Greece: Between Athens and Jerusalem

My moment in Greece

2012-01-31T01:58:00.000-08:00

It's is extremely different for me to choose "my" moment in Greece specifically but as i have been sitting around extremely sick for the past day I have come to the conclusion that my moment in Greece was in Rhodes.

When we arrived in Rhodes I knew that I would fall in love with the city immediately. When we arrived at our hotel and I saw the Aegean Ocean just 5 short steps in front of me I was mesmerized. As our five days went on I became very close friends with our waiters at the hotel, Ernest and Ilias. They joked with me and made me happy every morning that I went to breakfast! Also as i previously mentioned in one of my other blogs, I became i guess you could say family with Paulo and Pina two of the cutest Italian people i will ever know. I ate pizza at their shop everyday and enjoyed breaking yet another language barrier with them! The last person I met I knew actually got his name but we call him Kodak Man. We met him while printing a picture at his store and in the end he taught me to see the good in all people.

My moment in Greece was my last day in Rhodes. We went around Rhodes giving the waiters, Paulo and Pina and Kodak man our gifs. I have never felt so sad leaving a place where i had begun to feel at home. But in the end when i look my last walk on the beach, through my tears, I was greeted with a feeling of warmth. I knew that someday I would be back to see these people, and that these were friends that I would never ever forget. They have left permanent foot prints on my soul.

S'agapo,
Alex

My Moment In Greece

2012-01-30T11:59:00.000-08:00

My moment in Greece began when I arrived in Rhodes. The moment I saw the water, the deep rich mesmerizing blue, I knew that I would never want to leave this place. Our hotel was right off the beach and I could have spent every second there gazing out at the water. When looking at the water I felt as if my soul was opening up to God, I felt connected to God through the beauty that he had created. How could there be anything less but a powerful and almighty God that had created this beautiful, formidable, and vast water before me? This unfathomable vibrant blue water made me feel not only connected to God and in a state of peaceful content but I was also in a state of wonderment at this absolute beauty before me.

The experiences in Rhodes only got better time went on, which would make it all the more difficult to leave. We would take a treacherous ferry ride to the island of Symi, but all the fear and sickness would be worth the beauty that I would behold. The water would have the same effect on me as it did in Rhodes, only this time I had other wondrous sites to behold has well. When I had climbed to the top of the city it was a breathtaking site full of Greek houses and the hills framing one side while the vast sea framed the other. It was a site to behold. I could only marvel at the beauty that lay before me.

I was again struck by the beauty of the water at Rhodes. It was late at night, the sky was dark, but somehow the still seemed illuminated. There was a lightening storm occurring right before my eyes. I could see the bolts as they hit the water and illuminated the sky. It was such a powerful experience because it was if the water was impenetrable by these powerful bolts. The bolts were persistent but the water could hold its own and was unfazed. It was such a contrast to see the lightening bolts and the water together, these two powerful natures created by God butting heads.

These were my moments in Greece because I felt a connection with the place around me and the God who had created it. These are the most beautiful experiences in life, and makes life worth living for.

My moment in Greece

2012-01-30T11:57:00.000-08:00

My most memorable moment in Greece would have to be when we went to the island of Symi and decided to climb to the hilltop to get a panoramic view of the harbor. For some reason Markelle and I decided to wear sundresses and running shoes; true European fashion. Actually it’s not, but I gotcha didn’t I? We wore sundresses because we planned to go swimming and wanted something that could have been taken off really easily; that sounded provocative but it’s not. We wore running shoes for comfort. If you can imagine our outfit it was sundresses, with leggings, a bright cerulean rain shell and running shoes. It was after lunch that we had time to kill so we decided to find our way to the top. We didn’t know the way to the top so we just winged it. After wandering around we made it to the top. We decided to climb up the last portion of the cliff which was a rock face. The only somewhat problematic thing during the climb was the fact that I was wearing a dress that flowed with the wind and let me tell you, it was very windy at the top so I’m basically trying to say that whoever was behind me climbing up had a clear shot of my heiny/buttocks/donk/trunk/etc. The view from the top was amazing! I saw the entire harbor and the entire town down the hill. I also had a clear view of the town that was settled into the hillside. I wandered off on my own, no surprise, and had a little moment of silence and took in the view. It was a feeling that words can’t explain. I sat on the mountain side with my feet dangling over the edge for quite a while until it was time to go back down to head to the ferry. It was one of the funnest days of my life and I’ll always keep the memories made on this day close to my heart.

Stay classy Athens and thanks for stopping by,

Khadijah

My moment in Greece...

2012-01-30T08:30:00.000-08:00

I was told, before the trip, that this month would go by so fast. While it is unbelievable that it is already January 30th, I don't feel as though time went by fast. As I've already mentioned in previous blogs, my sense of time has been a bit skewed since my arrival in Greece due to my lack of cellphone. I would go as far as to say I had absolutely no sense of time while in Greece and this was the greatest blessing. I am sad to leave and, again, in disbelief that our departure home is so soon but I do not feel cheated. I do not feel as though it went by too fast. Everything about this trip was perfect, even the "time" spent here.
So how do I capture a moment of Greece when it's all been so seamless to me? How does one pinpoint an experience without the aid of time?

Remember this? We're going to go full circle here. Brace yourself!
In the exhaustion of travel and the sickness that threatened to (and eventually) took over my body, it hadn't really hit me that we'd landed in Greece. If you recall it took the Acropolis of Athens (pictured above) for reality to hit me. Greece. I remember the feeling of the smile that appeared on my face, automatic and sincere. Despite my lack of sleep and my body's unwillingness to do anything but sleep, I was ecstatic to be standing in Greece, so close to the Parthenon.
Ironically, it wasn't until this last Saturday that we saw the Acropolis of Athens up close. After everything else we'd been through, it wasn't until then that I confronted, head on, the origin of my acceptance of Greece as a reality. This is what I saw, through sleepless eyes, that made everything feel so real. Twenty-one days later, there I was.

It's hard to define this trip in one moment. Although the Acropolis of Athens might be the closest I'll get, there's so much to tell! I saw ruins (and never got tired of seeing them!), I spoke to the locals, I ate the food, and loved every minute. If that wasn't enough, I made new friends along the way. All of these treasured moments in Greece wouldn't have been the same without them. No matter who I was hanging out with in this amazing group of people, I was having fun. Everyone brought something unique to the experience. When we arrive back in Washington I will still think of them as my Greece friends. There's a bond there that will remain as long as we keep it in our hearts.

I cannot call this trip a moment. I cannot say that the title of this blog is accurate in any sense. This was a life experience, this was a soul searching quest, this was a month of laughter and awe. To call any part of it a mere "moment" would be a lie and a dishonor to the experience.
This was a month's worth of journeys, adventures, meals, stairs, recovery, inspiration, and falling in love with everything Greek. And I will never forget it.
<3Christine

My Moment in Greece: Going from Lost to Found

2012-01-30T08:14:00.000-08:00

Getting lost allowed me to be found.

Although there are hundreds of memories from my time here in Greece that I will never forget, there is one memory that stands out as my favorite.

As mentioned in a previous blog, on the second day of our trip we got lost in one of the sketchier parts of Athens after the majority of our group, including our tour guide/professor left us when we stayed too long in a store.

In that moment, I was completely lost. I was stranded in a foreign city, unable to speak their language, with four girls who I didn't know at all.

I had a decision to make. Would I allow hysteria to take over our group, or would I set the example by calmly leading these people I didn't know? I'm happy to say I chose the latter.

In that moment I stepped into a leadership role and assumed responsibility for the safety and direction of my peers. Although I had no idea where we were, or how to get back to our group (whose location was unknown since we didn't know the net stop on our Athenian tour) I had confidence in my ability to lead these four young ladies to safety in a calm and collected manner, despite our surroundings.

It sounds like a hyper-masculine cliche, but I was never scared. Even when I observed the frightened state some of my peers were in, I was unwaivered.

The reason I mention the above paragraph is not to stroke my ego, but to show how I've grown.

I have never been a man who flaunted excessive braun or bravado. I don't hunt, I do not possess the ability to grow a respectable beard, and I hate scary movies, because they scare me. Why people enjoy them still baffles me.

So for me, the moment when we finally found our classmates and professor was a powerful personal triumph. To be able to lead in the face of extreme adversity and emerge victorious gave me confidence in my abilities, and myself.

This moment gave me confidence from the onset of our trip that I would be able to overcome whatever adversity that might come my way. It has freed me from the fear of the unknown that we encounter daily being here in a foreign land.

Yet this new confidence comes not from myself or my abilities, since I am flawed. My confidence comes from my faith in God, and my relationship with my Savior.

When I realized the group I was in was lost, I started praying. Throughout the time we were away from our big group, I prayed. The verse that came to me during that time was the passage from Psalm 23,

"Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil. Your rod and Your staff they comfort me."

As I repeated this passage over and over I felt a wave of peace and confidence wash over me.

Thus I was never afraid not because I have no fear, but because I knew I wasn't walking alone.

My favorite moment in Greece was the day that I walked with God. The day He took me from being lost, to being truly found.

My Moment In Greece

2012-01-30T08:12:00.000-08:00

Before I came to Greece I was a decently happy person with a pretty good direction in life. One thing I didn't like about myself was my inability to see past the mistakes people have made to see their inner good. It was difficult for me to trust people even from the start because I assumed people were innately selfish (to a degree) and though people often try to hide this through polite conversation, I figured as soon as things got tough, I would see a true side of people. Philosophically speaking, this is pessimism, the belief that people are not innately good, nor are they a tabula rasa (blank slate) in which the world shapes them in every way.

This is not the most fulfilling way to look at the world or to look at life. I wanted to be able to immediately see the good in people, to share pleasant stories and know that my audience is not simply nodding their head to appease me, but thoroughly enjoying our time together. This is what Greece brought me the most. Even more touching than all the beautiful places I saw, the curriculum we covered in class, and the fun experiences, none will affect me more than the people I met in Rhodes.

Rhodes is a pretty big island in the Mediterranean off the coast of southern Greece. We spent a week here as a class and within a few hours, I had already met the most incredible people. One couple, Pina and Paulo, run an Italian restaurant in the "portico of hunger"-basically a street with a bunch of quick food places. The couple spoke only a few words of English, even less Greek as they were full Italian. After days of having lunch there, we were able to communicate without words, we hugged, and they began to treat us with free desserts (made just for us).

When a few of us decided that we wanted to give them a gift, we went to a Kodak store to print a photo that we had taken with the couple. The man that ran the photo booth, whose name we never got (we call him Kodak Man), was one of the most incredible people I have ever met (my eyes are tearing up already). He gave us the photo for free, which was the least of the kindnesses he offered us. More than this, he gave us advice on life, on love, on family, on academics and on friendship. We ended up standing there with this man for almost an hour listening to him speak about his three children (all with PhDs who study in the States), his wife, his love for life and his passions. He was one of those people who touch you so profoundly, so deeply and so immediately that you will always remember him and reflect on his advice for the rest of your life.

What Pina, Paulo and Kodak Man gave me was the greatest gift of this trip. They restored in me the belief that people are innately good, that even when a person does a bad thing, they are victim of poor circumstances, of temptation, of evil but are not, themselves, evil. Listening to any old person try to tell me this would not have made the same impact. It was the way in which he spoke (with perfect English), the passion he put into his words and his effort to entertain us that really made his point resonate in me. Pina and Paulo may not have been able to speak to us in words, but our relationship grew so much in a matter of days. They gave us their address and asked us to write to them and let them know how we are doing (at least I think that was what they asked!). They have a daughter who speaks English (she was out of town), so she will be able to help translate our messages.

Paulo and Pina

My moment in Greece was when we were giving the gifts (chocolates and signed cards) to Pina/Paulo and Kodak Man-this is when I realized the impact these three people had on my life and I knew this was one of the reasons I made this trip.

My Moment in Greece - Refusing to Accept it as Such

2012-01-30T08:07:00.000-08:00

This photograph is of a clock tower near our ferry landing in Symi; I’ve noticed that clock towers are one of the numerous motifs that pop in most everyones photos, alongside pictures of doors, empty paths, chandeliers, and others. Its interesting that our obsession with time (I’d be the first to concede that I have a problem) yields the construction of these towers that everyone can see, as if knowing the time is equal in importance to being reminded of God or something like that (I’m thinking of the comparably tall minarets we observed in Rhodes).

Likewise, the photograph alone is a reminder for our concern with capturing time, freezing it in such a way so we can go back and relive it. There’s an irony of taking a picture of a clock, or any other contraption that regulates time; the action is a way of stopping reality, however the subject matter in the photo reminds you that seconds, minutes, and hours continue to tick away.

But that’s enough of that. One of my biggest realizations on this trip, although it is something that I am still working on, is that I don’t need to continue being afraid of the moment when a good time (such as this moment) ends. I am not suggesting that pictures, blog entries, or any other means of reliving our experience is unimportant, however I’ve come to understand that what matters more is if I am enjoying myself in the present. And photographs and journaling contribute to this understanding, as going back and reflecting on our journeys will inspire happiness at that moment as well. In this sense, I need not worry about time, but rather about making the time I have unforgettable.

My moment in Greece sure felt like one (and it will never be forgotten), yet it was coupled with a (practically) never-ending feeling of happiness and amazement. Consequently, although I will most likely shed a tear before we leave, who could ask for more?

My Moment in Greece: On Top of the World

2012-01-30T08:04:00.000-08:00

This trip has been amazing. I can’t believe I have to say goodbye to this beautiful country tomorrow (although I’m pretty excited to be hitting up Italy!) Our time here went by so fast, and we experienced so much. It’s hard to pick a favorite day or moment, but if I had to pick that one moment that really stuck out for me, it would be at the top of Mt Lycabettus. That was one of our first nights here, and maybe the first time in my life that I really felt at peace. It was like nothing in the world could get to me, just looking out at the gorgeous city below. I could have stayed there forever. Words really can’t describe the feelings I had. I have never been able to think more clearly.
That’s one thing that’s really been important for me on this trip: being able to just sit and think. My life back at PLU is so busy that I rarely have time to take even a few minutes and just be. Think about what I want to do with my life, the person I want to be. I cannot say enough how much this experience has meant to me, and to everyone who helped make it happen THANK YOU! It doesn’t seem real that this is my last day here, but I know I’ll be back someday!
PS: My pictures are not wanting to upload :(

My Moment in Greece

2012-01-30T08:03:00.000-08:00

My moment in Greece took place in Symi. The island of Symi was beautiful with itspicturesque houses, turquoise water, and welcoming people. We awoke early in the morning, traveled thetreacherous sea by ferry boat, walked miles along the ocean, swam, ate atraditional Greek island lunch of seafood, and returned to the mainland after afull day.

Everything about the trip waspositive except for my mood. It was anexquisite place and there were many adventures had. I learned from my time abroad in Ecuador thatyou don’t want to regret anything and so I went along with everyone and theexploring that we went on that day.

