Zeus, where Nikos, a friend of Dr.Dewey's joined us. Nikos teaches the equivalent of junior-high in Athens and he added many tidbits of information as well as guiding us in where to eat lunch. The last visit of the day was to the Lyceum where Aristotle walked and discoursed with others. So we walked around the rectangle and took pictures. A lovely vista.
By then we were all exhausted and hot in spite of the fact that it had rained today.Yet some had to go shopping as they did not think they had appropriate clothes to go out this evening to a Greek bar to see Latin dancing. No dancing for me. My stomach is feeling better. As soon as I got back to the hotel, I got on my swimsuit and got in the small pool on the rooftop. It was cold but it really hit the spot. Now that I am refreshed and changed I am hungry and ready to eat. But no dancing for me. Greek evening entertainment does not start until 11 pm and by that time I will be asleep!
Friday, June 6, 2014
Sixth Day in Athens
Yesterday we visited Monastiraki where we were encouraged to check out certain areas of shops for souvenirs for best prices and sometimes discounts from shopkeepers (katastimacharese) who know Dr. Byrne and Dr. Dewey from previous student tours. Both of them are good about chatting up the shopkeepers.
I looked at an icon that the shopkeeper would have sold me for 20% off but it still was too much and I was not sure I wanted to carry it home to add to my collection awaiting me there. I haven't done much shopping - haven't had time. I tried to call the Kostoulas family but no luck so far.
Late afternoon yesterday I sat in on Dr. Dewey's Theology and Greek classes for the students (remember they are getting class credit for this tour) and found them very interesting. Today he and half the group have gone on an island cruise for the day. Dr. Byrne and five of us went to a museum in the Port of Pireas. After lunch where we were serenaded by a street entertainer, the students went to the Maritime Museum and Dr. Byrne and I returned to our hotel to "crash". I revived after a little while to do this blog and in a couple hours I will go swimming in the rooftop pool. We are here two more days and then we move on to Tolo.
I looked at an icon that the shopkeeper would have sold me for 20% off but it still was too much and I was not sure I wanted to carry it home to add to my collection awaiting me there. I haven't done much shopping - haven't had time. I tried to call the Kostoulas family but no luck so far.
Late afternoon yesterday I sat in on Dr. Dewey's Theology and Greek classes for the students (remember they are getting class credit for this tour) and found them very interesting. Today he and half the group have gone on an island cruise for the day. Dr. Byrne and five of us went to a museum in the Port of Pireas. After lunch where we were serenaded by a street entertainer, the students went to the Maritime Museum and Dr. Byrne and I returned to our hotel to "crash". I revived after a little while to do this blog and in a couple hours I will go swimming in the rooftop pool. We are here two more days and then we move on to Tolo.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Learning On Site
The weather was threatening rain, so we did not attempt climbing the Acropolis on Tuesday. Instead we visited the National Archealogy Museum, the Greek and Roman agora ruins, Hadrian's Library. and watched the changing of the guard at the Parliament building. In the evening we all congregated on the roof of the hotel for lots of laughter and showing off of tattoos (not mine) and sharing favorite music played on a computer. I had a great discussion with Dr. Dewey about a whole spectrum of subjects from the failure of the Greeks to preserve their artifacts in early years before they were carted off by the western Europeans, to how people choose when to die and the role models we have who lived full, creative lives nearly to the time they died.
Yesterday morning (Wed.) it looked like it might clear, so we delayed our departure, gathered in a meeting room to hear presentations by the students. Each student prepares 7 fifteen minute presentations on some subject related to our trip to Greece. We heard 4 of them and by then, the sky had cleared some, so we tackled the Acropolis. It was a tough climb but we stopped a few times for more students to make their presentations about what we were seeing, the Theater of Dionysis, the Stoa, the Erechtheon, and so forth. Nothing like actually walking on and seeing what you are talking about!
A word about our fearless leaders. Dr. Shannon Byrne, Classics professor, does an excellent job of keeping things moving. She walks really fast; even the students have difficulty keeping up with her. She is also a great fund of information, supplementing the student reports and helping to give them perspective particularly when talking about Greek mythology, which was always a really foggy subject for me. She is really down-to-earth, and can talk their language. She often buys treats (fruit, drinks, extras) for the student group.
Dr. Art Dewey, History & Theology professor, usually brings up the rear, corralling and seeing to any stragglers in the group so we don't get lost. He adds historical information related to relics and statues we see in the museums. He also meets individually with students related to their study goals. They make a good team.
Lots of student groups at this hotel. Breakfast room is full from 6:30 until 9. I saw one girl with full backpack, including her bedroll, leaving the dining room this morning, so this is obviously a favorite staying spot for backpackers as well. Many groups come through: some go on bus tours. Us: we walk! My calves are sore, but not painfully, and I sure don't have any trouble sleeping!
Yesterday morning (Wed.) it looked like it might clear, so we delayed our departure, gathered in a meeting room to hear presentations by the students. Each student prepares 7 fifteen minute presentations on some subject related to our trip to Greece. We heard 4 of them and by then, the sky had cleared some, so we tackled the Acropolis. It was a tough climb but we stopped a few times for more students to make their presentations about what we were seeing, the Theater of Dionysis, the Stoa, the Erechtheon, and so forth. Nothing like actually walking on and seeing what you are talking about!
A word about our fearless leaders. Dr. Shannon Byrne, Classics professor, does an excellent job of keeping things moving. She walks really fast; even the students have difficulty keeping up with her. She is also a great fund of information, supplementing the student reports and helping to give them perspective particularly when talking about Greek mythology, which was always a really foggy subject for me. She is really down-to-earth, and can talk their language. She often buys treats (fruit, drinks, extras) for the student group.
