She was right.
Just the trip there (which I did sleep through more than I intended) was gorgeous. The site and its museum were both worth the effort. Our guide was the best yet of the trip; she not only told the history, but she tied it to the present in such a captivating way that my students were not only attentive, they even peppered her with questions which she answered with aplomb. She then left us to explore on our own. It was quite a hike up to the topmost stadium, but the view and the ruins themselves took my breath away more than the climb itself. Pictures do not do it justice. The museum (named after the Muses whose mother is Memory) was well laid out and easy to find what I was looking for. All in all, it was an amazing experience.
Our Tour Director, Ioannis, took us to a wonderful place for lunch where Connor and I tried and enjoyed the traditional Greek Mousakas (with beef, potato, eggplant, and other things that I don’t remember). He then took us on a side trip to the Greek island (assessable by bridge), Chalcis. There, Connor and I found our daily gelato. We also got to see a Greek area not focused on, and this dominated by, tourism. It was a calming final excursion.
It’s hard to believe that we are heading home already tomorrow. I’m looking forward to being home, but not to the travel—especially as my sinuses have been giving me trouble today. Tomorrow will be a long day, but I have the memories of this trip and the thoughts of the comfort of home to get me through it.