Today we traveled an hour-and-a-half south to Cape Sounion, the southernmost point in the European landmass. We visited the temple of Poseidon, constructed 448-440 BC. Built on a bluff [Why did the Greeks do that? I'll answer in a moment.) we again walked up (again, thanks to John Caldera for the warning!) to see and photograph the temple.
Why up on a bluff? In this case, it was a defensive outpost for the city of Athens... standing in the Aegean Sea at the mouth of the Bay of Saronikos across from the uninhabited island of St. George.
The Aegean is as beautiful as all the photos you've ever seen depict it. Crystal clear blue-green water in which you can see to the bottom.
Lunch today was at the Aegeon Hotel and it was delicious. A pasta course (ziti with sun dried tomatoes,) a salad course (consisting of tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, green peppers and a slice of feta cheese in a light olive oil dressing,) a fish course (which was the most wonderful piece of perce I've ever eaten), and dessert (homemade pistachio and dried fruit ice cream - very rich, the richest ice cream I've ever tasted - and pound cake laced with a light sweet wine.) White wine (quite nice) and water were served with the meal.
The photo above was our lunchen view out the large panoramic window. This is a lovely hotel. The brochure reads, "At the most beautiful spot of Europe... At the magnificent Cape Sounio... Below the Temple of Poseidon... Where the ancient Greeks worshiped the God of the Sea... Where the soul rests... Where you can enjoy the legendary 'sunset of Sounio'... You can find the Aegeon Hotel!"
As soon as the photographs are uploaded to the computer (tonight?) I'll post pics of the Temple of Poseidon and, from the bluff, a telephoto of the Aegeon Hotel below.
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