Tag: College Year in Athens

By emilycreighton

A few weeks ago, several CYA students had the opportunity to travel to Delphi and participate in the 2nd annual Delphi Economic Forum. This year's theme was: Outlook for Greece and the Region vision 2020- 2030.

According to their website this conference, "aims to identify the main global trends, assess their implications and review the resulting challenges and policy options confronting decision-makers of the wider Eastern Mediterranean Region. It will also focus on Greece’s need for structural reforms and new leadership strategies, which will result in a new model of governance."

Hearing about the economic and refugee crisis in Greece coupled with living here for the past two months, one can immediately see the need for a discussion like this one. From speeches by foreign ambassadors to discussions about the Greek diaspora and the refugee crisis.

...continue reading "Delphi Economic Forum"

By emilycreighton

My friends and I took a short ferry ride to a Greek island about three hours away. This magical little place was called Aegina.

This tiny island is known for is pistachios and holds a festival commemorating the harvest every summer. No matter what street you walk on their will be a pistachio stand on every corner. (Pro tip: you have to try the pistachio butter- even if you don't like pistachios). Shop owners will holler at you trying to get you to come try their products, for the simple reason that they're proud of them.

When my friends and I weren't spending our time eating these pistachios, we explored around the island. Because it wasn't tourist season, the five of us stuck out like sore thumbs. No matter where we went or what restaurant we wandered into, everyone stared at us. It felt like a movie scene in which a new group of people comes to this small town where nothing changes and all of a sudden the 'invaders' cause all sorts of trouble.

Some shops and beach houses were closed down despite vivid billboards advertising their amazing food and beach vibes. Of course, these places would be opened again in the summer but for now it looked like a ghost town. ...continue reading "The Island of Aegina"

By emilycreighton

This past week my abroad program took us on a field trip to the second largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki. It's known as a young vibrant area with many college students living there. It's situated in northern Greece near the water with archaeological museums next door to bars.

It also happened to be my favorite field trip so far. We spent five days exploring the area- often on our own. Every morning our program took us to various historical sites from churches (in which several students were not allowed in due to their shorts), to tombs and castle ruins.

One of my favorite spots was the tomb of Phillip II. Located in ancient Macedonia, this complex of four tombs held various kings (though, no one really knows who). The site was rather interesting in which the excavation site is located indoors with dark lighting. In fact, the painting on the tombs is so well preserved, the museum does not allow photos even without the flash.

...continue reading "Thessaloniki and the land of Alexander the Great"

By emilycreighton

This past week my program took us all on a trip to the Peloponnese area of Greece- this included places like Kalamata (famous for its olives) and Olympia (famous for the birth of the Olympic Games). The most important thing I took away from this excursion? That Greece is so much more than city centers and beaches.

Greece has absolutely breathtaking mountain ranges and gorgeous fields. Castles perched high on hilltops and tombs scattered throughout the grass and history etched into its foundation.

...continue reading "Greece is so much more than beaches"

By emilycreighton

I don't think the refugee crisis was a deciding factor in my decision to study abroad in Greece, but it definitely played a part. Once I settled on Greece, I knew I wanted to work with refugees in some capacity. In my ignorance I thought that meant traveling to an island close to Turkey, like Lesvos or Chios, and walking among a crowded polluted plastic tent town. Now, there are places like that and I plan on visiting for a weekend later in the semester. But, I also discovered that there are many places right in the heart of Athens that house refugees.

These places are, generally, in better condition than their plastic tent counterpart. Most are abandoned buildings that are equipped with kitchens and makeshift bedrooms. But these places still struggle with clean and hot water, clothing, and most predominately- space.

Experiencing this is quite a paradox. On one hand, the refugee crisis is utterly heartbreaking. To think about the hundreds of families separated, children drowned, and parents unable to work causes an overwhelming feeling of despair. But on the other hand, witnessing the incredible camaraderie from volunteers and other refugees was heartwarming.

...continue reading "What it’s like to volunteer with refugees"

By emilycreighton

 

I knew that studying in Greece would bring immense beauty of ancient ruins and artifacts. I knew that living next door to the first modern Olympic stadium would never get old. But I had no idea how incredible and amazing having class every Monday and Wednesday at the Acropolis would be.

First, some history. The Acropolis literally means "highest city". It's comprised of several ancient ruins on a large hill overlooking Athens. The first and most famous being the Parthenon. The structure was an old temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, for which Athens is named after. It's considered one of the most important buildings in ancient Greek architecture with ornate decorations and complicated designs.

Next we have the Temple of Athena Nike. Nike means "victory" in Greek, which is exactly how Athena was worshiped- the goddess of war and wisdom. In this very temple, citizens prayed for an end to the Peloponnesian War.

Other structures include the Propylaia, a gateway, and the Erectheion, a temple dedicated to Athena and Poseidon.

I've visited the Acropolis once before having class there so I semi-knew what to expect. But this trip was filled with behind-the-scenes-looks, roping jumping, and talks in offices.

...continue reading "What it’s like to have class at the Acropolis"