Ruined by ruins?

Day 4 started with a wholesome breakfast overlooking the sea with the sound of lapping waves as background music. The children were somewhat subdued with the past 3 days of activities starting to take its toll. Mrs Roberts was not very happy with Aastha as her alarm went off at 5.30am disturbing Mrs Roberts’s beauty sleep. Mr Gray had to fireman lift a fast asleep Karam out of bed. Breakfast conversation did take a more academic turn when Aya asked Mr Gray, “What is the largest number you know and do numbers go on forever?” When they realized they were packing to leave Tolon, the children were disappointed that they were not going to have the opportunity to swim again.


After a delayed departure, we finally headed for the theatre of Epidaurus. The children were awed by the size and shape of this ancient theatre. Having their workbooks with them got them asking Anna loads of questions. Making the long trek up the stairs was worth the while as we got to hear Anna drop a coin in the middle of the ‘stage’. We were also entertained by another school group performing a tragedy.

Then it was off to the Palamidi Fortress which was actually a Venetian construction. The children were actually disppointed that they didn't get to walk up the 900 or so stairs. The views from the top were amazing we got to walk up the bastion.

From the Palamidi Fortress, we made our way to Mycenae, the acropolis of Agamemnon. Anna was once again impressed with the children’s eagerness to view what the sights had to offer, especially as we were walking around in the 30 degree heat. They were given an explanation of how the cyclopean walls were built and how myths such as that of the Cyclops (one-eyed giants) were actually based on actual men wearing headbands with one eye. Then it was off to the beehive tomb (Treasury of Atreus) which was discovered by a shepherd looking for his lost sheep.

A hungry bunch then descended at the restaurant at Mycenae. We were treated to creamy mushroom pasta, fish and chips, stuffed tomato for Areej, and ice cream. The first couple of courses went down really well when Ms Naidoo threatened to withhold the ice cream if the courses were not eaten.

A stop at the local pottery shop then got the children taking out their wallets eagerly. The salesman was certainly on top form impressing the children with his bargain prices. All that could be heard from them were, “Wow” and “Wow, that’s cheap!”

Then it was back to the coach for the ride back to Athens. While there was no seasickness on Wednesday on the ferry, there was definitely a couple of green faces on the coach today – Sahil and Mrs Roberts. It was then back to Hotel Ilissos for the next two nights. Mrs Hull’s first aid skills were utilized again when Diana suffered an injured foot.

Dinner was polished off by everyone, especially the strawberry mousse and we were complimented for the clean plates.

An exhausted party of 25 went to bed early tonight!