Dr. Art Dewey, History & Theology professor, usually brings up the rear, corralling and seeing to any stragglers in the group so we don't get lost. He adds historical information related to relics and statues we see in the museums. He also meets individually with students related to their study goals. They make a good team.
Lots of student groups at this hotel. Breakfast room is full from 6:30 until 9. I saw one girl with full backpack, including her bedroll, leaving the dining room this morning, so this is obviously a favorite staying spot for backpackers as well. Many groups come through: some go on bus tours. Us: we walk! My calves are sore, but not painfully, and I sure don't have any trouble sleeping!
Monday, June 2, 2014
Third Highest Hill in Athens
The 10 hour plane ride from Philadelphia was not the most comfortable - it never is. We all tried to get some sleep with varying degrees of success. I managed 3 hour-long segments and tried various positions buttressed by 2 airline pillows and a travel pillow for my neck.
We got euros from the airport ATM and Dimitri, holding a sign that read Xavier group, shepherded us aboard a bus for the 45 minute ride to this Candia Hotel (now sporting a new Best Western sign) where XU has been bringing its students for several years. Here, away from the more touristy areas, Dr. Shannon Byrne gave us an orientation tour of our surroundings; the grocery, the laundromat, the local bar, signposts to help us get around. Then we walked a few blocks to the metro station where we received our metro passes, good for one week. Like a good tour leader, she gave us a number as she handed out our passes. This is for counting off, in Greek, when collecting the group before leaving a venue, to be sure she has us all in tow. My number is 14, dekatessura. Dr. Dewey is last, number 15.
Then she explained to us that she knew we were tired but we should try not to sleep until after dinner at 8:00, to avoid jet lag. And just to help us stay awake she said we'd go on a little walk around the base of the Acropolis. So, we took the metro a few stops and then walked and walked and walked. She wasn't kidding. She was not going to give us a chance to sleep. We saw Socrates'prison, Mars Hill and when we thought we'd had enough, we climbed to see the monument to Pilopappas on top of the third highest hill in Athens. The view was spectacular. I said to Dr. Dewey, fellow student in my Greek class, that no postcard or picture ever does it justice. Each time one sees the Acropolis it stops you- you just can't avoid it. It's a fantastic view. We took the obligatory group picture there. We will climb up to the Parthenon later this week.
We all dragged off to bed at 9:00. My writing in my journal (all the students have to keep one) kept getting smaller and smaller and finally my pen just wandered off the page. I was asleep the instant my head hit the pillow. It was a very long day -but we avoided jet lag! I was down for breakfast at 7 am this morning.
We got euros from the airport ATM and Dimitri, holding a sign that read Xavier group, shepherded us aboard a bus for the 45 minute ride to this Candia Hotel (now sporting a new Best Western sign) where XU has been bringing its students for several years. Here, away from the more touristy areas, Dr. Shannon Byrne gave us an orientation tour of our surroundings; the grocery, the laundromat, the local bar, signposts to help us get around. Then we walked a few blocks to the metro station where we received our metro passes, good for one week. Like a good tour leader, she gave us a number as she handed out our passes. This is for counting off, in Greek, when collecting the group before leaving a venue, to be sure she has us all in tow. My number is 14, dekatessura. Dr. Dewey is last, number 15.
Then she explained to us that she knew we were tired but we should try not to sleep until after dinner at 8:00, to avoid jet lag. And just to help us stay awake she said we'd go on a little walk around the base of the Acropolis. So, we took the metro a few stops and then walked and walked and walked. She wasn't kidding. She was not going to give us a chance to sleep. We saw Socrates'prison, Mars Hill and when we thought we'd had enough, we climbed to see the monument to Pilopappas on top of the third highest hill in Athens. The view was spectacular. I said to Dr. Dewey, fellow student in my Greek class, that no postcard or picture ever does it justice. Each time one sees the Acropolis it stops you- you just can't avoid it. It's a fantastic view. We took the obligatory group picture there. We will climb up to the Parthenon later this week.
We all dragged off to bed at 9:00. My writing in my journal (all the students have to keep one) kept getting smaller and smaller and finally my pen just wandered off the page. I was asleep the instant my head hit the pillow. It was a very long day -but we avoided jet lag! I was down for breakfast at 7 am this morning.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
One Week To Go
It's been a month, a very busy month. I spent half that time in Rodman, NY, helping to clear out my sister's property so it could be sold. Ten to twelve hour workdays left me needing a good rest and I am looking forward to the Greece tour which is coming up fast.
The compression sack and packing cubes worked well on my trip to NY. Now I need to select clothes to take. Things that are light weight will work best as it will be quite warm in Greece, though not as warm as in July and August, with perhaps a cover-up for wind or rain. Sandals with moleskin to cushion the tender places worked last time.
My list of things to do before I leave gets longer instead of shorter it seems. Lots of calls and arrangements to make.
I leave Cincinnati at 7 am on Sunday. The car service to the airport picks me up at 5:15! First leg of the trip is to Philadelphia where I will have several hours to wait. Other tour members will join me there for the overnight flight to Athens which leaves around 4 in the afternoon. I wonder if they are as excited as I am.
The compression sack and packing cubes worked well on my trip to NY. Now I need to select clothes to take. Things that are light weight will work best as it will be quite warm in Greece, though not as warm as in July and August, with perhaps a cover-up for wind or rain. Sandals with moleskin to cushion the tender places worked last time.
My list of things to do before I leave gets longer instead of shorter it seems. Lots of calls and arrangements to make.
I leave Cincinnati at 7 am on Sunday. The car service to the airport picks me up at 5:15! First leg of the trip is to Philadelphia where I will have several hours to wait. Other tour members will join me there for the overnight flight to Athens which leaves around 4 in the afternoon. I wonder if they are as excited as I am.
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