Sunday, June 30, 2019

One Last Time

Coming into this program I was nervous that I didn't know anyone. Leaving this program I am feeling like I have known you all for a lifetime. We spent every day together for the past 30 days, and I don't think I would trade those days for anything. I didn't just make 9  new friends, but 5 sisters and 4 brothers. We formed friendships that I hope last a life time. We also all grew as people, and we grew together. From all trying to pay separately to paying together. We ate together, we danced together, we learned together and we lived  together. We also had our share of head butting, but what is a family without some head butting? I hope that we all go on to learn from our experiences and enjoy the journey like we did here, and not just rush to the destination. If I had to sum up our trip in two words it would go something like his: *Borat voice* Great Success! 

Love you guys! 
- Kostas 

Saturday, June 29, 2019

Thank You for Everything You Gave Me

I took the worst shower of my life on the morning of May 30th right after waking up in my uncomfortable bed that I don't fit in length wise. At this point, I was still frustrated that I was placed in my room with someone who I knew nothing about and couldn't imagine getting along with. On May 30th I was worried that I would have a hard time adjusting to our lifestyle here and I didn't understand how people could put up with the difficulties that we faced at first.

Everything became gradually easier as time passed, thankfully I was able to be in a great group of people who made every day as enjoyable as possible. The shower problem turned out to be for the better, at home I've been known to take incredibly long showers but while here I was able to cut that waste of time and water out while spending more time with others. The size of my bed barely mattered because I never spend any free time in my room and instead used that time to socialize or do work. I've never been much of a morning person up to this point but lately I've felt great getting up early and getting the most out of my day as I can. Some of the greatest moments of my trip came from waking up early like the Pantheon in Rome, the fish markets in Sicily, and the breakfast operations in Cyprus. 

Our internet hasn't been great and my phone broke 10 days ago but in all honestly its been a blessing in disguise. I can't remember the last time that I was able to avoid electronics to this extent, its been liberating to not carry around my phone and continually check for mundane updates every 5 mins. I thought I would struggle to adapt to my surrounding here in Crete and on our travels but I was wrong, some legs of our journey might have been difficult but there isn't a thing I would change given the opportunity. 

Above all else I'm thankful for the experiences shared with me with all of the great people I met along the way. I'm looking forward to catching up with everyone at home as soon as possible because I can't imagine going to long without talking to all of you. In the end, none of our challenges during our travels mattered, what mattered most to me was the companionship that we found along the way. I hope everyone was able to enjoy their time as much as I did and I can not thank you all enough for an incredible month together. We did It and we did it together with smiles and never ending laughter, for that I am ever grateful.

Thank you, 
Nate 

Back to Boston

As our trip nears the end I am reflecting on these past four weeks. When I first arrived here I did not know anyone and was I unsure about how this program would turn out; now I feel like I am part of a new family with whom I have made countless, unforgettable memories. As worried as I was about taking political science courses, everyone was kind to help me and welcome me as a part of this group. I cannot imagine this trip without any one of you; you have all impacted my life and I am grateful to have met all of you. I will cherish the memories from this trip forever and I am so thankful for everyone's kindness and hospitality. I look forward to seeing you all in the fall and I hope you all get back home safely. ❤️

Closing Time

As everyone is packing and people begin their journey back home I can’t help but reflect on the last 4 weeks. Thinking about all the places we’ve traveled to, friendships formed and memories we’ll all have forever. I have both learned a lot about the Mediterranean regarding politics, geography and history but also many life lessons from the experience of being here. I had no idea what was in store for this month-long program when I first boarded my plane in Boston, not expecting this personal, intense, exciting and overall family that I made while being here. Going back home and leaving everyone is something that I am not ready for, but I am thankful that I will be able to take the lessons I learned here and use them again at home. Thank you Professor Vamvakas for taking us to your home and treating us like family and for teaching us lessons I wouldn’t be able to learn anywhere and through anyone else. Thank you to the beautiful women who prepared all of our meals with love and Mr. Kapsomenos for hosting us at this beautiful institute. To my friends that were strangers to me before we arrived in Crete, words to not justify how much you all mean to me, but I think you all know how much you’ve changed my life. Everyone who I’ve met has made me grow and become a better person and I can’t thank you all enough. Safe travels home everyone :’) I love you more than you know.