The previous day something surpassed that had put me in abad mood but I didn’t want to miss the once in a lifetime trip to Symi and so Idecided to go along just as I had planned. The ferry was quite fun despite to rocking back and forth like a rollercoaster for most of the ride. When wearrived on the island we split up and mostly wandered around for a bit lookingat all of the brightly colored houses and admiring the sights and winding roads. There were many animals that we encounteredand of course we pet and played with them before heading to search for thebeach that the large sign in the middle of the town was pointing to. It took us a bit but we finally found a waydown to the water and some of our group stripped down to their swimsuits andbegan swimming in the water. Apparentlythe water wasn’t cold however the wind was a biting temperature and whippingwildly throughout the day.

We sat by the water for a bit, my hair windswept as the aircame off the water, and we mostly sat in silence for an hour or two, some of ustaking pictures and others just lounging, enjoying the experience. We decided to take a suggestion from a manthat we had passed on the way and head further down the beach to a smalltown. That ended up being a nice walk,although long, but then there didn’t end up being food there so we had totrudge back to the main town where we had gotten off the ferry. After an impeccable lunch in which I got toeat giant garlic prawns a few people wanted to go to the top of the hill. Now this hill was more like a mountain and weprobably walked up at least 500 stairs to get there. The group I was with had really wanted to goup there so I went for it as well. Throughout the entire climb I was regretting my decision to go to thetop, my calves burning with the walk, but after finally reaching the summit Iwas glad that I had made it to the top.

Andrew’s gorgeous picture from the top made it onto the PLUhomepage advertising for our blog-posts. The view was of course breathtaking and we could see all the way acrossthe island to where we had walked just a few hours earlier in search offood. Despite my emotional state beingsomewhat fragile that day it is still one that I will never forget. There are so many things from this trip thatare memorable that I think my brain will have a hard time choosing which onesto forget. This experience has been trulyamazing and I feel so blessed that I got to travel to Greece with such a greatpeople. We left PLU as 18 students andtwo faculty and staff members embarking on a journey together and we willreturn as 20 friends that spent a month together in Greece with an experiencethat has forever changed our lives.

This was my moment in Greece.

My Moment in Greece

2012-01-30T08:02:00.000-08:00

It really does seem like it has only been the briefest passage of time since I arrived in Greece a month ago. My mind is telling me there is no way that we could have only been here for a couple weeks because of everything I have seen and done. All the experiences, all of the sights, all of the trips, all of the walks seem to have only happened just yesterday or last week.

It is with a heavy heart that I write this blog entry because I know that it will be my final one. I know I’ll be coming back and not just because of my 12 hour layover when I come back through from Italy. I honestly believe I will come back to this country. When we had our farewell dinner last night I was asked the question of what do I love the most about Greece. My answer was twofold: I love the fact that I can walk down the street or look out my window and see places that I have only ever read about in a book and that I love the architecture. There is not a building over maybe 10 stories in Athens but walking the streets you feel like they are extremely tall. The narrow streets make them seem a lot taller than they actually are and I love walking down them every day. I will definitely miss the food especially Greek fast food. I had a lot of pork, chicken, and lamb. I tried some very different takes on foods that I don’t think I would have eaten normally like eggplant, zucchini, and spinach.

I am so thankful for all the friends I have made on this trip.

And the experiences I have shared with them like journeying to several islands, hiking up steep mountains, swimming in the Aegean, conversations over coffee, and spending hours on every meal because we aren’t rushed to leave. I didn’t think a meal could take 4 hours but I was wrong and I loved it. I really like that there never seems to be a sense of urgency to be doing something every moment of everyday. Yes there was a lot to do and see but you can sit for hours having coffee and people watching or you can go shopping and sightseeing and then come back and take a nap because it is siesta time. And tomorrow I leave for Italy with 4 incredible friends.

I remember thinking back in September/October that this day was so far off I couldn’t even fathom being in Greece or what it would be like but now that I’m here I don’t want to leave.

The dream is collapsing and all I want to do is go deeper.

My Moment in Greece!

2012-01-30T07:58:00.002-08:00

The month of January is quickly coming to a close. Tomorrow I will be leaving Athens, not forever, but for a while. I look back on the month with a smile on my face. Almost every day includes a memorable event. When I am an old grandma, knitting my grandchildren mittens, I will tell them the story of my fondest Greek memory. It all started when my professor told us he had a surprise in store. We were on the island of Rhodes. As a class, we walked to the Acropolis not knowing what we were in for. Walking towards the tall columns, Finitsis tells us that we will be holding our own Olympic games in the stadium. People lined up to stretch and remove their bulky jackets to partake in a sprint. The others flashed photographs as they raced by. After the triumph of the athletic games, we turned to singing. Professor Finitsis then takes the lead and starts to teach us the traditional Greek dance that I like to title “Opa!” At this very moment, I felt united with all the others on the journey. We linked arms and circled, tripping over feet and the uneven cobblestone. Turning in circles and wave like patterns, I reminisced on how close the group has become in such a short time. The eighteen of us all have such unique personalities and we contribute differently to the cohesive bond that was formed. I not only felt like I have created friendships that will last a life time, but while spinning with my friends, I realized that I will be leaving a piece of my heart in Greece. The time I have spent here has taught me about who I am as an American in a foreign country and how I should uphold my values and beliefs while immersed in another culture. We danced, and laughed and I felt ever so Greek as we finished the traditional dance. Across the road, we looked out to a beautiful view of the water. We were up so high that the boats looked like battery-operated, toy boats floating off into the distance. I perched on a rock and watched as the sun started to slowly creep down. The pinkish-orange color had even more contrast compared to the blue sea water. Watching the sun, I thought of the power of God. The earth is bigger and more gorgeous than I can fathom. I can’t try to understand the strength of God and how he created this wonderful world. It was one of only a few moments of silence I had in this month, but I felt like the world was flashing in front of me. During my time here, I have thought about the importance of God in my life. I am blessed for this opportunity and will forever look back and remember the best month I spent in Greece.

My Moment in Greece

2012-01-30T07:46:00.000-08:00

So my moment that I am going to talk about is probably going to seem a little unconventional, but bear with me. After a long day trip to Lindos and our normal 3 hour dinner, a few of us wanted to just hang out and watch a movie. Since we have been quoting Anchorman this entire trip we thought that would be a good choice. Khadijah, Zach, Jill, Camille and I piled onto Christine and Katie’s beds and set up the computer. Before the movie started I wanted to upload some of my pictures so I tried putting my SD card in without looking. Bad idea. I accidentally put it into my disk drive and it got stuck. It is probably the stupidest thing I have ever done. I was immediately hysterical. Everyone started making jokes about it and trying to comfort me at the same time. So by this point 5 minutes had gone by and I was crying and laughing. In these five minutes we tried tweezers and brochure as a make-shift hook. I was still crying and was about to give up when Jill said, “Its like having a baby, you got this!” and right when I looked back down it had fallen out! We all started jumping for joy and screaming. I was so relieved that I didn’t have to find an Apple store and explain what had happened.

My moment is not being hysterical but just the feeling of being surround by people I care about. It was awesome that we chose to hang out. It wasn’t something we had to do. We all wanted to sit around the little laptop screen and bond over a funny movie. Just knowing that I have made real friends who I want to be around and want to remain friends with is such a great feeling. There have been many moments where I have felt this way, but I thought this was an entertaining example. I have treasured my time here in Greece and I am thankful that every person here will act as a souvenir back home. We will hang out and continue to exchange stories about our amazing time abroad. I couldn’t think of a better souvenir than the relationships this atmosphere has created.

My moment in Greece.

2012-01-30T07:21:00.000-08:00

Last night, at our farewell dinner, I was talking to my professor's sister and she asked me two questions: What was the thing I hated about Greece and what was the thing I loved that I will remember forever?

I had very little to say to answer the first question but I managed to find something. I told her that I hated not knowing the language because it set such a barrier between me and the Greek people and culture. I also told her that I hated not being able to see more of the country.

Then, when thinking about my answer to her second question, I couldn't stop talking. There are so many things about this trip that I love and I will remember forever.

I think the most fun I've had on the trip has been at the soccer game in the Olympic stadium. Going with a small group of classmates allowed me to get to know more people, experience a whole new piece of the Greek culture, and really have some good hearted fun! I remember every detail of that night.

I will always love the life and energy and culture in the markets here in Greece, whether it was the farmers market every Friday or the flea market every Sunday. The city and the people became more alive and I loved experiencing that new life too!

Some of the most moving experiences I've had on the trip have been on our visit to the cemetery and my visit to the Orthodox church in Rhodes. Both places were incredibly spiritual and overwhelming for me but I was deeply moved by both. They are experiences that I will look back on later in life and have the same feelings I had on those days.
I will never regret waking up at 5 am to go and watch the sunrise over the acropolis and explore Athens with that entirely new perspective. Even though the clouds masked most of the colors in the sunrise, it was still vividly beautiful.

I remember looking out over Athens, standing where the Apostle Paul stood, and being in awe.

I will always remember (and be a little baffled) walking down dozens and dozens of streets lined with orange trees, having never expected to find anything like that here in Greece.

I will never forget the excitement I had when we first arrived and began exploring Athens. I will never forget the new friends I've made, what they've taught me, and how I've been changed. I will never forget the new people I've met and the Greek culture I've managed to pick up and hold on to while I've been here.

[My new Greek friend Kiddeagos, who is studying in Crete]

Overall, I rambled on and on about just a few of my experiences here in Greece that I don't think I could forget if I wanted to.

Just a few moments in time. Just a few moments from this month. Just a few moments from Greece.

But they carry a lifetime of memories, lessons, fun, and love.

And I will never let those memories go.

But, I mean, this trip is just a moment in my lifetime, right?

My moment in Greece.

-Jess

My Moment in Greece

2012-01-30T07:17:00.000-08:00

My moment in Greece wasn't at an Acropolis, it wasn't on an island, it wasn't climbing a mountain, it happened to be at last nights dinner. Don't worry, I have truly valued and reflected spiritually at the surrounding beauty, but it cannot compare to the feelings that came over me at dinner. Why it was at dinner, I'm not sure. I've eaten meals with my colleges plenty of times, but yesterday struck a nerve.

Last night we dressed up and had a delicious and filling five-course meal. Throughout our dinner, we listened and laughed with Momma Fin as she shared stories of her young life. As I listened to her story, I looked around all the faces of my friends, the strangers who became family, and reflected on the story we have written. This is when my moment hit me. Our time here in Greece was coming to a close, and I had to fathom the thought of leaving my new-found world. These people are the explorers who walked alongside me in the journey of self-discovery. The architects who built a home amongst the unfamiliar and the counselors who listened in times of pain.

This moment felt like hours. I was overcome with the feeling of love, appreciation and heartbreak. In an instant, thousands of memories flashed before me and my eyes began to fill with tears.

Words cannot define the feelings I have for Greece and the friends who were here to share it. Because of this experience, I know who Katie Fisher is. I found her by answering questions I faced in classroom discussions and living amongst Greek culture. This trip has challenged me mentally, and spiritually and I would not have been able to conquer these obstacles if my classmates weren't beside me. For that, I am eternally grateful.
My moment ended at the sound of roaring laughter. I quickly dried my eyes and became engaged in the conversation. After all, I have the whole plane ride to cry. With the final day approaching, I will cherish every moment I have left.

Akira: My Moment In Greece

2012-01-30T07:14:00.000-08:00

It feels as though an eternity has passed since I landed. It feels like thousands of miles separate me from the person who first crawled into her bleach-white apartment and cried until the sun rose. The time has been endless, it seems, a time and a half of constant movement within the confines of a city I don't understand. Rattling through a dense language barrier. Fueling myself with strange delicacies. Weeping alone and aching as the world revolves and the people talk and the city moves and no one is the wiser that I even feel.

And now, 33 hours remain. I will ascend the steps to go home. I will drug myself so the anxiety isn't too terrible and play through the video games I borrowed for the sheer shake of diddling away time. 33 hours until I bid my good-byes to the maniac drivers, the ancient acropoli, the blood-colored sunsets, the stray dogs, the pushy vendors, the too-bright lights, the too-small rooms and pack up my newest souvenirs in my carry on for the long flight home.
Though I bring back more than the material. I slide into my suitcase things far greater than the gifts I bought for my family. I am returning with new perspective on myself as an individual. Though the time was not ideal, though I may not even classify it as good, I still learned an incredible amount. I added to my endless library of religious literature and expanded my knowledge of my intended major. I have new understanding of my ideas of death, life, friendship, love, family and my place within the community I have built back in Washington. My final paper for the course will revolve around these revelations so I will save them for that particular assignment and leave my readership in the dark. Be assured, I have found a few new pieces to add to the collage I deem "Self."

The 33 hour dark.

The final sprint before the crashing of the wave. The light as it sparkles and shines and takes me.

I am ready to go home.

I am counting the hours.

My Moment in Greece

2012-01-30T03:36:00.000-08:00

I would have to say that my favorite moment in Greece wasgoing up to the Acropolis and overlooking the entire city of Athens. This wasmy moment because as I looked out over the city I was able to reminisce abouteverything that we had done and seen over this trip.

I could look over andsee Mt. Lycabettus and think to myself, “I’ve been there!”

I could see the old Olympic stadium and think about our timein the apartments, walking to get souvlaki after class.

I could rememberwaking up early to watch the sunrise over the Acropolis that was now right infront of me.

Although my time in Greece is coming to an end, it’s been anexperience that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

My Moment in Greece

2012-01-30T03:10:00.000-08:00

I'm sad to say that the trip is almost over. In less than 48 hours, we will be on an airplane headed back to the US. It seems like last week when we first arrived here, and yesterday when we were in Rhodes. I can't believe so much has happened in such a short amount of time.

Before we left, I was fully anticipating the most moving experience to have something to do with thousand of year old rocks. But, the thing I'll probably remember most of all is the soccer game we went to the second Wednesday here. It was amazing and so much fun. We arrived and bought our soccer gear, and then sat next to the "sick men" who were crazed with the spirit of the sport. When the home team scored in the last two minutes, I thought the stadium would explode, even though there weren't a lot of people there.

Overall, its hard to pick a favorite moment in Greece. Whenever I'm at home and people ask, I'll probably give a top five. It's been such an amazing experience, and I'm so grateful to have the chance to go on it. I'm glad we had such a great time, and I'm sad to leave this wonderful country.

Bad Romance: A Soliloquy from a Future Famous Play

2012-01-28T11:43:00.000-08:00

Context: The main character, Katie Fisher, is forced to leave the city she loves in four days.

Athens. The city of glory. You are my one true love.
Four days from now, I will be taken from you.
How will I survive and how will I breathe?
Before you, I was a lifeless soul, searching for purpose.
Yet, now I live in the freedom and passion you've laid before me.
Without you, I am a kite without wind, a garden without rain.
You have taught my soul to soar, and my mind to ponder.
Then why must I leave you? Don't make me go.

The day is soon approaching when my heart will break.
A fairytale with a tragic ending. A romance turned bad.
Every sunset I will think of you. On each sandy shore and every crashing wave.

No amount of tears will bring you back.
I am doomed for sadness and destined for pain.

Now and forevermore, I will great each daylight and moonbeam
With a prayer to thrive in your arms again.

