The Good Life

Ahh, this is the good life. I have both friends and family here in Greece on this trip. Right now we are in Rhodes and staying at the Mediterranean hotel on the beach and currently, I am hosting a ‘blog party’ (to knock off the name ‘block party’). Five of us are scattered around my hotel room working on our blogs, speaking to each other only every few minutes to confirm details (see, we don’t need to be speaking anymore to feel comfortable around each other) while listening to some really relaxing music and the sound of the waves in the background.

I call this the good life because I am learning so much about myself, about my new friends and having incredible experiences. When I first considered a study abroad trip, it was more of an abstract idea, something that I could say I would like to do but wouldn’t actually get my hopes up. It didn’t hit me that I was actually going until after we landed in Athens. It wasn’t even on the airplane-I used to fly a lot so I don’t get super excited to be on planes anymore, I got used to it. Now, after more than 2 weeks, I can feel the days fly by and creep by at the same time.

Ancient Stadium

Today has been especially fantastic! We walked to the acropolis in Rhodes 

and hung out at an old stadium that dates back to 2BC. To recreate a scenario that would help us experience this stadium as if we were in ancient Greece, a group of us reenacted the Olympic Games by holding a race. The runners stretched and warmed up, and then when the flag (red scarf) waved, they took off. They raced all the way from one end of the stadium and back. One of the guards standing watch over the acropolis made us three laurel crowns out of branches nearby so the three winners were granted a crowning ceremony which I so graciously provided the sound effects and background music for.

Stretching to Prepare for the Big Race

And They're Off...

And the Winners Are?

Our Group at the Theater in Rhodes

Those who did not participate in the games were given the opportunity to perform on the ancient stage right next to the stadium. So, my group sang Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours” and then broke into strange interpretative dancing. This. Is. The. Good. Life. I am having so much fun here and enjoying the people here. I will try to take a J-Term trip every year that I can!

Sunset in Rhodes