Censorship

Americans visiting European countries would be amazed at how people are so affectionate towards one another. Sitting at lunch one day in Skiathos, a group of us noticed an elderly couple groping each other as if they were long lost lovers. Right there in the middle of the restaurant they were hugging, kissing, holding one another as if it had been a lifetime. The group I was with snickered and joked a little about the situation. We did not know what to make of it. Something similar happened at the metro station but it was a younger couple in Athens. They would hold each other all over kissing in plain sight without a care in the world. The onlookers did not seem to mind as well. In America this would be frowned upon and comments along the lines of get a room would be expressed. Public display of affection is not as socially accepted in the United States as it is in Greece or other European countries.
We have more of a conservative view of life it seems. Kissing and groping in America usually happens either behind closed doors in a more private setting or highly intoxicated. Other than those situations, Americans appear shyer when it comes to approaching the opposite sex and being comfortable with themselves. Greeks are more open with their feelings and expressing how they feel. When I was dancing with a Greek man in Skiathos, he was not shy to try and kiss me. I knew that in America this situation would not have arisen if it were with someone I had just met. The confidence these Greek men have is astounding.

Their confidence in sex appeal is not only in the clubs and with significant others, but on the beaches as well. On Saturday in Skiathos, a small group of us went to a beach. Not realizing it until we got there, it was a nude beach. There were topless women and naked men all over. In America there are nudist colonies, but nothing like this. I had never seen so many people be comfortable naked. Even more stunning was how no one seemed to care that it was part of everyday life. I know that being nude would never feel comfortable to me. In Greece however, this was very common. There was even a whole nude family on the beach. Being able to do this takes such confidence and security in your sex appeal. There is a social acceptance about it, the Europeans do not understand privacy and therefore accept it. Americans do not appear to be as open to this idea at every beach. American families teach their children that clothes are appropriate, and are not accustomed to seeing nudity. To Europeans and Greeks being naked and exposing oneself is no big deal. The human body to them is something to be flaunted, not to be concealed or covered up. Americans are not taught to be ashamed of their bodies, but that it is sacred to us.
This is where America becomes what seems more conservative to the rest of the world. As children we are taught certain mannerisms, traits, and ways to think. I was taught drinking was bad, clothes were appropriate, displaying of one’s personal feelings should be done in private, and to be respectful of others. Americans tend to prefer a more private life unlike the Greeks who do not even have a word for it. We are clothed and shy about expressing our feelings. The other side expresses who they are and how they feel with no remorse or care of what others think of them.

Keegan W.

Big City vs. Small City

Big City vs. Small City: How Locals Treat Americans

Greeks as a whole treat Americans in many similar ways, but several important differences also exist pertaining to how Greeks might treat you in a large city and in a smaller town. Athens is a powerful megacity with an abundance of ancient history, and is therefore an extremely popular tourist destination. In certain parts of the city, streets are teeming with tourists and natives alike. By contrast, in the small fishing city of Volos, very few tourists venture to this coastal nook on the Aegean, leaving it mainly to native Greeks. As a result of these differences between cities, variation also exists in how Greeks interact with the shorts-wearing, picture taking Americans who come to visit their native country. Knowing these differences could prove to be quite beneficial when traveling to Greece and encountering the people of another culture.
In general, Greeks are not shy people. In fact, the Greek language has no word for “privacy.” They do not consider staring to be rude in the least, especially when it comes to girls. Men do not hesitate to use the “elevator eyes” when looking at a woman, and they are especially intrigued by American women, more so blondes than brunettes (blondes are quite rare in Greece). When they see a beautiful woman, they take no hesitation in complimenting her. They are very open in conversation and will say what is necessary to get the point across, or to get someone to see where they are coming from. Greeks enjoy taking their time when eating, and may take two or three hours to eat a meal. Waiters are used to this, so even though you may be done with your meal, the waiter may not bring you your bill until you specifically ask for it.
Although Greeks in general share many attributes when encountering Americans, differences do exist in different cities. In the huge city of Athens, where tourists contribute a large part of the economy, two main types of locals emerge. The locals who do not work in the tourist-driven industry, who are accustomed to outsiders and therefore pay little attention. The others who depend on tourist business tend to be very pushy and annoying, and sometimes even conniving. In the smaller city of Volos, locals seem distant at first, but become much more personable and genuine when you make an attempt to talk to them, even though it may be more difficult to communicate with them. If you know the differences between people in big and small cities and how to approach their respective locals, you may have a much easier time getting around, and even better, making friends.

Chris D.

Personal Globalization

The presence of globalization within America is undeniable. Traveling abroad to Greece, I was anxious to see the ways another country has developed into its role as a member of a global community. During the short time I have been in Greece, I have only seen a small portion of the country, which limits my ability to make generalizations. However, I have inferred several things from the patterns of Greek life that I have observed. Globalization affords us the opportunity to realize, interpret and adapt foreign experiences into our lives at our own discretion, acknowledging that the changes are based on our observational inferences. My travels through Greece have helped me developed my own definition of globalization, which includes three main elements of language, community and change, each constructing a web of global connections affecting all aspects of our lives.
I formulated my definition of globalization only after acknowledging that it exists in various models unique to each country. Furthermore, understanding globalization within the context of a specific country requires an understanding of their culture, especially their language. The term globalization is an umbrella for countless subtopics and as a concept has many similarities to language. Both exist in distinctive forms, varying levels, and affect a wide array of subjects. Language is the movement of ideas, and the movement of ideas is language. Without this co-dependency, the ideals of globalization would not have spread, and societies and cultures would not change, whether good or bad.
One of the greatest benefits of globalization is that exposure to new ideas inspires us to change the undesirable and preserve the enjoyable. Globalization has enabled the movement of ideas between distant places, such as Greece and America. I see my travels to Greece as an opportunity to transplant the most intriguing aspects of Greek life into America. Equipped with the model of the Greeks’ adept use of language to build community and exchange ideas efficiently, America has a very advantageous tool to learn and share information from and with the wider world and benefit a larger array of people. It only takes one small planted seed in someone’s mind to inspire conversation about changes needed and how to go about them.
We should integrate the Greek ritual of lengthy conversations over meals or afternoon coffee. It seems as if Greeks use their extended time in cafés and restaurants to exchange insights, news and stories with each other. One night after dinner, our study abroad group simply sat and chatted, which made me feel a little more Greek. I loved this because it gave me time to recognize the peaceful feelings that they must experience in such a simple custom: sitting back, taking time to enjoy and further develop human connections rather than hurrying to leave to achieve the next money-oriented task. This dedication to people is not simply at luxury, but a necessity for community. In all reality, materialistic attitudes in America often blind us to the beautiful and meaningful presence of people. In contrast to our rushed American attitude, I welcome this calming experience, hoping to change and adapt it to my life, in order to more deeply comprehend the remarkable influence and impact of language.
Three weeks in Greece has opened my eyes to the significant effects of living in an era of globalization. Globalization is universal because it informs, preserves, explains, and spreads concepts that help link one place to another. As Erla Zwingle said in her article about globalization, ‘Linking: This is what the spread of global culture ultimately means” (32). Language, community, and change are each dependent upon the other, yet distinctive in their importance in understanding how globalization has affected me during my trip to Greece.

Valerie A.