Akira: Bad Romance

2012-01-28T09:20:00.000-08:00

I'm cynical, if you haven't already guessed. I have a rather bad romance with life itself and sometimes attempt to correct it. Other times, I just let life boil by. Watch the pot simmer down until the bottom blackens and the iron twists and everything burns.

As this trip comes to its inevitable conclusion, I wonder how I am going to describe this experience to others. Certainly, I will be asked if I had a good time. How do I respond? The answer is far too long. The short answer is rude and no one wants to hear it. They only wish to know how much fun I had, how much I saw that brought me to tears of happiness; all the sights and smells of joy.

But what if this is a true Bad Romance? What if it wasn't a blast in the traditional sense? A fun-filled romp all who have gone before me made it out to be? I learned much about myself but the experiences themselves are scattered practices in madness. I have more complaints than exaultations. I enjoyed what I pulled from my own time alone but there are things--there are troubles. There are problems within myself and the experiences I endured. I have my critiques, my corrections, my tears of fear, sadness, and pain. I keep it bottled up to please those around me, to please those reading my blog and those grading me and those who paid all this money to have me here.

I am a chaotic creature. I am painfully honest to a fault. How do I explain the angry, violent courtship between I and my study abroad program? How do I convey what I have done without sounding ungrateful? Rude? Unappreciative? Because I am, endlessly, thankful for the opportunity--it just traced a path I didn't...

How much trouble will my honest perception of this bad romance bring?

Bad Romance

2012-01-28T08:16:00.000-08:00

Waking up to the constant crashing of her heartbeat and the sunlight of her smile, I felt spoiled. She wasn't really my type. My heart belongs to the rocky, stable mountains of the mainland. Beautiful and safe. This blue-watered temptress surprised me though. We landed at the airport and the tropical rain seemed to cleanse me of all transgressions (not that I have many. I suppose it was mostly stress that my shoulders were relieved from). I opened my arms and took it all in. I had always had a good feeling about Rhodes but it didn't make sense until I set foot on the island.

The island didn't hide anything. It shameless flaunted the tourist attractions and shops. There were many signs in languages that weren't Greek, catering to the outsiders, as though all she cares about is what others think of her (the island). Even the sandy, ocean floor was exposed through the clearest water I've ever seen in my life.

What a dream! The treasures I found were immeasurable. Thankfully I had the self control to only purchase a couple of them. That said, I spent more money on this island in a couple days than I did in a week and a half in Athens. It seemed that this island was possessing me, heart, body, and soul. And I let it. Even in the harsh winds, the sand scratching painfully against my skin, my love did not falter.

Eros

The love was cut short, unfortunately. I had seen many beautiful things and I wanted more but it was time to say goodbye. Would I ever see the beautiful island of Rodos again? It's no wonder Helios named it after a beautiful nymph. How could one sleep knowing that, soon, they'd be leaving Rodos?
And now I'm back in Athens, familiar and glowing but not quite the same. I feel a little guilty for admitting that I miss Rhodes. I don't want jealous Athena to hear about it. Silly, I know. Although it didn't last long and it took from me all sense of reality, I miss Rhodes.
Perhaps someday I will go back and our bad romance will have a happier conclusion.
-Christine

My Bad Romance

2012-01-27T21:53:00.001-08:00

My camera and I have gotten off on less than romantic terms. I received it as a Christmas present this last year, and within one month, have already slightly abused our relationship.

January 17^th, 2012

On the 23^rd day that this wonderful, amazing Cannon Powershot camera (which I am absolutely in love with, it’s the perfect camera for me) our relationship became strained, and the abuse that occur resulted in my camera looking the way it does now.

Above me stands the last photo taken before recognizing the dent in my camera’s lens covering mechanism. How my lens covering mechanism got dented can be clearly illustrated through this photograph. I often carried my camera in my back left pocket. This strategic positioning allowed for quicker withdraw time than a front pocket, and was all around greater in comfort for me. However, as illustrated in the photo above, on this day’s journey to Sunion, we were crab walking down steep sharp rocks down to the ocean. Not remembering that my camera was in my back pocket, with the lens facing outwards, I sat on my camera, pressing it’s metallic lens face into the cliff rocks. After withdrawing my camera for this shot, I realized the dent, and my mistake. Seeing it as a mere war wound, I did not even apologize to my camera, and continued shooting shots the rest of the day.

At the end of this day, like the end of every day, the sun sets. Yet on this day, I happened to be on a gorgeous beach with a mountainous sunset “background” before me. I, like everyone else, was snapping lots of pictures of the sunset, trying to get the perfect shot of the sunset on our camera’s.

In my attempts to gain a better shot of the action, I tried climbing a metal railing to gain a higher view and consequently better angle. Yet at the peak of my ascent, I lost my balance, and on the way down slid my camera face down across the top of one of the beams, creating an explosion of tongs, springs, and other important aluminum to erupt from the face of my camera.

In complete disarray, I attempted to put Humpty Dumpty together again, but I realized that many of the pieces for the necessary completion of said instrument were missing. They were lost. Forever.

Yet the great news is that my camera is resilient, very resilient in fact. Although she now looks like a first grader’s school picture, with many gaps where teeth ought to be, she continues to shoot pictures like a champ, as though nothing ever happened. And although I take about AS good of care of her AFTER the accident, (I lost her camera case the very next day…) she continues to stay committed to me.

While my camera continues her commitment to me, I have lacked in my responsibilities to her. She has been so good to me, yet I have shown little extra care for her personal safety since “The Accident.” No, we don’t need counseling, we are trying to handle this matter in-house. I DO, really love and appreciate her, yet cannot for the life of me keep my focus long enough to adequately take care of her needs. If you would, I ask that you keep us in your thoughts, because our relationship really is, a BAD ROMANCE.

Bad Romance

2012-01-27T14:07:00.000-08:00

Every relationshiop has its ups and downs, and a bad relationship is always one that comes with an expiration date. There are stages that every romance goes through and the first stage is always the chase.

THE CHASE
The chase is when you first meet someone and you know that you want to get to know them better. They are interesting and not like anyone you have ever met before. You are instantly intrigued. You start to think about them at random times and you just dont know why. This is how i felt when i chose to apply to this trip. I met with Dr. Finitsis and his description of Greece intrigued me. It sounded like an area I would love to explore and get to know like the back of my hand. I was set in my goals and I knew I had to get into the program. Every chase ends when one person asks the other on a date. I sent in my application in February and nervously awaited a reply from Megan Grover. When i finally read the words, "You've been accepted!" I couldn't wait for the second stage, our first date.

THE FIRST DATE
The first date was scheduled for January 7th around 3pm. I spent the whole day packing and getting dolled up in my favorite leggings and comfy sweatshirt. As we boarded the plane, my stomach filled with butterflies and I knew that this was the beginning of a J-term fling, but that didn't stop me. The beginning of the date was like any other, a little awkward. I sat in the front of the plane, by myself, so there wasn't much conversation. After landing the date really began. THe city was beautiful and I couldn't wait to get to know it. I immediately fell in love with the dim atmosphere and the butling nightlife. Everything good happens after 2am here! The restaurants all have authentic, fresh food that no one could hate. Every which way you look there is something jaw dropping in your line of sight. My first impression of Greece was it's beauty. Basically, love at first sight. Although I was a little confused about the hand held showers and noisy streets, I learned to love them. Opposites attract, right? After a marvelous first date always comes the honeymoon stage.

THE HONEYMOON STAGE
I got to know the streets of Greece unexpectedly well in such a short period of time. I knew what I liked and disliked about it. Obviously the likes far outweighted the dislikes. The new things I learn about it still give me butterflies. The rich past and dramatic but interesting present keeps me intrigued and interested in its unique personality. Sometimes we fight, like when the barking dogs keep me up or when the weather calls for an umbrella, but that's okay. I still go to bed excited to see it again in the morning. But we all know that with every fling, comes and expiration date.

EXPIRATION DAY
The dreaded day, February 1st, no one is looking forward to that day. The day has been on everysheet and itinerary we've seen but it just hasn't seemed real. It's just hitting me right now that we are going to have to say our goodbyes in 5 short days. We could try to make it work but long distance relationships just never work out. There will be tears and sad goodbyes but the end is inevitable. Who knows, if its meant to be in the future it will work out in the end. For now it is best that Athens and I break up. The worst romances are the ones with an expiration date, so you have to make the best out of the time you have.

Bad Romance

2012-01-27T13:35:00.000-08:00

Today is our 20th day here in Greece and it comes to no suprise when I say that I have already fallen in love. I love the people, I love the smells, the food, and especially the sea. I've been caught in a whirlwind romance with when I've been married to America for the past 14 years. Greece has wined and dined me to the point where it has completely stolen my heart.

It was love at first site. Our first panoramic view of the city on Lycabettus Hill was absolutely breathtaking. I knew from that moment on that I would fall in love with this country and that it would forever be in my heart. I've flirted with the culture and atmosphere here to the point where it gives me a little pep in my step every morning. Greek culture is a lot different than the culture in America but I guess thats why they say opposites attract. Here, my life is filled with leisure and relaxation; an escape from America where I find my days are stressful and systematic. Don't get me wrong, America has my heart but Greece currently has my curiosity and attention.

It must be the aspect of mystery that draws me to Greece. There are so many places I have yet to explore and not enough time to enjoy them all. I know I'll never know everything about Greece, but I can start with the shops, cafes, and other hidden treasures that make the heart of Greece. I'm intrigued by the unknown that Greece has tempted me with. I often find myself pondering about the history and mystery and this great beauty and how it's future will be.

With every step I take, I fall more and more in love; almost to the point where someday I might consider continuing this affair with Greece behind America's back. No worries, this "someday" thought it just a little fantasy I play repetitively in my head for I can never forever leave my America. It's where I've built my home, where my friends and family resides, and where my alpine playground is located. I love America, but this love affair with Greece was what I needed in my life. This whirlwind romance has been great, but I've been married to my America for 14 years and I have no intention of breaking my vows any time soon.

Stay classy Athens and thanks for stopping by,
Khadijah

Bad Romance

2012-01-27T13:29:00.000-08:00

So most people know Lady Gaga’s s song titled Bad Romancebut there have been quite a few songs here in Greece that we haven’tknown. Yes a lot of the music in theclubs and in restaurants is American pop music but it has been fun to get tolisten to a taste of Greek culture through their music as well. Many people were surprised that on our firsttrip to the club nearly every song was a song that was popular or had beenpopular within the last year in the United States. I wasn’t surprised by this fact because I hada similar experience when I lived in Ecuador realizing that a lot of the musicproduced in the States makes its way around the world.

Our time at the club was filled with American things. The bartender spoke English well and they hada TV in there that was playing one thing the entire time. It had a constant slideshow of Red Carpetpictures of celebrities in their gowns and tuxes. It was a very weird thing to be showing on aTV in a club at night. This was inaddition to the American songs that were played one after another once it wasdancing time at night. It’s interestingbeing back in Athens now and realizing how many places actually do speakEnglish. We went to a restaurant tonightthat was called Smile where they had traditional Greek food like mousaka, whichis this dish that is similar to lasagna but instead of noodles it has eggplantand heavy cream, but they also had spaghetti and pizza and spoke English to usthe entire time. They also seemed surprisedwhen we ordered and thanked them in Greek. We are around more hotels now where we are staying though so I thinkthat contributed to the places catering to people who spoke English.

Many people today were very sad to leave Rhodes behind as Ibelieve it has more of the traditional Greek experience in it. Rhodes is a much smaller city and is anisland so it was much quieter than Athens where you can hear the hustle andbustle at all times of the day. This issomething that I love about it. It waswonderful being in Rhodes and near the beach where you could only hear thecrash of the waves on the shore at nighttime but I am glad to be back in Athensas a love the busy streets of the big city.

Back to the music topic, when we were at the stadium inRhodes below the acropolis Finitsis taught us the tradition Greek dance wherewe all put our hands on each others’ shoulders and dance around in a circle andthat was great. We had heard Greek musicin the smaller cafes or family owned restaurants in Athens but it wasn’t untilwe got to Rhodes that we got to try it out for ourselves and really dance itout. It was a blast. We even learned an island dance that was moredifficult and usually done in pairs so that was enjoyable as well.

At dinner this evening we went around the table and eachdiscussed which our favorite was so far, Athens or Rhodes and it wasinteresting to hear people’s answers. Ourtable was actually split half and half as to who preferred Athens and whopreferred Rhodes. Those who liked Rhodesbetter said that they liked the calm and quieter aspect of Rhodes as well asthe fact that people seemed to be nicer on the island. Those of us who preferred Athens seemed tocome to the consensus that the beach and quiet was nice for a bit but that we likedthe atmosphere here being busy and having lots of things to choose from.

All in all we have gotten to experience many differentaspects of Greece in only a few weeks time and although we may hear some of thesame songs and have people speak in English to us we have definitely tried ourbest to immerse ourselves in the culture by doing things like eating dinner at7:30pm and taking a couple of hours to eat or having coffee and bread for ameal.

Bad Romance

2012-01-27T12:56:00.000-08:00

When I told my friends I was going to Greece for a month,I’m sure they all pictured white houses with blue roofs, ocean waves reflectinga big bright sun, and a consistent warm breeze. I did also, but I forgot thatit was January and in the northern hemisphere, January likes strong winds,rain, cloudy skies and chilly air. Someone told Greece we were coming and shedecided not to get all dolled up for us. This is a bad romance.

Athens has been very beautiful and mostly good weatherbut every other day or so, we walked around with our PNW jackets throughdrizzly rain and gray skies that became the consistent backdrop for our photos.I can’t say that I have anything to complain about though since this trip hasbeen so incredible but I definitely wish we had experienced some moreflirtatious weather instead of these fickle conditions. So just as in anytypical relationship, the same pattern follows: I saw Greece from afar lastyear and began to develop a crush. After months of thinking about her, Ifinally got to meet her in early January. I professed my feelings and she hasyet to make up her mind.

Bad beach weather while in Rhodes

She taunts and teases like any other girl does. As soonas we left Athens last week to come visit Rhodes (whom Athens is insanelyjealous of), the sun came out. It even warmed up a number of degrees lullingthose in the city into a temporary state of comfort and tee shirts. When wearrived in Rhodes though, the timid sun hid behind the clouds, the wind grew sostrong that it would push our bodies along the sidewalk, and the sky grew paleand colorless. We still had a lot of fun on the island and those brief momentsof sunshine were taken advantage of as our flock of Northface-jacketed-touristspulled out our cameras to snap as many photos as we could before the sun grewshy once more.

Good beach weather leaving Rhodes

Today, we flew from Rhodes back to Athens, just in timeto miss wonderful

weather. The sun felt bolder today and flaunted herself infront of us knowing that we were leaving. Typical woman-(I can say that becauseI am a woman). Like a woman seemingly angry for no reason, Athens did not greetus today but instead seemed indifferent to our arrival. No warm bright sun tohug us, only bitter breezes that seem to whistle at me, “I’m F I N E!” Uh oh, I’min trouble. I know she and I are in for a fight soon. I’m betting I willexperience the brunt of her jealous rage on Sunday. I see a whole scuffle withrain and snow in the forecast. Maybe if I just swallow my pride and just tellher she was right all along (and buy her chocolates) she will warm up for meand we can continue on in this bad romance.

