Doesn't feel much like Greece when it's windy and rainy and cold, but we managed to keep ourselves busy...
It started to rain a bit on Thursday just as we were wrapping up for the day so we didn't do the BBQ lunch that we'd originally had planned (that's been moved to next week). Instead, we found out that Hetti and her husband were going to have us all over for dinner!
Leesa, Michelle, Amanada and I had been planning on going out for dinner together at Pentieli's but this new development led to our decision to do lunch instead :) After lunch we headed back to the hotel with just enough time to do some laundry and head back to the Hercules building (our classroom) for some pottery washing/reading.
We all headed straight to Hetti's for dinner after our pottery was clean and Geoffrey had taken some time to teach us how to read it (figure out what kind of pottery it was, where it was from, when it was from, etc.). Dinner was amazing! Hetti had made us lentil soup, Kefalonia meat pies, pasta salad, avocado/potato salad, tzatziki... yum.
Friday was rainy... so I went with Michelle, Leesa and Mike to Skala. A cab's only about 15€ so split between four people it was definitely worth it. We need to go back when it's sunny though -- the beach there is a lot nicer than the one in Poros!
One thing we hadn't thought through very well was the fact that everything closes from 2-3pm until 6pm! We arrived in Skala at about 1:30pm so didn't have too much time to shop before everything closed up for afternoon siesta! Bah! Still, I found a tablecloth for my mom and it was perfect -- when I went back to get it, that's when we remembered about the 3pm closing thing. The store where I'd found it was already closed!! Luckily, Leesa, Michelle and Mike didn't mind waiting around 'til it reopened. I also picked up a few other odds and ends for Christmas and am almost done my souvenir shopping! Definitely a productive day. It's warm enough that the rain didn't really bother us too much -- except maybe Michelle; she didn't bring a jacket.
Friday night a bunch of us watched The Fifth Element in the Hercules building... Weird movie!!!
Yesterday (Saturday) was even more rainy than Friday so we headed into Poros to check out some of the other souvenir shops that we hadn't already been to. We got pretty wet (rain will do that to you) and decided to stop at Pantieli's on our way home for some hot chocolate... We = Michelle, Leesa and I. Mike had come to town with us but needed to grab some groceries on the way home too. Anyway. We were there for just a few minutes when Pantieli brought us out a plate of cake and ice cream to share! He said his mom had put it together for us (she works there too). Sweet!!!
You know you're probably spending too much time at a restaurant when they start bringing you goodies for free... In any case -- still loving the small town-ness of this place.
Except for today... when it was STILL rainy. I made real food for dinner (haven't done that since I've been here) and it was fabulous (if I don't say so myself). Michelle tried some though, and she agreed. It really was good. Salmon (with olive oil, lemon juice and salt 'n pepper) and potatoes -- sliced up and baked in the oven with onions, carrots and zucchini.
Other than that... we did a lot more of nothing today. Michelle and Leesa convinced Mike and I to watch "The Dark Crystal" with them. Oi. It's a Jim Henson movie... I'm so not a big fan of puppet movies. But whatever -- I'm so picking the movie next time :)
Then Michelle and I played cards for like... two hours. And now... Now I'm about ready to head to bed early so that I can be all cheery and energized tomorrow for digging. It's nice outside now -- the sky has cleared up because the weekend is over. *sigh*
I'm so not showering after the dig tomorrow. Straight to the beach for me!
Muchos love friends. Next weekend will be much more exciting because the sun will be shining and we'll be traveling together to Ithika! Woot!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The Adventures Continue...
I posted pictures already, but now it's time for some details regarding our more recent adventures in Poros! I'm catching up... Soon I'll be able to post CURRENT news!
On Saturday we were treated to a boat ride on a glass-bottom boat to a bea-u-tiful beach that is only accessible from the water! The captain and first mate were fabulous. They let us take turns driving the boat and seemed so excited to be able to give us this incredible experience!
The ride took about 20 minutes and they drove the boat right up onto the beach so that we were able to walk off (with the help of the captain -- the plank from the stairs to the beach was a little wobbly).
