May 20, 2005
May 20 Photos: Ben
Campfire story time? Not quite, as instead the group gathers around Professor Rutter at the airport to discuss the day’s schedule. We’ll have to save the s’mores for later.
This 737, complete with plush leather seats, seemed a little overkill for our 30 minute flight to Santorini. After our prop jet from Athens to Istanbul, I don’t think anyone was complaining.
The Point of No Return: Peter stands at the entrance to the wall painting conservation laboratory at Akrotiri. The group saw some fascinating wall paintings, but unfortunately pictures were not allowed.
Our guest speaker of the day, Irene Nikolakopoulo talks to the group at Akrotiri. Note the crane looming over the site in the background. Akrotiri is currently undergoing the construction of a new roofing structure.
Outside a pottery storage room (sadly, no pictures inside), Abby, Jackie and Neha take in the Santorini landscape.
The group heads towards the entrance to the site. Note the attractive stone façade on the left.
Pompeii? No, but like the famous Roman site, Akrotiri was also buried by a volcano and thus has many well-preserved buildings, like this one, known as “Xeste 3.”
The house in which the Springtime Fresco and a bed were found. The supports above the doorway and windows are modern day restorations.
A catwalk’s eye view: Caleb, Laura, Jackie and Peter examine the remains of one of the houses at the site.
Ever wonder what a staircase might look like after a volcano and a couple of earthquakes? Here is the answer: a staircase from Akrotiri shown in section. Note the two holes below the stairs that were used for beam supports.
After walking through the site and having not eaten since 7:30, the group enjoys a relaxing lunch at a beachside taverna. It is hard to imagine only hours before we were sweating in a crowded Athens metro.
Ben’s lunch—fresh grilled octopus tentacle: the Before picture.
The After picture. Can’t get that at Food Court, that’s for sure.
Before the bus ride back to the other side of the island, the group takes in the bright blue waves of the Aegean crashing onto the black pebble beach.