Greece | Study Abroad Diaries

Do you remember where you were right before the first COVID shut down? I sure do. I was studying abroad in Greece (2020). Thankfully, Elon University offers January abroad programs so my trip wasn’t cut short like I know many other’s unfortunately were.

I traveled around Greece studying history. I kept a daily blog to keep my family updated but decided to condense all of my entries into this single to be able to reflect back on. I hope you enjoy!

January 2nd, 2020

Newark, New Jersey

I am sitting at the Newark airport at my gate waiting to board my flight to Greece. There have been some troubles already -- names on tickets being switched up, connecting flights being delayed. There have been a lot of emotions and stress but through everything, I cannot think of a better way to start my 2020.

I have been dreaming of visiting Greece for as long as I can remember and I can't believe it's really happening, right now. I am going to make the most of this amazing opportunity.

As nervous as I am to spend a month abroad with a group of people that I don't know, I just think back to last year. I was super nervous to go abroad but it was the best experience of my life with life long friends.

I really want to spend this month being open to new experiences and meeting new people. Being that I graduate in a few months, I want to make the most of the rest of my time by forming relationships.

I hope to do at least one thing that scares me, try new things, and be present.

I can't wait to see what Greece has in store for me!

January 3rd, 2020

Athens, Greece

After a bumpy 9 hour flight we landed in Greece at around 4 pm. After a much less strict experience with customs we walked outside to find our bus. The first thing you see are mountains, everywhere. It already looks so cool here.

We packed up the bus and got about 10 minutes before one of my classmates got a call from the airport saying that she accidentally took someone else's suitcase instead of her own. We had to turn around and go back to the airport. But, by the time we were back on our way to the hotel there was a pretty sunset over the mountains that made the wait and drive worth it. I also figured people in Greece drove on the left side of the road, but no, still on the right.

The hotel is so nice and fancy and even has a balcony to see the city streets. We had just about an hour before we had to meet in the lobby to go to dinner.

We walked along the streets of Athens for a bit to get to the restaurant. The streets were all brick but there was still plenty of nature around so overall I liked the vibe of this city and can't wait to see it during the day time.

Dinner was so fun and we were basically in tears from laughing so hard. Europe, and especially in Greece, going to dinner is more so an experience than a necessity to eat. So, there was live music and dancing and they even called a bunch of my classmates up to teach them the dance. Also, people on Greece eat very late (like 9 pm) so we will most likely be the only people in the restaurant for our 7:30 reservations. I tried new food at the restaurant but since it was family sharing style I don't know everything I was eating.

Since everyone eats so late, everything is open later so the streets were still lively on our walk home. When we got back to the hotel, I went up to the rooftop garden for a view of the Acropolis with some of the girls. We stayed up there for a bit just relaxing. The weather & view was nice.

Oh, and there are cats everywhere.

"Opa!"

January 4th, 2020

Athens, Greece

I pretty much slept through the night and, voluntarily, slept until 7. I woke up to have enough time to relax, shower & have time for breakfast before meeting for the bus. Breakfast consisted of lots of bread and fruit and lots of other things that I didn't know the name of.

We boarded the bus to head to the National Archaeological Museum which was filled with lots and lots of art history. Our tour guide shared so much knowledge about the bowls, statues, and weapons we saw. There was an overwhelming amount of information but it was very interesting.

After, we left and on the way stopped to see an old war ship that was docked. Our guide explained that those who were rowing the boat needed to figure out how fast they needed to be driving to hit the enemies boat with the tip of theirs, to end up sinking them, but not fast enough that they would get stuck.

We took the coastal road down an hour and a half to Cape Sounion to see the Temple of Poseidon. This route was beautiful as we had views of the cliffs and water the entire way down. It was really cool to see the temple as it was the first Greek structure we were able to see up close and it has me excited for the rest of the trip.

Last night, I was reading over the detailed itinerary we got. But, I decided that since I want to be more present I am just going to focus on what today holds. Even though there is much to look forward to, I don't want to miss anything now. I told myself that this morning and by the afternoon I realized that I had even forgotten what day of the week it is.

Next, we went to a nunnery where we learned about where a group of 12 sisters live. It was definetly different than anything I've ever learned but it's cool to learn about people's different life experiences.

We were all assigned a number from 1-30 so we can do a count when we meet up to know who we are missing. So, on the bus heading to dinner our guide taught us how to do our count in Greek.

Had another fun dinner with some of the girls on my trip. Was another family style dinner with the best pita.

"The question is not who is who is going to let me. It is who is going to stop me"

January 5th, 2020

Athens, Greece

Today is one of the most highly anticipated visits of our trip: the Parthenon, the most famous building in Greece.

Woke up early for a quick work out and had time to facetime a friend for a few who hadn't gone to bed yet (time zones are weird). Had breakfast downstairs again but this time saw many more familiar faces. Elon offers another trip which is Greece & Italy and that group happened to be staying at the same hotel as us so I was able to see some friends.

We didn't need a bus today because everything was in walking distance. We went to the Acropolis Museum and were the first guests of the day. Our guide, Samaro is very very knowledgable about pretty much everything it seems like. So, the tour was very informational and interesting. We were all excited to go up to the actual Acropolis that I don't think we got to enjoy the museum portion as much. But, after a few hours it was finally time. Its funny because the Parthenon is the signature of Greece and we have physically been able to see it since we've been in Athens so our excitement has been building for quite some time now.

It was a lot of walking and stairs and climbing but the views were so worth it. Each of the buildings were so big and the view of the city made it look like it went on forever and ever. Besides the walk being long up the mountain(?) our guide stopped multiple times to teach us about the history of the buildings as well as modern stories that have happened in Athens.

