While the Parthenon takes the spotlight, the Temple of Poseidon has its own right to fame. Inspiring myth and legend itself, the area was used since 1500 BC as a site of worship. Key to the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur, Cape Sounio is where king Aegeus stood and looked for Theseus, as he returned victorious.

Simply standing next to the Temple and looking out at the beautiful deep blue Aegean Sea, one can understand why it played such a crucial role in Greek antiquity. Built right at the edge of the cliff, few places inspire such awe. In this day and age, it stands as a true wonder. Not wanting to leave the temple, the participants went for a swim at a beautiful cove nearby. Who knew that there was such a beautiful beach so close to a metropolis? Christiana Konugres was thrilled by the excursion.

“Sounio was fantastic! It was amazing to see the beautifully crafted columns standing along the Aegean Sea. It was incredible to think it was constructed thousands of years ago and, that despite the salt and harsh winds, it still stands so strong. Cape Sounio was amazing as well. I have never seen such beautiful clear turquoise water. We had a wonderful time swimming and a beautiful lunch. The καρπούζι (watermelon) was so good!”

Diana Kawka was equally impressed and amazed.

“I thought Sounio was beautiful. Before this trip, I had never been out of the U.S., let alone been to Greece. So, having the chance to see such a historical site, especially in such a beautiful place, was an amazing opportunity for me. I just thought of how long the temple had been there and how generations of Greeks, including my own family, had been there and seen it, just like I had. The whole cape Sounio was amazing too. I’ve only seen such clear blue water in movies and it was hard to believe that it actually exists here in Greece.”

After lunch and a swim, it was time to visit another landmark of Athens. The Benaki Museum.

Founded by Antonis Benakis, he had the foresight to know that history should be preserved, if we are to build a better future. Caring about society, the family set up many museums around Athens, all aiming at the same thing; to make better people and citizens.

With Dr. Kitroeff’s wonderful insight into the museum, the participants spent some time exploring the museum’s wealth of Hellenistic exhibits, ranging from artifacts of pre-classical ages, all the way up to contemporary photography exhibitions. Through its intertwining hallways, there was something new to be found around every corner. Frances Asbury was fascinated.

“While I was at the museum, I felt so connected to my heritage. I was able to learn more about the relics, history, and consequences of the Greco-Turkish War and gained a much better understanding of the lives and hardships of my family. Additionally, I loved seeing the formal and casual wear that was on display from centuries ago; it helped me visualize what ordinary life in Greece might have looked like for my ancestors.”

What the museum successfully did though, was ignite the imagination. Christina Kerner was moved and inspired.

“The museum allowed me to experience a vast array of Greece’s artistic contributions to the world, from ancient sculptures to Byzantine iconography. I especially liked viewing the artifacts that might otherwise have been forgotten if they weren’t preserved in a museum, such as bridal fashion from the eighteenth and nineteenth century. As an artist myself, I was excited to discover how the Greek art of antiquity continues to influence modern art today.”

The connecting link between the floors of the Benaki Museum, is how Greek culture is expressed. Each family does it a bit differently. Frances Asbury told us,

“I was lucky to grow up in a family who was very proud of their Greek heritage so whenever we were all together we would celebrate our “Greekness” with food, jokes, and family stories. My Γιαγιά and Παππού were such generous people and so happy to talk with us about what it meant for them to Greek. Family is so important to Greek culture and in this way, through our family, we preserve our culture.”

Next? A trip to the beautiful island of Andros! The blog will be back on Monday after the trip. Stay tuned, and keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram to follow along our trip.

The Temple of Poseidon. Where myth meets the present.

This is what the Aegean Sea experience is all about!

Our trip to the Benaki Museum brought us face to face with our heritage.