Thursday, June 27, 2019

American Victory



What this picture represents is what I call an American victory. 
Through analysis of American interventionism and what we have learned in our classes, it is obvious that America destroys as much as it creates, if not more so. As a country, we create long lasting, deep-rooted problems in regions such as the Middle East and Latin America. Then we ignore it until we can’t anymore, create a superficial victory, and celebrate it like we have changed the world for the better. During the gorge hike, I knocked over probably close to a dozen of these zen rock towers on accident. The work of many destroyed in a blink of an eye. Did I record the destruction? No, but I took a picture of the small one I made in the place of a dozen larger. 

“Look guys, we did it.” 

Cavafy


Throughout the program we have had several lectures on Cavafy and I think they fit the theme of the trip very well. I liked comparing the different poems from Ithaka, what I thought was more of an optimistic poem, to more pessimistic poems like In Sparta and The Naval Battle. I think Cavafy's poems really helped us with our understanding of the Mediterranean’s history because it is important to not only know the events of the past, but to also feel the emotions of those who lived through these events. I thought our lecture in Cyprus was very impactful; reading the poems and then watching them being performed gave each poem an even more intense meaning. The poems helped me improve my understanding on Cavafy's pessimism and the depression that arises from acts of war and killing. I am glad I was introduced to Cavafy and I look forward to reading and interpreting more of his works.

Night tour of Nicosia

On our last night in Nicosia, we were given a very insightful tour of the city. While walking along the Greek and Turkish Cypriot border, the sight of the barbed wire, the bullets on the liberty statue, the military guards, the provocative signs, and the different flags waving in the air was surreal and at the same time unsettling. Our tour guide was an anthropologist and his perspective on the Cypriot issue, as well as all other internal social and cultural difficulties eroding the democratic status quo of the state, was truly unique, something that we could never experience and gain meaningful knowledge on in a classroom setting and on textbooks. It is still hard for me to even imagine what living in an occupied territory would involve on a daily basis, but I am more than thankful for this unforgettable experience through which I was able to expand my knowledge and interest in the political and social peculiarity of Cyprus.

Split in Time

When living in the US, it’s easy to forget about how popular some of the tv shows, news outlets, and other forms of media can be. Live streams premier on sites like YouTube and Twitch throughout the day in the US, but many of the times these shows or videos are broadcaster are during times when Europeans sleep. For those that speak English and enjoy American shows, playing catch up is the only option. For us, we would’ve had to stay up to watch a several hour long debate at 4:00 in the morning. It’s a very strange experience to come to that realization. There’s almost an element of disenfranchisement with connecting to your culture back home if you’re an American. This isn’t really something I’ve thought about before, but now that I’m aware of it I’m sure I’ll consider it more frequently. 

Nationalism and Borders


Being born in post-2001 world, I have only known one world, which is the world full of borders. During this whole entire trip, I have heard from many academics and people generally that borders are artificial and a recent phenomena in the world. In the past, people were able to travel anywhere and were not as limited as we are nowadays. For me this is something that is very hard to understand because especially having a passport that puts all kinds of limitations on me, I have learned that this world is in fact defined nowadays with borders. I always have to get visas or travel long distances to finally reach my destination just because of those borders and the passport that I have. This is the reality for many people, if not worse. People, especially from the states or who hold powerful passports, do not come to understand these issues as much I believe because they don’t experience the hardships. During this trip, we have talked about the issues of migration and immigration greatly and have seen that many governments today take a very isolating approach and build walls rather than opening up and taking in migrants and immigrants. This is the reality that I have grown up in and I am not sure if it will change in the future. Maybe I am pessimistic because I haven’t seen the world before 9/11 however I know that it is a real issue for many. I was fortunate to be able to legally go through the process of immigration but yet understand that many don’t have the luxury or the opportunity to do so. Another aspect that affects this issue of migration and borders is the notion of nationalism. I didn’t know how nationalistic I am till I immigrated to the United States and during this trip definitely people have seen the nationalistic aspects that I have. Reflecting back, I at times am surprised of how nationalistic I am because I realize that this nationalism is actually a real issue for many. Especially in this part of the world, because of nationalism governments stop taking in immigrants and migrants that are desperate to find a safe shelter. Generally speaking, the whole idea of nationalism is interesting because originally most of the states started out as one nation and over time there have been mixing of populations and nations. On one hand you have a country that wants to preserve its national character and on the other hand, you have human beings who need to migrate and honestly I don’t really know who is to blame because I understand both sides equally. I don’t know what I would do or how I would feel if one day I returned to Armenia and Armenians were a minority in the country. One thing that I know though is that during a time when this is a hot topic, I am going to keep up with it and not choose sides because it is more complex than most people think.