When we were finallllly at the top I got a migraine which was a bummer but it's okay I survived. The actual Parthenon was very underwhelming just because it was under construction so it was the least appealing to look at. But, we will be back in Athens at the end of the month and I wouldn't mind coming back up here simply for the view.

Since our guide always has so much information to share we ran over time even though we had a lunch reservation. But, we had 20 minutes on our own for photos before meeting back at the bottom to head to the restaurant. Food was family style/pre-ordered again aka lots of different meats.

After lunch we had the rest of the afternoon by ourselves. I went with a group of girls shopping in the streets before my roommate, Hadley, and I went back to the hotel. It was supposed to storm really badly today so we didn't want to get stuck outside plus we had some homework to get done (yes, we do have homework on this trip).

Speaking of the weather... our travel plans may change, unfortunately. Tomorrow we are supposed to board an overnight ferry to the beautiful island of Crete were we will visit Heraklion, Matala Beach, and Chania. But, the weather might not be good enough for us to take the ferry. We should find out in the morning what is going to happen, so cross your fingers for good news.

I felt a little guilty for spending the afternoon in the hotel but the rain was a good excuse for us to get our homework done and relax a little after a few long days. We were trying to figure out dinner plans since we were on our own for that. Unfortunately we were both craving a smoothie or acai bowl because after three days we already want a break from Greek food but luckily we found a place in Athens to go to during our free day when we are back here. We decided to just walk the streets until we found something good, and we did -- Arcadia Restaurant. They were very accommodating and polite so it was an enjoyable experience.

After dinner we just hung out and got some more work done so we will be ready to wake up early to check out of the hotel.

"We are all human"

January 6th, 2020

Athens, Greece

Woke up this morning and packed an overnight bag because we wouldn't have access to our suitcases on the ferry and the next day. I got another quick work out in and got all ready and had some breakfast again. We collected all of our suitcases and boarded the bus. It was raining and windy.

We drove for an hour and a half (I slept the entire time) to a very small museum to learn about the Battle of Marathon. After, we went to see the Epiphany Day ceremony but when we got there we realized it was cancelled because of the bad weather. Then, we drove to the Marathon tomb site but when we got inside the gate the guard said it was too dangerous because the wind was making all of the branches fall.

We also got the news that the port has closed all boat sailing for the next three nights so that canceled our plans of going to the Greek Islands. So, we will be in Athens until Saturday. (If anyone has any recommendations, please let me know!)

We drove the hour and a half back (slept the entire time again) to the hotel we just checked out of, to check back into. We were on our own for lunch and we ~thankfully~ were able to order food that wasn't just Greek. We wanted to walk around and explore more but it was still pouring so we went back to the hotel were Hadley and I worked on our homework.

At 4:30 we had a class meeting in a different hotel to talk about new plans and meet for our group project but it didn't take too long.

Since we have been craving an acai bowl or smoothie in general Hadley, Erika, and I decided to take a 16 minute (we mapped it out, I promise) walk to the only acai place in the city. Even though it was raining we bundled up and figured it would be worth it. Well, 16 minutes turned into 40 and when we got to the place... it was closed, despite listing their holiday hours online. But, we did find a new part of the city that was really cool and took note of a lot of places that we want to come back to. We decided to taxi back to the hotel and even though the first taxi driver denied us because of our language barrier we loved our actual driver. He knew limited English but definetly made an effort with us. You could tell he only knew a few words but he felt proud to know those. He kept repeating "Opa Opa Opa Opa... mother, father, brother, sister" He was genuinely a very nice man and it was cool to meet an actual local, not just our tour guides who are obligated to talk to us. It was very refreshing and a nice experience.

Everyone was really really bummed that we can't go to the Greek Islands because thats what everyone says is the best part of the trip and what I, personally, was looking forward to. But, even though I am upset, we are trying to make the most of being "stuck" in Athens. We are in Greece! And there will be plenty to do and our rainy lost adventure tonight proved that. If we had gotten on that boat tonight we wouldn't have seen this part of the city, we would not have known to come back here & we would not of had this memory together.

I was looking stuff up and we already have a few ideas of things we want to do and I am excited for them and for the rest of the trip. Guess I just have to come back to Greece some other time in my life and be able to go to the islands (when its sunny, so even better than to experience them in the cold and rain).

"mystery creates wonder and wonder is the basis of our desire to understand"

January 7th, 2020

Athens, Greece

Had a later start today so I woke up, worked out in the room, and had breakfast -- just like normal. Had to meet my class in the lobby at 10:45 to walk to a hotel down the street for a Greek lesson. Our tour guide was teaching us the Greek language and it is pretty difficult but I am happy that they are teaching us. We can visibly see others Greek people that we encounter happier when we speak in Greek, even if its just one word or two. It's the effort that makes it special. Plus, you feel a little more connected to the place the more you can understand the language.

Afterwards we had just a few minutes before meeting for lunch in our hotel. It was supposed to be a buffet lunch which I was excited for. Whenever it's a regular meal it usually takes very long and they continuously bring out so much food and we feel bad about how much goes to waste. But, it was a 3 course meal featuring a mystery meat.

After lunch we had about 20 minutes before meeting back again to head on the bus. Laid down for 10 minutes before getting dressed because I seem to be so tired everyday. We got on the bus and even though it was a 20 minute ride, I fell asleep. Something about that bus, I can never stay awake.

We got to a theater were we did a mask making work shop which was really cool. In partners we covered each other's faces with plaster gauze. They came out a lot better than I thought. And even though you kind of felt trapped -- the gauze harden very quickly and your whole face (including your mouth) is covered, it was really cool. And we got to keep our masks.

We also saw a short play upstairs to learn about Greek tragedies and to learn about different custom techniques including puppetry.