Rah, rah, ah, ah, ah; Roma, roma, ma...

Bad Romance in the Shower

2012-01-27T12:51:00.002-08:00

When I heard “Bad Romance” was our topic for today, I got pretty excited. Who wouldn’t want to write something inspired by Lady Gaga? I also got the song stuck in my head, and have been humming it all day. Sorry to those who have had to put up with that!! But anyway, after my initial excitement, I started to think about what I would write about. I mean, I have some stories that would fit the topic, but nothing that I’m in any hurry to share with the blogosphere. I realized I was going to have to get creative. It wasn’t until after dinner that I found my inspiration: the shower. That’s right, I am going to blog about showers. If you think that’s weird, well too bad, you can stop reading now.
Those who know me well know that there are a few things I am very particular about. Like sleeping. I need it to be pitch dark, and I have to sleep with a fan on (for noise. I honestly don’t know how I’ve survived this trip without one. I really don’t). I am also very particular about bathrooms, especially showers. I always shower at night, I can’t sleep if I don’t. It’s my time to relax and unwind for the day. The two weeks we stayed at the apartments were miserable in that respect: the shower head was hand-held, and there was no where to hang it up. Which meant I had to HOLD it in one hand. It was a major struggle-fest for me for the first few days until I finally figured out a system. But even then, it was not relaxing! All I want to do is stand under some hot water, hands free. So when we got to the hotel in Rhodes, the first thing I did was inspect the shower. To my extreme happiness, I was able to shower hands free. That might have been my favorite part about Rhodes. Just kidding… I think. This brings me to the hotel in Athens.

When I first glanced at the shower, I didn’t know what to think. It kind of looked like I might be ok, but I wasn’t really sure. After dinner, upon closer inspection, it looked somewhat sketch. There’s a handle, but it didn’t go up very high, and seemed to be pointing straight at the back wall. I probably spent a good five minutes trying to figure it out, the entire time saying “I don’t get it,” over and over again. Finally I deceided that I was just going to try it, and hope that I wasn’t going to have to resort to holding it. It kind of worked…. I managed to make a huge mess of the bathroom, but at least I took a somewhat relaxing shower to unwind at the end of the day. If there’s one thing I’m looking forward to about going home, it’s ending my bad romance with European showers.

A Spoon Full of Sugar Helps the Mushrooms Go Down

2012-01-27T12:49:00.000-08:00

Bad Romance…with Mushrooms
Being in Greece, I have experienced many new tastes. Each day brings new surprises and many new adventures for my stomach. We left the picturesque Rhodes and returned to our home away from home, Athens. It was hard to say goodbye to the attachments made on the island, but it feels nice to be back in the city I so adore. After arriving in the hotel and gawking over the amazing view Camille and I have from our balcony, we made our way to dinner. Returning to the night life in Athens is always exciting. Walking to dinner there is a taxi cab on the sidewalk backing around the corner, and the mopeds slide in-between lanes. Our hotel administration gave good reviews to a restaurant down the street called Smile. I ordered carbonara for dinner, which is pasta made with a cream sauce, ham and mushrooms. This is a bit of a surprise for people who know my eating habits, because I am not the biggest fan of ham and I do not like mushrooms. I hadn’t tried carbonara until coming to Greece, but found that I really do enjoy the flavor even if I only like two-thirds of the ingredients. The owner of Smiles was a typical Greek woman. Her brown hair was larger than life and she was friendly the second our large, loud group entered. She talked to us about our recent adventures in Rhodes and asked about our subject of study. My pasta came and I enjoyed it all…except the mushrooms and some of the ham. Katie still didn’t have her food, so I passed my plate down to her so she could enjoy some of the unwanted mushrooms. The owner comes over and sees that Katie has a plate in front of her, and that was not the dish that she had ordered. Looking around the table, she wants to know who didn’t finish their plate. Hoping I am not in trouble, I raise my hand and tell her that I don’t like mushrooms. “You don’t like our wonderful Greek mushrooms?” I continue to tell her that I don’t like American mushrooms either. Before I know it, she has the plate in her hand and she sits it down right in front of me. I have a feeling this is going to end poorly. This crazy haired woman picks up my fork and stabs four huge mushrooms. She looks at me and tells me that I will eat these. I can’t tell this strong Greek woman no, so with my look of disgust, I open my mouth and she hand feeds me this fungus I can’t stand. After I have the mushrooms in my mouth, she tells me I can spit them out, but I didn’t feel as if that would be proper restaurant etiquette. I manage to swallow the mushrooms and follow it with a glass of water. The Greek owner had a good sense of humor and I appreciated her lightheartedness. This incident has not uncovered a long lost love for mushrooms, nor has it opened my eyes to how good mushrooms are. But now whenever I see mushrooms back home, it will remind me of tonight’s dinner and how I was spoon fed a fork full of mushrooms by a true Greek woman.

Bad Romance

2012-01-27T12:42:00.001-08:00

Finitsis told us before the trip started that we should expect the unexpected. There's no way to anticipate everything that's going to happen when you're in a completely different country for a month. I've started to learn this, but its taken a while for me to completely understand this concept and actually be ok with it.

During our time in Greece, it feels like almost everything is a surprise. We've been climbing a lot of mountains (see my previous blog post), seeing tons of ancient ruins, and went swimming in the Mediterranean. On Monday, we have a possibility of snow. Right now I'm sitting in my hotel room watching MTV in Greek.

This experience has been both good and not so good. I have enjoyed seeing the sights and walking around the cities. I am absolutely in love with the churches we have stopped at throughout our time here. The food has been completely delicious. On the downside, I've had several medical problems throughout the trip. Its been hard to live out of a suitcase, and its been really hard to be so far away from family. I've actually booked two trips for the two weeks after we get home, one to my home in Texas and one to visit my boyfriend in Colorado. Its just been really hard to be away from everyone.

My favorite part of the trip was actually the soccer game we went to last Wednesday (a week and a half ago). It was so amazing. We sat next to a group of men who were singing and shouting the whole time. When the home team finally scored in the last 2 minutes of the game, to win 1-0, the group of men screaming started to light flares and threw their water bottles all over the place. It was super fun. I would love to come back someday and go to more games.

That's all for now. I guess I have a "bad romance" with Greece :)

Bad Romance

2012-01-27T12:38:00.001-08:00

When I first arrived in Greece I had a bad romance with the cuisine. I had my first run-in the night we arrived. Dr. Finitsis took as to this hole in the wall slavaki place. The food was pretty good but it was only seducing to go in for the kill. My palette was not easily seduced and my stomach agreed with my taste buds because it would come up again shortly. This would not be the only time that I would have bad relations with my food. I could not keep anything down, including the water. This could be a combination of not enjoying the cuisine and my stomach not being used to the foods, or simply two things that were not meant to be mixed together.

As the days continued on my stomach still continued to oppose, but my palette began to fall for the delicacies. My palette could not help but fall for the slender swirly pastas, making it unable to resist.My stomach continued to protest, it would not be romanced by this luring Greek delicacy. But even though my stomach was resistant the Greek food was insistent to win it over. Slowly my stomach would give in and let the food triumph, but it would turn around and protest yet again. My stomach was wooed by the most unsuspecting contender. My stomach and the food had flirted from afar, the food was wanting commitment the palette yearning to be satisfied, but the stomach unwilling to give in. But it would not be able to withstand as the food continued to lure. The palette would dance with this new mate pesto pasta, it whirled and twirled and seduced the stomach making it unable to rest. The food would go in for the kiss that would finally give it what it had been longing for, and the stomach would finally, with a ladylike grace accept that the two who were not meant to join had been united.

Bad Romance

2012-01-27T12:36:00.001-08:00

Today in class we talked about the romance that occurred between Joseph, as in Joseph and the cloak of many colors, and Aseneth of Egypt. Aseneth was the virgin daughter of an Egyptian priest who was extremely wealthy but he locked her up in a tower because she was very beautiful and her father wanted to keep her pure. She turned down all of the suitors who came to ask for her hand in marriage. When Joseph was passing through the area where she lived collecting excess grain, he stayed at her father’s house because he was a prominent person in the local community. And her father had plans for her to marry Joseph because of his position as the Pharaoh’s right hand but she spurned her father and told him he would not marry Joseph because of his ancestry. However when Joseph arrived later that day Aseneth fell head over heels for Joseph as soon as she saw him but due to Joseph’s previous encounters with Egyptian women he rebuffed her advances. Aseneth was distraught over his rejection and she mourned for what had happened. That night an angel visited her and told her what she needed to do to be accepted by Joseph. So she followed the angel’s direction and ended up converting and throwing away all her idols that she had worshipped previously. She was transformed into a different person and when Joseph saw her the next day he did not recognize her. When Joseph did see her he was amazed with her beauty and fell in love with her that instant. They then married and lived happily ever after the end.

This story is a classic example of a love story but it is not a perfect one. Boy and girl do end up living happily ever after but girl has to change herself for the boy to like her. I find this very interesting in the world we live in today which is telling people that you have to look a certain way or act to certain way to be noticed by the opposite sex. I mean yes the change was a religious one and in the context of the story this works because it does have Biblical characters in it and Aseneth does now believe in God. But out of context it seems to send the message that you have to change who you are to be worthy of the person you like if you aren’t that way already. I would like to say that this is something I don’t do but let’s be honest it’s something we all do. I have to act the right way or say the right thing or make that funny joke to get her to notice me. And then when you do end up together your real self comes out and sometimes that does not go over too well with the other person which then turns into a bad romance.

However the flip side is that the other person could be completely cool with the real you in which case you have a good romance. This is what you want.

Back in Athens with a Bad Romance.

2012-01-27T12:34:00.000-08:00

Today, during the class we had before leaving for Athens, we learned a new version of the story of Joseph that was very interesting and "romantic" (in a very loose sense of the word). It was kind of this bad romance from the beginning. It was very a very interesting story to learn but also very awkward.

[My Lady Gaga "Bad Romance"/Lion pose]

But throughout the trip, I've learned about gods and goddesses that have had their own forms of bad romances. I've learned about come of the past relationship troubles of the people in my class as I have gotten to know some of them better. I have learned about the constant change in the relationships between religious groups and sects throughout history. I've learned about different romances through the museums we visited, the movies we've watched for class, and simple Greek mythology.

[The character Zorba from the movie, ']

It is all very interesting and it all has one thing in common, the ache, the hurt, and some sort of bad nature. Each of the romances and relationships that I have learned about have either had an unhappy ending, disappointment, heartbreak, or some other type of negative feeling or situation.

It makes your heart drop, at least until you have peace with the story or you see the happy ending after the negative. And I couldn't help but think about these bad romances and connect them to my time here in Greece. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not sure I would really consider this trip to Greece a bad romance, per say, but I can easily connect it to this idea.

My time in Greece has been amazing but I have also gone through my rough spots here (with adventures gone bad, homesickness, etc.). Overall, I know this trip will end (very soon..) with a happy ending. Yes, I will be sad to leave this place I have come to love, but I will always look back on this trip with joy and good memories, even through the rough spots.

And I guess I never really expected to hear the words "bad romance" and think happy ending. But this trip and everything we are learning had taught me a little extra something about romance. So, this month and my last few days left here, I think I'll consider, my newly defined, bad romance.

-Jess

Bad Romance

2012-01-27T12:15:00.000-08:00

I can’t believe it’s already our last weekend in Greece andon Wednesday we’ll be flying back to Parkland. Not a single thing about Greecehas been bad; in fact, I think I’m in love with it. I can walk down the streetand get souvlaki, I can see ancient ruins from my hotel room, I can eat dessertwithout feeling guilty because I’m just going to burn it off afterwards walkingaround town, what’s not to love?

Today we left Rhodes to come back to Athens which I thoughtwas going to be hard, leaving the warm(ish) weather and the sound of wavesputting me to sleep at night. But as soon as we got here, it almost felt likebeing home again. With the sounds and commotion of the city and somethingalways going on, Athens has a very similar vibe to Seattle which is probablywhy it does feel so homey.

I think the only thing bad about my romance with Greece isthat in four short days I’ll be leaving and actually going home to Seattle. Nomore souvlaki, no more looking out my window to amazing views of the city, andno more eating dessert guilt free.

Bad Romance - Eventually Breaking Up With Greece

2012-01-27T12:13:00.000-08:00

It seems really unfair when you realize that you’re going to eventually leave a place that you have fallen in love with. Since the beginning of this trip, the idea of leaving has kind of been tickling the back of my head, and as our time left in Greece continues to shorten, it becomes more and more uncomfortable.

Today was plagued with the realization that we are in fact going to leave. The past several days in Rhodes have brought with them a feeling of integration and acceptance into the Greek culture, which subsequently urges me not to leave (the Kodak Man, as we called him, made this very clear today). I just can’t get over the fact that it has been three weeks; a weird fragmentation of my sense of time has ensued, making some experiences from a couple weeks ago feel like they happened yesterday, and yesterday feel as if it happened months ago. This drawn-out string of time makes it even harder for me to say goodbye, as I feel like I’m leaving a place that has been my home for years.

One might even be able to label my experience here as a “bad romance” (check out the heart-shaped cove to the right). Let me first begin by clarifying that this does not mean the last three weeks have been bad; rather, this experience has been the most identity-shaping and most memorable on record. Said differently, the eventual “badness” of a romance is dependent on its initial state, just as breakups are always harder when one remembers how intensely love-ridden they once were. A similar idea is applicable in my situation. A “bad romance” is generally only considered as such after the romance is ended. Thus, as we are nearing the end of our stay, I can half-jokingly call it a “bad romance” because I’m having to leave something so good behind.

Talk about a forceful breakup; we even know the day that it’s going to happen.

But the point here is that I can’t let it get me down, because doing so means jeopardizing the last few (and possibly most memorable) days of my trip. This blog post is going to act as my own little therapy session; its just not fair. A good romance is inevitably going to turn sour (because we have to leave), however I will always be able to reflect on it positively. Tell Lady Gaga that for the time being, or at least until Wednesday, my romance is looking pretty good.

A Bad Romance

2012-01-27T12:07:00.000-08:00

When I woke up this morning I was filled with sadness andanxiety. I knew that if I got out of bed I would have to leave Rhodos. Throughoutthe five days that I spent in Rhodos I made friends with the waiters, frontdesk people, Paulo & Pina and Kodak Man. Everyone meal that we had in thehotel, the waiters Ernesto and Ilias greeted me. We made jokes and they alsotaught me how to speak many new phrases in Greek.

As I was eating breakfast, Ernesto and Ilias both visited mytable one to many times. They kept repeating that today was bad, bad, bad. Theywere going to miss us dearly. Igrew very fond of the kind-hearted people in Rhodos, some have touched my heartforever.

I could say that Rhodos and I have a bad romance. I fell inlove with the island and its people but in the back of my mind I knew I had toleave. Its like falling in love with a married man, even though you know youcannot have him you ended up falling in love anyways.

