SMUS did some time travelling today all the way back thousands of years ago to the year 776BC when the first Olympic Games were held. We entered the UNESCO site of Olympia and toured the old grounds walking the same sacred path the Ancient Olympians once did...beginning at the gymnasium then past Zeus' temple, Hera's temple, where the Olympic flame is lit and finally by the hall of victors and the hall of shame and into the Olympic stadium.
The most outstanding building would have to be the 5th Century Temple of Zeus, which contained the 12 meter high statue by Phideas, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, (removed to Constantinople by Theodocious & destroyed in a fire).
We entered the stadium as SMU-LYMPIANS, (play on the word SMUS and Olympians), and entered ourselves in the shortest running event of the Ancient Olympics... 1 length of the stadium. Matthew.V was the victor and unfortunately had to settle for a prize of a bagged lunch and a Hi-five instead of an olive wreath.
Fun fact:
There were not only atheletic events, (foot races, wrestling, discus, javelin, long-jump, horse and chariot racing, and a type of boxing called pancratium), but also writing, poetry and history readings, plus business transactions and treaties were made between leaders of city-states.
There were not only atheletic events, (foot races, wrestling, discus, javelin, long-jump, horse and chariot racing, and a type of boxing called pancratium), but also writing, poetry and history readings, plus business transactions and treaties were made between leaders of city-states.
After a quick lunch break we continued on to the museum across the road which contains the 4th Century BC statue of Hermes by Praxiteles, plus a number of other finds from the excavations including the Nike of Victory by Paeonios. According to Olympic legend she used to come down from the sky to hand a palm leaf to the winners.
After the museum we hopped back on the bus to kyparissia, (1hr long), walked up to the village for an ice cream challenge and some explore time. We have not made it up to the old town yet but are hoping to do so soon.
Our evening began with a triathlon training session with the NOKY club, 5:30-7:00pm. So proud of the students they went into it with open minds (only needed a tiny bit of coaxing) and 150% rose to the challenge...a few were convinced the training was done after the warm up, which was followed by a short swim lesson and race of chosen distance, (in the ionian sea), a 20min bike, and a 10min run. So impressed with the effort by all of them as was Yannis, (the triathlon coach). He gave major cudos to a few of the students.
Cindy rocked the swim, her competitive swimming days may be coming back!
Cindy rocked the swim, her competitive swimming days may be coming back!
New skills learnt:
Abby rode a bike solo! Yannis gave her another short lesson and next thing you know there goes Abby with no assistance:) way to persevere Abby!
Abby rode a bike solo! Yannis gave her another short lesson and next thing you know there goes Abby with no assistance:) way to persevere Abby!
We enjoyed another delicious dinner overlooking the ionian sea, which included some zumba music in the near background...Our dinner reflection conversations often involved pauses for "a bust a move" at the table moment.
The students all had a post dinner card match of cheat which after an hour evolved into some arm wrestling...It was uplifting to see the laughter and the enjoyment they were having in each other's company, (both the SMUS and Vincent's).
Tomorrow begins with a trip to Elia forest for a cycle and some beach/water sports in the ocean, and a service afternoon painting the NOKY pool to get it back to its original condition. There is also a mural to be painted, (already designed and sketched on the wall), which entails both the SMUS and NOKY crest with hands linking them. This is going on one of the main pool walls and has been designed by Patrick Woodgate, (one of the local Greece trip planners).
Posts tomorrow will be by some of the students so stay tuned!
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