Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, Beach Day, Glyfada Dinner

July 29 

Following a busy day, the Journey to Greece family returned to the classroom. In Dr. Dimitriou’s foreign policy class, students continued studying US-Greek foreign relations. Discussed were bills voted on by the US congress, H.R. 2583 and H.R. 306, which calls for the return of religious artifacts stolen by Turkey and freedom for all religious minorities in Turkey respectively.  The class also learned about Greek foreign investment opportunities and the possibility that many of Greece’s industries will become privatized in the near future. After the lecture, students reviewed expectations for their briefing papers and headed to Plaka for our daily taverna lunch.

When the souvlaki, salata, tzatziki, and pizza were complete, the students attended their afternoon lessons. In the Modern Greek language class, our group prepared written phrases and continued practicing their conversational expressions. The Greek Dance class continued reviewing their traditional dances and in this particular session, the Zembetiko. When the students were dismissed, it marked the beginning of their free weekend, where students were able to visit relatives, sites they have not seen or to catch up on their studies before the last week of class and final exams and/or projects.

July 30

Saturday was a picturesque day in Athens and the first day of our free weekend. Students took advantage of the day by visiting relatives, sites they have not seen and catching up on their studies before the last week of class and final exams.

July 31

This Sunday marked the final day of our free weekend. The Journey family enjoyed a few extra hours of sleep, caught up on homework, and enjoyed a group lunch at Noodle Bar, a favorite restaurant of our group.

In the afternoon, we took a chartered bus to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounioin. Before reaching our destination, we stopped at a beautiful beach in Anavessos where we enjoyed a swim in the warm water and relaxed in the sand.

Shortly before sunset we arrived at the Temple of Poseidon. Dr. D gave a historical note of the significance of Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. Dating back to 440 BC, it is dedicated to the 2nd most important god of the sea! It is noted as the place where King Aegeas threw himself into the sea, fearing that his son, the hero Theissius was killed by the Minotaur at Knossos. The sea still carries his name, "the Aegean!!" Finally, it is the spot favored by the Phil-Hellene, Lord Byron and still noted for its wonderful sunsets!" We took our customary group picture in front of the Temple and then walked around the site and took in the stunning sunset.

When the sun set, we took our chartered coach to Glyfada for our dinner appointment at the famous George’s Steak House. Upon arrival, the table was set with salata, bread, tzatziki, zucchini, and fresh bread. We then enjoyed beef keftedes and finished the meal with seasonal Greek watermelon. At the conclusion of the meal, we took our chartered bus back to our apartments to relax and prepare for our lessons.