Afterwards we headed to the bus to go back to the hotel but some girls and I decided to stay in this area so we could walk around and shop. What we didn't realize was that it was a 50 minute walk back to the hotel. We went to a few stores but decided to head in the direction of the hotel.

Good news, we made it to the smoothie/acai place and it was so good and refreshing to have. We told them we were going to come back everyday but they said they are closed on Wednesdays (oh well).

We planned on walking the rest of the way back (20-30 minutes?) but were really cold so we got a taxi.

Got back to the hotel and did today's homework and relaxed. Heading to bed earlier so hopefully I won't be as tired tomorrow.

"This is the real secret to life -- to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now"

January 8th, 2020

Athens, Greece

First sunny day in a while!

Same routine: wake up, work out, breakfast, meet in lobby. This time for a walking tour. So, we walked to the other side of the Acropolis to go to the Agora which was essentially used for everything in Ancient Greece (markets, gatherings, gymnasium, votes). It has a lot of remains and some ruins but for the most part it was fields of green. We walked around and it was super cold and windy but we were just happy it wasn't raining so we could actually be outside.

After the tour we had a lunch break in the main square of this part of the city. I wasn't hungry enough to spend money if I wasn't going to eat everything so I didn't order anything but the girls said I could pick off their food. But, while everyone was eating the waiter randomly brought out a free plate of fries which was so nice. We had to rush our meal to meet our class back in the square.

We walked across the city and found a bunch of cool places (to eat, shop) along the way. We stopped at the Parliament building along the way on the hour so we got to see the changing of the guard ceremony (I don't think I appreciate the significance enough because honestly I just feel bad for the guards for having to constantly do this). We made it to a small art history museum where we were actually allowed to guide ourselves through. It was nice to have some freedom but we definetly lacked on learning some information.

Hadley and I opted to walk the half hour back to the hotel but the walk was really nice and we stopped in the National Garden on the way. Plus, the wind definetly died down so the walk wasn't bad at all.

We had about an hour to relax and work on homework before meeting for class again. We met in the lobby and walked to the other hotel for our classroom for our Greek Language lesson #2. This time we learned how to write our names and one by one we went to the front to write it out. (Mine is Κέιλι Μερφι) which I happen to really like. The lesson lasted about an hour and a half (which some announcements and updates thrown in) but I didn't even want the lesson to be over I was really enjoying it.

Hadley and I went back to the hotel and really wanted crepes but didn't think it would be such a hassle to figure out. We were looking up places nearby but the restaurants on google are really not great here - they usually don't have menus, don't always have their hours & might not have photos. So we couldn't tell if any of the places were open. I went down to the lobby to ask if they could call one of the places to ask if they were open but the number was out of order so the two people behind the desk were trying so hard to search for other places and I felt bad but they were having a hard time.

We decided to just walk and hope for the best and if we didn't find it then we would just pick something else. Luckily we figured out the faster way to get to this part of the city (not like the 40 minute walk in the rain the other day) so it was easy. We found a crepe place that had so many different options and the staff was very nice so we were pleased.

The crepes were so big so we weren't able to finish them but I wouldn't mind going back! We got to the hotel and hung out and finished homework (and didn't have energy to hang out with other people -- oops). But going to rest up and sleep in a little later tomorrow!

New update to the itinerary: staying in Thessoloniki an extra day instead of coming back to Athens early.

"Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of traveling"

January 9th, 2020

Athens, Greece

Free day! (kinda)

During the fall portion of this course we completed group projects on different topics (art, gender roles, tourism, theatre, etc) about ancient Greece. While we are here we must present on our topic regarding modern Greece. So today, we were given free time to devote to our research -- we had to go to museums or conduct interviews on our topic.

My group and I are doing tourism and travel so we were told to talk to someone in the ministry of tourism so we went there this morning (I was able to get us there with no GPS or map). When we got there we talked to the receptionist and we kept getting passed along to other people because nobody could seem to understand what we wanted. In the end I don't think anyone had time to talk to us without an appointment but we did get someones email for us to send questions to.

We went back to the hotel and drafted that email before going back to our rooms to leave our jackets (because it was finally nice out!)

We headed out to a famous sandal place where two girls got sandals -- I might buy a pair when we come back to Athens if I don't buy anything else during the trip. We spent so long walking around the entire city and going in shops and we got acai bowls again. We were out for hours and it ended up getting really cold but before we got back to the hotel we stopped at this street/little neighborhood that I've been wanting to go to because it looked very, what you picture when you think of Greece. I am happy I was able to see that.

When we got back to the hotel I took a nap and then relaxed until dinner. The same group of girls went. We decided that since we have so many group meals and they are all Greek food, whenever we are on our own we won't get Greek. So, we actually went to the Hard Rock Cafe which was very familiar. Afterwards, Erika and Hadley got ice cream for our walk home. We just hung out in the hotel a little before bed.

Tomorrow is our last day in Athens before moving around a bunch!

"travel is the most intense form of learning"

January 10th, 2020

Athens, Greece

Last full day in Athens (til the end of the month)

Same routine in the morning. Met to leave the hotel at 10 which was a pretty late start for us. Our guide decided she wanted to show up on public transportation today. So, we walked a few blocks to the bus stop and took that a few stops away. We were touring the city center which was really cool.

There was a huge "pool" outside and had water in fountains shooting up to the rhythm of the music that was playing. There was an ice skating rink and places to eat outside. The actual main building was stunning -- a very modern design. There was the National Library of Greece which was hugeeeee, some cafes, an opera house, and a sky deck. The views at the very top overlooked the entire city and were breathtaking.

When the tour concluded, we grabbed a quick bite to eat downstairs and everyone was surprised at how good the food was.