We spent the next couple of hours swimming around and then climbing back up onto the boat (which was pushed out into the water -- tied to the beach for bringing it back in later) and either sliding down the waterslide at the back or jumping off the side (of the top deck -- HIGH!) into the water below. Good thing the water gets deep quickly out here :)
The captain and first mate then made us an AMAZING BBQ dinner -- tomato/cucumber salad, fresh bread and several variations of pork! We had a big cake to celebrate Julie's birthday too! Fun times!!
After swimming and BBQ-ing we played a few games (we passed an orange from person to person via the neck and, in the same fashion, we passed a cucumber from person to person via the thighs/knees. If we weren't comfortable with each other before... we should be now!
What else? Rocks!! I collected a bunch of rocks between swimming and games and eating... I still need to pick up a container to store 'em in so that I can start drinking out of my Nalgene bottle again (which is their temporary container until I get something else).
On the way back we had a bit of dance party on the top floor of the boat -- there was a Finnish tourist who had joined us for the trip (as well as a family from England, I think) and he certainly seemed to be enjoying himself with all the girls. He chased Amanda for a bit at first and then moved around to everyone else after he determined that she wasn't interested in dancing. He stood by the stairs when we arrived back at the harbour and proceeded to give everyone hugs goodbye so I grabbed Michelle when it was my turn and our hug became a group-hug instead. This, apparently, did not deter him -- he kissed both our cheeks and then moved on to whoever was behind us. Yeesh.
So that was Saturday...
Sunday was slower (whew) and Monday was our first day of actual excavation!!!
We spent most of the day measuring elevations, taking notes, and photographing the site before FINALLY using the last hour to DIG! Taking elevations is sometimes a little tricky...
Michelle, Leesa and I didn't do much excavation but we did shovel away some of the dirt that was being dug up by group three. While cleaning, we found some bones in the dirt (that was the day I found a knee cap) SO...
On Monday, Michelle and I ended up working on a small area (she wrote about it below, so I won't go into too many details...) for the whole time. It was only a small area but because the bones we were finding were just little fragments, it took us quite a while to finish it up. As meticulous as it was, I had so much fun!!
Today is Wednesday and we started the day off cleaning up the debris being dug up in our new trench -- Trench V -- but Michelle and I swapped in for the afternoon and spent a few hours "articulating" pebbles. Cassandra had dug through most of the top soil so our job was to clean up the area below -- taking away any clay and then sweeping so that when a picture is taken of the trench, it is easy to spot the pebbly area that Cassandra will start excavating tomorrow.
Sounds like Michelle and I will be moved, with Simon and a few others, to a more permanent place in Trench VI tomorrow! Woot! Finger are crossed -- let's hope we find a burial to excavate!
PS -- we found our FOURTH scorpion today! Gah!! I did get a picture before we killed it though...
PPS -- We are visited everyday between 8:30am-9am by a huge herd (flock?) of goats.
On Saturday we were treated to a boat ride on a glass-bottom boat to a bea-u-tiful beach that is only accessible from the water! The captain and first mate were fabulous. They let us take turns driving the boat and seemed so excited to be able to give us this incredible experience!
The ride took about 20 minutes and they drove the boat right up onto the beach so that we were able to walk off (with the help of the captain -- the plank from the stairs to the beach was a little wobbly).
We spent the next couple of hours swimming around and then climbing back up onto the boat (which was pushed out into the water -- tied to the beach for bringing it back in later) and either sliding down the waterslide at the back or jumping off the side (of the top deck -- HIGH!) into the water below. Good thing the water gets deep quickly out here :)
The captain and first mate then made us an AMAZING BBQ dinner -- tomato/cucumber salad, fresh bread and several variations of pork! We had a big cake to celebrate Julie's birthday too! Fun times!!
After swimming and BBQ-ing we played a few games (we passed an orange from person to person via the neck and, in the same fashion, we passed a cucumber from person to person via the thighs/knees. If we weren't comfortable with each other before... we should be now!
