Where It All Began

So... today, we went to the holy grail of the theater world: the theater of Dionysus, where it all began. It was there that Thespis took that first step and became the first actor. I also gave a presentation there -- and dominated it! It was really really amazing to be standing where Aeschylus and Sophocles and Euripides would have stood. To know that they were there once, where I was standing, is truly mindblowing. We saw some other minor sanctuaries on the slopes of the Acropolis, but they're not that important. For the record, we saw the sanctuary of Aesclypius, the aeropagus -- where the council of the city of Athens met --, and the pynx, where the whole city met as an assembly. It was a BEAUTIFUL day today so it was perfect for being outside.

After class was over, Brianne and I decided to do a little shopping. We went to H&M (lame, but AMAZING) and then wandered around Placa in search of some specific souveniers. Brianne really wants a kouros (tall man) figure and I really want a replica of the diplyon amphora, which is the funerary vase i did my project on. But... we had no luck. It felt like we went to every souvenier shop there was!

We came home, showered, and met the group for a dinner to say goodbye to Fred Chernoff, the other professor who was traveling with us. He audited our class in the spring and came with us. He is the head of the international relations department and is SO SO smart. It was really amazing to have him come on the trip with us. We had a great dinner and sadly, had to say goodbye.

A few of us went to get dessert (I got apple pie) and then just arrived home. I bought Hercules and so Brianne and I are going to watch it and then head to bed. We've got tomorrow off, so I think we're going to head to the beach for the day. Exciting!

Well, I'm off for a movie and then some much-needed sleep! Good night from Athens!

Missing everyone! Much love!

Xoxo,

Ally