Luckily, I know that I will come back to Rhodos somedaybecause it now holds a spot dear to my heart. As I said goodbye today, tearsran down my face and I finally realize that I have fallen for a bad romance.

S’agapo,

Alex

Many Died Hard, so that I could Live Free

2012-01-27T01:15:00.000-08:00

Many people died hard, so that I could live freely.

Both politically and religiously, I am completely free to be or believe whatever I want because men and women sacrificed their lives in grotesque ways I’ll never know.

As a Christian, white, American male, I have a lot to be thankful for because of the vast array of opportunity afforded to me. While I believe the opportunities I am offered today ought to be offered to everyone, I was not always so priviledged.

My roots stem all the way back to ancient Jews. The Jewish faith, after all, was what gave birth to Christianity. Without Judaism, there is no Jesus. Jews have been persecuted for centuries. They were the first group of people to adopt monotheism, when polytheistic pagan religions ruled the world. The fact that Judaism still exists today is proof that this religious sect remained firm over centuries of persecution, standing the test of time as the great empires of the world’s history rose and fell. They faced persecution from many empires, including the Roman, the greatest empire the world has ever seen, and were sometimes tortured for their faith. Yet today we have Jews and Christians all over the world because my ancient ancestors held firmly to their faith in the face of horrible persecution, even to the point of death.

Judaism gave birth to Christianity, which has also had its fair share of persecution. We know that Christians too were persecuted by the Roman Empire, especially by Emperor Nero. Almost all of the twelve disciples who walked with Jesus suffered a horrific martyrs death. Yet just like Judaism, Christianity has stood the test of time.

America has only been around for roughly 300 years, yet in this short time she has seen her share of bloodshed. Fleeing from religious persecution in England and Europe, our ancestors fled to the New World, America, so that they could practice religion freely. To protect our freedom, hundreds of thousands of Americans were slaughtered on and off of the battlefields via the Revolutionary and Civil wars. These men and women died hard just so that I could live free.

Therefore the old adage, “Freedom isn’t free” rings true. Without Jewish, Christian, and American martyrs dying hard, I would not live freely. I will forever be grateful and thankful for my ancestors.

Live Free or Die Hard

2012-01-27T00:21:00.000-08:00

I knew that I wanted to study abroad even when I was inmiddle school. One of our friends atchurch had studied abroad when she was in high school and kept in touch withher host family as well as visiting them every so often. She had hosted an exchange student as welland was planning on hosting another the year before I studied abroad inEcuador. I got involved in AFS, whichstands for American Field Service, through her and starting educating myselfabout studying abroad in high school and how I could make that work forme. I went to orientations for studentsarriving in our region in the United States and learned from them as well ashelping to inform them about life as a high schooler in the US and what thatmeans.

The city of Lindos

I had decided to study abroad but I wasn’t sure whereexactly I wanted to go. I narrowed itdown to only Spanish speaking countries because that was the language I hadtaken in high school and I wanted to go to a country where I had some knowledgeof the language. Eventually I chose togo to Ecuador because of its diverse environment: having a coast, a mountainousarea, and a rain forest section to it as well as the fact that it is a friendlycountry with the US and the people there are said to be friendly. My friends in high school in the Statesthought I was crazy for deciding to live in a third world country for 10 monthswhere everyone and everything was unfamiliar to me.

I have always been adventurous when it comes to trying newthings and I like to keep busy. Myparents used to call me the go-go girl because I was always willing to goplaces with them even if it was to the grocery store or to run errands. Even after returning from Ecuador I stayedinvolved with AFS Intercultural Programs and have gone to retreats to speak toboth exchange students coming to this area from outside of the US as well asstudents from the US that are going to be an exchange student through AFS. My mom and I both helped the past two yearsgreeting students at the airport as they arrived in the US and helping them getsettled within the AFS organization before heading off to meet their familiesthat they will live with for the year. It’s extremely exhilarating to get to see such a special moment when astudent first meets their host family as well as when a US student is awaitingtheir family placement in a foreign country. I have met many wonderful people through my time in Ecuador, both USstudents and students from other countries; kids from the US that have studiedabroad as well; students from the US who are about to study abroad; and kidsfrom other countries that will be staying in my region of the States for theyear.

All of this leads up the point that I am making that is thatthis study abroad experience has been extremely enjoyable and alsoenlightening. I love it here in Greeceand just as when I returned after being in Ecuador I now just have the travelbug. I want to be able to see so manydifferent cultures and places and this trip has confirmed that fact. As an anthropology major I hope to bestudying other cultures for the rest of my life as it is what I thrive on,making connections through relationships to other people no matter where theyare from, and learning new things along the way about myself and others.

Finitsis

In class today we discussed Josephus and the Jews that wereabout to be captured by the Romans instead killed themselves in order tomaintain their faith and their honor. They believed in living life to the fullest until their values had to becompromised and then they could live no longer. It may sound strange but I took this as a positive message to do whatyou love and what is most important to you. For me that is the study of people and other cultures. I am an advocate for study abroad experiences,whether that is in high school for a year, or in college for a j-term. I plan on studying abroad next springsemester and I am already ecstatic about that. Greece has been wonderful but I am already planning my next bigadventure.

Live Free, Die Hard

2012-01-26T17:31:00.000-08:00

Today I wore green pants. Why? Because I could. Now that I've been immersed in Greek culture and thrived, I decided to spice things up a bit. On one rainy afternoon, following a delightful latte with friends, Christine and I decided to explore and found an H&M. Some of you may be wondering why I went shopping in a store that I can find in any mall? The answer is simple; in Greece everything is better. Here, I found a pair of green pants. For some reason they called to me, and I bought them. I refuse to leave this country with regrets.

One of the many things this trip has taught me is to cherish the moment. Every second that goes by is another one lost; it can never be relived. In class today, we discussed Josephus, and read "For whatever the soul touches lives and blossoms, whatever it deserts withers and dies; so abundant is her immortality." Josephus believes that a soul is life; as long as you are alive, your surroundings are alive. After reading this quote, it encouraged me to question if I am truly alive.

In Greece, I flourish. I'm climbing mountains, exploring side-streets, running on the beach, talking to locals, making long-lasting friends and getting no sleep. This is easy to do when you're taking a class in another country, but what happens when I come back to Parkland? When I'm in class, d I value my education? When I practice, do I enjoy what I'm doing? When I'm working, do I appreciate the learning experience? Unfortunately, the answer isn't always yes, and it needs to change.

This semester is my last semester before student teaching. I only have four months left with the professors and colleges that positively impact my life. Reading in Josephus illuminated how I need to change my viewpoint on life. Yes, I am alive, but is my soul alive? Is it lighting up the world around me? When I return home, this will be my goal. I will think of life as more than a routine or chore and value every minute. By doing so, I will finish my undergrad with a happy heart and prosperous soul.
Life is a choice; live free, die hard. Wear green pants.

Live Free, Die Hard

2012-01-26T14:42:00.000-08:00

Today, George showed us around Lindos and told us many interesting things that I was itching to write down. Alas, the lack of paper thwarted that dream; either way, Zach and I agreed that this guy should come with us everywhere. He told us stories (myth and legend) and history and everything we needed to know. A lot of it was related to where we were but he also gave us little gems of wisdom. Most of it related back to life and death. I'm paraphrasing here (again, no paper) but he said that the Greeks don't really care about time. They aren't constrained by it.
Fun fact that's relevant: they don't really celebrate birthdays and getting older (just name days. That's a story for another day.)
The ancient Greeks (and, perhaps, the current ones) seemed obsessed with the eternal and the immortal and being forever young. George made it sound like there is just living and that the concept of time does not matter. What I also found interesting was that he said that death is a gift. It helps us realize that, in the end, we all die. So instead of keeping track of time or becoming obsessed with how much time we have left, we should just live. We should appreciate life more because of death. It's a fragile gift and we only get one shot. There's no room for regrets. And in the end, we will die and that death will bring new appreciation to someone for life and how quickly it can be taken from us. We went to a cemetery back in Athens a couple days before we left for Rhodes. I had an earthshaking experience there and I went home feeling like a bag of bones rather than a human being. I can't pin point when exactly it happened but the cemetery made me vulnerable and mortal and I did not like this feeling. George changed that today.

Cemetery; even wisdom finds a place here

For 20 days I have been without a cellphone to constantly check. At first it was weird to walk out of the apartment to class without that life line. For the first time in a long time I was depending on a watch to tell me the time. For the first time in a long time I did not have the luxury of contacting any and all of my friends with the touch of the "send" button. I haven't heard my mother's voice in 20 days. I forgot what my cellphone looked like after 3 weeks without it!
There were days when I forgot my watch on my desk and time seemed to disappear. It was those days in particular that I enjoyed the most. Perhaps it was because I was experiencing them as a Greek does, without worry of time. Living free, without any plans, a schedule, or time constraints is hard to get used to at first. When all I have to worry about it getting to one class on time, the rest of the day is measured in cups of coffee and city blocks. It's liberating to live this way. I am so grateful that my cellphone has been off since I left (I'm tempted to keep it off!) What would this trip have been if I was constantly texting and calling back to the states, back to reality? I do not think I would have had the opportunity to really listen to Greece with that lifeline burning through my pocket.

Only the sun let me know when the day was coming to a close

It's given me a new perspective. I was telling Austin today that if I could escape to a cabin in the middle of the woods that had no clocks and no connection to the outside world that those would be some of the best days of my life. Time wouldn't bind me anymore. Time would float in the background. Time would be a generous gift; suddenly I would have too much of it! And yet, time couldn't touch me. No rhythmic tick-tock would control when I eat and when I sleep. I would live free and without the stress of time on my shoulders. I would live like George, like a Greek.

And in the end I would die. But I would not resist and I would not fear death. A clock will not toll in the hour of my end. Death will come when it feels right and when I've gotten all I can out of life. It will take quite a bit for me to give in to the darkness; I won't go without a fight. When I do go, it will be because I want to.

Much love from Rodos,
Christine

Live Free or Die Hard

2012-01-26T13:59:00.000-08:00

Today we learned about the Jewish mass suicide at Masada. Of course, reading the story was sad but nevertheless, uplifting. Their determination and dedication are astronomical examples in everyday life. If I were an 8th as much determined and dedicated as them, I would be happy. Throughout my life my determination has been tested through a number of trials but I think I have done a good job persevering against adversity. As a girl on the verge of becoming a teenager, the hardest years of a girls life, I lost my father because of a drunk driver. I could have given up and let my head hang low, but I chose to hold my head high. I went to every court hearing to gain respect from the man who made that horrible mistake and make it known that I would be okay. I wouldn't let this defeat me.
I sometimes regret my lack of emotion during that time but as my moms only child I felt compelled to make it my job to keep her happy. Looking back now, I know that that wasn't my job but I did a good job. I had tough choices at a tough time in my life but I am proud of the person I am today and the decisions I made. The process was by no means easy but I pride myself in my zeal and strength to carry on and live free. I couldn't let my life spiral down, I had to live the way my dad would want me too in order to feel free. My goal was to always do the things that he would want me to be doing. Even though he isn't physically here I still base a lot of decisions around what his opinion would be. I chose to go to a private high school because that's what he would have wanted. When I was faced with the decision to quit basketball I chose to persevere partly because that was our bonding time. My dad was the one who taught me how to play basketball and introduced me to my love of sports. He didn't know it at the time but he influenced my life in so many ways. I now want a career behind the scenes in athletics and I am a college athlete today.

He would be incredibly proud of me and my accomplishments. I still carry his watch with me to every competitive event for good luck. Every person has the opportunity to make an impression on someone everyday. Be aware of the fact that you could be shaping someones future with your actions. You never know!

Live Free and Die Hard - Safety Second

2012-01-26T13:23:00.000-08:00

“Living free” has taken on a new kind of meaning over the last three weeks; I’ve experienced life in the fast seat, rarely slowing down and exploring destinations that I could never have imagined.

Seatbelts anyone? Here in Greece I’ve been intrigued with how lax safety regulations are, and how such a trivial aspect of the trip has pleasantly surprised me. The following paragraphs detail specific instances where this lack of supervision, and consequential leap of faith, has actually contributed to experiences that would not be as memorable otherwise.

Exploration of Ruins: Although many of the acropolises and ruin sites have had roped off portions, this does not discount the fact that they exist relatively unprotected. The photo below was taken during our trip to the acropolis in Rhodes; what you can’t see is that there is in fact a thin rope surrounding the ancient pillars. Regardless, vandalism wouldn’t be that difficult (one can easily step over the rope) and thus a tremendous amount of trust is being put on the public. I can imagine identical ruins back in the States existing in thick casings of bullet proof glass with state-of-the-art security systems; figuratively speaking, this would represent living in a kind of vacuum. The confidence placed on those who could potentially harm these two thousand year-old remains warms my heart, reminding me that their is still faith in the human condition and our ability to “live freely” without negative repercussions.

Faith in Competence: This next picture shows me kicking back on the edge of a cliff at the very top of Mystras. In short, safety rails are pretty much nonexistent in places where you would expect them to be. The drop from my feet to the ground must have been fifty feet, however it seems as if people were more worried about inhibiting the aesthetic pleasure of this historical area (with the placement of some ugly handrail) than keeping it safe. But is safety really an issue here? Most everyone is knowledgable enough to not approach the edge in an uncontrolled or potentially dangerous manner; the only way this could be a problem is if someone tripped. Thus, the decision to not include any kind of safety measure reinforces the trust that human beings have for one another, and additionally allows people to experience this place with a freedom that would seldom be granted back home.

Food: I’d be the first to admit that the placement of this meat at the Athens’ Meat Market looks a little unsanitary. Growing up in a culture where meats like these (at least when bought at a grocery store) are pristinely cleaned and inspected, even just a short walk through the market left many people concerned (and certainly without an appetite). The relatively relaxed nature of food preparation here in Greece has been an appropriate wakeup call and a chance to “live freely”. I had a bite of our tour guide’s spinach pie today (we offered it to me with a smile that I couldn’t resist), and I don’t think I’ll being “dying hard” anytime soon.

Live Free or Die Hard.

2012-01-26T13:02:00.000-08:00

Today we visited Lindos! I was really excited because I was told it was a very small but memorable place. It was so beautiful and more of what I expected Greece to be like. There were white houses with corners shaved off flat so that when the donkeys pass, they don't hurt themselves on the sharp corners.

We went into the most beautiful church that was covered in frescoes and decorated with insane amounts of gold and silver. It was very cool because our awesome tour guide explained some of the pictures, the saints, and the different parts of the church. We also visited the ancient temple and the cafe where all the pirates eat/drink. The cafe had great hot chocolate (with espresso) and yogurt with honey and walnuts. Then we walked through the town a little more before we had to leave.

On our way back to our hotel, we stopped at a mineral water, healing spa where we got splashed by the waves of the sea, explored caves, and climbed to the edge of cliffs. It was very beautiful and so much fun!

The day seemed to pass by so quickly but I had a blast and will remember this little town forever. And when I was told the blog topic for the evening, I made a lot great connections from my adventures in Lindos and my experiences here in Greece, overall.