What else? Rocks!! I collected a bunch of rocks between swimming and games and eating... I still need to pick up a container to store 'em in so that I can start drinking out of my Nalgene bottle again (which is their temporary container until I get something else).
On the way back we had a bit of dance party on the top floor of the boat -- there was a Finnish tourist who had joined us for the trip (as well as a family from England, I think) and he certainly seemed to be enjoying himself with all the girls. He chased Amanda for a bit at first and then moved around to everyone else after he determined that she wasn't interested in dancing. He stood by the stairs when we arrived back at the harbour and proceeded to give everyone hugs goodbye so I grabbed Michelle when it was my turn and our hug became a group-hug instead. This, apparently, did not deter him -- he kissed both our cheeks and then moved on to whoever was behind us. Yeesh.
So that was Saturday...
Sunday was slower (whew) and Monday was our first day of actual excavation!!!
We spent most of the day measuring elevations, taking notes, and photographing the site before FINALLY using the last hour to DIG! Taking elevations is sometimes a little tricky...
these guys are watching the awkward elevation measuring taking place in the picture above...
Michelle, Leesa and I didn't do much excavation but we did shovel away some of the dirt that was being dug up by group three. While cleaning, we found some bones in the dirt (that was the day I found a knee cap) SO...
On Monday, Michelle and I ended up working on a small area (she wrote about it below, so I won't go into too many details...) for the whole time. It was only a small area but because the bones we were finding were just little fragments, it took us quite a while to finish it up. As meticulous as it was, I had so much fun!!
Today is Wednesday and we started the day off cleaning up the debris being dug up in our new trench -- Trench V -- but Michelle and I swapped in for the afternoon and spent a few hours "articulating" pebbles. Cassandra had dug through most of the top soil so our job was to clean up the area below -- taking away any clay and then sweeping so that when a picture is taken of the trench, it is easy to spot the pebbly area that Cassandra will start excavating tomorrow.
Sounds like Michelle and I will be moved, with Simon and a few others, to a more permanent place in Trench VI tomorrow! Woot! Finger are crossed -- let's hope we find a burial to excavate!
PS -- we found our FOURTH scorpion today! Gah!! I did get a picture before we killed it though...
PPS -- We are visited everyday between 8:30am-9am by a huge herd (flock?) of goats.
Πορος continued...
Actually, the rest of this post is about Assos and Fiscardo!
On our way to Assos (last Friday), we stopped on the side of the road to take pictures of Myrtos Beach which is one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Greece! There's a book or something that says so.
We all wanted to stop but didn't have time so Geoffrey talked to Vasillis (our bus-driver) and he said that he might take whoever wants to go this coming weekend for a few hours. Woot!!!
Assos was BEAUTIFUL! It's such a quaint little town. There's a big hill that's sort of separated from the town by a tiny bit of land and on the top of that hill is a huge castle! Not huge for a castle, but definitely quite large for a castle on an island. It took those of us who went up about 20-25 minutes to walk to the entrance at the top of the hill (it was SO hot and there was almost NO shade between the start of the path and the end!!!) It was worth it though - I'd never seen a castle before!
After the hike down from the castle I was STARVING. I went to the cafe that others (who hadn't hiked up to the castle) said was the cheapest. I'm quickly learning that a bit of friendliness (aka flirting) goes a long way here. I ordered the same thing that Michelle and Leesa had paid €5 for and, after making some conversation while I waited, was only charged €4! The girls were filling up water bottles in the bathroom and said the water was a bit salty so I asked the same server if there was tap water available in the kitchen. He said yes and brought me back a 1.5L BOTTLE. I waved it away and said that tap water would be fine but he said it wasn't very good SO I asked how much the bottle would cost me. He thought for a minute and decided, "For you? Nothing!"
So. I'm definitely a fan of Greek hospitality :)
Next stop was Fiscardo!
