Day 6: Conquering Athens

Hi You All! Quick thing before I begin: I'm feeling slightly lonely here in BlogWorld. I would love to hear from you, even if it's only a quick hello or update in the comments section.

Okay, here we go:

A picture of the city of Athens from up near the Acropolis. I took this picture while on a historic walk with two of my new Fulbright friends. Notice the mountain in the background: Greece is very mountainous.
This is a picture of Plaka at night during dinnertime. It's very romantic because of all the white lights hanging from the trees and the live music wafting through the air. (See me answer to Darrell and Sikida's question.
Here is the old Temple of Zeus in the heart of Athens. This is all that remains of the ancient place of worship.

I feel like I have conquered Athens by now: I know all the major streets, have ridden the Metra, and know my favorite restaurants to eat at! I also know 7 Greek words (yippee, for me...I know it's not much). The words I know are:

neh = Yes

kalimera = Good Morning

kalispera = Good Evening

signomi = Sorry

parakalo = Please

efkharisto = Thank You

andio = Good-Bye

So today we learned all about the Acropolis (we visit it tomorrow) and Greek Mythology. Then I took a 3 hour walk around Athens. Every time you're walking here in Athens you turn the corner and BANG! -- you run into some ancient BC-type ruins. It's pretty cool!

Veronica -- Greek Mythology started because the Greeks needed to explain the natural occurrences that were happening in the world (ie. volcanoes, etc).

James and Moss -- Greeks are now Greek Orthodox, a type of Catholicism. They believe the world was created by the Christian God.

Meka -- THANKS FOR READING! I hear from Ms. Litowsky you've been on the blog, but haven't commented! Yay :) As for your question: The Athenians (people who live in Athens) love Athena. That's their favorite goddess because she saved the Athenian people from the angry Poseidon. They have jewelry here that looks like a spiral and if it turns clock-wise it symbolizes Poseidon and if the spiral turns counter-clock-wise it symbolizes Athena.

QUESTION FOR YOU ALL  = Who remembers why Athens was saved by Athena? (Ben, I bet you know!!!)

Darrell and Sidika -- YES, Athens (at least) is very romantic :) I have seen lots of couples walking around and this is the perfect romantic spot. In the Plaka neighborhood (where I am staying) there are tons of small, winding cobble-stone streets great for mingling. Around 7:30 PM (dinner time) all the Greek men come out and ask me: "Do you want a boyfriend for the evening?" The restaurants are lined up on the curbs with tables outside and white lights hanging from all the trees. It's beautiful. There is usually live music being played as well. How romantic, hum? (You can tell that to DeMichael as well...he may be interested!) Athenians have the freedom to inter-marry, although this may be different when I get to the countryside.

I have one more day in Athens, and then we move to Corinth and Nfalion in the countryside.

Sincerely, 

Ms. G