Before the trip even started, I had decided to take every opportunity I was presented with so as to make the most of my time here. And I've really tried to live like a Greek and live free while I'm here! And to do that, I've found myself some great adventures with my wonderful classmates.

Today I woke up at 7 am to get ready for the day and watch the sunrise, after going to bed close to 3 am from hanging out with my classmates around the town in different cafes/restaurants to celebrate my friend Maddie's birthday. I was very tired but tea and espresso seemed to keep me awake enough to function all day.

Today in Lindos, I climbed to the top of a rock cliff thing that overlooked the ocean and got completely separated from the group. I was lost in my own little world, taking pictures, admiring the beauty around me, and taking in the power of it all. Once I realized that I couldn't see or hear anyone from my group, I quickly headed back down the rocks (losing my way at least 3 times and having to lean over the edge to find the path that first led me up). It wasn't long before I found the huddled group I had deserted for a short while. But I took a chance to explore somewhere dangerous, challenging, fun, and beautiful and I don't regret it in the slightest. Oh, and I also sat on the edge of the ancient temple area which was a little scary but a breathtaking sight.

Today I ate Greek yogurt and had espresso with the Pirates of Lindos and below is a picture of the fierce and intimidating owner of the pirate cafe himself!

And lastly, I have really opened up and been willing and desiring to learn everything I can. I learned from the waiter at the Souvlaki restaurant how to say a few different things in Greek. I've learned that in Greek legend, pirates were transformed into dolphins at one point in time and that is why dolphins always follow ships. I've learned that Greeks really were the first to do EVERYTHING (including rap - MC Homer). I've learned about 'evil eyes' and that they absorb the evil energy being sent a person's way. I've learned that the Roman Colosseum was named after the Colossus of Rhodes. And I've learned a ridiculous amount more!

I have done so much, even just today, and I know I have more adventures to come in my last few days here in Greece! I plan on truly Living Free and returning home with no regrets, only dear memories and hope of return.

-Jess

Live Free or Die Hard

2012-01-26T12:57:00.000-08:00

I didn't realize how much mountain climbing would be involved with this trip. We have jokingly said over the course of the trip that we should be getting religion, PE, and math credits on this trip, and could potentially get a lot of other ones as well. But seriously. We've probably climbed a good 10-15 mountains/big hills over the course of the trip.

The part that's ironic is that I'm terrified of heights. I can't even look off the second story of buildings normally, and even if its closed off and there's a sheet of glass, its difficult for me to go all the way up to the window. So, the hikes up to the mountains have been really difficult for me. Especially when its raining and we're walking on wet marble and slipping and sliding all over the place.

But today, I had a major breakthrough with my fear of heights. We went up to the Acropolis of Lindos, and it was incredibly beautiful. As we had been climbing for a while, I sat down at the top to rest for a few minutes and enjoy the view. I realized all of the sudden that I was actually sitting down on the wall, and on the other side there was a fifty foot drop toward the ocean. Normally, I would have realized this before sitting down, and it would have prevented me from sitting down there. Now, I'm realizing more and more how the heights are bothering me less, and I've been able to enjoy the beauty of the mountains all around us.

It may sound silly, but its actually quite freeing. Its allowing me to let loose and experience more. Instead of standing in the middle of the Acropolis, or far away from the ledge, I could instead actually look down and fully enjoy the beauty and magnitude of the city below. I'm so moved by the beauty of this country, and its been an incredible experience to let loose and actually experience Greece more.

Live Free or Die Hard

2012-01-26T12:39:00.000-08:00

Live Free or Die Hard. Yes as in the movie and I am not talking about the one with Bruce Willis but the one with the Jews in a little fortress town called Masada. Masada was the last holdout for the Jews when the Romans came and leveled Jerusalem. It took the Romans 2 years to even get close to taking over the fortress due to how hard it was to get to the fortress. It was located on a plateau that could only be accessed by a single path that zigzagged its way up the mountain to the plateau and the terrain was such that siege engines could only be placed in one spot. According to a Jewish historian, Josephus, when the Jews saw that the Roman general Titus had found the one weakness in the defenses their commander, Eleazar, gave an impassioned speech to the defenders. He spoke to them about how it would be better to take their own lives than to be taken into slavery by the Romans because slavery was what they went to Masada to escape. And the Jews ended up killing themselves and their families before the Romans breached the walls because of Eleazar’s speech.

This story reminds me of a song by one of my favorite bands, Rise Against, called Survivors Guilt and they use a quote from a movie Catch22: "It’s better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." This is almost exactly the idea that Eleazar was talking about that is would be better for the Jews to kill themselves than to live in slavery to the Romans. They died in defense of their beliefs on their feet rather than be taken by the Romans and live the rest of their lives on their knees in slavery. I think that if you believe in something so strongly that you are willing to face down the Roman army for two years then kill yourself when you face the end result of slavery to the Romans you really are dying hard for your beliefs. You aren’t being killed in battle and are called honorable by most and you aren’t surrendering to the overwhelming force that most would say would be the noble thing to do. You are taking your own life for your beliefs which wins you respect because of how strongly you believe. I really don’t think you can get more hardcore than that.

Yippee-ki-yay!!

-Austain

Live Free, Die Hard

2012-01-26T12:30:00.000-08:00

Flying Free

To me, living free is about having an open, limitlessfuture. You aren’t burdened with living up to the high expectations of others,having to live your life for someone other than yourself. For example, when ababy is born, some parents fantasize about it growing up to be a doctor, orlawyer, maybe even president. These expectations pressure us to live up to thestandards of our families and even influence our own standards until theybecome the same as our families’. That baby grows up thinking it must become adoctor or lawyer and eventually it believes that is what it wants. This is notliving free. You may still be happy with your life and find a purpose, but ithas been mapped out before you leaving almost no room for your ownconsiderations.

Living free is about being able to wake up every day withouta plan and watching as your life falls into place before you. Here on thistrip, I didn’t have a plan. I walked into this with an open mind and likesitting on a lazy river, I allowed this experience to lead me wherever itdesired. This experience has been unfettered by my own designs and instead ofarriving with a checklist of touristy activities in mind, I decided to not plananything, a tabula rasa-blank slate. This has been the most liberating aspectof this trip. I could get really philosophical and tell you about how this triphas changed my life forever, reconstructing my perspective on the world, comingto believe in the innate goodness of people, and forever bonding me to fastfriends, but one thing I appreciate most about this trip has been its abilityto teach me that life does not need a plan. I can simply show up and experiencelife as it happens around me instead of trying to control every aspect of it tosuit my individual needs and realize that I a missing out on something.

I am what most peoplewould call a perfectionist. I always have a plan, despite the fact that I enjoyspontaneity, I just end up feeling like I am wasting precious time on earthwhen I don’t have something to do. It’s that worthless feeling you gettwo-thirds of a way into a lazy day when you realize that sitting on your buttall day is nowhere near as relaxing as you thought it would be and you growrestless for adventure once more. This trip has been nothing but adventure, butI have not been in control of a single thing and it has been fantastic.

This trip has also taught me to trust in the abilities ofother people. Each one of my classmates here has a unique talent or skill. Forexample, Zach and Markelle always know where they are going. Even when they are“lost”, they find themselves simply misplaced but they have an innate compassthat leads them in the right direction. This was proven on the day when theywere left behind in the craziest “antique” shop and somehow found the group anhour later at dinner. Just like that. So now, I don’t always have to be obsessingover where I am on a map, I can just sit back and let Zach and Markelle do whatthey do best. I trust them to lead me home.

While I know that freedom comes with responsibilities andconsequences, that freedom is not always this easy, I have yet to experienceany negatives. Living is not about checking off points on a bucket list butabout growing in who you are as a person, with the people around you, in whatyou believe and finding happiness and sharing it with others. About dying? I don’tconsider this as much. When you are alive to worry about death, you are not yetdead. And when you are dead, well, you can’t do much to change it so why worry?

Ways I have lived freer on this trip:

I went swimming in the freezing cold Mediterranean at night
I climbed hundreds of steps to the highest points of every city, acropolis
I performed on an ancient Greek stage
I have made 17 new friends
I have laughed every day
I have embraced all kinds of animals, even a donkey!

My Friend the Donkey

Where the Sidewalk Ends...Into the Mediterranean

Performing on the Ancient Greek Stage

Live Free or Die Hard

2012-01-26T12:25:00.000-08:00

As we were walking around Rhodes today on our way to lunch Icaught myself thinking about how I really never want to leave this place.Deciding to go on a J-term trip was very easy for me. I have always been one totake impromptu trips, I love learning about new cultures and learning to live alittle freer. I think that livingfree is not only taking adventures but also attempting to learn how otherschoose to live freely.

The first day we arrived in Rhodes, Lauren and I, went to alittle pizzeria. Paulo and Pina, two Italians who speak no Greek or Englishimmediately greeted us. They immediately took us through their family historyand told us about their daughter Anita who was on vacation. I immediately feltlike I was apart of their family and I have had lunch there everyday sincethen. Paulo and Pina choose to up and pack up everything to start a little holein the wall restaurant with their daughter in Greece, this is how they chose tolive freely.

Lauren and I decided that we should thank Paulo and Pina fortheir kindness by giving them a card and a printed photo of all of us (above).When we found a Kodak Express we were greeted by one of the sweetest men I haveever met. He gave us our prints for free and proceeded to tell his about how isthree children went to college in the U.S. I saw that he choose to live hislife freely through the success and the hard work of his children. He told usthat to live freely sometimes you have to ask advice and the best people to askit from are your parents. (I love you mom). I had never though about how you could live freely throughsomeone else, but now I know that it is possible.

As professor always says “it is better to ask for permissionrather than forgiveness”. I believe that’s what the Kodak man was trying torelay. Sometimes you need a little encouragement when live gets hard to remindyou that wrong path can lead you down the road of dying hard.

Whether starting your own family restaurant, traveling tonew places or living vicariously through your children everyone has the choiceto live freely their own way.

S’agapo,

Alex

Live Free or Die Hard

2012-01-26T12:10:00.000-08:00

To be free according to Merriam-Webster dictionary it means to not determined by anything beyond its own nature or being: choosing or capable of choosing for itself, which basically means not to be inhibited by outside forces.

Previously in my short life I was not living free, I was trapped by fear of germs. These germs could be obtained through other people, food, or any service area, the list was endless. I would not say that I have a phobia, but my great dislike for germs would limit some of the things I was willing to do. I would not have been able to enjoy it because I would have been fixated on the germs and unable to enjoy what I was doing.

I had to get over my fear of germs in order to be able to enjoy life. I slowly had to force myself into the germ world. Slowly I began to acclimate to the germ world. The hardest germ fear I had to conquer was sharing drinks. Once I got over this it was easier to confront and conquer other germ situations.

If I had not be able to confront my issue with germs I would not have been able to come on this life altering trip to Greece. I would have been in a constant state of worry of whether everything was germ free from the food I was eating to the bed I would lay my head down on at night.

Now I am truly able to live free because I have freed myself from the chains of the germs and let myself out of my shell. I have been rewarded with the most amazing experience of my life where I have not only met some amazing people but also have had the greatest once in a lifetime experiences that will stay with me as a continue to grow.

Akira: Live Free, Die Hard

2012-01-26T12:07:00.001-08:00

Death is the great equalizer. No matter how beautiful, famous, popular or lovely you may become, we all end in the same place. The worms are indiscriminate in their dining options. Dare they taste the model tonight? Or possibly the prince? What about the nerdy girl with weird glasses and long hair? No, they all seem equally appetizing to the hungry worm.

Death can be glorious to those in peril and frightening for those who feel their reasons to live have not yet been fulfilled. When the world is cruel, death is a welcome shield while a happy existence fosters only fear of the end.

Religious individuals take solace in the eternal damnation of the dead. They delight in the forever-torture of their enemies once death has befallen them. Though their lives may be bathed in beauty, their deaths will end in only pain. I, myself, find it a bit hypocritical--preaching a warped message of love for some, the few who treat you the way you wish to be treated--and take better comfort in my non-religious notions:

We all die.

We all return to the earth and are recycled into new organisms.

We will not retain this form indefinitely.

The body crumbles, the blood evaporates. Sinew and muscle will never last forever.

Life ends and those who cause harm will forever stop movements.

Their "punishment" is ceasing to exist and my reward, too, is a final reprieve in the constant pain of living.

Live Free, Die Hard

2012-01-26T11:44:00.001-08:00

Well, it’s officially our last day in Rhodes and we’re backto Athens tomorrow. One of the many things I’ve learned on this trip is that I needto watch more movies. After getting some of our blog topics, or reading blogswritten by others whenever a movie is referenced I realize that I have neverseen it. Today’s topic was “Live Free, Die Hard” which I had to google to findout what that even meant and Wikipedia told me that it means something alongthe lines of living passionately for something and being willing to die for it.

Today we talked about the massacre of Masada and how theJews decided that they would rather die than become slaves to the Romans. So…inthe end they ended up killing themselves and their families, leaving the Romans“dumbfounded.”

I’d like to think that there are things that I believe in sopassionately that I’d be willing to die for them, but honestly…I don’t know ifI’d be brave enough to actually kill myself for them.

Throughout this trip we’ve looked at many cemeteries, justtoday we drove past 4 or 5 all right next to each other which makes me think,what was going on when these people died? Were they standing up for somethingthey believed in?

2012-01-26T11:41:00.002-08:00

Live Free or Die Hard
Living in one place isn’t living free. I was born in Tacoma Washington, raised in the Tacoma area and ended up going to college near Tacoma. Living in the same proximity has given me much gratification for my “hometown” but has not given me an opportunity to see life from a different perspective. I never had to move into a new school district, and consequently I went my entire primary education with the same group of people. My mom worked at my elementary school so I knew most of the teachers fairly well. I lived in a community where my family was close with all of the neighbors, and it was safe for me to play soccer and late night tag without my parents being worried. Looking back over my childhood, I am realizing how blessed I was to have this safe, loving environment that stayed consistent my entire life, but it has also left me with a sheltered point of view.
Traveling to Greece was the first time I had left the country. When I was younger, my friends would talk about the family reunions and vacations they had gone on across the United States and all over Europe. I talked about my family vacations on the other side of Washington! Until I went to college, I didn’t realize how big the world actually is. Senior year, I had the opportunity to leave Washington and studying anywhere I wanted, and somehow I ended up at a University 30 miles from home. It didn’t bother me saying goodbye to friends that were off on a new adventure on the East Coast. I was content “going away” to PLU and staying in the Pacific Northwest. My first year at school, I knew that I wanted to see so much more of the world. I was dying to leave Parkland and get away from the state that had been known as my home. I knew that there was more to life than what I had experienced, and I wouldn’t be able to gather it if it I continued to stay in my Washington bubble. I was contently living my life, but I wasn’t living it to the fullest. My daily routine consisted of the norm for a college student. Leaving PLU and my Tacoma area community, I have been able to see the world in a different light. At home, it is easy to get caught up in how I will survive dead week, or constantly think about finishing a paper in time, but Greece has given me different kind of questions that run through my head. I now ask myself how I can not only make an impact in my home community, but how I can contribute on a larger scale. How can I take the occupation I am passionate about and apply that to living in another country? I realize that I have a burning desire to work at a hospital abroad. I think about all these whispering questions and know that if I don’t answer them, then I am not living my life to the fullest.