Ancient Greece and Globalization: A Historical Perspective

.....Now think about Greece’s position in history. To bring to mind an example of the importance of Greece’s placement in the historical time frame we look back to the time of Alexander the Great, and we can start to see why Greece has been influenced and also influenced others in the world. Alexander the Great’s Empire expanded from Greece all the way to India at its peak. This means that Greece had an influence on people with ancestors from the Ottoman Empire and the ancient Indians as well. Alexander’s Empire even reached northern Egypt. This is where Alexander would establish his Hellenistic center in Egypt, called Alexandria. Alexandria would become the largest city in the ancient world within a century of its establishment. Alexandria would become the center of commerce, specifically linking Arabia and India with the Mediterranean and the Aegean cultures. Greece, as a result, was being influenced by all of these people as well. To point out a specific example of the east’s influence on the west we can look at Alexander himself, who took a wife of Persian descent. This is a very good example of how cultures started to mingle and create a sort of “global community”; a true combination of diverse cultures that are interacting with each other, with Alexandria at its foundation.
Alexandria would become the center of Alexander the Great’s Empire and for some time the center of the ancient world, just as Rome was the center of the Roman Empire during the time of Julius Caesar and the emperors following him. The point is, our “global centers” shift, and now we have come to a time when the world revolves around what happens in the United States, and specifically New York City.
The United States is the pinnacle among countries throughout the world today regarding education, standard of living, and policy making, just like Alexandria was for its time. The United States is the world’s foremost power, and much of our power stems from what happens in New York City. Since much of today’s “power” is based on economic status, New York City could be seen as a modern day Alexandria; while ancient Alexandria traded goods from many nations New York’s Wall Street and stock exchange trade stocks, bonds, currencies, and other forms of intangible wealth. New York has become the global epicenter for international commerce.
Being a center for globalization meant that Greece was subject to the practices and different cultures of its time. A very good example is observed through the impact that the Byzantine Empire had on Greece. The Byzantine Museum in Athens recalls the history of Christianity and its spread throughout the Roman Empire. Greece, being part of that Roman Empire, was directly influenced religiously during that time period. The Byzantine Museum had paintings and artwork that are very similar to all of that which I have seen in Greek churches. A good example of this artwork is observed when looking at the paintings of Jesus in the Byzantine museum. The most obvious comparison is noticed in the golden-like halo that encompasses Jesus’ head. There is also a strong comparison in the colors and tones of the paintings. You can see firsthand the direct influence that Roman culture and policy had on the Greeks. This policy still is intact today when you think that the Greek Orthodox Church is the national religion, which can trace its foundation to that Byzantine time period. Like ancient Greece, the United States has become subject to a diverse group of cultural practices.
A prime example of the cultural diversity can be observed while shopping in Greece. Shopping has allowed me to notice that there is relatively little clothing that doesn’t have English on it. Another example of diverse culture is that Volos has a Starbucks coffee. In the United States, the most respected clothing lines are those from Italy, such as Versace, Armani, and Dolce and Gabbana. Companies with their base in the United States have factories in India, Vietnam, Thailand, and all over Southeast Asia. Like ancient Greece, the United States and its culture influence other countries but, it is also heavily influenced by other countries and cultures as well.
Greece has been influenced by many cultures throughout its long and ancient history. Greece’s location geographically in the ancient world made it a prime site for trade and commerce, as well as lending itself as this link between the Eastern cultures of Persia and India and Western cultures such as the Romans. Historically, Greece has been conquered and inhabited by these same societies. The impact of being a powerful empire spreading throughout the ancient world and sometimes being conquered itself has left Greece with a cultural diversity that can only be explained as globalization. The sharing of cultural practices and people from Greece’s history truly exemplifies what I believe was ancient globalization.
Just as every empire rose to its peak, they collapsed to be taken over by another culture. Hammurabi was taken over by the Persian king, Cyrus the Great. Alexander was defeated due to extending himself too far into India. Rome was overthrown by the barbarians from Gaul. We can trace much of our current situation here in the United States to similar ancient situations. In the Unites States we must truly pay attention to what has happened to previous world powers including the ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantium civilizations. It seems as though the world is coming to a crossroads. Issues such as Global Warming, world poverty, and corporate power are bringing people together to call for action. The United States needs to make sure that it is the frontrunner in policy making and decisions. The decisions that are made must take into account the world as a whole; we are becoming a “global community.” The trick is to make sure that our government can represent our people, while not creating injustices for others. We can learn from ancient Greece and perhaps understand what actions should be taken.

Sam S.

The Way of Life: Greek Style

One of the most basic elements of life is the human element. Without other people around us, we would go crazy. A lack of human interaction can drive a person to do things they would normally not do, potentially to the point of suicide. The odd twist to this is that Americans tend to avoid one another, even those who we see everyday, such as a neighbor or coworker. The fact that we are so technologically minded and innovative, yet we cannot do something as simple as hold a conversation with another person is something that seems to be characteristic of Americans. This was not always the case; in the early to mid 1900s, human interaction was prevalent. Dinner parties, long talks with neighbors, afternoons spent sitting on the porch watching the sunset with family friends, all of these were normal everyday occurrences. Now we avoid eye contact as we pass someone on the street, we do not stop to talk with our neighbors and ask how they are doing, and we think everyone is out to kill us. Even stopping to help someone with a flat tire is a scary idea, for fear they might pull out a weapon. The difference in Greece is that a person’s day is planned around interacting with friends. At least twice a day people will be sitting outside their shops talking with others, sipping on a frappe. It is almost a wonder how they get things done during the day since most of the time they are visiting with friends and fellow store owners, but that is what sets them apart from Americans; their life does not revolve around work. They enjoy life slowly and without stress, which is the key to real happiness. Americans take years off their lives worrying about jobs, money, and other issues, and they end up missing out on time when they could be having fun and building new relationships. The Greeks realize this and embrace it. They know how valuable life is and that it should not be spent worrying about one thing or another, it should be spent making friends, experiencing new things, and realizing what is important in life. This also relates to their lifestyle in general compared to our fast paced lives.
The idea of being laid back is a concept that is completely foreign to Americans. From the age of sixteen or younger we are told we must get a job. We must work our whole lives, eight hours a day or longer, until we reach the point where we have enough money to sustain ourselves until we die. With the way social security is now, we are forced to work until at least our mid sixties. Compared to us, Greeks live the simple life. They make enough money to sustain their lifestyle, and that is all they need. I have not noticed any Greeks that seem to be obsessed with living a lavish lifestyle; they buy what they need to survive and still have a little left over for pleasure. This ties into the human element in the fact that Greeks realize that as long as they have people around them with whom they can talk to and have a good time with, they do not need all of the excess. What is more surprising, to us at least, is that even though they may not have everything they want, they seem genuinely happier and more content with their lives than the typical American, who is constantly striving to have more material goods to make himself happy.
Greece is a country that is running itself well for the most part. Most of the traditions and ways of living here are much more convenient and logical than one would think. I could definitely live in this society with no complaints except not being able to flush toilet paper. Even the lack of air conditioning is not as bad as I thought it would be. Greeks obviously do not want to be like Americans or we would be surrounded by 24 hour convenience stores. They focus more on the priceless things in life: family, friends, and tradition, which is how every country should be managed. America could learn a lot from Greece; it would do us some good to slow down and enjoy life for awhile.

Lindsay Z.