The Globalization of Culture


The Mediterranean Sea and the states that surround it offer several distinct cultural experiences as well as their own interconnected history as a region. Over the last month, our group has witnessed several different ways of life from the quiet villages in the Crete mountains to the cosmopolitan life in Rome. In Alikianos, we were surrounded by each other for weeks eating traditional meals and focusing on our studies. In Crete we were able to distance ourselves from the hustle that we experience back at home. It was an almost therapeutic experience being far away from the endless advertisements, the rotating media cycle and the constant bombardment of information. However, as far as we get from home we are constantly reminded of our globalized world around us. We saw Ben and Jerry's in Chania, McDonalds in Sicily, KFC in Malta and Starbucks in Cyprus. The most glarring experience happened when we went to find food and drinks following our tour in Mdina, Malta. Our group decided to follow a street ornate with several flags, banners and decorative lights. We found ourselves in a crowded square as an orchestra echoed through the streets. At this point we decided to sit down and take in the unexpected experience. As one piece came to an end, the orchestra began another, however, this tune sounded eerily similar. There we stood, thousands of miles from home, on another continent, on a minuscule island in the middle of the Mediterranean, listening to the Star Wars theme song.

Roma


Almost everyone dreams to visit Rome, a beautiful city overflowing with breathtaking ruins from the past. Our experience in Rome is something I will never forget. It was incredible to see all the layers of history as we walked through the city. We saw beautiful structures, such as the Pantheon, that have incomprehensible years of history within them. The Pantheon went from being an ancient Roman temple to a church. This is a perfect example of how religious beliefs change through the years, while structures like the Pantheon remain and have different meanings. Inside the Pantheon there was also a memorial for the founding father of Italy, King Vittorio Emanuele II, and his son. I think it is amazing how just one building can hold innumerable memories that go so far back in history.

Changing times, Changing fruits

Crete is an island of mountains and valleys- which allows it to foster many different agricultural products from chestnuts in the mountains, olives at the base, and oranges in the tropical valleys. Despite being such a personal, traditional and isolationist society, the Island of Crete has not been exempt from the global avocado craze. Oranges used to be a staple export for the island, but with the prices so low, and resources so scarce, it is no longer viable to grow them. So across the island, people are cutting down their orange trees and replacing them with Avocados, as they are very profitable. Yet this comes with a high risk since the farmers are putting all of their efforts towards this one export. It is all well and good until the first bad season, or the first disease hits the crops. And therein lies the problem of the rentier state. It will be interesting to see how the island does with avocado exports in the future.

Layers of History


The first thing you notice about Crete is how beautiful it is. It’s an Island of mountains, breathtaking sunrises and undisturbed land, the likes of which is not seen in America. But it’s easy to be trapped in that; to be hypnotized by the aesthetic. That is a trap; while parts of the land look as though they have never been touched, in reality, the Island has more history than any place in the United States. Just down the street from the institute, there is a castle that used to belong to the Sultan of the province, whose land was divided up and built upon and later taken over by the Nazis to be used as a base of operations. Today, the people of the island are building small homes on the land. But I would have never learned that if I just thought “oh, cool, a pretty old building”. If this trip has taught me anything it’s to look, not just see. 

Overall Progress


Being almost done with the program, I can certainly say that everyone participating has definitely learned a great deal. We all have grown academically and as people as well. Personally, I think I have gained so much from this program and this experience. I remember starting the program back in Alikianos on May 30th and not knowing what to expect. The first two weeks of the program were spent mostly in the classroom which prepared us for travelling. The first two weeks were interesting now that I look back because everyone was new and everyone wanted to show their nice sides. People opened up over time and their true colors came out. I don’t mean it in a bad way rather in a good way because we all got to know who we really are, especially during the time that we were away from Crete. I got to know the good and bad sides of people and they got to know those sides of me as well. I usually don’t open up to people easily however some people were able to get to know me. I don’t trust people easily and try to keep my life private because of trust issues but my roommate taught me that opening up is not a bad thing. Sharing my personal life is something that comes very hard for me but that’s one area where I certainly improved during the duration of the trip. The whole experience overall is so amazing that there are so many things to say but I can’t even put them into words. My favorite part of the whole trip, that at first, I thought I hated is the emotions. This program is designed to push you outside of your comfort zone and it pushed me a lot at times. I sometimes had many meltdowns and ups and downs but now that I look back at those times it seems silly and funny. Another aspect of the trip that pushed me is academically. It pushed me because I usually like taking my time to do assignments and essays, however, understanding the time limitations I had to adjust which was very hard at first. I learned writing essays in two days instead of a month and multitasking. I thought my brain would not be able to handle it but here we are and seems as if we made it out alive and happy. In the end, this trip will stay with me forever as a positive highlight of Summer 2019 and I will certainly come back to help out with the program in the future. 

