Hello all! So today was the first 'real' day as it was. It wasn't too difficult. I tagged along with the agora dig people for their orientation, and had lunch with them before we wandered home. Then I came and checked into Loring Hall, which is where I will be staying while in Athens. After unpacking we had tea time, which was time to meet everyone. Then we trekked up Lycabetos (or some spelling near that) Hill which is almost right behind the school. It is the highest point in Athens, so the view from the top is fabulous.

The view of the Panathenaic Stadium from partway up the Hill. Though built to match the original plan, this version was rebuilt in 1896 so that the Olympic Games could be hosted there.

Look, I figured out pictures! Here's some more ^^

This is the view of the Acropolis from the top of the Hill. I think only the Parthenon is really visible there. Yay Parthenon! It survived most of history intact, until it was used as a munitions storehouse in the conflict with the Turks. The Turks managed to take it out, and also blew up the middle of the Parthenon, which is why it is in the state it is today. Or was... restorations are taking place presently.

Me! Look you can almost see the Parthenon in the background!

This is the adorable little chuch on the top of the hill. It's rather modern, but very pretty.

 Let's see... after that we came back down and wandered about a little before settling in for dinner. They give us fabulous food, and lots of it! We didn't do much else today, though. Tomorrow we are getting oriented in the American School itself and then visiting the Aereopagus, Pynx, and Philoppapos Hill, which is where the Turks blew the Parthenon up from ^^ We'll be here in Athens until Sunday, which is when we hop on an overnight ferry to Crete. Hope all is well back home, love you!