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.
I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Dublin, Ireland the weekend of St. Patrick's Day. Despite the heightened tourism, the city was absolutely incredible. I left a piece of my heart there and plan to return someday.
If you can't tell from my pale skin and rosy cheeks, I come from Irish heritage. I remember shamrock decorations and pictures of roaring hills scattered throughout my grandma's house. I remember a lamb stuffed animal from my childhood singing "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling." Therefore, I was so excited to be able to travel to my homeland.
The weather, however, was not that great. As per usual, the days were cold, rainy, and cloudy. But that didn't stop my adventures. The first day, I set out to visit the Cliffs of Moher. The weather report loomed cloudy but no rain (unlike the rest of my time there). So, I figured it would be the best day to visit the cliffs.
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.
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.
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.
Here's a fun fact for you: Rome wasn't built in a day, but I saw it in one. Okay, well two. One of the many perks of studying abroad in Europe is the close proximity of other countries. For example, my flight to Rome took only two hours and cost about 60 euros round trip.
60 euros!!!
It was an opportunity I couldn't miss. So when a few people in my program brought up the idea of taking a weekend trip to Rome, I immediately hopped on board. And I'm so thankful I did because the Eternal City stole my heart (and budget).
Thursday night was filled with bubbling excitement and strategic packing. Our flight left at 9:15 pm- which meant there would still be enough time to explore the city at night. Which is exactly what we did.
We randomly strolled through the cobblestoned streets and under tall palm trees when I noticed a familiar face on the other side of the street. He was another GW student named Lucas. My mouth dropped as we waved at each other and spoke about our semesters and mutual friends and random chances. He spoke about a few places we should visit and then we said our goodbyes.
But not ten minutes later I ran into another friend, Audrey. We screamed girlish screams and hugged a lot until I had to leave with my other friends. I'm currently 5,000 miles away from GW on the other side of the world and yet it's just so small.
It has become extremely evident that Greeks are extraordinarily welcoming and friendly. In every bakery and cafe I enter, I receive a free pastry or drink or some other traditional Greek food. The giver eagerly waits for me to taste the new delectable dish- smiling the entire time.
I must admit there hasn't been a single thing I haven't liked. From the 2 euro souvlaki (gyro for you Americans) to homemade tzatziki to baklava- the list is endless. But it's not the food that unveils the iridescence of Greek culture, it's the willingness to give and chat and make friends with a stranger.
Take Chris, for example.
My friends and I met Chris at a local restaurant a few nights ago. He was out waiter- our extremely friendly waiter. After chatting for several minutes we learned some things about him.
When telling people about my study abroad plans, without fail, someone would always say, "Make sure you tell them you're from Canada."
I nodded and laughed but dismissed the thought in my mind.
But when strolling through the Athenian streets or trying to purchase something from the grocery store or even attempting to read a sign- I feel like a huge burden. I'm learning a little Greek- just the basics. But let's be real for a second...how annoying would it be for some random tourist coming into your shop not speaking your language, not familiar with your money expecting service?
This experience is all the more reason to fully immerse myself in Greece. I want to learn the language and the culture. I want to stop being a tourist.
On Tuesday night I learned how to say 'what's your name?' For those curious, it's 'Πώς σας λένε;' pronounced pos se lene. I decided to try it out on the grocer who lives down the street from me. I spoke English with my friend as we entered but when we got to the cash register I tried to speak Greek. The complete visible difference in the man's face was incredible. He perked up; he smiled. He served us with a totally different attitude than when we entered the store.
Well, this is it. I have five hours before my flight to Greece. Two hours before I leave for the airport. And every single minute freaking out. When I looked around my bedroom after sealing the final zipper there is one and only one thing left to do- make my bed.
But instead I crawled under the covers and wrote this blog post. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to feel exactly. Everyone keeps asking me if I'm excited (and of course I am) but all I can think about is the language I don't know, the people I don't know, the holidays and weekends I'll miss spending time with my family. It's very- overwhelming.
Not to mention the horrible week I had before my departure. Let's just say it included Norovirus and a sprained ankle- I'll save you the gory details. But I just kept thinking, "Don't they say if the play has a bad dress rehearsal, the opening night will be perfect?" That's how I'm hoping my semester abroad goes.
A view of Paris from the top of the Arc de Triomphe
One thing all of my travels have had in common is an overabundance of old (sometimes ancient, sometimes medieval) stairs. Trips throughout Italy, Greece, Portugal, France and, of course, Spain, have all left me waking up the next morning with my calves aching and my quadriceps burning. All of these countries have incredible and unforgettable sights that are only accessible through, yep, you guessed it…stairs. St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the Acropolis in Athens, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the Torre de Belém in Lisbon, or the hundreds of cathedrals and castles all over Spain (I’ve been to ones in Madrid, Barcelona, Segovia, Córdoba and Seville)—they’ve all got steep and tiny staircases.
Me, feeling victorious after a climb up a mountain in Santorini, Greece.
I laugh writing this because such a method of reaching a tourist destination is something I could never imagine being widespread in the U.S. We are a young country, with taller, and more modern buildings that almost always have elevator access. Imagine climbing your way up to the top of the Empire State building? Yea, didn’t think so! Blame it on our age, or blame it on our laziness—whichever the case, America doesn’t do stairs. But Europe, I can tell you, most certainly does.
My various and strenuous climbs all throughout Europe have ironically been some of the most memorable parts of my trips. When my friends and I sit and talk about the memories we’ve made, we almost always end up coming back to the time we were dripping with sweat as we finally reached the top of the Arc de Triomphe, the time we made friends with strangers through our common struggle up St. Peter’s Basilica, or the time I was so scared, that I couldn’t speak without stuttering the whole way down the steps of a Segovian castle. Because of these moments, we actually ended up appreciating the journey more than the actual view that we were climbing up to see. Here, I charter into dangerous waters by quoting the ever so insightful Miley Cyrus: “Ain't about how fast I get there, Ain't about what's waiting on the other side…It's the climb”
My friends and I at the top of a castle tower overlooking the city of Segovia, Spain.
All of those climbs have served as lessons for me, too. There were some pretty great moments when it was about the climb, and what was waiting on the other side. In fact, our journeys up just about a thousand steps are what made what was waiting for us at the top all the more worthwhile. To walk up the hill to the Acropolis and then stand in the presence of some of the most ancient and historical buildings in the world is a truly breathtaking experience—one worth every exerted breath on the hike up. I also learned how unhealthy Americans are, as a society. All of the cathedrals, castles and forts that I climbed, I climbed right alongside people who were three times my age, and maybe even more. Sometimes, they even seemed to be struggling less. For me, it was a true testament to the healthy lifestyle that most Europeans lead, and made me realized that I need to do more things like that once I get back home.
