Day 2. Closed on Mondays

Monday May 11


Ate breakfast at hotel and then moved to Four Seasons—where Lilly’s family company sends guests. Drove to Marathon and then all the way to Sounio to see the Temple of Poseidon. Ate dinner in Glyfada at a crepe place.






I'm not sure how to describe this day. We saw so much--it was a great way to start our touring. We spent much of the day trying to figure out where we were and where we were going! Was a late start and we weren’t sure of route. Ended up driving up hills of Athens and eventually came upon signs that seemed to send us in the right direction. Even after asking a toll booth clerk, and following her directions; even when we actually saw signs that said Marathon--we still weren't sure. We took many false turns and made many u-turns. BUT—along the way we saw some awesome real estate (some of which burned in fires since we were there) and were disappointed when we found that every place we wanted to see was CLOSED ON MONDAY!!



We stopped at the Marathon Museum, The Trophy (the column), The Tumulus (the mound)







Left: Mike, walking back to car after inspecting the Trophy.




A small private chapel (which was open!) that was next to the "Trophy" which is a tall column that marks the spot where there was something honoring those who died in the battle.
….we found a blue line painted in the street and figured it must be the route for the marathon race. Even though everything was closed, we took pictures of everything we could see.



LUNCH!
We headed south on the road and were looking for any place to eat.









Finally, Elena said just turn here and there was a tiny little place with a counter and a couple tables, but then across the street/alley were a few tables too. I suppose it was sort of a little square. We usually ordered a few things we could share...always looking for the perfect souvlaki or gyro!

Started driving south again and while we’re driving we were sort of looking for/hoping to see the Temple of Artemis that was supposed to be somewhere. Every time we gave up, we’d see something that made us think we must be close. We figured it would be closed too, but we’re kinda psyched for sticking to the search and sort of pretending that we are simply out for a drive.

Then we rounded a turn and there it was! Also closed but we took pictures as usual! Mike and Elena stood on the shoulder of the road to get some shots.



We kept driving south---assuming that at some point we will find Sounio, because we know it's at the tip of the peninsula and we do see signs.

Along the way, as we drive along the coast, we stopped to take in the view. It is just beautiful! But we keep pushing on because we hope to get to the Temple of Poseidon in time for sunset.

Elena, our trusty tour guide assures us it will be worth it.



And of course, once again, we come around a turn and BOOM! There it is!!






I’m not sure I can even describe it! Was it just because we found something open? Don’t think so. It is truly, simply awesome! We drive as far as we can and then park. The entrance is not real obvious—we walk around building and see the gate.

So we start up the hill which is pretty rocky and challenging for me at least.



It’s amazing to see so much of the temple actually standing. Of course, I’m not sure how big it was originally! We just sort of wandered around, looking, taking pictures, enjoying the atmosphere. Elena tells us the story of the King who throws himself off the cliffs in despair because he thinks his son the prince has died. Don't the Greeks ever get tired of tragic irony?

Best line of the day is a couple who are taking pictures and the wife wants the Aegean for her background and the husband wants the temple for the background, and finally the husband says, Honey, you can get a sunset anytime, we’re at the Temple of Poseidon!!




Elena poses as Artemis because she’s adopting her as her goddess and wants to be Artemis at camp this summer.


We decided we wanted a little refreshment so we decide to go back to the restaurant and eat something and then come back up—after we make sure they’ll let us back through the gate. So, at 7:45, Mike and Elena head back up. I didn't think I could make it back up the hill but after I sat there for a few minutes, I realized I just could not miss out on this experience. So I ran back up the hill. I was pretty out of breath, but I made it, and found them. All these people were sitting at the edge of the cliff, watching the sunset!!



Quite the communal experience! Some tour guide read a poem in Portugese or something. Then the docents started blowing their whistles to clear the place out! Reluctantly, we drag ourselves away, go back to the car and head back to Athens. Up the western side of Attica! The road follows the water all the way up to Glyfada.


We arrive back at the hotel pretty late, but of course, we are hungry so we decide to eat first and drive around the side streets looking. Finally we park and end up at a crepe place! Well, one doesn't have to eat Greek food for every meal. It was good. We are pretty tired and have another busy day tomorrow, so we head for the hotel and bed. Delphi tomorrow!