My view on globalization

As average Americans we aren’t necessarily told about the process of globalization, the government has sort of kept us in the dark. A vast majority of what we read was all very new to me, and shocked me to think that we are actually capable of doing these things. If it were not for this class I would still have no idea what was going on around me and what my actions were responsible for. However, studying abroad allows us to see the impact of our government’s decisions, and will hopefully change our outlook on the future.
In a lot of our readings, the authors present the IMF, World Bank and the WTO as some of the main perpetrators in our global economy. Also the role of the rich countries and their huge influence on the market has been discussed heavily throughout every reading. For example, Joseph Stiglitz argues “The western countries have pushed poor countries to eliminate trade barriers, but kept their own barriers.” While I agree with this statement, it is obvious that is what is going on, I don’t fully comprehend why a country would oppress others for their gain. This is just proof that countries are now operating as corporations, and no longer do we as citizens have the power of representation.

Jordan C.

Monsteries

Being at the top of the Great Meteora Monastery I saw why the monks and nuns would choose to live here. Obviously being situated at the top of a mountain enhances a life of seclusion. But standing on the top of the monastery, at the edge overlooking the town, with miles in front of me, I felt small. I felt insignificant. And I was humbled. On the ground I can only see what’s in front of me, my immediate surroundings. I may be aware of the things I cannot see, but, as the saying goes, out of sight, out of mind. But when you can look out and see for miles and miles, you can see the bigger picture, the grand scheme of things. Looking over what seemed to be creation, I realized in the grand scheme of things I as nothing. Anything I accomplish in life will be nothing. One cannot have pride or ego when one realizes how small one is. “He who loses himself gains himself.” The Bible says something to that effect. Anyway, point being, I could see how living in an utterly humbling place like Meteora could enhance a life dedicated to God.

Sarah P.

Two Observations

Generally speaking, Americans are extremely competitive when it comes to making money. The phrase “by any means necessary” is becoming more and more common in the business world. Men and women often work late into the night trying to make more money. Weekends are no longer a time for rest and leisure, but rather an opportunity to squeeze extra hours in. People claim that they work so much to make a better life for their family when in fact, the absence of hardworking parents may cause family life to suffer. Children often grow up in daycares or under the supervision of nannies because the parents cannot leave work to pick their kids up from school or take them to the park. Family meals in many households are a rare occurrence. Parents need to be the most positive, influential people in a child’s life, but this cannot happen if they are never around.

Based on my observation, Greeks also exhibit a lack of hurriedness in their everyday lives. People walking down the streets seem to be in no rush. They are eager to stop and talk to friends, and may even sit down and have a few drinks with them. People take their time when opening up stores, and may even be a few minutes late, which seems to be a trend among Greeks. They take a very long time to eat, anywhere from one to three hours. It is as if they are not concerned with anything else but eating and enjoying each other’s company. Waiters take their time when serving food and drinks, and may not bring the bill until long after a meal is finished. A long meal is time for family and friends to all come together and be happy. Greeks seem to be very family oriented and put that above all else .

Chris D.
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Late Night Conversation with Christo & Leonidas

“Here in Greece,” Leon said, “We have president on top” holding his hand up as if to signal the president’s position, “and we have prime minister just below president.” Leon then took his other hand and held it about an inch below the symbolic presidential hand. “It is prime minister who goes to White House to deal with your President. Prime minister who makes decisions about public. Prime minister is man in control, not our President.”
Again I chimed in “Your president is just a figure-head!”
“Yes! Yes! Yes!” Leon exclaimed. “Prime minister come from only two families for years past. If Hillary elected, then same thing happen in the U.S.” It finally dawned on me that Leon was relating the Bush and Clinton’s stay in the white house to that of his own prime minister. Each position, respectively, was being shared between two families. “If Hillary elected then it becomes like ours (the prime minister) and your system loses,” he moves his hands as if to help him with the word.
“Democracy!” I said.
“Yes, yes. We do not like that” Leon states. Leon’s opinions were coming strictly from personal experience telling him not to support Clinton, and not necessarily from facts about our candidates. This again leads to a clash of cultures where Leon’s viewpoints on our presidential race stem directly from his own experience here in Greece.
I turned to Chris and asked, “What candidate do you support?”
Chris turned while flipping a bottle around his back and responded, “The Greek people are a people of great national pride. When something is wrong we turn inward. We look for each other to help and support us.” Chris had bags under his eyes and you could tell by looking at him that he had experienced many late nights, smoked many cigarettes, and could offer knowledge to anyone willing to listen. Chris was getting ready to answer my question on why Greeks pay so much attention to our political scene. “The President of the United states is known to us as #%$@#,” he then rattled something off in Greek. “This means planet man. The decisions your president makes impacts everyone in the world.” It was becoming clear to me why they would take such an interest in our presidential race. “When I think, or try and decide who I would support, I don’t think in terms of who is best for your country. I think who I would vote for as president for Greece.” This, to me, tied the strong national pride that Greeks share together with why they pay such close attention to our presidential campaign. He finished, “I must support the person that I think would win here in Greece.” I nodded in understanding while truly trying to soak in what Chris had just told me.
Dunbar and Lindsay, who had walked over to the water’s edge, returned and voiced their opinion to leave. I looked at the time and realized that it was two in the morning and we had a big day ahead of us. We said goodbye to Chris and Leon and headed back towards our hotel. It was a long walk and offered plenty of time for me to think about my conversation with Chris and Leon.
Our election process is one of the most influential events that take place in the world. While sitting in the airport in Rome, I picked up a paper and noticed an entire page devoted to the American presidential race, most of the page was devoted to Hillary and Obama. As an American, however, I do not know nearly as much information about the Greek political agenda or the Italian political agenda as they do about ours. If countries like Greece consider our president “planet man”, then Americans who take part in the election process have more of a voice in the world than people from other countries. Despite having this power, many of us do not take into consideration impact our votes might have. We view our elections as only effecting our country.
The cultural experience of talking with Chris and Leon raised many issues for me. It is also very amusing to me how a night of “partying” can lead to these wonderful experiences. As an American voter I feel as though I might have more of an impact through one action over someone else’s life than a citizen Greece. I myself must start following worldwide issues much more closely and incorporating those issues in my choice for president. Talking late night politics with Chris and Leon has opened up my eyes to the fact that our nation continually has a huge impact on people across the globe and we must take every opportunity to expand our knowledge of these issues. Whether it be looking at a paper in an airport; drinking at a bar and having deep political conversations with complete strangers; or just watching the evening news, people must be conscious of their decisions.

Sam S.