Body and Soul

2012-01-26T10:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterdays class topic mainly consisted of the book of Fourth Maccabees which talks about how reason should trump your emotions, and how it’s always important to follow the law.

I do think it’s important to follow the law, but I don’t know how I feel exactly about ALWAYS listening to reason other than your emotions. I think it's important to take into account what your heart is telling you, while listening to reason.

There are definitely times when I feel that I need to be more reasonable and not act solely on my emotions, but even then I think I still need to factor in what my heart and soul are telling me, not just my body.

As we’ve been going through the four books of Maccabees it’s been interesting to see the differences between them all, especially how the same event can seem so different when told from a historical or entertaining point of view. To me this is somewhat similar to all the pictures we have been taking while in Greece. We’ve all been seeing the same places, monuments and objects, but each person seems to notice different details about them. Even though I’ve seen so many remarkable things on this trip, one of my favorite pictures that I’ve taken was simply of the ribbon on a lamp shade.

Live Free, Die Hard: Words to Live By

2012-01-26T10:43:00.001-08:00

I think this is a great philosophy for how to live life. Live free.... doesn't that just sound amazing?

Live free from fear: One of my favorite quotes ever (thank you Babe Ruth) is "Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game." Lately, I've come to realize that fear can hold you back so much! Sure, when you take a chance you run the risk of striking out, but if you never step up to the plate you're never going to hit a homerun either. (Side note: Babe Ruth is known for his homerun record, hitting a total of 714 throughout his carreer. Just sayin...)Everyone has fears: tangible fears like birds, heights, or small spaces, as well as more abstract fears, like fear of failing or fear of rejection. There's nothing wrong with having fears, it's how you choose to handle them that matters. Before coming to Greece, I was afraid of the following: the flight, not liking any of the food, getting lost and separated from the group in a country where I speak about five words of the language, that I wouldn't make any friends, and that my debit card wouldn't work and I'd be out of money. And that's just the short list. What if I had let those fears win? I wouldn't be here right now having the time of my life.

Live free from doubt: Doubt can seriously hold you back. If you go through life constantly doubting yourself, your abilities, how awesome you really are, you will be miserable. Trust me. There will be days that are less than perfect and it feels like you can do nothing right. Just know that there are things in this world you can't control, and not everything that goes wrong in your life is because you're a failure. In classes, I always doubt myself when the professor asks a question I think I might know the answer to. So I usually don't speak up, when the vast majority of the time I totally did know the answer. I doubt my intelligence, when in fact I should be showing off the knowledge I have!

Live free from pressure: You are your own person. Don't let other people dictate your life. You are free to make your own decisions and live your life the way you want to. That's not to say that people can't offer good advice and you should always ignore what others have to say. But in the end you're the only person that has to live with your life and the decisions you make. It's ok to not follow the crowd all the time. On Sunday, most of the class went to Symi, but I decided not to spend 30 euro on the ferry ticket. At first I was a little bummed to be missing the big group outing, but ended up having one of the best days I've had on the trip. It gave me a chance to spend some time in a smaller group with those of us who didn't go, and that was the day Maddie and I swam in the ocean! Make sure that whatever choices you make, you make them for yourself and no one else!

Live free from regret: This is the biggest one for me, and kind of encompasses the previous three. I made the decision at some point last year to live with no regrets. They will haunt you for the rest of your life. Ok, maybe not the rest of your life, but it's pointless to think about the past. I find myself too often thinking "what if?" And I HATE that. Looking back and thinking how my life could have been different if I had just made a few different choices, been bolder, taken a risk. This is a waste of my time, and just frustrates and confuses me. Leading me to my plan of no regrets. If there's something I want to do, I'm going to DO IT! Free from fear, free from doubt, and free from pressure. Sure, life is scary, and in my quest for no regrets I'm probably, strike that, GUARANTEED to fall on my face a few times. But at least I can look back and say that I tried. I'd rather try and fail than fail because I didn't do anything. 50 years from now I want to look back and know that I did everything in my power to live the fullest life I possibly could have.

The entire time I've been writing this, one of my favorite songs has been playing in my head, and I'd like to share a few lines from "The Best is Yet to Come" by Hinder:

Go for it

Run toward it

Dive in head first

Live life with no regret

Put your heart out there

Don't be scared you might get hurt

Because the best is yet to come

Akira: Body and Soul

2012-01-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

I have spent this trip battling the needs of my body, the demands of my mind, and the vibrations of my soul.

My body is in constant rebellion. I ache and battle my usual chronic ails, magnified ten-fold by the constant motion, new food, bad air and water, falls, etc. etc. etc. All my body desires is to sleep, to dream this trip away until it is gone. My limps weep for relaxation and my back trembles with the burden of my small satchel. My muscles are barely cooperative, working just enough to push my bones through the day and towards the nearest collapsing point.

My mind isn't much help. It whines and does all sorts of things I don't want to share on a public form and make myself appear less sane than I already do. It's mostly a muck of negativity and desperation, unhappiness and a strong want to go home. There are two parts pitched in heated war: the part that hopes to jump a flight home right this very moment and the angry, zealous part that only wishes to remain because I already spent the damn money.

In the end, reason has triumphed and I have stayed. I have continued to operate on the method of taking these days 10 minutes at a time. I work to reach the end of the time, then begin anew; as the time refills too does it always disappear. The notion helps stave the ails of my body and mind, providing comfort in a cold reality.

We are down to five days.

I tick them away.

My soul, in all of this, has peeked her head and had her moments and gained her necessary wisdom from this whole ordeal. I know, while my mind frets and my body dies, my soul is off gathering the flowers of wisdom, off in the fields with the wind in her hair. Here and there I have had time to glimpse the meticulous arrangements she is making, but it nary lasts long, what with the whining of the physical.

The final days in Athens will be my time to reflect on her masterpieces.

I will be invited to her gallery to fully experience all she crafted for me. I will devote my undivided attention to her handiwork and bask in it's beauty. I will catch her by the waist, twirl her, dine upon her language and listen. Finally, truly listen.

She's been waiting for me far too long.

Live Free, Die Hard

2012-01-26T07:11:00.000-08:00

Live Free

What does it even mean to be free? Everyone has their own definition of what freedom is, but words don't do justice in comparison to the feeling of freedom. My feeling of freedom can never be the same as someone else and vice versa. I absolutely love moments when your mind clears and you're just enchanted by the world around you. I had a moment to myself today when I wandered off from the group and climbed on the rocks. I sat there, thinking about nothing. I guess you can say, I was in the moment. I love the feeling of sitting alone near the water, with nothing on your mind and the only sound you can hear is the clashing of the water on the rocks and the wind sweeping through your hair; that is my freedom. I feel free when I hike up a mountain; I enjoy every step I take on the trail and when I reach my destination I let all the beauty that surrounds me fill my soul. Living free doesn't necessarily have to be a physical thing. I feel absolutely liberated when I muster up the courage to do something that I have never done before or have always been hesitant to do and the feeling of conquering the unknown is that I consider to be living free. Everyday I grow more and more courageous of showing the world who I really am. For years I was always worried about how people would see me and for what!? It took me a while to realize that what random people think of me doesn't really matter in the end and that the only thing that should matter is how I think of myself. Don't take this the wrong way, but I love myself. It took me a lot of time to realize that God made me beautiful in my own way and that I'm smart and funny and that I'm an amazing person to be around. It sounds weird, but it was me that put the shackles on my wrists and only when I decided to take out the key and free myself did I find out who I really am.

Die Hard

I absolutely love hearing "it's better to die on your feet than on your knees"; a famous quote from Emiliano Zapata. In terms of death, I yearn to die with honor for myself as well as for my family. Since my time here in Greece, I've written the word "HONOR" on my left wrist about everyday as a reminder of how I want to live and leave my life. In my family, honor is important. I can remember my mother scolding me when I was younger about how I would never address my older family members properly and how she would tell me to "act with honor and dignity". Actually, right before I left for Sea-Tac airport I got a call from my family back home reminding me that I'm representing our family and our country while I'm here abroad and to act honorable. I get lectures from teachers, coaches, mentors about HONOR HONOR HONOR. As much as it sounds like I'm complaining I actually like being reminded to "act in honor". Someday when my life is at its end, I want people to say that I lived honorably and died honorably.

When in Rhodes,

Khadijah

Body and Soul

2012-01-25T22:12:00.000-08:00

“Now my heart stumbles on things I don’t know. My weakness I feel I must finally show”

This line from, Awake my Soul by Mumford and Sons, constantly rings in my head. There are many times where my emotions push me to a point of weakness. Sometimes this is not a bad thing, but there are some circumstances where I wish I had more control over my emotions.

Yesterday in class, we read 4^th Maccabees and discussed this very topic. Here, the author believes that reason is the master of emotions and supported his thesis by telling stories of people who survive unfathomable pain to stain true to their religion. How did the Jewish people bear the torture without giving in to Antiochus IV? These people had reason, a choice of life and wisdom, which gave them the knowledge of the divine.

I chose to apply this concept to running. Currently I am training for the Tacoma Half Marathon and it is physically and mentally painful. The longest race I've competed in has been a 5K and jumping from 3.1 miles to 13.5 is incredibly daunting. In order to succeed, I need to master my emotions by knowing the reason behind my running. For me, running is not a way to keep the calories down, it is a form of therapy and provides an outlet for me to escape from a stressful world. I am only young once, and I want to push my body to be the best it can be. This will only happen if I overcome the pain and focus on my goal.

After class, I was so inspired that I went on long run on the boardwalk. There were several times when I wanted to stop, but I overcame my screaming muscles and aching lungs by trumping my emotions. Yesterdays class provided a tool to ignore my body's physical pain and focus on the reason running helps my soul.

Body And Soul

2012-01-25T16:04:00.000-08:00

Today we talked about the body and the soul in class. The author of 4 Maccabees believed and advocated that reason and wisdom should dominate over your emotions, which can mainly be defined by feelings of pain and pleasure. I think this can be evidence proving that, as it is two in the morning and I have decided to sacrifice sleep in order to write this blog post.

Today was my birthday. It's now Thursday, so no longer technically my birthday, but there are still 8 more hours of 1/25/12 in the states, so I feel like it still kinda counts. I had a wonderful day, including having a slightly shortened class, eating amazing gyros at a souvlaki restaurant, and getting all dressed up with the group and having a delicious dinner, with a surprise cake and card, and then going out afterwards to hang out. Overall, it was a really wonderful day.

Today is also the marker for one week left in Greece. Tomorrow we are going to Lindos, a small town on the island that is beautiful. We were supposed to go today, but we changed it because the weather forecast was better for tomorrow.

I am so in love with this country. It's difficult to imagine leaving and going back to America. I'm dreading having to go back to having class and work for 40+ hours a week, sitting down and not walking around. Dinner at the UC does not sound appetizing right now. When the New Year started, I decided to make resolutions as the year progressed, because just making resolutions because of the date seemed like it hadn't worked for the last 19 years. So now, my resolution is to go on more walks, eat healthier, and spend time at meals just eating with people and not focusing on being super quick and then going back to homework. Somehow, I just want the Greek way of life to stay with me 4000 miles away back in the states.

Body and Soul.

2012-01-25T15:55:00.000-08:00

As humans, we are different than the rest of the creatures in the world. Yes we have similarities to most but there is that little piece of us that is different. In class today, we talked a lot about souls, eternal life with God, and how we as humans can move our souls from our mortal bodies to some place new and everlasting. I thought about this a lot and I'm not sure I really believe in souls but I do know a few things about the human race, that I've learned over my 19 years.

I know that every one of us has both light and darkness inside. Sometimes we have a very clear choice of which we want to partake in, and other times we have what seems to be a simple, laid out path of one or the other. Others still fight with a mixture of both.

I know that every one of us has emotions. We feel. We feel pain, pleasure, joy, love, anger, sadness, etc. We have emotions and we can never lose that. In class today, we read about how reason tramples emotions, essentially. If you reason hard enough, you can put any emotion, pain or pleasure, aside. I'm not fully convinced of this theory but it has really made me stop and think. We can have the gentle calm or the righteous wrath like that of a lion and everything in between.

I know that each of us has strength and courage. Whether that strength and courage is like that of the virgin Mary (emotional and spiritual) or that of a hero (physical and mental), we all have some. Some people have more courage and strength with their physical bodies, others have more in their souls or their minds. But I know that every person can be strong and courageous.

And I know that every one of us will die. It happens to everyone at different times and it is just a way of life. Some believe their souls move on and live forever. Some believe that their souls move into a new body. Some believe that should just hang around after death. We all have our own beliefs of what happens after death (when your body dies, your soul moves somewhere else), but the point is everyone dies first.

I know this really isn't the most interesting or entertaining blog but they are some simple facts of life that I seem to be learning over and over again. Personally, I find some of them really encouraging, knowing that some of these things aren't just lessons someone taught me, but they are what they are. To me, Body and Soul, they are fact.

-Jess

Body and Soul

2012-01-25T11:03:00.000-08:00

The body is an instrument for our soul, a place of inhabitation until it is commanded by God to move onto the next destination. The body is like the outer shell of the soul, it is what experiences emotion, both pain and pleasure, while the soul is a state of pure bliss.

While in Greece my body has had experiences like never before. It has been replenished through the vast amounts of walking. Not only has it improved my body, but my soul is put at ease through the peaceful serenity that allows for inimitable contemplation. Through this contemplation my mind and reason are able to connect and I am able to truly appreciate God’s creation around me.

I have also challenged my body within the physical realm. While on the island of Symi I did not let my clumsiness shy me away from reaching the ultimate perspective point for the perfect picture of the beauty that the island had to offer. I scaled up the side of a cliff with the wind threatening to blow me away and was rewarded by a picturesque view of the island and its water.

Again my body was challenged by the waters of the Mediterranean. When I thrust myself into in the ocean my body went into a state of shock from the frigid temperature of not only the air but the water. After my heart began to pound at a rapid pace I ran out of the water as if my life depended on it, but I have now swam in the Mediterranean.

My soul is content when it is in a state of bliss, while in Greece my soul has been at its most content. Being surrounded by new friends, beautiful nature, and temples of the gods, my soul cannot help but feel bliss.

Body, Soul, and the Power of Love

2012-01-25T10:58:00.000-08:00

Today in class we read the book of 4^th Maccabees. This book stated that reason controls the soul, whereas the mind controls both body and soul. Mind is the only place you have reason and wisdom, and it is through these means that you become closer to God.

Although I agree that our minds are extremely powerful instruments, capable of incredible things, I question whether they truly control our souls. There are some emotional responses that cannot be tackled or harnessed by any amount of reason.

Enter exhibit A: Love. Human beings are infatuated with love. We love the drama that surrounds it, the mystery and intrigue of the chase, and the happily ever after. Point blank, we LOVE love.