We were going to a different hotel back in the center of the city so we went back to the bus stop. We went a few stops and were supposed to get off at the next stop but the bus driver said where we currently were was the last stop. Apparently, he wasn't going any further because there were demonstrations (that we got warned about) happening in the city. I'm not entirely sure what the demonstrations were for but they involved schools/teachers.

We ended up going underground to take the metro closer to the museum. PSA: public transportation is difficult with 34 people.

When we came up from the metro I knew exactly where I was and could get back to the hotel without directions, even though I had never walked in that exact spot of the city. And that’s when I realized how much time I have spent in this city.

The museum we went to was very big and I think we were all very burnt out but our tour guide is amazing and so knowledgeable so I wanted to focus as much as I could so I could take advantage of all of this information.
When the tour was over we started heading home. The walk to the hotel is about a half-hour but after 10 minutes we realized that Hadley forgot her backpack there so I and her head back. We got it but decided to taxi instead of walking again.

We relaxed a little waiting for others to wake up so we could go to dinner. Some of the girls wanted acai so of course, we were going with them. We walked all the way there to realize that they had already closed :( So, we had to get other food I got a pizza-ish thing and some people got crepes. We made it back home where I did homework and re-organized my bags.

We leave tomorrow in the early morning for our bus ride to Nafplio. I am not sure what kind of service I will have for the rest of the trip but I hope to have enough to upload these... wish me luck!

"don't rush anything when the time is right it'll happen"

January 11th, 2020

Athens, Corinth & Nafplio, Greece

Leaving Athens today!

Woke up at 7 for an earlier start today but still got my workout in. Had my last breakfast at this hotel for now and I really wonder how the food will be at the other hotels. This breakfast isn't horrible but could be better but who knows maybe this is the best we'll get.

We boarded the bus and drove a little over an hour out of Athens for our first stop at the Corinth Canal. (I slept the whole ride... shocker) The canal was really cool and we had the chance to walk over the passenger bridge and we were super high up.

We got back on the bus and then stopped at the Ancient Corinth site where we visited the ruins and another museum. After we were given an hour to get food in the local town but considering the town was pretty empty, there were only two restaurants open and there were two groups of 30 people, it took longer than that. We felt bad because there were only two people working in the restaurant to serve all of us.

We got back on the bus and 45 minutes later we reached Nafplio. I think all of our moods instantly changed for the better. Some of us thought this past part of the trip felt very long but as soon as we got here we were all so happy and excited. Nafplio seems like such a cute, more laid-back, quieter city than Athens. We checked into our hotel which is owned by 3 brothers and just occupied by us but it is built into a mountain and has an amazing view.

We had a little bit of time before walking downtown for dinner where we had another traditional greek meal. Afterward, the restaurant had a greek dance performance where they pulled us all up in groups to dance. It was a really good time and reminded us of the first night.

When we got back, we all sat outside on the balcony/porch area of our hotel and all hung out together which we don't normally do. It's usually very separated by groups so it was nice to all come together and laugh a lot.

I am very excited about the rest of our time in Nafplio I already like it better than Athens. It seems to feel safer and have a better vibe with a view of the water!

"no matter where you are there is always something wonderfully new to be found"

January 12th, 2020

Nafplio, Greece

Best day of the trip, so far.

Woke up and had the same routine as normal just in a different place. The breakfast was much smaller, as expected. But Hadley and I are going to try to go to market later to get some fruit -- because this hotel doesn't have apples for me to take in excess. Hadley and I were looking at our itinerary and we are onto the back side of our sheet. We were reading ahead and can't believe that we are already doing the things we were reading about on the very first day. We can't believe it is going to be over so soon.

We met at the bus but got a late start because we figured out that three people were staying behind because they are sick which is like the 5th occurrence this trip.

We took a half hour drive to the Mycenaean site where we had a walking tour up in the mountains where the citadel was in the ancient times. It was pretty cool to see the graves and tombs and where people lived and the view was cool too.

Afterwards, we drove back to the center of city and drove all the way up the mountain to the Palamidi Fortress which is the highest view of the city. The sights were so breathtaking, the weather was gorgeous, and I was surrounded by great people. We took so many nice photos that I can't wait to share. I am such a sucker for a good landscape and nice pictures so I was pretty happy. Then, we had the choice to either take the bus drive back down the mountain or to take the stairs -- all 999 of them... which we all opted to do. But, it just made the views last longer and some of us might even hike back up because we loved it so much.

We walked into the town for a pizza lunch and dessert crepes which was all pretty good. Hadley and I stayed back to talk to our guide, Samaro, because we were trying to figure out some more greek phrases and you can tell how happy Samaro was that we were engaged and interested on our own.

Hadley and I found a smoothie place that we wanted for dinner but the hours weren't posted online. So, after lunch we wanted to walk by to see how late they would be open. One of our teachers met us for lunch but she missed out on today because she stayed behind with the kids that were sick because one of them needed a doctor. She was bummed out that she didn't get to do anything all day so she asked if she could walk with us. She thought she would be a bother but we genuinely love her company and are happy that she wants to spend time with us. We walked to the smoothie place but it was closed and didn't look like it actually had smoothies, maybe just juice. Then, we found our other teacher and she walked us to the supermarket but that was also closed because it's Sunday.

So, we spent some time just walking around the town and finding a store that we saw last night that we wanted to go back to, so we did a little shopping. This town/city seems very cozy -- all of the buildings are colorful and fun and I really really like it here. I didn't realize how much I needed this place until I got here. I think the same is true for the rest of our class. We all seemed to have such a good day. Not that Athens is bad or anything but we appreciate this place even more after being in Athens, and being disappointed that we couldn't go to Crete.

After, we went back to our rooms and did our homework and looked at / edited photos and then played some rounds of ~wordscapes~ which is the game a bunch of us are currently obsessed with during our bus rides and down time.