Top Things to Do in Skiathos

When you are in Greece I would recommend visiting the island of Skiathos. It is a great place for all ages, and you could be a full family or just one or two people. I will inform you about where to eat, shop, sleep, beaches, and the nightlife. This should help save you time and the hassle of trying to look at a map or book to plan your trip.
For starters, lets talk about places to eat in Skiathos. There are many places to choose from. You have to start by asking yourself a question. The question is: How much time and euro do you want to spend on dinner? You can always eat a gyro or a quick Greek salad at many stands that line the main roads. This will cost you anywhere from 2-5 €. If you have the time and don’t mind to spend 10-15 €, I would recommend eating waterfront by the harbor. Eating waterfront is such an experience. You get to see the yachts and ships docking and departing. You will hear a small roar of what sounds like a jet engine, then moments later you see a 200 passenger plane coasting in for a perfect landing.
The smells at the waterfront are like no other in Skiathos. You pick up the aroma of fresh bread along with mouthwatering entrees, followed by the delectable scent in the air of the desserts. Some of the best places to eat are Goldfish Café and Cocktail Bar for great pasta and pizza, Syraino Restaurant for the frestest and best tasting seafood, and Mediterraneo Restaurant For a candlelit dinner for a special occasion. For dessert I highly recommend ice cream at a friendly, modern place called Sweet Collection. They are located on the main road, which is Papadiamantis, just a few stores up on the left if you start at the harbor. Their ice cream is a scrumptious, homemade blend in which you can choose from over 30 flavors. It is only 2 € for a scoop of any kind in a cone or a bowl.
The shopping in Skiathos is a little overpriced, but if you must do it I will tell you some places to find everything to be satisfied. For clothes and shoes you can find a wide variety of all styles and prices if you take a stroll on Papadiamantis. They also have a lot of jewelry to choose from. This street is hassle free and all of the store owners speak English well. The road is made of cobblestone and lined with street vendors and bright lights gleaming down on the newest fashions and biggest diamonds separated only by a piece of glass that gets cleaned anytime a fingerprint touches against it. If you need and water gear, the best place is Nikos Paschalis Dive Shop. They have kids floaties, frisbees, goggles, and all of the other scuba/snorkeling gear known to man.
I have one recommendation on where to lay your head down at night and they’re Summer price is 85 € per night. If you like being only ten minutes from the harbor, the Bourtzi Hotel is your place. They just finished remodeling it in 2008 and it is very swanky. A wood floor entrance that still smells fresh cut, shown off by chrome plated lights accenting the patterns in the wood. Once you are inside all of the modern things continue. Your room will have a bathroom equipped with nine newly polished shower heads. There will also be a balcony that overlooks the pool, and sofa with bright white, fluffy cushions for relaxing. The pool is gorgeous day or night with a small waterfall and the same fresh wood with furniture comfortable enough to sleep on.

Brandon A.

Skiathos: An Island Paradise in Greece

If you are in Greece and you have a free weekend, consider going to Skiathos. It is definitely a hot tourist spot, so if you are the quiet type who likes to relax for your entire stay, this may not be the place for you. If, on the other hand, you enjoy the night life and sharing your vacation with thousands of people, this is the place for you. Considered a very cosmopolitan place, it consists of traditional Greek housing with red tiled roofs and has many bars, restaurants, and other forms of entertainment all along the seafront.
Skiathos is a rather large island located approximately 55 kilometers from Volos. The capital of Skiathos, Skiathos Town, is built amphitheatrically in a windless bay, full of simple white houses with tiled roofs and narrow streets. It is about 46 square kilometers and contains over 60 beaches. The normal population (without tourists) is around 4,000, but during the summer months it can skyrocket to over 70,000. This island is geared toward young tourists looking to have an outrageous time in Greece, and spend a lot of money. Right as you step off the boat, you are met with a variety of restaurants and bars, all of them trendy and mod, definitely enticing to the average Joe or Jane College. Hundreds of small shops and kiosks line the main road, most of them carrying similar goods. Fake purses, hats, clothing, and large amounts of fashionable footwear line the entire street from beginning to end. Between the shops lie smaller pubs and restaurants that are generally cheaper than those near the harbor. All of these pubs give off a low key air, like you walk into a Greek island version of “Cheers.” The regulars are all sitting around chatting, watching the game while enjoying their favorite alcoholic beverage. Most of these bars have the week’s soccer schedule posted outside their door, with drink specials right next to it. Here you can mellow out, have a tall, cool Mythos, and watch the game with the locals and other tourists, mostly Brits. I highly recommend a bar called the Albatross, which serves a variety of alcohol from everywhere from Greece to America. They also have a fine selection of natural fruit juices that they claim will cure any hangover. The restaurants serve a variety of food, from pizza and pasta to traditional Greek cuisine such as moussaka, gyros, and interesting seafood dishes for the brave souls who like to try new things. For the most part, the food here is geared toward the tourists and things that they would find appetizing, which apparently is not the traditional food of the country. All of the food and shops are located on Papadiamantis Street, the main road through the island and the first big street you will see.
Skiathos is definitely known for its beaches. With over sixty of them along the coast, you can always find a place to catch some sun. From family to nude, there is a beach to satisfy everyone’s tastes. There are several beaches that are for younger people looking to have a wild time in Greece. Koukounaries is one of the more popular beaches for this kind of crowd. It is a little larger than most of the private beaches, and has a couple casual restaurants. It is world famous for long, sandy bays and pine trees, and has a watersport rental area. The water is gorgeous and clear, which is true of all of the beaches on Skiathos, and the sand is relatively fine, comfortable for walking in bare feet. This beach is busy all year round—a hot tourist spot.
If you are looking for something a bit more exotic, and a definite cultural experience, go to the Bananas. Big Banana is a family and nudist beach (with possible sightings of a big banana), complete with watersports and two snack bars. It is a relatively small beach, only about a quarter of a mile long, but that quarter mile is packed with hundreds of people in their birthday suits. Most of the nudists here are older, in their mid-fifties, and could stand to lose a few pounds. The people whom you would like to be nude will not be; it is a guarantee. The quickest way to get there is by a short bus ride from one side of the island to the other. It is about fifteen minutes, and will cost € 1,80. It is stop 26, the last stop on the line, and as you exit the bus you will see signs directing you up a hill. The walk to the beach is a bit grueling, with very steep slopes to climb. It only takes ten minutes, but it will seem like an eternity. It is entirely worth it, because the beach itself is absolutely pristine. You will be greeted with a small café on your left, with comfortable, plush seating on the right. The beach itself is small, but you can always find a place to sit. The sand is not very fine, but it is softer than most of the rocky beaches for which Greece is known. The water is clean and blue, and very salty, but the perfect setting for enjoying beach life for a day.
Little Banana is a gay nude beach located right next to Big Banana. It is separated by a large rock formation jetting out about fifty feet into the water. You can climb up the rock from the beach and take a look at the fantastic panorama. The view looks like a picture on a postcard; the contrast of the blue sea with the dark blue mountains in the background is absolutely flawless. But if you look to your right, you will not see a single person clothed. People of every age, young and old, relax completely in the buff, and don’t even cause a stir. They almost seem to like it if you stare, and I did, completely unwillingly; it is something you cannot help doing.
If you are ready to go out for a night on the town, consider taking a stroll down Polytechniou Street, otherwise known as “Bar Street.” This is a mile long road packed with tons of bars. The prices range from relatively cheap up to fifteen euro for a cocktail. The best bar I found is a little place called Suga. It is generally not crowded during the early summer, and the prices are reasonable (four euro for a beer, eight for a cocktail). You get as much finger food as you can eat, which is a ploy to get you to drink more since it is all salty, but it is delicious nonetheless. The bartenders are friendly; you do not have to worry about them being anti-American since most of the people they meet speak English. If you stay long enough and buy a couple rounds, you might get a few free shots before the night is through.
If you are more into the club scene, there are plenty of places to choose from. I visited Club Pure, located right along the harbor, just a short walk from the Bourtzi Hotel where we stayed. As soon as you walk in, you are greeted with hundreds of people, loud techno music, and multiple bars. The club is two floors of nonstop dancing and flowing drinks. The lights blink in beat with the music, which gives an added effect. Every once and awhile, the music will stop for a couple seconds and the lights will become steady just long enough to look at your surroundings, then will return back to their normal pulsing rhythm. These clubs know how to cater to the needs of those who live to party, and they do it well.
Skiathos is about a one and a half hour trip on a Flying Cat, or about two and one half hours on the giant Hellenic Seaways ferry. The faster boat will cost about twice as much, but it is well worth it since it gets you there at least an hour earlier. Either way, you are in for an exciting adventure when you arrive. Whether your idea of a vacation is relaxing on a quiet beach or partying until the wee hours of the morning, Skiathos is the place for you. It has something for everyone, young and old, yet still maintains its cultural integrity through its people, food, and lifestyle. To see all that this island has to offer it will take more than one visit, but it is well worth the trip a second time to witness the experience that is Skiathos.

