September 12: 72 hours in Athens: Day Three: The Temple of Poseidon in Sounion and the most glorious sunset in the world on this, my first day in a new liberated world…
When I wrote my journal entry, I didn't write about Joe and how he gently made love to me last night and how we slept wrapped in one another's arms till dawn. The event was too special to put in a place where someone else might read my words someday. Could it be I had truly finally fallen in love? I wondered what Joe's feelings were for me. He basically risked his whole life and future to protect me. But he hasn't said the words. I wonder if he is afraid to, just like me.
I reluctantly got out of bed and got in the shower because Joe had arranged a special excursion by booking a private car through our hotel. For our last day in Greece, we were headed to Cape Sounion. Getting there from Athens took just over an hour when driving inland along highway A6. And it was totally worth it to see the Temple of Poseidon.
"According to the guidebook, Poseidon's temple was built in a hexastyle plan, with a front portico with white marble Doric columns. Picking this location ensured the visibility of the sea lanes. Originally there would be a total of 36 of the columns, but there are only 15 left…" I read as we climbed around the ruins. The idea that these columns were created and put in place almost three thousand years ago and any are still standing was absolutely fascinating. We can't even fix a pothole in New Jersey.
After exploring, our driver took us to the beach and Joe and I swam in the clear waters of the Aegean Sea, which was such a blue as defies description. We splashed and frolicked in the clear water and it was a freedom I could not put in words.
Eventually we headed for the beach, laying out on towels- I dozed for a time.
Once we were sun dried, we settled in for the picnic lunch of the local fish our driver picked up from a local tavern before heading back to the ruins to watch the sunset as all the guidebooks spoke about it.
I wasn't sure it could be "all that", but this sunset was the most magnificent sight I have ever seen. The gold and fiery red lit the sky as the sun sank below the horizon. Glorious. Simply glorious. And sharing this special moment with Joe… I could see his eyes glisten when he turned to me and whispered, "I am so glad we are sharing this moment." Then he kissed me gently.
A perfect day.