We wanted to get something small for dinner that wouldn't take too long because we were pretty tired. We found a place with some nice outdoor seating and split some appetizers. It was just Hadley and I which was pretty refreshing because even though we haven't gone 2 hours without each other since we've been here we haven't gotten sick of each other because our friendship is so easy even after only knowing each other for a little over a week... which I'm so grateful for!

We wanted to have a pretty early night because we are exhausted and have a busy day tomorrow so are trying to get to bed early.

"Every breathe is a gift... from the first to the last"

January 13th, 2020

Nafplio, Greece

Woke up and went for a run today! I have been wanting to run since I've gotten here but the roads in Athens were very uneven and it wasn't the safest area and then yesterday I didn't know my way around this city enough yet. But I was able to run up and down the mountain a little bit to start the day.

We met at the bus and went to the Sanctuary of Asclepius where we learned about the cult of healing and the untraditional process of healing in ancient greek times.

We also visited the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus which was really cool because I've heard about the design of this theater before so seeing it in person was interesting. The way the seats are inclined and the shape of the theater allows for every person in the theater even on the highest row to hear a person speak at a normal voice who is standing on the floor in the center. It's crazy to me that people even back then were able to figure that out.

We got back on the bus and went to a local olive oil press and I actually learned so much. From the ripeness of olives to what difference that makes for the taste of the oil to what makes olive oil last longer. We even got to do a tasting, which was obviously the best part -- and I got to take some home too! Our bus driver remembered that Hadley and I were learning how to say "see you tomorrow" yesterday so every time we got off the bus today he would quiz us.

It was soo sweet, our guide has her favorite gelato place in town and was raving about it and decided she wanted to treat us all to gelato. We drove back to Nafplio and walked to the place and it was closed (????) She said that it's never closed during the day/week like that so she wonders if there was a family commitment/emergency happening. Instead, she said we will get gelato before going on the bus tomorrow.

We had free time before meeting up for dinner. Hadley and I decided to go back to our rooms first to drop our stuff off and write our journals. We took about an hour and then went back out. We wanted to check the smoothie place again, but it was still closed. Then we went to the supermarket where I got some water (because can't drink tap here), some apples, and toothpaste. Then we went back to a shop to look at a backpack that I am, still, debating on buying. We also stopped in a bakery and I got a muffin because we weren't hungry enough for lunch but needed a snack before dinner.

We did all we needed plus walked around the town twice. It's probably good that we are leaving here tomorrow because we realized how small the city actually is, we did everything we wanted to, and we would rather leave while we still liked it -- before getting too bored of it.

We went back to the hotel and relaxed and watched some tv but still had so much time before dinner so we went to hang out in Erika's room for an hour. The way our hotel is set up, the doors for the rooms all face the outside and are built into the mountain so there are outdoor steps to go from each level. We decided to count and it takes 100 stairs to get from our room, at the very top, to our classmate’s room, at the very bottom. So, definitely getting our steps in. Actually, I just checked, and my phone says I did 60 flights of stairs just today.

We met up with the class to walk to our group dinner and even though it was good we always feel so bad at these types of dinners. The portions are so big and they give so much food that sooo much goes to waste so we hate that. Tonight they brought us: our group dinner tonight: bread, salad, fried tomatoes, spinach pies, eggplant in red sauce, meat-stuffed cabbage, potatoes, chicken risotto, pork with tomatoes peppers and rice, chicken and pasta, and a greek yogurt dessert.

Afterward, a few of us walked around the town twice looking for gelato but everything was closed. It's definitely such a seasonal city so it’s a ghost town in the winter.

Packing up and leaving Nafplio tomorrow!

Graffitied on a rock I saw while on my run, translates to scope/think of an ideal society.

"σκεψου ιδανικη κοινωνια"

January 14th, 2020

Nafplio & Olympia, Greece

Had the morning free so we had a later start today. Slept in a little and then went for a run. Ate some breakfast and packed my bags since we are checking out. Met our class at 11 to go to the gelato place our guide tried to bring us to yesterday.

Hadley and I took our bag to the bus and when we were talking to our bus driver we learned the word for a friend so we could greet him and our guide’s friendlier. But we made sure that "friend" wasn't disrespectful even with them being an authority figure.

Apparently, the gelato place is closed for renovations so we went to a different place that is known to be better than the original place. We walked to town to get it and I can't tell you what flavor I got but it was good. We had about an hour to eat our gelato and walk around the town before meeting at the bus. We walked a little bit but I wanted to go to the supermarket to get tangerines to have for breakfast and snacks but when we got there they were all sold out. Sad.

We got on the bus 40 minutes out of Nafplio to a winery. We learned about this specific winery and then had a tasting. After they even gave us an olive oil tasting, yum!

After, we drove 3ish hours to Olympia to our hotel. This hotel is so nice... our room is so pretty and even has a slight downstairs with a couch and balcony. I took a quick shower and then we had to meet for dinner. We just ate in the hotel because nothing else is open in this town down the mountain in the winter. Some of the girls said their rooms weren't nice so Hadley and I figured that maybe we haven't just been getting lucky with our nice rooms -- maybe it's by seniority. Or it's a coincidence that the older kids are getting the better rooms.

After dinner, we had a greek dance lesson. They've been pretty much the same dances that the restaurants have been doing with us at some of our dinners.

There is going to be a lot of travel within the next week so it's going to be fast-paced and busy but I am excited.

"progress not perfection"

January 15th, 2020

Olympia & Delphi, Greece

Woke up, worked out & had breakfast. They had lots of options at breakfast and had a mini "pancake" that wasn't actually a pancake but was still good. I also took some tangerines so I didn't even need to buy them.

Hadley and I were raving about how nice our rooms were only to find out that half the class was in rooms that weren't renovated so they hated their room and said their beds were so uncomfortable.