Lindsay Z.

The Bond Stays

On this trip, I have formed, strengthened and tested friendships in an unprecedented way. Traveling with companions is like anything else as it has both good and bad elements. There is no such thing as a perfect trip, even with the closest of friends. You see them at their best and their worst, argue about decisions, converse about life, hold each other accountable, annoy each other and keep each other safe. On an independent two-day getaway to Skiathos island, the concentration of time together without professorial supervision brings out the strengths and weaknesses of each person, exposing their life experiences and stories to the situations they encounter. Before traveling with a large group of people, it is important to remember that strain on friendships will occur, but if optimistically considered, they can strengthen the bond during memorable times.
A wide variety of passengers surround us on the ferry to Skiathos from the portly old Greek man with chest hair peeking over the top of an overly tight shirt to the young British couple on their way to an island getaway to the young Greek mother struggling to calm her child. Each person makes me wonder what stories lie behind his or her appearance and reminds me that I can only observe these individuals but am not gifted with the chance to learn or share experiences and exchange stories. As I observe my fellow study abroad members who are already asleep on the ferry, I am thankful to have the opportunity to learn what experiences and stories lie within them.
One of the group members leads us in a direction up the cobblestone street towards our hotel, the Bourtzi, in the drizzly mist of rain. Both sides of the street are lined with souvenir shops, outdoor café/bars, dessert shops, reminding me a lot of Volos. I drag my suitcase along the steep incline, because the marble cobblestone street is slippery from the rain. The entrance to our hotel is a modern gem among antiquated buildings with its sheek metallic and wooden doorways, mirrors, and black marble counters.
Because I am the “responsible” one of the group, I have been “gifted” with the important paperwork for our hotel reservations, which someone else presents to the crabby elderly Greek woman behind the counter. She tells us none of our rooms are ready, but curtly points and says to leave our luggage in the lobby. I can feel the tension of my travel companions intensifying beyond the stress of the weather, because this presents a precarious situation: entrusting our luggage to an irritable Greek woman who seems annoyed with the presence of eight college students. Not having a choice, we leave the bags and continue our day.
The rain intensifies for a short while, but once the storm passes, we head to the beach. We walk toward a nearby beach to the tune of whining, “This sucks – where is the frickin’ sun?” or “Man, this weekend will blow if the sun doesn’t’ come out and I’ve spent too many Euros for that to happen!”. Luckily, we are all happy to reach the sea. It is a bittersweet feeling as it is not the picturesque blue and aqua colored sea fade beneath the dully-colored clouds overhead. Each of us takes turns either diving or inching our way into the shockingly cool, salty sea. The best part occurs when we all lie down on beach-worn blue and white lounge chairs and soak in the Zen of the sea’s waves crashing onto the shoreline. Moments such as this where we are all enjoying ourselves make the stressful moments disappear and it seems the calm of the sea has thankfully influenced our attitudes.
The happenings of a weekend on the Greek Island of Skiathos present diverse shared stories and experiences very similar to a ferry ride. The journey on the sea and the journey on the island share commonplace, unfamiliar, exotic and strenuous elements that cannot be fully appreciated without companionship. Learning more about people is not exclusive to desirable and exciting common factors, but it is through dealing with the undesirable that bonds are strengthened. There are always occasional wakes or rough spots that can interrupt serene moments, but the overall ride has been smooth sailing for me and my closest travel companions. And the opportunity to share this once in a lifetime trip with exceptional people makes me thankful for my friends.

Valerie A.

A Prayer to St. Christopher, Patron Saint of Travelers

At the top of the bell tower I feel no fear, though the building, hundreds of years old, sits right of the edge of the cliff. Sitting there, I question what the difference is between this moment, atop the bell tower staring miles out from the edge of a cliff, and my ride back down the mountain an hour later, eyes closed in a desperate attempt to avoid looking out from the bus and my arms bracing the seats in front of me. Why, on the way to Europe, did I grasp the arms of my airplane seat until my knuckles turned white every time we hit a patch of turbulence, but calmly smiled for pictures from the very top of the Eiffel Tower?
It dawned on me that standing on the ground on the side of a mountain or on top of the Eiffel Tower, I had complete control of my actions (aside from the improbable chance that someone intentionally throws me off the side of the cliff or bombs the Eiffel Tower). But in an airplane thousands of feet in the sky, or in the back of a bus barreling ten miles an hour down steep highways on the sides of cliffs, I had absolutely no control of my surroundings. There I was at the mercy of the pilot and bus driver, and no preventative measure I could take – shutting my eyes, moving against the vehicle’s momentum, or desperately bracing myself against seats and armrests – would save me in the event of a plane or bus crash. I found some sort of irrational safety in my actions, but in all reality I was powerless to stop the inevitable, whatever that inevitable may be.
This same feeling of utter helplessness overwhelmed me stepping off the plane in Greece. In France, where I had spent the previous week, I felt completely at ease, despite the language barrier. I could pick up bits and pieces of conversations around me and bust out enough French to get Lindsay and I from Point A to Point B. Lindsay, familiar with basic Latin, could understand some conversations and probably more written French than I could. But stepping into the Athens airport, I found a language, both spoken and written, that left me looking like a cartoon with a large question mark over my head. I had three words of Greek in my vocabulary (Yes, No, and Good Morning), none of which would assist me if I found myself looking for a bank, a toilet, or the correct gate for my flight back to the states. I felt more comfortable free-loading and aimlessly roaming with Lindsay in France than I do in this structured, Drury-controlled trip to Greece, which, at this point, I can only attribute to the language barrier.
Perhaps this language barrier I fear only exists as a figment of my imagination – practically everyone in Greece speaks some English, however broken. Only this morning I found myself hopelessly lost in Volos and frantically stopped a woman on the street, who gave me directions in fragmented English. Due to the high amount of tourism, all the vendors in Athens spoke English, hounding passers-by to eat their gelato, sit at their restaurant, buy their wares. Even young children at a preschool outside of Athens were able to count to fifteen in English, as well as identify colors and animals better than most American school children. And, when all else fails, I can always revert to my early Neolithic roots and communicate by pointing and gesturing.
Regardless, there is comfort in language that cannot be explained. It is the root of society, what sets humans apart from other sentient creatures. Our ability to communicate through language has made us the superpower of the animal world, organizing and evolving through the exchange of ideas and knowledge. Language can soothe us, calm us, comfort us, but it can also make us angry, distraught, and uneasy. Our power over language, our ability to communicate, has come to define us as a society. When I travel to foreign countries and that power disappears, when my linguistic footing is pulled out from under me, I grip tightly to any sort of familiarity and pray to Saint Christopher for safe passage home.

