Sisterhood, Party of Five for Pick Up?!?

This morning at 7:40, we were greeted outside our hotel by a full size Mercedes coach.  We thought watching tiny smart cars and Fiats negotiate these roads was wild?  Now try it in a gigantic bus!!

We saw an incredible amount of history today and learned a ton about Athens and Greece, listening to our sweet guide as we traveled between amazing sights like the Acropolis, Hadrian's Arch, the Olympic Stadium, Zeus' Palace, the Parthenon and the Plaka, a shopping and eating area at the heart of Athens, laying in the shadow of the Acropolis. 

Olympic Stadium

Hadrian's Arch

The Parthenon at the Acropolis

Temple of Zeus

Three things I learned today:

1 - the word PANIC has its roots right here in Athens. There were a few fierce battles between the Athenians and the Persians over control of Greece, and during one battle in particular the Athenians were losing miserably. There was a cave in the rocks above the battlefield and the Greek god Pan (half man, half horse) resided therein. He was a lesser god - the god of shepards and flocks - but he saw the Athenians struggling and descended from his cave. His appearance and actions startled the Persians and during the ensuing panic, the Athenians were able to overthrow them, securing their control.

2 - following this victory, the Athenians sent a messenger to share the news of the win with the city officials. The plains of Marathon, where the battle had occurred, were located 26 miles, or 42 kilometers, from the city stadium where people had gathered awaiting word. The messenger ran the entire distance, and following his announcement of victory, promptly collapsed and died from exhaustion.  Each year, all around the world, many races of the same length are run by millions of people trying to achieve personal victory. 

3 -  after learning that Athena was born out of her father's head, I've decided that the relationships between parent and child are all the same in their basic elements, no matter how powerful you are, where you live or what century it is.

Following a tryst that left him nervous about his lover becoming pregnant, Zeus promptly ate the woman whole.  It was too late though, as she was already expectant. Many months later, after forgetting about the whole thing, Zeus developed a horrific headache and eventually the pain became too much for him to bear.  His head was cleaved open and out emerged Athena, ready to battle her father over this horrid injustice. Zeus, however, quickly acquiesced and declared her his favorite daughter (naming her Athena for her great strength and wisdom) in order that there might be some peace. 

So, here's how I heard it ... Parent gets splitting headache caused by child. Child throws massive fit. Parent gives in so that they can get a little peace and quiet. Splitting headache dissipates. Is that about right??

It was another fabulous day but we're wiped and the ferry comes early tomorrow morning. 

And so, from the Sisterhood I say, "καληνύχτα". 

Good night.