Tuesday, 10 Apr 2012

Location: Arachova, Greece

Just a quick note before today's entry - I see I' ve made a few typos as I look back at these, sorry about that but most of these entries are being made on my phone (and some photo uploads too when Fiona can't access a computer to connect her camera) as the phone seems to be the most consistent access we have. The ipad is strangely unreliable when editing this page! Also, thanks so much for all your messages, we love them and look forward to reading them as a group each night. Sorry we aren't replying to them all but we really do appreciate them :)

Today we visited Olympia and then drove on to Arachova which is near Delphi so we are very ready for the day. At Olympia it was interesting to see the very visual layers of building work as different groups had built up the same sites over different periods of history. For Maddy G this was a great opportunity to see the sure she had researched in detail. There was a sense of community at Olympia with the games being instituted as a way to stop war between the different groups. The girls had a race on the track at Olympia and Tessa and Anna said this was a real highlight for them- running on the same track that has been used in ancient time by greek athletes. In an olympic year the girls enjoyed learning that the flame starts from here.Kestin enjoyed today for the fact that it was all new and something that they haven't yet studied in class, this is the chance to see something first and learn about it after seeing it.

On the drive here we saw an amazing new bridge which was built just before the olympics here, a real contrast as it is so new and modern but beautiful too. This bridge was during part of the drive that Kathrine enjoyed with the water all around, making it very scenic.

Bella and a few girls walked around the village today and thoroughly enjoyed the quaint streets and the chance to relax and shop in such a gorgeous place. Tonight was the first chance for some down time and Vishmi gave her highlight as a swim at the hotel which was a good change after sitting on the bus. Louisa enjoyed getting money out of the bank as there have been some issues (thanks Christopher for sorting it!)

Just one thing that we are still having a little trouble getting used to-toilet paper doesn't go in the toilet here but in the little bin next to it. We've experienced blocked toilets when paper has been flushed but it is hard to break the habit of a life time and remember not to put the toilet paper in the toilet!