Sarah P.

Farmers Market in Volos

It is 11:36 a.m. and hot outside. The kind of hot you feel when you’re working in an unair-conditioned garage with the front door closed in the middle of summer. Pores pumping out sweat that doesn’t evaporate under my clothes due to the heavily saturated sea salted air. “Watch your wallets when walking through here.” Are the only words I can remember the tour guide telling me while waiting on the broken sidewalk a block down from the local farmers market.
Back home I witness a farmers market every Wednesday on the south side of town, except ours consist of about ten stands on a good day with a variety of fruits and vegetables you could count on one hand. Not the case in Volos. The first group of stalls channeled down both sides of the street so far that there was no end in sight. Blank stares from behind the fruit stands turned to welcoming grins as they saw our American faces mixed in with the local crowd. Their gapped teeth either missing or worn down as much as the amber worry beads draped around their hands. They weren’t smiling at us as Americans however; they were smiling at our American money. One man lets out a Greek phrase under his breath as I pass by his strawberry stand reading “1.50€” per carton. The stall across from him has cherries arranged all over the table in an array of colors like nothing ever seen back in the United States. Two toned yellowish and red transitions cover them in such an elaborate manner that almost appears painted on. I’m not going to waste time trying to get the man’s attention and then find out he doesn’t speak English though, so I continue down the left side of the street.
Past the moderately generalized fruit section of the market there is a stall with more generic items, almost appearing out of place with the rest of the dominate weekly hagglers. The stall is a horde of kitchenware with various other household items that take up literally every square inch of the allotted street space. Risers soar upward from the base of this “one-stop-shop” on wheels, hanging from them are towels, spatulas, spices, and garlic cloves. Below the man has other trinkets just basking in the midday sun, the less valuable perhaps. This is not the first time I have seen tactics like the jam-packed market stall. It is common-place in most American farmers markets to display all of your inventory to attract the consumers attention, as well as block the view of your competitors. Generalized business tactics are all the same around the globe in these free-for-all situations.
Moving on, the vegetables start to govern both sides of the street with their dull colors and bitter sun-dried aroma. Tea leaves fall and sit idle under some stalls to my right, could someone pick those up for use I wonder and would the lady care? The thought slips out of my mind when I feel the slightest perspiration of water graze against my leg, looking over only to see another Greek man pouring cold water down a metal display case cooling his iced inventory. A bright sun-reflecting glare hits my eyes as I am so strongly trying to focus on what is being flaunted. The sweetness of the fruit and the earthly smell of the vegetables are gone, something else occupies the market air now. Something usually smelled at the docks when walking the ocean view at Volos’ harbor…Fish. The warm fishy smell. The half faces of the sardines looking back at me through yellow eyes while ice melts below their single slotted gills. Stacked in perfect horizontal rows like fallen soldiers, the oily wet shine so distinct to the stereotypical sardine image.

Charles Y.

Makrinitsa (image)

Enjoy a traditional Pelion meal at Pantheon Taverna by the sqaure in Matrinistsa.

Makrinitsa Village: Quintessential Greece

Picture Greece and describe the portrait that emerges. Is it filled with mountainside villages, gorgeous views of seaports and sparkling blue water, quaint shops, cobblestone streets, and relaxed citizens? If so, your schema is the same as mine. I traveled to Greece with hopes of a three-week trip into a land of fairy-tale bliss and flowing milk and honey; I arrived to find myself stuck in Athens and Volos, large cities that are more similar than they are different from large American cities. I found escape, however, in the remote village of Makrinitsa found high above Volos. If you ever find yourself in Greece longing to get out of the tourist traps and throngs of scowling pedestrians and poor drivers, then head over to the bus station and purchase a ticket to Makrinitsa to regain your idealism.
The atmosphere of this little town invites its visitors to leave their worries and fears behind in order to sit back and enjoy the gift of life. No one moves faster than a pack mule (without the packs, of course). Carrying luggage might be too much for these villagers, who seem to find work optional. The only workers to be seen, the shop owners, all have the same items to offer—jam or trinkets or candies—but differ from the proprietors in the cities by not harassing every potential customer who comes within one hundred meters of the store. In fact, these Greeks seemed more upset at having to arise from their comfortable chairs to help us browse or to take our money. This was in no way related to an unkind character or mean disposition; they were just so relaxed in the mountainside splendor that a customer was a momentary interruption to their peaceful afternoon. I appreciated this detail enough to actually give them some of my business. “Kalo,” says a man reclining on his porch. “Very good.”
Though the view from the sole road of Makrinitsa is scrumptious enough to eat, there are wonderful restaurants that offer delectable dishes to satisfy your body as you continue to digest your surroundings and feed your spiritual hunger. The restaurant, located at the end of the road near an enormous, cavernous tree, offers one of the freshest Greek salads in all of Greece and some of the best homemade pasta man can make. The Greek salad comes in a generous (also known as an American) sized portion, with a hunk of herb-coated feta cheese on top of garden-picked cucumbers, tomatoes, onions and olives soaked in olive oil. The noodles of the pasta were so tender and flavorful that they could easily have been eaten plain, but were enhanced by a smooth tomato sauce and shredded cheese, along with rich veal meat if you so wished. The meal also came with a basket of bread, which I recommend dipping in olive oil, vinegar, and pepper (you will have to ask for this). All of this food comes with a seat overlooking the edge of the mountain free of charge.
Continue to stroll through the streets of Makrinitsa after you enjoy your leisurely meal. Take time to observe the serenity of the mountainside and the lack of stress of the Greek people. This mountain village can offer more than just a break from city life; it can also stimulate new ideas about yourself in an environment conducive to prolonged times of self-reflection. Americans and their extreme capitalism may earn enormous profits and make “productive” use of every second of every day, but what is sacrificed in the process? Family? Peace? Mental health? Nature? Here in this secluded little town, the people may not be rich in material goods, but they are richer than any sheik in Dubai in terms of environment and sanity. My jaded self cannot help but wonder, however, what exactly these Greeks do with all of their free time. I am pretty sure I would feel bored and useless if I had absolutely nothing to do all day, every day. Perhaps this is a lesson that can be learned from the Greeks: American ideology, born and bred in each of its citizens, is not always the only way or even the right way. Get away from the grime and hustle of a city and appreciate the simplicity that is relationships and nature and life. We are but a breath; the mountains are forever.

Stephanie C.