Yet love is not something that you can control through any amount of mind-power or reason. There’s a reason why it’s called “falling” in love, when it happens it often hits you in a way that is completely out of your control. I believe that love is a choice, if you’ve committed yourself to someone, you chose to love them no matter your mood or emotions. Yet the emotional side of love, the side that hundreds of thousands of movies are centered upon, cannot in any way be controlled or harnessed by rational thought.

I know this is true from personal experience. While I can attest to the mind’s power over the body, as I have been involved with athletics since my childhood, I can also attest to the feeling of being completely in love with someone, even when my mind deems the situation as irrational. I know I’m not alone, just turn on the radio and in the course of twenty minutes, I bet you will hear at least one song with lyrics pertaining to the conflict between one’s head and one’s heart. While the mind is undoubtedly the gateway to the soul, no amount of ration or willpower will ever be able to harness or control love. Love permeates our world. Controlling it would be like trying to control the wind.

In my personal opinion, I am thankful that love is beyond the control of man. I love the feeling of being in love, and I love the unsuspecting way in which it often hits. Although some of the greatest stresses I’ve encountered in my life have been due to the disconnect between my heart which is in love, and my brain which deems it irrational, I would not go back and change anything. While the heartbreak associated with love is of the worst kind of pain humans can endure, it is this sorrow of the soul that makes me feel alive. I would much rather be in love, than not, even if the world tells you it’s illogical. Why? Well I guess for one, because that’s a situation I’m currently going through, and although there are times when my mind attempts to distract me from the stirrings of my heart, love prevails. Love is the last untamed territory.

So if prevailing love is the result of humankind’s inability to harness emotion through reason, I hope we never gain that priviledge. I hope love, above all else, remains pure.

Body and Soul

2012-01-25T08:38:00.000-08:00

In a week my body will be back in Parkland but part of me will always be here in Greece. I'm not sure what to call that part. Perhaps a piece of my soul will detach itself and cling to the ruins stubbornly. And, like a Horocrux, if anything bad ever happens to Greece I will feel a great pain in my heart never be the same.

At the same time I feel as though when I come home something in me will be different. I won't be exactly the same person that left. Physically and mentally I've accommodated to life here (if you didn't get that from my past entries!) I've invested myself into this trip and this experience. If my soul had a taste to it, it would now have slight tzatziki flavor to it. I've definitely eaten enough souvlaki to warrant it!

Today in class we discussed reason versus emotion in terms of mind, body, and soul. I haven't stopped myself from experienced the pleasures of Greece but I have my reasons! I'm here and I don't know when I'll ever come back. I do not regret any decision I've made here because reason has not stopped me. My mind is enlightened, my body is dancing, and my soul is inspired. I came here to study and to learn, first and foremost. I've received so much more than that though! Mind, body, and soul are satisfied and I am one with the Force (see previous blog entry). Greece is truly a full "body" experience.

Much love,
<3Christine

Body and Soul

2012-01-25T08:18:00.000-08:00

This trip has been good for my soul. When I walked along the beach both in Athenswhen we traveled to the coast for the afternoon and when we first arrived in RhodesI felt calm and my mind was clear. I sithere writing this blog in my room with only the natural light of the day andthe sound of the waves crashing on the shore to accompany me. Usually I have to listen to some sort of instrumentalmusic to drown out the other sounds around me but right now I am content withthe sound of the water outside.

Today in class Finitsis spoke about 4Maccabeesand the thesis of the book is “…that reason is the absolute master of thepassions.” Maccabees goes on to say thatreason must rule over emotions such as pleasure and pain which are part of bothbody and soul. I enjoyed this discussionof the body and soul and his ideas about how the body is the physical part of ahuman but the soul is the section that goes with you after death. As your body is then decayed and no longerthe vessel that contains you. Your soulis the connection that you have to God and it will go to Heaven with you evenafter your body is no longer in existence.

Yesterday we talked about Natural Theology and that this isthe belief where you think that God has to exist because there is so muchregularity in the natural world that there has to be some sort of higherpower. I can see how someone could bepersuaded by this point of view because I have seen so many things this tripthat would have ensured a belief in God if I didn’t already believe in it. We have seen so many different spectacles ofnature such as the beautiful blue ocean water, the towering snow-coveredmountains, and the sun peeking through the trees as we walk around even on aslightly overcast day. This is a gorgeouscountry that we are getting small glimpses of as we travel around on our daytrips and even walk through the old cities and palaces.

Some of these adventures have been tough on our bodies asalmost every day we walk for miles and there is just so much that we want tosee so sometimes we have to sacrifice our down time to go experience somethingnew. I know that for me our time inRhodes has been a bit more relaxing just because it is a much smaller city andso everything is a bit closer than in Athens. But I also like to keep busy and that is something that I need to feelfulfilled in my day-to-day life so I have had to keep a balance between all of thefun and exciting things that I want to do and the things that my physical bodyneeds to function.

Even when I’m at PLU I often get caught up in adventuresthat definitely help my soul but hurt my body in ways like sleep deprivationand unhealthy eating habits but I am still in college so a little bit of thatis allowed. J I am loving my time here in Greece and justas Andrew and Markelle and I were discussing this morning, it will be a very sadnext week when we all have to board a plane home. It will be strange to not see these wonderfulpeople every day as we have done here in Greece and my group of people that Iknow and hang out with at PLU will have evolved. I also think we will all have a bit ofculture shock when we head back stateside and don’t greet everyone on thestreets anymore or travel around in large groups asking kind strangers wherethe best places to eat are.

My body and soul have both changed while I have been abroadand are still apt to change before I leave but it is definitely for thebetter. This trip has alreadytransformed the way I think about my relationships with people and what I can accomplishas a person.

Footprints on my soul.

2012-01-25T08:09:00.000-08:00

In class we have begun to talk about the switch in Jewishliterature that now contains the immortality of the soul. In Alexandria, Jewswere converting to be Greek citizens because that way they would escapetaxations from the Romans. In response the Jews told them that the suffering isworth the pain because in the end you soul will have eternal life.

For me, I have always thought the soul is what was mostimportant, the one part of you that can connect with God. I lost a lot ofpeople in my life and in my mind the only way I can move on with my life is by believingthat their souls are in heaven watching over me. After the death of my dearfriend Kelly, I realized that I needed to live my life to the fullest and bespontaneous. I strongly believe that enriching you soul can happen throughmaking friends, taking adventures or just by taking care of myself.

On this trip, the beauty of nature surrounding me and thenew culture that I am attempting to fit into has enriched my trip. Most of all the people that I have methere are what truly has enriched my soul; they have given me wisdom that I willnever forget. This is how:

Lauren Corboy: Mykindred spirit as I like to call her has taught me that it never to late tofollow your dreams and to not let life get in the way. Also that its not worthit to let the bad things in life bring you down, because good is always on theother side. Luckily I was able to meet her on the trip because without her Idon’t believe my trip would have been as amazing as it has been. I cannot waitto study in Italy with her. I think that she will a friend that i will have for the rest of my life and i wouldn't have it any other way.

Markelle

Markelle Lance: Oneof the kindest girls I have ever met. She has taught me that even though it isscary to open yourself up to people you don’t know, the reward after is worthit. Thank you for being an amazing roommate J

Zach Pearson: Thiswonderful and caring person has allowed me to truly feel like I can be myselfon this trip. His confidence in his Greek skills impresses me everyday and Ibelieve that this boy will be a friend of mine forever. Above all he has taughtme that if the opportunity presents itself you better take that advantagebefore its too late. There is never a dull moment with you.

Leah Stippich: Eventhough she has been homesick and in a place where she is extremelyuncomfortable at times she has never once stayed back. She has been a trooperand I am proud of her for pushing through. She makes me appreciate howcomfortable I can be away from home.

Jill

Jill Griess: Idon’t think that this girl has a mean bone is her body. She has taught me toappreciate the little things in everyone and that its not worth it to judgethose around you.

Khadijah Tividad: Sheis always laughing! She finds the funny and happy in everything. Not only thatbut she also finds the opportunity to find the breathtaking in small things.

Austin

Austin Williams: Heis the all around nice

guy. Not once has he spoken a bad word about anyone. Forsome reason I find myself to feel at ease when he is around and I he makes meappreciate the little things in life like reading a book every night beforebed.

Camille

Camille Saunders: No matter what she seems to always bejumping on the bandwagon in all situations. I strive to be as social as she isno matter whom she is with.

Andrew Nelson: Notonly are is he my best friend but without him I do not believe that I would behaving as much fun as I am on this trip. When he is around that I can be myselfand that I will always have someone to fall back on. Thank you for teaching methat no matter how hard it is to see the good in some people you have to lookdeep down to realize who they really are. You always seem to make me feel likeI am home no matter where I am.

Everyone on this trip has taught me something about myselfthat I would have never realized before. I am eternally grateful that I wasgiven the opportunity to meet such amazing and different people. My soul willnever be the same. I can only hope that my footprint has left a mark on theirsouls as well.

S’agapo,

Alex

Body and “Sole” - These Shoes Were Made for Walking

2012-01-25T07:59:00.002-08:00

Many would acknowledge that the concept of walking as a mode of transportation is relatively foreign back in the States, exclusive to bustling metropolitan areas and contrastingly, small towns. Walking takes time, and in a culture that values maximization and efficiency, quicker transportation options win out. I’ve really enjoyed all of the walking we’ve done since coming to Greece (it helps that we stay in apartments and hotels that are surrounded by attractive and exciting destinations). Regardless of this perk, the benefits of walking, especially as tourists in an unfamiliar place, extends to one’s body, soul, and mind (a side note from class today: according to 4 Maccabees, the mind has the capacity to control both the body and soul).

Walking is not merely a form of transportation, but also a form of physical exercise. As opposed to driving, flying, or riding the subway, walking exists as a pragmatic blend between a form of transit and a kind of exercise; biking or running are oftentimes not as practical, especially if your destination requires any form of confining clothing (i.e. a suit or uniform). I find it funny that many people back at home have dismissed walking as a means of transportation because it takes too long. In reality, at least in my opinion (and there are many situations where walking is not in the least bit practical), walking is a way to kill two birds with one stone. Although people may save time driving to a destination, many spend another couple hours exercising at the gym later in the day; with walking, you can do both simultaneously (which has been a fantastic way for me to justify gorging myself during our five-course dinners, as I walk from place to place each day).

Another perk of walking is that it provides a safer and more convenient mode of exploration, which comes in handy while traveling in a foreign country. One could argue that the necessary for exploration back in the States is minimal, as most people travel the same route to and from work everyday, however in our situation, driving from place to place would be confusing and unenjoyable, as there are countless shops and boutiques that beg to be window-shopped. I suggest that walking is beneficial to the mind because it allows one to process more stimuli than driving, one because it requires less thought and two because you are moving slower. In a place like Greece, walking is undoubtedly a better option.

Along similar lines, walking allows time for self-reflection, which helps to engage what one might refer to as the “soul” (it also engages one’s “soles”). Driving seems to me like an extension of our culture’s need to be busy, whereas walking provides an opportunity for meaningful multitasking (transportation AND meditation). Though walking is so much more practical here than it is back home, I find myself desiring a future place of residence where I can walk most everywhere.

Body and Soul

2012-01-25T07:48:00.000-08:00

My body has been tested on thistrip. I have been pushing myself more than I ever have at home with the ideathat if I let myself off easy, I will miss out on an experience. We walkeverywhere here in Athens, Rhodes and on all the little day trips. My feet willbe screaming, my legs numb, my back sore and my shoulders hunched over andpinched but my mind will be pushing for me to keep going. Markelle calls this a‘cheerleader’. My body has been going through phases jumping back and forthbetween excitement (when looking forward to something today/tomorrow) andlethargy (towards the end of a long day) and my mind even begins to waiver.Towards the end of a long day, with lots of walking and loaded with funexperiences, my mind begins to slow down and I feel my mind affected by thefatigue of my body.

I also haven’t been sleepingmuch. Every day I tell myself I will get my blog done early today and I will goto bed before 10:30. Then, I head down to dinner with my classmates, we end upstaying there for the entirety of a Greek dinner (almost 2 hours), and I stillhave my blog to write and my assigned reading to go over. By the time I go tobed, it’s after midnight. I end up getting woken up earlier than I plan andnever feeling like I have gotten a good night’s sleep. This trip is bothextremely fulfilling and also very tiring. I don’t want to miss a thing so Iallow myself to neglect my body’s needs and stay awake. I’ll sleep when I gethome. I am also guessing that this is why I have been sick for more than 2weeks….If I gave myself a full day to just relax and rest, I would have beenbetter by now. But I can’t pick a single moment of this trip that I would leaveout simply to sleep. No way. I am nowhere near sick enough to justify that.

I keep thinking that with everyache or pain or yawn I experience on this trip I am learning more about myself,the people around me, Greek culture and being an international citizen. Theselife lessons are enriching my soul. The things I learn here are changing me asa person and contributing to who I will become-changing my soul. In class wehave been learning about how the body and the soul can be ruled over by themind. A mind which seeks knowledge is a reasonable mind. A mind with reason canreach wisdom and through wisdom, a person is able to become closer to God. So,in a way, all the aches and pains and fatigue I experience in my body are beingtrumped by the incredible experience I am having, the lessons I am learning,and my mind’s determination to soak it all in.

2012-01-25T07:47:00.000-08:00

Body and Soul
My body tells me to do one thing and my soul tells me differently. My body yells at me to sleep and recuperate from this journey I have been on but my soul tells me to take in every moment and to come home without any regrets. There are times when my body and soul are not connected but they agree on the fact that Greece is a place I must return to.
My body has carried me through the long walks to see the Acropolis, the many stairs I climbed at Mystras and the frigid swim in the Aegean Sea. I reminisce the weeks spent in Athens and the amount of walking we did every day. The first night in Athens, the class walked through the town. The next day, a group of us were feeling adventurous and went for an even longer walk to explore. Being in a new part of the world means an enormous amount of exploration and I am in love with that. My body has walked through multiple museums, and down the streets of Symi. Not only has my body taken me to these extremes, but my brain has grown as well. This January, I have started my Greek vocabulary and learned am immense amount in the classroom and on the streets.
While in Greece, I have had an experience like never before. My soul is content and never wants to leave. I have somehow managed to laugh harder every day to the point of tears. Khadijah and I can just look at each other and start to laugh. Happy does not even have a strong enough connotation to explain how I have felt the past three weeks. I have been to a country that was on my bucket list and eaten a true souvlaki from a local Greek vendor. My soul not only has allowed me to take every opportunity and run with it, but it pushed me to apply to a study away program. I don’t think about what is possible from my body, if my soul feels like it is something that should be in my near future, then it is meant to be. This can sometimes take a toll on my body.
Together the soul and the mind have carried me through Greece with a joyous heart. At times, it has been easier to ignore my mind in Greece. At the flea market, I tell myself that it doesn’t matter if I buy this scarf because who knows when I will be back in Greece. At home, I listen to my more practical mind. Every day since the very start of this journey, I get into bed and think to myself that it has been a very good day. I fall asleep with a smile on my face. Back home in Washington, I have many memorable days, but I can’t say I am as pleased with the day as I fall asleep. Being in Greece has given me the chance to see how a tired body and a blissful soul can work together to equal one blessed girl.