Military Museum and Souda Bay Allied Cemetery

This week we were privileged to tour the Military Museum in Rethymno and the Souda Bay Allied Cemetery, along with other attractions. At the museum, we spent a few hours looking and learning about the weapons, uniforms, and military decorations from different wars and eras. I able to further understand the geopolitical strength of Crete. Though only an island, Crete was able to successfully defend itself against 20,00 German paratroopers. I was amazed by how the allied forces overcame the Germans despite not being as advanced in weaponry.

 It was cool to see the type of gun Hitler and his wife used to commit suicide. (Picture above)

German Weaponry

 

Note the differences in the German uniforms versus the Greek uniforms. Germans were clearly far more advanced. It was interesting that the flower on the arms of the German uniforms was an Edelweiss, which grow on mountains under harsh climates. This was to symbolize that the Germans can overcome anything no matter how difficult the environment may be. The allied forces certainly proved that theory wrong!

 On Wednesday, we made a quick stop to visit the Souda Bay Allied Cemetery. It was emotional but also very peaceful and surreal. It was moving to see the whole crew of several bomber planes all buried together. The grounds were so beautiful with each headstone covered with flowers. This was a great location to reflect on the lives of the WWII soldiers, sailors, and airmen that sacrificed everything to fight. It was sad to see some headstones stating “believed to be the remains of ******”, meaning they were unknown.

It is really interesting to be visiting a lot of the places that are directly related to the discussion we have in class. I am excited to see what this weekend brings!

Pip pip didlee doo,

Tess

Allied War Cemetery and Agronomic Institute

Yesterday, we visited the Agronomic Institute and the Allied War Cemetery. Personally, the Agronomic Institute was interesting in the sense that although I don’t know much about the science behind much of what the professor spoke about, it was fascinating to see the labs and the seed bank. The lunch was also AWESOME. The second half was the cemetery, after seeing the German cemetery the difference was obvious. Less rigid and just a memorial, but it showcased the reality of the men who served. The shocking fact that many were unidentified, and others were my age, or even younger, made me think about the age of many of the German soldiers who also lost their lives, dying for a fight they might not have agreed with. 

Visit to the NATO Missile Firing Installation

Today we visited the NATO Missile Firing Installation located in Souda Bay. We started off with a briefing of their history and what they do. Established in 1964, it was build after the “Multilateral Agreement” was signed by several nations in NATO. Once used by 8 NATO States, it was reduced to 3 permanent users, The Netherlands, Greece, and Germany for launching practice tactile missiles. The location is seen as a prime location to practice missiles, with it being close to water and Crete being in the center of the crossroads between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Any country can use the Installation to fire with the approval of the three user nations, and if it is a country outside NATO, another NATO council.

What struck me the most about the Installation was the how technologically advanced it was. In my mind, I had pictured something of the sort of thing you would have seen in the 1983 film “Wargames.” Instead it was clean and organized. The actually launch site was huge, as you’ll see below. All the firings are conducted over a sea area of 166km in length and 87 km in width, with potential to expand if needed. It was also surprising to realize that they only do practice missile. During a time of crisis they would not be used to launch attack missiles, but they continue to work on bettering themselves as Installation. 

6/30/16

Boom Boom I'm a missile
Today we went to the missile firing installation, hence the boom boom part. It was cool, pretended to hit the "fire" button in the control room heheh.

RIP to the little kitty that has passed, WISH IT HAD A PROPER BURIAL BUT theres nothing I can do now. Now there is only one left at the institute, and she gets really lonely and upset when no one is around. So because she lost her kitten family, we (humans) must be the new family for baby kitty Asteroid (Astro for short). That was she doesn't have to be all alone and cry. I have pretty much domesticated her woo. Also thought she was a he, woops.
ANY IM FALLIGN ALSEEP WRITITNG THIS GOOD NIGT 

NATO missile firing installation

Today we visited a NATO missile firing installation.  This rage is a testing facility funded by Greece, the Netherlands, and Germany.  I found it interesting how enormous the missile launch zone is.  Before every launch, the entire zone has to be cleared of all aircraft and marine activity. The image below is of the radar which detects all sea and air traffic in the launch zone all hours of the day.

I was most fascinated by the cooperation between the missile firing installation and European countries who wish to use the facility.  A non NATO member is allowed to test their missiles and air defense systems with the approval of the installation.  I find this to be a method of globalization through collaborating new innovations in defense systems.  

Today our visit to the NATO Missile Firing Base was very interesting. This reinforced the importance of Crete as a strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea, located between Europe, the Middle East and Africa. It was stated that this base was the largest and most important missile firing base (training base) in the Eastern Mediterranean. What surprised me was that this instillation was only used for training and would not be used in any real combat situation. Also, I was fascinated by the high tech missiles that could travel across a long distance in seconds. WOW!

