After what Julia is now calling the Hephaestus fiasco.... Krys, Hank, and George all agreed that a good night of sleep and a shower would help. Today we are refreshed and regrouped. Taking a short train to Piraeus and a ferry to a nearby island. George swears there is another excellent example of temple architecture out on Aegina, with easier access for our crew. We got a new translator and George has been on the phone all morning.
Continuing my research...The second day of the Mysteries was for purification. The initiates would walk to the sea near Athens. On the order, "Initiates to the Sea!" each would cleanse themselves and a piglet in the salt water. The pig (considered a sacred animal to Demeter) would be sacrificed at the Eleusinion back in the city. The initiate may also have been sprinkled with its blood as part of the ritual.
I'm picturing the hoards who flocked to the ancient festivities... and I'm thinking like my grandma: They gotta get fed somehow! Mixed-grill or pulled-pork potluck? BYOP
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