Post-Port Reflections on Greece

Greece is a country that is full of surprises in its ancient treasures, its landscape, food and people. Semester at Sea students learned that Greece is much more than white-washed buildings with blue-domed roofs. There are islands with terrain that is reminiscent of Colorado and the drier hills of southern California. And, to stand before the Parthenon, and realize that 2,500 years ago its architects studied the human eye to better understand how to construct the building is awe inspiring. SAS students thoroughly explored the country’s numerous, and gorgeous, islands. And most were impressed by the Acropolis and ruins at Delphi. Scroll down and read their reflections on Greece. Then, visit the Semester at Sea website to view the audio slideshow.

Gian Spells, North Carolina A & T State University
My journey through Greece was a great experience. From just walking around Piraeus to visiting Delphi, Meteora and the Olympic stadium of the 2004 games, the experience was really memorable. At Delphi and Meteora we saw the ancient Greek Oracle, which is said to lie in the center of the Earth. We learned the story of the Oracle and then went on to Meteora to visit the monasteries in that area’s high mountains. The monks use ropes to pull food and other necessities up from the bottom of the mountain. We visited three of the seven monasteries, which were filled with religious symbolism, art, and history. At the Olympic stadium we visited the indoor and outdoor pools, took pictures on the winning podiums and just soaked up the experience. Greece is an incredible country; I wouldn’t think twice about coming back to visit.

Christine Sullivan, Univ. of Connecticut
I spent my time in Greece relaxing on the island of Mykonos. As expected, it was incredibly beautiful with blue Aegean waters, unique Cycladic architecture, and rocky landscapes. I enjoyed “island time” and appreciated the Greek (and overall, European) culture of relaxing and enjoying the moment—not rushing to the next appointment. It was a welcome escape and a different view of Greece.

Samantha Snelling, Colorado State University
So much of Greece reminded me of Italy, especially Piraeus, the port city, with its high-rise buildings and beautiful Greek orthodox churches on every corner. Greeks are very proud of their religion and their beautifully designed churches. I also visited the Acropolis, which was like visiting a lost world. But helping with the special event on the MV Explorer with the Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deree College students was a surprisingly great opportunity. There were multiple different press people there and they were kind of funny. I met a girl named Elenie who attended Deree and we really hit it off. She was wonderful. I am learning, on this voyage that, for the most part, the people, leaders, and faculty are so welcoming and inviting and that helps make this voyage better.