Also our visit to the Allied WWII cemetery yesterday was eye opening. I think it is easy to feel detached from information and statistics that are learned in class. However, when seeing rows and rows of grave stones with your own eyes, war and death becomes much more realistic. Although it was very sad to think about the thousands of deaths, it also was a reminder of how conflicts and ideological differences can result in tragedies.

On a lighter note, the lunch that we had today at the NATO private beach was wonderful and fishy. I tried some octopus, calamari, and some Greek fish that looked like sardines. So good!!

Visit to NAMFI

Today we went to the NATO Missile Firing Installation where we had a short introductory presentation explaining their mission and what they do. Their goal is to "provide the Army, Navy and Airforce Air Defense units with the ability to conduct firings successfully and safely." After, we went to see the launch area and the control room they use when they are testing missiles. It was interesting to find out that the user nations of this installation are Germany, the Netherlands, and Greece because I was expecting there to be more involvement from the U.S. and other NATO countries. I was also surprised to hear that more and more private companies are using NAMFI to test their missiles and drones. The Major from the Greek military who gave us the tour provided us with some information directly related to the courses we are taking here, including the geopolitical importance of Crete being in the crossroads of three different continents. He also outlined how the structure of NATO works to cooperate with all countries and corporations.

Greek Orthodox Monastery

On Monday, we visited the Greek Orthodox monasteries of Chrisopigi in Transfiguration and Agia Kiriaki.  I found their method of living incredibly humble.  They built this beautiful monastery out of 100% stone and with very little invasive building techniques.  Leaving the earth and soil in the purest form possible was their major ambition.  Once the stone structure was complete, all 45 sisters engraving the pillars, floors, and all the stone artwork. They also painted the disciples and religious figures for a variety of chapels surrounding the monastery.  Not only did they use sustainable building techniques, but they grow their own crops to provide for themselves. Al

I found the visit at this monastery quite magical.  I was amazed by the pure love that filled the sisters hearts. They dedicate their lives to the faith of God and believe he is within all of us.  One doesn't have to be religious to truly appreciate their sacrifices and sustainable believes.

This is what we do at dinner....

Here are some nice photos taken during dinnertime. Guess who...

Today we visited the MAI Chania- The Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania. I really enjoyed this since I have an interest in sustainable agricultural practices. Some of the topics that we discussed prior to going included the issues of food insecurity and mass food production achieved with the use of chemistry and new technologies. We also talked about Monsanto and the patent that they have on seeds which is a very controversial issue today when it comes to farming. I find this all very interesting and relevant since I work at a farm that is trying to crow crops with sustainable and organic practices. I also enjoyed the lecture given at MAI by one of the professors. Although he focused a lot on the scientific aspect of sustainability, it was valuable to hear his opinions along with the research that is being done there. I think in the future I would possibly consider going to an institute such as MAI to continue my education on sustainability and the environment.  

Military Museum and Rethymno

Today we visited the Greek military museum in Rethymno. Two young soldiers from the Greek army gave us a tour, and both they and the artifacts in the museum were very interesting. They were telling us about the requirement that every Greek man must serve at least 9 months in the military, which is much different than how the United States' military works. While U.S. soldiers more than likely chose to join the military, you could tell that the true interests of these Greek soldiers were somewhere else. One was studying archaeology and history and the other ancient Greek studies, which they were both very eager to tell us about. They also missed their beards!

The museum itself had weapons and uniforms from the Balkan War and others, but a large focus was on WWII. It is amazing how the people of Crete were able to defend the island against 20,000 German paratroopers for as long as they did, considering they did not have as advanced weaponry. Visiting this museum really reinforced the strategic and geopolitical importance of Crete.

Photos from Cretan Culture Night, June 24, 2016

Realism is a semantic and political disaster

I have a semantical issuewith the term "Realist". Realist policy is the basis for many definitions of  many other IR terms, with things like Liberalism and Institutionalism existing because they describe the ways to deal with a realist world to make it more effective. But Realism implies that this view of the world is realistic. That states are aggressive and selfish by nature. And while this may seem like a truth, saying that it realist is hardly anywhere close. Those systems exist because of how we have historically acted in the past. Extractive, military powers have been dominant because they can kill and enslave many in their ways by threats of force. But in our modern world where Liberalism and fair treatment is the predominant focus, these outdated ideals have lead us down a dark path. I feel that a better way to describe Realism is Cynicism, for that is what it is. Idealism is on the opposite spectrum, and Realism shouldn't be about Realpolitik and Machiavellism, but rather understanding when to be Cynical and when to be Idealistic. Or possbily as a way of acting Idealistic in a cynical world. These are not difficult things to do if people put the care into politics that they did interacting with others. Idealism is called idealism for a reason; acting Idealistically. So why is it so often ignored? Kant's idea of the categorical imperative (while not perfect) states that one must act in a way with which they wish the world was. We are taught this way throughout years of education, and it is constantly preached by activists, peacekeepers, teachers, religious officials, and thousands of other careers who wish to make the world a better place. Why don't be heed that call?

