EC EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SUMMER PROGRAMS: Entry #6 6/22/17

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Entry #6 6/22/17

This past week has been full yet exhausting which is something I've come to expect in this past month. The group spent three nights in Cyprus, just outside of Nicosia's old Venetian walls. Upon arrival, it seemed that everyone was too hungry to function. The barbecue chicken pizza I ordered was heavenly, and I could take up an entire blog post talking about it. I'll restrain myself to just a few lines. The crust was so fluffy, but dough underneath was so thin. The chicken was cooked perfectly which sizzled on the cheese that reached a light golden hue. The barbecue sauce drizzle on top was the absolute crown jewel of this entire endeavor. I ordered a medium so I could have some for later, and well, let's just say none got taken home for later. Anyway, the first day was a Sunday, so it was rather light, and consisted of a walking tour of the old city and a very detailed history of the Turkish occupation and negotiations in Cyprus. It's one of the most complex situations that exists in the world today, and the negotiations seem to reach further from an outcome each and every day. The next day consisted of classes and a trip to the southern city of Lemassol. The city is emerging and all of the waterfront property was in the process of catering to the influx of tourists. That day felt like forever considering the bus ride lasting over two hours. That day made me realize the importance of state capitals being accessible to water. Nicosia is not a port city, as it sits in the center of the island. Therefore, going anywhere in the state takes a long time and has the potential to reduce the state's capacity. Anyway, the next day consisted of a tour of the Nicosia International Airport buffer zone. This was amazing to see how nature effects an abandoned structure, and the United Nations in a practical setting. Theoretical education about this superstructure fails to encapsulate what was seen in this deserted airport. I enjoyed Cyprus more than Rhodes because it didn't have a noticeable mass tourism factor, and the food was absolutely my favorite so far (plus we had the privilege of flying RyanAir). There is still some time to go in Crete, so until next time,

Teddy Miele

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EC Eastern Security Studies Program

In the summer of 2011, as the "Arab Spring" was unfolding and the "Eurozone Crisis" was entering its second year, the Emmanuel College Eastern Mediterranean Security Studies Program was established in Crete, as a way to make the location the classroom. Beyond the grand theoretical, historical and political understanding that can be achieved through reading and classroom discussion and exchange, a more immediate, intimate and truer appreciation of the complexities can only achieved by experiencing the cultures, languages of personal interaction.

Since 2012 students have been able to combine an intensive curricular study, with the experience of immersion and living in a local setting. The geopolitical and geoeconomic forces that have acted in the region for centuries, can be identified in the classroom, but they can only be understood by being there. This year's EC EMSS Program will add a fourth week of study, experience and exploration and will also travel to the islands of Rhodes, and Cyprus. In Rhodes we will be partnering with the Prefecture of Southern Aegean and the Aegean University, while in Cyprus we will be hosted by the University of Nicosia.