How about a few small news updates? The Australian Archaeological Institute is planning an extensive Greece tour, and an 8-foot Sophocles statue has been placed in Astoria park, in Queens.


Australian Archaeological Institute plans extensive Greece tour
The Australian Archaeological Institute of Athens is conducting an exclusive tour to Greece from September 29 through to October 3. The 17-day expedition headed by professional archaeologists Helen Nicholson and Archondia Thanos highlights fieldwork undertaken by Australian archaeologists in Greece since the 1960s. Destination highlights include Athens, Thessaloniki, Santorini, Zagora and Torone.

The maximum group size is 18 and will be kept intimate to give visitors the chance to meet Australian team members up close and personal. They will get the chance to go behind the scenes of current archaeology in Greece and also relax in areas off the tourist track on the Sithonia Peninsula.
The tour costs $7,450 (AUS) and includes domestic flights within Greece. More info and bookings from Sydney at arts.aaia@sydney.edu.au or call Sydney number (02) 9351 4759.


8-foot Sophocles statue placed in Astoria park
The collection of Greek monuments at the Athens Square Park in Astoria, Queens, now has a new addition: an imposing bronze statue of ancient playwright Sophocles.

According to DNA info site, the 8-foot statue was installed in the park after years of fundraising by community members. The park is already adorned by four other Greek monuments, including figures of Socrates, Aristotle and the Goddess Athena.