Olympic Water

I did not know at the time if I could describe the feeling of disappointment that I could not touch the water, the blocks the lane lines of this magnificent facility. I wanted to feel the breeze of the flags and the water on my face and in my hair and imagine what it was like to be standing there of the finals of the women’s 800 meter freestyle relay when that world record came crumbling down and the American’s took home the victory and still remain swimming’s power house country with Australia as a close second. I wanted to touch the blocks that Michael Phelps dove off when he won 7 gold medals tying the all-time record of Mark Spitz or Ian Thorpe, known as the Thorpedo, as he competed in his last swim meet ever in his entire life! Not having that chance almost brought tears of sadness to my eyes knowing that I might never get this opportunity again.
Before coming to Greece it was my goal to get onto the Olympic pool deck and feel like an Olympian and not leaving until it happened.
I could sense people becoming annoyed with me by the tones in their voices. They were getting tired and wanting to leave. Feeling this I took one last look at it all and said ok we can go. There is nothing more I can do. I am just unable to get onto the deck.
Feeling defeated and worse disappointed in myself, I saw off in the distance the smaller pool from before the one with the deck I could easily get to. I noticed how it was connected to the warm-up pool used for the Olympics. Thinking to myself, those two pools have to be connected for the athletes to warm-up go to the ready room then the competition pool. I asked the group for 5 minutes to see if the connection of all the pools was really there. Not seeming too thrilled with the idea of waiting any longer they said ok, but run. And run I did! I am not even a runner but a surge of adrenaline just hit me and I ran as fast as my legs and flip flops could take me. Seeing the smaller pool I ran down the stairs in excitement as knowing they were connected that I was meant to be on this deck as the greats were. I had made it to the warm-up pool and just stood there in awe. It was nothing I had ever felt before. At that point in time I began reliving the 2004 Olympics and how everything must have happen. And this was just the warm-up pool. Walking around and taking photos I noticed Brandon climbing down to be there with me and to take pictures. This brought a smile to my face seeing someone else interested in this. At this same time though two security guards were down there letting me know I should not be down there. I pleaded trying to explain how important this pool was to me. He graciously obliged and let me continue on my own little tour. By this time though Brandon became scared of getting in trouble so he and the rest of the group left me there alone in my own little sanctuary of Athens.
I toured everything, the warm-up pool I walked up and down and back and forth to get the full effect of what it could have been like to be there. I felt the breeze, but at the same time it was not the big pool, the one millions of people watched on their television sets. I then walked underneath the bleachers down a walkway to the Olympic pool! From the moment I walked on the deck I felt like an athlete in the 2004 games. I do not even know how to describe the way I felt when I saw everything: the flags, the lane lines, the blocks, the water, it all just seemed surreal, tears of joy came to my face as I slowly walked around the facility and sat on the block of lane 4, what is known as the fastest lane of them all right in the middle of the pool. This was the block and the lane that broke records, the one everyone would watch the one that won the gold medals.
I was there; I stood where Michael Phelps stood, Dana Vollmer, Natalie Coughlin, Brendan Hansen, Amada Beard, and many more. Finally, I felt the breeze on my face and could hear the cheering and the USA chants, the music playing in the background just standing around the pool feeling the energy that happened during the games in 2004. I believe this feeling only comes to people who actually understand the sport and know how much work and effort goes into a 21 second race. I paced slowly up and down the lanes yearning to just jump into this pool. The architecture of the pool with the gutters having the water flow in and out, perfect for not feeling any waves from the other lane where you can just swim your own race. This is what had been envisioned in my head all these years. Spending about 20 minutes at the end of the lane just relaxing my feet in the cool water hoping to not get into trouble. If security had left I would have just jumped in to feel the cool crisp pool. Looking back on the whole thing I should have just jumped and risked everything for that one minute experience of a lifetime.
Keegan W.

Olympic Water (image)

Gelato and a Greek

Weaving in and out of the sidewalks and supposed pedestrians streets proves overwhelming to my senses after walking down the wide cobblestone street. The owners of shops are lurking like vultures over the prey of their potential customers, and the males are often staring intently at me and my travel companions, while casually flipping their worry beads. The streets still overwhelm my senses of sight with numerous bright colors, sounds of mopeds, cars, other languages, and omniscient knowing as a female that the males are checking you out even after you walked by.
The alternating shops and markets finally lead us to our familiar and favored eatery section consisting of the gyro stand and the gelato stand. Well, at least the boys’ favorite place to get gyros for 1.70€ and all of us enjoy the 1.50€ gelato stand. Because we had a long morning and an incredibly hot visit to the 2004 Olympic Park, my thirst and longing for fruit overpowers my feelings of hunger. I walk a little further to a news and snack stand covered with obnoxiously distracting rows, columns and lines of all products one could find in a small American convenience store. From the stand’s cooler, a bright blue fruit juice box with the word MOTION slanted vertically on the box catches my eye along with the refreshing appearance of a 1.5 liter bottle of water. I hand my coins to the stand’s attendant who quickly slides my change apathetically towards me, without looking at me. For once I have escaped the “man gaze” as my companions and I have come to call it.
Although I have ventured out by myself, I am assured that I will reunite with my group near their favorite eatery, and as I weave through the streets once again, I see the my travel companions stuffing their hungry faces with their pitas wrapping around shaven lamb, tatziki cucumber sauce, and tomatoes. I glance up around the few stores in our favorite quadrant and sit on the marble curb in front of the Ouzeria with the brightly colored bottles glowing from the lights behind them. I think one thing this trip has taught me is to pick your battles of my germ phobia; I sit next to Charles in a somewhat dirty seat familiar to stray old gum and the stray dogs that roam the street.
Charles quickly finishes his gyro while I sip on the deliciously fruity drink. Although there are nine different fruit juices in the MOTION drink, the mixture was quite delicious, not overly sweet but very satisfying for my longing for fruit. Now it was time for more cool food and our favorite gelato stand outside a café is calling our name. Within the covered portion of the gelato stand are the vividly colored flavors of gelato in heaping mounds and atop the stand are the stacked waffle cones, cups and spoons lined up in descending order by size. We approach the gelato man and place our individual orders as we please. Charles returns noting how marvelous the Traditional Greek Cream flavor is, and I decide to try it.
I notice today’s gelato server is a young male at the gelato stand, probably in his mid 20s, clean shaven with short, spiky gelled hair sporting a nice polo shirt. I place my order for the newly recommended flavor and ask the server, “Will this Greek gelato make me Greek?” After chuckling, he hands me the napkin-wrapped gelato cone and says, “No offense—but Greek girls don’t have such beautiful blue eyes as you.” I am fairly confident that I blush ten shades of red and respond with my quiet and shy thank you. “No, really, you do have gorgeous eyes—beautiful blue eyes,” he repeats in his very clear and understandable English with a slight Greek accent. I say thank you again and move along with my group to enjoy my gelato, while sharing the story with my companions who have not yet heard the comments. The sweet cream has a very subtle hint of sour, surprising my tongue every so often when I lick the thin of berry-flavored swirl. As I turned back down the street to return to the hotel, I realized that in a way, eating the gelato is much like the situation I just encountered, very sweet and also surprising; this was the first time a Greek man had actually looked me in the eyes.

Valerie A.