We boarded the bus and went down the mountain to visit the Olympia site. This was a very cool visit because it's very relevant. You don't realize how much of our modern-day life comes from ancient Greece until you're there learning about it. But the Olympics is obviously something we know about whether or not we are educated. The last stop at the site was the stadium where we had some free time & I can now say that I ran in the ancient Olympic stadium, which is pretty neat.

We also went to a museum that accompanied the site that held different artifacts and treasures won from the games. The overall idea of the Olympic games is pretty consistent but there are many different priorities and differences that have occurred throughout the year.

When we were done we went to lunch and since this is a ghost town we all ate at the only restaurant open. We had a nice individual lunch before our 4-hour bus ride. Halfway through though we took a 20-minute ferry ride instead of going over the bridge. This was really just for the experience rather than the practicality because it would have been faster to take the bridge. But, it was nice to get some air and sit outside for a little bit. A short way down the road we stopped at a huge bakery/ice cream shop where I definitely would have gotten something if I hadn't just eaten lunch, but that's okay.

We continued our drive and the second half was along a coastal highway which is my favorite type of drive so I chose not to sleep so I could watch out the window. We went straight to dinner and then had time to walk around the town where we ate (different from where we are staying) before going to the hotel. During this time, our class learned a valuable lesson. If you feel carsick and want to stay on the bus instead of going to dinner, let someone know. Or else, you will end up scaring the bus driver half to death after he drives away and you tap on his shoulder to let him know you're there. Aka it happened to a girl who didn't wanna make a big deal about her not feeling well that ended up backfiring anyway.

We went to the hotel after and our rooms are nice again and have a really big balcony. I think this town is pretty small too but we are only here for another day. We also added a pottery activity tomorrow since we missed that in Crete which I'm excited about.

"I am an architect of days that haven't happened yet"

January 16th, 2020

Delphi, Greece

One more week left! Trying not to think about that though, because I am trying to continue to live in the moment. Even though I had the stuff to look forward to later today, later this week, and after the trip, I want to just focus on what I am doing right now.

As Hadley and I were working out this morning she called me out to the balcony and when we looked to the right you see mountains and valleys and the ocean. We didn't even notice earlier because it was already dark when we got here.

We got on the bus for a short drive to the Delphi site. This was the site of prophecies in ancient Greece where people would make a pilgrimage certain days out of the year to seek advice to questions and get pretty vague answers that they could interpret how they wish.

While waking to the site we passed a spring water "fountain" where people could fill their water bottles or drink directly from it to get the -- magical wisdom.

We walked around learning a lot about the different buildings and statues and inscriptions. We also took a break to play a game. Our guide split us into two groups: pilgrims and priests. I was in the pilgrim group and we had to come up with a few modern takes on prophesy questions to ask the priests. The answers the priests gave were actually very clever, it was a fun idea.

We finished up the site, had time to take some photos, and then went inside the museum. This museum was quicker and when we were done we got back on the bus to bring us to lunch. The lunch had a very nice view so it was pleasant.

After lunch, we walked up probably 17 flights upstairs in the town to get to a pottery workshop. The man let us into his studio which he opened up just for us (because everything is closed in the winter). He let us in and even served us wine that he made himself. He gave us a lesson where he showed us how to throw a vase on the wheel. It was very cool to see how universal art is because I do the same technique and process at school on the other side of the world. He also gave us some slabs to free paint on to try out different brushes. Then he showed us his gallery where he has some of his work for sale. I of course bought a little bowl 1. because I like his work 2. as someone who has sold ceramics before I felt it was best to support him.

Afterward, we were free for the rest of the day. Hadley and I walked back to the hotel to do our journals and hang out. We really weren't hungry for dinner but didn't want to sit in the hotel for the rest of the night. We went into Erika's room to try to look up things around us and the top searches were all museums or temples, all of which we visited today. So, we decided to walk through "town" the one street that our hotel is on before meeting everyone else for dinner. We walked down the street and there were just a few food options and a chess store open. The rest was closed because this is a ghost town filled with nothing. As we were walking back we found the rest of the group and brought them to the only restaurant on the street that actually had people in it (even though it was just people from our class) we thought that would be the best bet.

We leave pretty early tomorrow which I'm excited about because there wouldn't be anything else to do here.

"Life can be so amazing if we stop all the chasing. Good times are always waiting, so take a look around and you'll never see them wasted"

January 18th, 2020

Kalambaka & Thessaloniki, Greece

Going to our last new city before traveling back to Athens.

Another 4 hour bus ride today... going to our last new city. Sad to be leaving this hotel but excited to head to Thessaloniki because it's a bigger city so there should be more to do. And hopefully the hotel is nice too.

I slept for the first 2 hours before we had a rest stop. Some people bought snacks but I figured we would be eating group lunch soon. Plus I still have my granola bars & some fruit so I didn't buy anything.

Another hour went by and we reached the Macedonian Royal Tombs and museum. This museum was pretty cool because it was underground and replicated the tombs that were built. We learned about the assassination of King Philip II and the controversy of which tomb his body was buried in but to be honest I'm not really sure why it mattered.

We had a group lunch down the road and it was really good and the portions weren't huge. After we had another hour on the bus before getting to our new city and hotel.

I woke up when we got there and I was still so tired because I had a full night sleep, didn't do much & slept for 4 hours on the bus.

We arrived in Thessaloniki and I can tell it is going to be a change of pace. It is very much a big city but is not too aesthetically pleasing besides the fact that it is on the water. Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece so there will be lots to do. Which is a nice difference from the ghost towns we have been in for the past few stops.

Our hotel room is okay and has a balcony again but not big enough to work out on. There is a gym that is also small but that's okay. People said there is a pool and a hot tub so maybe we will check that out.

