The Power of a Greek Woman
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” –Helen Keller
Spartan- a disciplined or brave person
Stepping off the bus I can see the ancient cobblestone walls of Mystras. After being on the team Mystras and learning the history of the beautiful architecture, it was pleasing to put the reading into reality. Professor Finitsis brought his mom along for the journey today and the class was thrilled to meet a true Greek woman. The main walls of Mystras sat high on top of the hill. We were told that the bus was going to drop us off at the top and then we would climb down, but this was not the case. When Mrs. Finitsis lead the way, we knew we were going to the top. This woman doesn’t know much English and I don’t know much Greek, but she would talk to us as if we understood her every word. Her hands flayed in motion as she ranted on in Greek. Step by step, she conquered the march to the top. She took the hand of some fellow classmates but she went at her own pace which was a lively bound. Professor Finitsis told us that her town as a child had the familiar uneven rocks that formed steps.
When we arrive to the top, Mrs. Finitsis pulls out her knife that she had carried all the way and starts to cut herbs. She walks around on a mission to fill her bag as we take in the beauty for the first time. “Mamma Finitsis” as the group liked to call her, was a woman that wouldn’t take no for an answer. She was a tough spirit with a kind soul. When the time came to descend the hill, she pulled us in and starts to sing “Opa” and snap her fingers. Her legs stay stationary but her arms raise about her head and motion for us to join in. Other than a few “Opas” here and there, we don’t know what she is signing about.
Her strength is not seen as often in American women her age. She possesses a quality of life that is courageous, valiant and bold. I have had only one encounter with Mamma Finitsis, but I appreciate her bravery in life’s adventures.