The US and China's relationship

after today's discussion on Panama and the Chinese and EU influence in the investments, I thought that the topic that we brought up on a fusion of powers compared to a challenge of powers was something worth diving into. I personally feel that if we treat the Chinese as enemies, then they will act like enemies. Although I disagree with the Chinese method of governance, with dirty industry, corrupt authoritarianism, and aggressive militarism, I feel that we are in the right place right now to welcome them into the globalized world and help bring them to the standards many of us enjoy in the West, Oceania, and Japan/South Korea. China's increasing presence is only as much a threat as we make it out to be. Instead of closing them in throughout the South China Sea, why not welcome them into a coalition of militaries? The US is already stretched out across the world far too much, and a Sino alliance could help with this. Although the Chinese transition towards a higher standard of living and a more liberal, equality-based form of governance will not be an easy or a fast one, it is entirely possible. First, the US must put itself in a position where they can preach such a system. Our infrastructure is crumbling, our military men commit crimes and escape persecution, we are reluctant to punish those in high seats of power, we buy 2 tomahawk missiles and cut funding for a diplomatic mission to an abrasive "ally", we use torture and treat innocent people like criminals and terrorists, we spy on nearly everyone, even our allies, and our politicians can be jingoistic racists. If we continue this trend, how can we say we are any better than those we are trying to help improve? The US is in a very special position right now, and our best method is to kill our enemies with kindness. If we don't take advantage of this opportunity while we have it, we may lose out on what may be the world's greatest opportunity for global peace. If we continue to treat potential allies as threats, then it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. We have to act now before this faux threat becomes a very real one. Although this may seem idealistic, the alternative is slow moving bureacracy or backwards "realist" cynicism.

6/26/16


So today was pretty relaxed, we went to the not so pink sanded beach and the German cemetery. The ride to beach was so enchanting due to the view from the road riding alongside the mountains. I presume that my new found love for mountains is due to where I grew up.  Also I might like mountain because I'm a rock climber and ya know that kinda goes together. Anyway, I fell asleep at the beach today and my poor legs got burnt. They're pinker than the sand was supposed to be. As a little side rant, referring to the German cemetery, WHHHHYYYYY???!! I know the answer is a lot more complex than this but why do people have to kill each other. Yes, you're going to war and killing other people your government told you to and you're just doing what you were told. I got that, I understand why or rather how people end up in these situations, but speaking towards the government I don't. Why is bloodshed the only way to get what you want, why can't the opposition understand through words. I know before a war it starts out with some kind of negotiations, but if one country says no another "No I'm not cool with you invading my land and taking over, please don't do that", then why the f*** do they do it anyone. Both sides know so many lives and money is going to be lost so why even do it. Why can't states or people be happy with what they have? Having more land does what, make you look stronger and give you more resources. Which is only necessary because people can't be content with what they have and have to ruin other peoples lives to get what they want, this isn't a need. It's only viewed as a need because that is the way people have created it to be, the land you have the stronger and better you are than everyone else. All that is truly being achieved is a better status. Which is bullshit if you think about about, we waste peoples lives, people that are no different than you and I, to look better against its peers (other states). Coexist man, we're all human here and we all want the same thing in the end, peace. So let the peace be and stop creating these conflicts, the pen is mightier than the sword.

~~~~~~~tHe EnD~~~~~~~

June 26, 2016 

The rest of this week has been really fun and eventful! On Friday, we had the chance to participate in a traditional Cretan festival (aka the Husband finding festival). We were told we would have to wear costumes, but I wasn't expecting all of those layers! The people at the festival were incredibly welcoming and kind. Irine and Cleo taught us their dances while we tried to teach them ours. The next day we got to go to Bali (the one in Greece). Tess, Donovan (also known as Mikalis), Gabby and I built up the courage to face the water park. The water park was an amazing time, even though we fell on our faces more times than I can count. I hope week 2 has many more adventures! 

The first week has been a blast and hopefully this coming week is even better. I feel like I haven’t slept in a year but its been worth it. My favorite beach that we visited was Elofonisi. Nothing at home can even come close to how beautiful it is. Just travelling to places and taking in the landscape of the island is incomparable. The food that has been prepared for us has not disappointed me once. Everything is fresh and tasty. So thankful for the great hospitality here. The women that cook all day and provide us with anything else we need are nothing less than superhuman. The excursions and activities we have gone to have been enjoyable despite just being for educational purposes (it’s a study abroad not a travel abroad!!). I feel so grateful to be here with everyone and can’t wait to see what this week brings!