School of Rocks!

These past few days have included tons of walking and zero gyros. :( But my trip is not over and I'm sure I'll have plenty more opportunities! One of the interesting sites we've been to so far includes the Areopagus, the place where criminal trials were held. Some of you may recall this place from its reference in Acts 17:16ff where Paul preaches to the Athenians. At the bottom of the site there is even a plaque that quotes the verses. Aside from being a great 'make-out' spot at night with a great view of the city (as I'm told), it was just neat to be at the very place that Paul had been centuries earlier -- a place filled with history and meaning even though what you see on the surface just looks like a pile of rocks.

Today we went and saw the Hephaisteion, which is the best preserved Greek temple. Our tour was led by Professor John Camp, who is the director of the Athenian Agora Excavations. I know most of you reading this won't care at all about this, but indulge me for a moment. John Camp is like a rock star in my field, so it was pretty cool that he led our session. We even got to go beyond the restricted access and walk into the temple. It was a special day. :)

Later on our group was taken into the different basements and research areas where several archaeologists were doing their work and they explained the different aspects about what they did and the recent scholarship they were working on. It was AMAZING! We got to see everything from conservation of pottery and coins to storerooms of statues to human bones. I've decided to become an archaeologist and I'm living in Greece forever! Not really, but the things I learned today were so fabulous, I couldn't get enough! :) So, I'm having a pretty good time here. But don't worry, I'm coming back... although I may change my mind after I finally taste that first gyro... stay tuned.