Went to the First Cemetery for the first half of class. Way cool. Built early 1800s during Revolution of 1821. Did some sketchings there. On the way, walked around square of main entrance. Were spontaneously invited into this show where they make marble statues of the deceased. The way they do the carvings is the same way that the Ancient Greeks did it. It's a three point system where they measure the plaster model and then transfer the measuring tool to the marble and carve away. Very cool. Were there maybe 35-45 minutes.
The man who does the work there learned from his father, who is the current owner. The owner started going there when he was 8 years old and learned from the man who owned it then. The current man who does the work is teaching his son. Charming.
At the cemetery we saw a few funeral processions. Very interesting. The people all walk to the burial site from the funeral (in a church). Everyone has at least one flower that they throw into the grave before the dirt is put over the coffin. They also throw a handful of dirt onto coffin. Coffin during funeral procession is often uncovered. The person is also buried 24 hours after death. No embalming. No makeup. More memorials are held after 1 week, 40 days (more like the real funeral), a year, and seven years. On the seventh year, the body is dug up and the bones are cleaned. Then, they are put into a box with other family members' bones. Quick fact, now that we have more preservatives in our diet, it takes longer to decompose. Gross! haha.
They plant Cyprus trees in cemeteries and by churches. They are lovely lovely trees. They symbolize going up to Heaven.
Went back to the Athens Centre then until the end of class. Did a contour drawing of hand holding flower. Learned about shading. So hot. So tiring. So sweaty. The heatwave in Greece is beginning.... and let me tell you, it's freakin hot.
Walked to Varnava Square and bought two loaves of bread at the bakery where we'd gotten breakfast on Monday. The six of us gals ate leftovers from last night together. Lovely lunch.
Washed laundry in kitchen sink and hung it on the balcony to dry.
Met at 6:30 at Athens Centre to meet Katja (site coordinator) and she gave us a walking tour of central Athens. That was cool. Went to the National Gardens and to Santagma Square. After it was over the six of us stayed and did a little shopping. I bought a cute little dress, nothing fancy... but it fits fabulously! We ate dinner outdoors there at a restaurant. Got some gelato. Wonderful! Walked back to our apartments (long walk). I'm gonna be much more fit after this trip. Lots of walking. Up the hill, down the hill. Big hills too. Not to mention all the sweating I do.... ddaaayyyuuummm.
So we got back around 11 and then went to a bar near our apartments and got a mohito. Enjoyable. Now it is 1 a.m. and it is time to shower and go to bed. Long day tomorrow. Going to the Acropolis at 4:30 p.m. with an archaeologist! It's also supposed to be VERY hot tomorrow... I'm a little nervous.
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