There wasn't too much to see there -- we were supposed to be checking out the style of buildings that were more "historic" to get a better idea of what the island's structures used to look like buuut it was difficult to determine which buildings were the historic ones and which were more modern. When you could tell that it was older, it was often hard to really SEE it because it's a very touristy area and the fronts of the buildings are all little shops and things.
In any case, it was a wonderful day! Definitely glad that we did Assos and Fiscardo on a different day that Argostoli though!
More adventures followed this past weekend and even into this week... will post about those soon!!
On our way to Assos (last Friday), we stopped on the side of the road to take pictures of Myrtos Beach which is one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Greece! There's a book or something that says so.
We all wanted to stop but didn't have time so Geoffrey talked to Vasillis (our bus-driver) and he said that he might take whoever wants to go this coming weekend for a few hours. Woot!!!
Assos was BEAUTIFUL! It's such a quaint little town. There's a big hill that's sort of separated from the town by a tiny bit of land and on the top of that hill is a huge castle! Not huge for a castle, but definitely quite large for a castle on an island. It took those of us who went up about 20-25 minutes to walk to the entrance at the top of the hill (it was SO hot and there was almost NO shade between the start of the path and the end!!!) It was worth it though - I'd never seen a castle before!
After the hike down from the castle I was STARVING. I went to the cafe that others (who hadn't hiked up to the castle) said was the cheapest. I'm quickly learning that a bit of friendliness (aka flirting) goes a long way here. I ordered the same thing that Michelle and Leesa had paid €5 for and, after making some conversation while I waited, was only charged €4! The girls were filling up water bottles in the bathroom and said the water was a bit salty so I asked the same server if there was tap water available in the kitchen. He said yes and brought me back a 1.5L BOTTLE. I waved it away and said that tap water would be fine but he said it wasn't very good SO I asked how much the bottle would cost me. He thought for a minute and decided, "For you? Nothing!"
So. I'm definitely a fan of Greek hospitality :)
Next stop was Fiscardo!
There wasn't too much to see there -- we were supposed to be checking out the style of buildings that were more "historic" to get a better idea of what the island's structures used to look like buuut it was difficult to determine which buildings were the historic ones and which were more modern. When you could tell that it was older, it was often hard to really SEE it because it's a very touristy area and the fronts of the buildings are all little shops and things.
In any case, it was a wonderful day! Definitely glad that we did Assos and Fiscardo on a different day that Argostoli though!
More adventures followed this past weekend and even into this week... will post about those soon!!
Meticulous Work
I was covered in dirt, covered. A dirt tan if you will. In my nose, in my ears, in my eyes, and in my mouth too. Bleh. Good thing the shower at least dribbled, other wise, my computer would have dirt in it.
Now that that’s over with. What a great day! I’m super tired but today Geoffrey thought me and Shannon did a wonderful job, exposing a layer of rocks through clay and roots and stuff. Picture perfect. Using pick axes and trowels and little tiny brooms we dug through the dirt carefully picking out bits of pottery and a few bone pieces. Vicky and Rebecca found a new Pythos burial in the trench that was built yesterday! This was right next to were Shannon and I were clearing that other layer of dirt and rock. Hopefully by next week me, Shannon and Simon will be able to start digging in Trench 5. I also got to watch/help Geoffrey do a little diagram of the clay deposit that was uncovered above the layer we dug to, by Cassandra and Vicky. At 5:30pm today we have Greek class and...I’m not sure what we are learning, Stella is very vague. We had homework though, changing the lowercase words to all uppercase and vice versa. It was very thrilling. -.-
Now to drink some tea! Mmmm MMmmm Good!
P.S. *wispers* The goats are coming.... Between 8:30-9:30am. Everyday...