Metro: Psychiartrists and Kamikazes, Colors and Saints

Until I traveled with my parents to urban areas outside of Missouri, I thought that public transportation was a myth or a fictional creation of television and films. It was a phenomenon for which my small-town, spacious home simply never had the need. When I arrived in Greece, not only was I traveling as an adult for the first time, but I was also embarking on my first attempts to grasp the seemingly complex public transportation system without parental guidance. As an alien in a strange land with a strange mother tongue, I was completely overwhelmed by the metro system’s total control over me, but it did not take long before I became its conqueror. I do not wish to take all of the spoils of war for myself, though; I want to spread the knowledge I gained in battle with you, dear Future Traveler.
The metro system of Greece is much more trusting and much more lax than in America. The tickets are purchased at the counter before they are inserted into a machine that validates and stamps the stub; no big surprises yet. I was shocked, however, to find these machines unattended. Not a single person watched the process, not a single person checked the authenticity (or even existence) of the tickets, and not a single person bothered to monitor the machines for gate-jumpers; there were after all no gates to prevent people from entirely bypassing the validation procedure. American subway workers watch such stations with the intensity of a psychiatrist scrutinizing a new patient who is in need of a proper diagnosis and an adequate treatment plan. I validated my ticket unnoticed.
This lack of attention by security was replaced, however, with a plethora of stares from the passengers of the metro. These self-proclaimed psychiatrists seemed to be trying to decipher my very soul with their gazes; I felt about as comfortable as a worm dangling as bait from a fishing pole. As I sat sweltering in the sweltering heat, without the relief of air conditioning or even a friendly breeze, the local commuters began their consultation session without my consent and in spite of my extreme uneasiness. My diagnosis: American tourist. My treatment plan: Continued observation until my potential as future bait for hustling and extra profit could be fully known.
Still feeling like that dangling worm, my first metro ride, though aided by the direction of Dr. Chin, should be deemed successful simply for realizing the speed and crushing power with which the doors opened at each stop. Cold, unfeeling, and uncaring, these doors very much reminded me of the treatment I also received from the Greek people. Pushing, shoving, and unsmiling, the people threw themselves in the fashion of kamikazes both onto and off of the train with obvious disregard for my personal bubble of space or for any bruises I might incur. I am still unsure of which I am more afraid: a crushing blow from a Greek metro door or a crushing blow from a Greek metro passenger. We somehow managed to avoid having to make such a decision by grabbing our suitcases two stops before our destination and crowding around the door with the rest of the kamikazes. Lesson number one: Know your destination and prepare in advance to exit the train.

Stephanie C.

Better than a Postcard

Better than a Postcard

I awoke today praying that Athens would grant me a much better experience than what I endured the previous day in the airport of Rome. As I walked through the museums, the various exhibits were quite interesting, but after suffering inside an airport and being cramped on a plane for a day and a half, I longed to venture outside under the warm, inviting sunlight. Finally, after a long but informative morning of museum browsing, my longing transformed into a reality. I enjoy the various popular tourist attractions such as the Acropolis and the museums, but sometimes you must do your own exploring. I think it is infinitely more rewarding to discover something on your own as opposed to following the crowd, and in my case this is exactly what happened.
It seemed that the more we walked and the more spontaneous we were, the more we discovered these new and interesting places. The sun’s rays were like a guide lighting the way to the top. We came upon some sort of dog pound half way up the hill which served as home to two enormous Doberman pinchers, the biggest I have ever seen. They showed sad, yet fierce eyes as they turned their heads to watch us walk by. We pushed onward, letting the path take us where it wished. Suddenly, through a small opening in the treetops I spotted the ruin I had seen before at the bluff by the Acropolis. We hurriedly made our way to the top to see yet another ancient structure, but once I reached the top, I immediately forgot about it as I saw the most spectacular scene I have ever laid eyes upon. This moment was almost too good to be true. Picture-books and postcards could not come close to capturing the beauty of the bright blue sky, the towering mountains in the background, and the sea of white buildings below. Not to mention the mighty Acropolis in the distance looking down on the city with a watchful eye. I could see a 360o view of the city from here, which showed just how enormous Athens really is. I realized at that moment that we had not even experienced a fraction of what this city has to offer, but I didn’t care. All that mattered at that moment was that I was experiencing something not many people in the world will ever the get the chance to experience, and I was so grateful for that. I glanced back at the observatory that had looked so far way only a little while before. The solar panels situated atop the buildings shined like stars in the solar system that was Athens, while the Agean Sea provided a beautiful blue background.
It felt so rewarding to look back and say “I just did that” as I pointed to the top of the mountain. What began as a simple walk around the block transformed into an adventure filled with new discoveries. We had no idea where we were going, yet everything seemed to fall into place. I looked back one final time at the mountain and snapped a picture knowing that it could not even begin to truly show how beautiful this place really was, and then headed toward our home away from home proud, satisfied, and ready for anything that came my way.

Chris D.

AirPort

I didn’t pack too much to entertain me on the flight and what little I did bring had limited battery life I didn’t want to expire before I even set foot on an airplane, especially the 11 hour flight. This meant my only entertainment would be the lone television hanging from the ceiling which showed CNN news and a few infomercials. A combination of programming that doesn’t really excite someone who had been up until two a.m. making sure they had everything packed into their only duffle bag. I placed my back-pack down and searched for something that might keep me occupied until the other members of my traveling party arrive: Eye Witness: Greece and the Mainland, not my usual choice of reading material.
When I thought of Greece before actually arriving, I could only think about the rocky shores I expected to see in Volos and myself running along the sun baked roads that twisted throughout the country side. Gyros had also been mentioned to me by my good friend, Brandon, and he described them as wrapped pork inside of a pita with cucumber sauce. To be honest, I seriously doubted I would enjoy anything with a cucumber sauce. It just sounded a little bit gross, especially for a guy like me who for the first 20 years of my life lived off of mainly eating chicken and candy. Not until recently have I begun to really go out of my way to get all of the fruits and vegetables I need a day. Besides that I didn’t know what to expect from the food except for pasta and exotic fish. One of the only things I didn’t look forward to, however, was the fact that in my book on Greece it stated that smoking was widely accepted by a majority of the people in the country. Even after reading this I still figured I would be ok with enough fresh air outside. After arriving in the Athens airport I realized that there wouldn’t be much fresh air downtown. It literally felt like a slap in the face once I stepped off of the plane and took in the aroma of smoke just inside of the customs check-in area. It isn’t so much the fact that they suck cigarettes down like coke-a-cola outside, it is the smoke that sticks to the walls and carpet on the insides of buildings that bothers me the worst.
The airport was getting crowded with just a few minutes before the gate was set to open and let all of the passengers onto the plane, which would also mean the start of my three week vacation to Greece and my first time ever leaving the United States. Brandon, Valerie, and Stephanie were sitting in the chairs across from me by now and we were all anxious to get the first initial flight to Atlanta over with. I thought I had somewhat of an idea of what I would experience, but after arriving and seeing everything to scale in person, you truly appreciate how remarkable everything in this world is.

Charles Y.

On the Acropolis

Brandon, Charles, Valerie, Stephnie, Hueping, Peter, and Vernon were in awe of the magnificent Acropolis.
More group photos will be posted in the future.

Drury In Greece: An Introduction

An Introduction

Before we set out for our three-week trip to Greece with eleven students, we discussed Constantine Kafavy’s famous poem Ithaka, which counsels us not to wish for the comforts of home while discoveries still await us, and in the end, it promises that travel will transform us if we give ourselves over to the discovery of new and strange things, as long as we do not fear “Laistrygonians, Cyclops, angry Poseidon,” and the other threats travelers face. From the beginning, our students were amazed at what they found when they put down their guide books and set off on journeys without destinations. They discovered Filopappos Hill in Athens, the meaning of life in a monastery, the best gyros on the island, and even romantic gelato salesmen. But more importantly, they discovered new ways of being in the world. By seeing Greece and the Greeks through a new set of eyes, they came to fresh understandings of the Greeks and, more importantly, themselves.

The following blog contains entries that reveal these discoveries from our eleven students: Valerie Abbott, Brandon Adamick, Jordan Cox, Stephanie Cowherd, Chris Dunbar, Robert Hammerschmidt, Sarah Polen, Sam Steelman, Keegan Wagstaff, Charles Yeager, and Lindsay Zahner. We hope you enjoy them.

Dr. Hueping Chin (Interdisciplinary Studies Center) and Dr. Peter Meidlinger (Dept. of English)