Hadley and I did homework for a few hours (did today's assignment that took a long time and also worked on stuff that's not due until we get back to Elon) I don't know how people are behind on their homework because it is going to take a while to catch up. I am glad we have a routine and stick to doing our homework each day.

We took a little homework break for dinner and are blessed that there is a juice bar right down the road so we got the acai bowls we have been craving since we left Athens. Lucky for us we have a few individual meals so we'll be able to go back.

Tomorrow we will be doing a driving tour around the city and then will have plenty of time to explore on our own!

"lifes like an hour glass glued to the table"

January 19th, 2020

Thessaloniki, Greece

Today is only a half-day of activities and the rest free so we were allowed to sleep and meet at 9:15. But, Hadley and I still woke up at 7 to work out, get ready, and have breakfast.

Breakfast. It was like Christmas morning. They had waffles.

All I heard from my classmates was "they have waffles" "did you see the waffles" that was the first thing I said to Hadley as I was going back to the room and she was going downstairs "they have waffles!!"

This was definitely the most American breakfast we have had and definitely the best one. I am excited that we have two more breakfasts in this hotel.

After we met for a bus tour around the city. We made some stops: at the white tower, a scenic overlook, a church, some ruins. I was very happy that it was a driving tour because it was realllly cold out.

When the tour was done we were free for the afternoon. We had the option of taking the bus back to the hotel or just walking. Hadley and I decided to walk and go back to the juice bar on our way. But, when we got there, there were about 10 girls from our class who had taken the bus and then walked to the place and just got there. When I was next to order they said they ran out of acai which was a bummer but it good thing their entire menu looks so good. So I got a different berry bowl and almost got a sandwich. But, since we were having a group dinner later I just got the bowl and decided I would get the sandwich tomorrow when we have both lunch and dinner on our own.

There’s no seating inside and since it was freezing out, we took our food back to our room (a short walk down the street). We ate and then did so much homework. After a bit, we took a break and went to the pool/hot tub/sauna with a few other people for like an hour. After I finished up my homework and watched a little Netflix before we had to meet for dinner.

I had high hopes since we were eating in the hotel and the breakfast was good but it was a predetermined meal so I was given beef tenderloin which I did not eat. But I had the appetizers and sides so I was okay.

Erika wanted gelato so we walked around the city but since it's a Sunday everything was closed. We headed back because I wanted to get to bed early today since we didn't have any long bus rides for me to nap during.

Also, this city seems extra unfriendly towards us (tourists??? Americans???) People have been staring all over Greece but it seems extra here as well as genuinely not being as nice. But ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Tomorrow is our last day in this city and we have more free time.

"good things come to those who work for it"

January 20th, 2020

Thessaloniki, Greece

Last day before heading back to Athens.

Got to bed early so I even woke up before my alarm was going to go off at 7:30. Got a workout and shower in before heading down to breakfast at 9 which I've been so excited for.

Everybody enjoyed breakfast again before meeting at 9:30. We were walking today, no bus. Today we were visiting a Holocaust museum and synagogue. Quite a few of my classmates are jewish actually so they were happy this was included in our itinerary. From what I can think of wither 9 or 10 out of the 30 students are jewish which I think is a pretty high number. As we were walking to our tour of the Holocaust museum so we stopped at a monument on the way. We got to the museum and had a tour guide. The whole day was pretty emotional and there were a lot of tears especially from those who were very directly affected by this tragedy. But I do think this experience brought our class together by comforting one another.

After we walked to the synagogue which was cool to see especially in comparison to the churches and monasteries we have seen.

By noon we were free for the rest of the afternoon. Hadley and I went to the tower that has a 360° rotating cafe at the top. So we sat and had a great relaxing view of the city. This is the one thing that I really wanted to do while here so I am glad we were able to do this. I was talking to my teacher later on who has been doing this trip for (10+ years???) and she still hasn't been up there.

We walked back to the hotel after because Hadley had group project she needed to meet for. A dog followed us for a few blocks even waiting for the light to turn red to cross the street with us and everything.

While she was gone, I took a quick nap, watched some TV, and then applied for a bunch of jobs for a while. We didn't have any homework for our daily journals and I already got ahead on other work so I just had a relaxing afternoon.

I was applying for jobs in the upper lobby of the hotel and my teacher saw me so she came and talked to me for about 20 minutes. She is so sweet so it was very nice. She loves being able to get to know different students that she wouldn't normally meet on campus.

After Hadley got back we went to get dinner to bring back to the hotel. We went to the juice bar again (duh) but this time got sandwiches and our bowl. I got acai and then a tomato, mozzerella, avocado & pesto sandwich. The meal was soo good and I'll definetly miss this cafe.

We ate in our rooms and then a little bit later went across the street to the convenience store. We had found a specific chocolate bar that we knew our teacher wanted to try so we got it for her and are going to give it to her tomorrow.

The rest of the night we were just hanging out and relaxing until our lights and power went out all of a sudden. We went outside and apparently our whole floor lost power. We were just hanging out in the dark and it took maybe almost an hour to come back on. We were about to go to the lobby to charge our phones because they were both below 20% and we need to be able to set an alarm for the morning but luckily the problem was fixed (but not fixed quick enough because Hadley had to shower in the dark).

Packed my stuff because we are leaving this city bright and early tomorrow morning.

“Believe good things will happen and create your own luck"

January 21st, 2020

Thessaloniki & Athens, Greece

Today marks the start of a long week of travel. Today we have an 8-hour bus ride, Thursday is an 11-hour flight, Friday is a drive from New Jersey to North Carolina, Friday is a drive from North Carolina to Tennessee, and then back again on Tuesday.