Now that that’s over with. What a great day! I’m super tired but today Geoffrey thought me and Shannon did a wonderful job, exposing a layer of rocks through clay and roots and stuff. Picture perfect. Using pick axes and trowels and little tiny brooms we dug through the dirt carefully picking out bits of pottery and a few bone pieces. Vicky and Rebecca found a new Pythos burial in the trench that was built yesterday! This was right next to were Shannon and I were clearing that other layer of dirt and rock. Hopefully by next week me, Shannon and Simon will be able to start digging in Trench 5. I also got to watch/help Geoffrey do a little diagram of the clay deposit that was uncovered above the layer we dug to, by Cassandra and Vicky. At 5:30pm today we have Greek class and...I’m not sure what we are learning, Stella is very vague. We had homework though, changing the lowercase words to all uppercase and vice versa. It was very thrilling. -.-
Now to drink some tea! Mmmm MMmmm Good!
P.S. *wispers* The goats are coming.... Between 8:30-9:30am. Everyday...
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Digging
So today and yesterday were pretty much the same day, dig-wise anyway. Lots of waiting, more waiting and also listening to Geoffrey dictate the Preface to Our 2009 season, which is required for our end of term paper on our findings. But once we did start digging yesterday (with like and hour to spare) we found a third metatarsal! and then parts of the rest of the foot and maybe some fingers today. Apparently, well there are two burials in this area. First Burial A4 (I think) is just above burial A3 and the bones we found were in between the two. It's hard to explain without a picture, we shall try. After Burial A4, was completed, then new Burial A3, just below the bones we found, partially cut Burial A4 order to complete the burial, but Burial A4 was re-dug in order to reuse the grave and ended up cutting into Burial A3. Or something like that. Very confusing, with the stratigraphy and all. Shannon and I worked in this small area (the one i just talked about) of about 1'x1' (its supposed to be cm but :P) for almost the whole time, there were so many teeny tiny fragments it was crazy meticulous, and so fun! XD We also opened a new trench (well not me, Simon, Pericles, Vicky, Casandra, Rebecca, and Amanda).
Other than that, after we got back I did a little shopping, read Eclipse on the beach (and no, it did not enhance the romance of the book because there is none) got treated to Pantelis! Hooplah! for economical leftovers! And discounts! And soon I will be watching Firefly! Go Simon!!!
New Greek Phrase: Τι Κανες; Πολι Καλα! - (How are you? Very well!)
Other than that, after we got back I did a little shopping, read Eclipse on the beach (and no, it did not enhance the romance of the book because there is none) got treated to Pantelis! Hooplah! for economical leftovers! And discounts! And soon I will be watching Firefly! Go Simon!!!
New Greek Phrase: Τι Κανες; Πολι Καλα! - (How are you? Very well!)
Monday, September 21, 2009
More Pictures! Field Trip #1 and our Glass Bottom Boat Adventure!
Field Trip #1 to Argostoli (the capitol city of Kefalonia), Assos (they've got a castle!), and Fiscardo (the only town on the island that wasn't destroyed in the earthquake of 1953!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/42624753@N02/sets/72157622418086138/show/
A local captain hosted us on his glass bottom boat on Saturday late afternoon thru early evening -- free of charge! He took us about 20-min away to a beautiful beach only accessible by boat and fed us an incredible BBQ while we were there!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/42624753@N02/sets/72157622293502033/show/
As always -- see comments about each photo by clicking on "show info" on the top right corner of the slideshow screen!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/42624753@N02/sets/72157622418086138/show/
A local captain hosted us on his glass bottom boat on Saturday late afternoon thru early evening -- free of charge! He took us about 20-min away to a beautiful beach only accessible by boat and fed us an incredible BBQ while we were there!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/42624753@N02/sets/72157622293502033/show/
As always -- see comments about each photo by clicking on "show info" on the top right corner of the slideshow screen!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Pictures of Poros and Pronnoi!
Check out some pictures of Poros and Pronnoi -- Pronnoi doesn't actually exist anymore; it's the ancient city-state where we're excavating.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/42624753@N02/sets/72157622292520407/show/
Don't forget to click on "show info" on the top right corner in the slideshow to read the titles and information about what the pictures are of!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/42624753@N02/sets/72157622292520407/show/
Don't forget to click on "show info" on the top right corner in the slideshow to read the titles and information about what the pictures are of!
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