Woke up early and didn't work out because we wouldn't have had time. Hadley and I were already awake but then we had this alarm sound on our hotel room phone and when I picked it up it just kept repeating the same three words in Greek that we didn't understand and then just disconnected. We laugh about it now because we figured out it was a wake-up call but it was the most unappealing way to be woken up.

We packed up checked out, had breakfast & loaded the bus by 8. Today was the first time everyone was actually on time -- only because we had to fight for a good seat/to sit alone during this ride.

Passed and saw Mount Olympus on the way. Thy sky was clear so we were able to see the top peaks. But, the actual mountain is closed during the winter.

I slept a little on the bus and read a little bit. I only downloaded the sample of a book before buying the whole thing. But, I finished reading the sample so I told myself I would just hope there would be wifi at one of the rest stops along the way so I could get the rest of the book. Luckily, less than two minutes later we pulled into a gas station/rest stop where there was wifi so I was able to get the book.

We had a quick stop and then continued on. We stopped for lunch at a cafeteria-style rest stop where we could pick what we wanted that was included. The town that we stopped in is where our bus driver's wife is from so his in-laws joined him for lunch. When we got back on the bus we had a little fun and the bus driver let our guide drive the bus around the parking lot and she was happy because she said she misses driving.

We drove for a few minutes before stopping at the site of the hot springs. The whole plot smelled of sulfur but there were people swimming in the water. The water was from the mountains and we felt it and it was actually hot and steaming.

We only stopped for a few minutes because we were seeing the site of the Spartans which was pretty anticlimactic because the "battleground" is just some grass so there was just a statue monument to mark it. Nevertheless, it was nice scenery with mountains and another chance to stretch our legs during this long ride.

We only had another 2ish hour back to our original hotel in Athens. But, the last half hour or so ended up being our thank yous and goodbyes to our tour guide and bus driver. I am extremely blessed to have had these two. Not only was our tour guide extremely knowledgeable but she constantly went out of her way to teach us extra things we were curious about, help out when our itinerary needed to change, connect us with her friends from around the country & treat us to gelato! Our bus driver, too. His wife is home battling cancer and he is not just driving us around the entire country but he is entertaining us and making connections. Whether it be him quizzing me and Hadley with our new greek words, singing to us to wake us up, stocking the bus with waters, and telling us jokes he added more to the trip. It's people like that, who go above and beyond, that make experiences like these extra special.

When we checked back into the hotel Hadley and I got our original room! A lot of other people's rooms got switched but not us. It's so weird that we started and ended the trip here.

We both had to meet with our groups to work on our presentation but then Hadley and I went to our original smoothie place for dinner. It's also weird that we are able to get around this city with no map or anything (I mean it does make sense because we spent so much time here but it's also just weird to be back).

Got back to the hotel to finish up some homework and watch TV before bed.

We have nothing until noon tomorrow so let's see how late I can sleep in.

"true learning is remembering"

January 22nd, 2020

Athens, Greece

Had the whole morning free and didn't have to meet until noon. But, I still woke up before 7:30. Oh well, it was still nice to be able to just relax for a bit before getting up.

I waited for Hadley to be awake before I worked out& showered Then we had breakfast in the hotel together.

I went back to the room to finish up my presentation notes. We had end of the course group project/presentations so we did that at noon for about 2 and a half hours. We then had about an hour long break before meeting again. Me and Hadley went into a book store cafe looking for a book to get but didn't end up buying anything. We also went into a little convenience store where I bought a little pin. I was looking for a small snack because we didn't have enough time for a full lunch but wanted something to hold me over. I ended up just having a granola bar.

We met as a class again at 4 where the bus brought us across town. We had a cooking demonstration and olive oil tasting. The class got split in half so my group had the cooking first. We watched / helped out a chef and then ate what we cooked. (I don't remember what it's called but essentially it's a stack of potato, meat, eggplant & a cream). It was a different and fun experience.

Then we switched with the other half of the class. When we sat down there were two wine glasses but they didn't have wine in them, they had olive oil. We tried the olive oil by taking a sip. If there is ONE thing I have learned throughout this month it is that the Greek love extra virgin olive oil and swear by it's health benefits. The olive oil was accompanied by some tomatoes and cheese.

After, they gave us a whole baked potato and them smothered it in olive oil as well. And then! they gave us a wine glass full of chocolate mousse (sugar free) which tasted good. But... the man said he wasn't finished. He then continued to pour olive oil in our chocolate along with salt and told us to stir it up. I was scared to try it but it was actually really good and I'm not the biggest chocolate person. But everyone liked it and he says this is a "healthy" dessert.

When we left dinner, we took the bus back to the hotel and dropped off our stuff. Some of the girls met back up to go out. Erika wanted a gyro so we got that, then went to some different souvenir stores & then some people got gelato. It was nice to walk around with everyone.

We got back to the hotel and it was time to pack. I brought a suitcase and a duffle bag with me for ease purposes (just throwing my dirty clothes in the duffle bag just to keep them separate for the most part). But, on the way here they made me check my duffle. So, I was able to actually fit everything into my suitcase. I am just hoping that it is within the weight limit, but we shall see.

When we finished packing, Hadley and I decided we should celebrate our last night so we went back out and we got gyros this time which was very good. We were very sentimental walking home along the Acropolis which is a sight that we were so lucky to live right next to. I have definetly been at peace with where I was in this trip and had a good time but was also okay with it ending soon. I did all of the things I wanted to do. But something about walking home for the last time on the streets that became so familiar to us. Walking past the kiosk where we bought water from on the very first night with strangers who became some of my closest friends it very nostalgic.

Tomorrow we have a farewell lunch before heading to the airport. Going to try to get some sleep now because I know my schedule is about to be all sorts of messed up starting tomorrow.

"no matter how far you have gone down a wrong road, turn back"