"An Airman of the 1939-1945 War"


Can you imagine being forgotten? 

It’s a terrifying concept. The idea that your personality, your face, your accomplishments, your failures- everything that makes you yourself, be forgotten. To be fair, it happens to all of us eventually. But we usually have our name live on- either in our posterity or on a plaque above our corpse. In Suda Bay, that isn’t even the case for some of the fallen. Many of the bodies were unidentified, and there is little to remember them individually other than the uniform they were wearing. Which I suppose speaks to the reality of war. It is more palpable to say “X number of British soldiers” as opposed to listing off the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. I know that wasn’t the intent of the memorial- but it doesn’t change the fact. 


On the Border


As Professor Vamvakas said being in Cyprus was truly a surreal experience. I have always heard stories, and seen pictures but to actually be there was something different entirely. Just 25 feet from where we were staying was this concrete bunker like structure, a razor wire fence, and a Greek and Cypriot flag joined together on one flag pole. Crossing the border into the buffer zone was an experience that I am thankful that I was able to have. We look at division in the form of Democrats and Republicans in the United States, but barbed wire fences and armed guard are not what separates them. This experience was also very personal for me. My grandfather was part of the Greek military element that was sent to fight the Turkish military. I took a rock from a buffer zone that I plan on bringing to him. This was a once in a lifetime experience and I am glad I was able to experience it and gain a new perspective on the issue. 

Back to Crete

After 10 days of intense traveling it is time for our final departure to Crete. These past 10 days have been intense, beautiful, exhausting and full of once in a life time experiences. The days have been long but went by so fast, feeling more like months than weeks. Learning about the history of every country we visited and taking the information we learned in class to real life has made it a lot easier to understand the world around us. Waking up the last few days and walking out the front door, being surrounded by boarders and actually being able to cross the border was something I never would’ve imagined doing. Being able to experience and hear the stories of the people living in Nicosia was inspiring. Hearing how they have been working on emerging the two communities and taking both cultures to educate both communities was very meaningful to me. Everything that happens in the world, whether it’s from your neighboring state or a country around the world, it affects you and I’ve been able to experience that first hand. Spending the last few days in Nicosia was a good way to end the 10 days of traveling. Now it’s time to go back to Crete and enjoy the last few days we have with each other. 

The Statue


This statue is less than 100 feet away from the grave of Venizelos, arguably Greece’s (and indisputably Crete’s) most prominent statesman. In a battle in 1897, a cannonball hit a Cypriot flag pole, and in the midst of the battle, a fighter picked up the flag and used his body as a flagpole. That’s a powerful image. It displays a mind-boggling love of country. When I first saw the image I couldn’t understand it. I can certainly understand the reason the state made a statue of it, that much is obvious. It seems so impractical; it’s a piece of cloth, let it drop and pick up a gun, you’re in a battle. But upon more reflection, I could not possibly understand. This man was fighting for a nation, not just a state. America is a melting pot and a revolving door; being American has more to do with where you live than where you’re from. You can come and go as you please. We fight for ourselves and for the current time. This soldier was fighting for the past, the present and his idea of the future. He was fighting for a nation, not just a state. Who am I to judge? 



The Street Art of Cyprus


Graffiti is art. Art is political. Graffiti is political. 

That’s something that gets lost in the discussion of graffiti. The perception, especially in America, is that it’s just something edgy for hood rats to do, ruining public spaces and rebelling a little. This is not correct; at least not in its entirety. Graffiti is a political voice for those who feel left out. The system won’t listen to their cries, so they are going to speak their truth by putting it right in your face. In that way it’s rebellious, but not simply for the sake of being rebellious. The graffiti of Cyprus was political- overwhelmingly so. From repeated Anifafa signs donning the walls, to the messages of unity facing a barbed wire border. It was poignant. It was pointed. It was powerful. It was proof that there was still a group of people risking everything to be seen- because they couldn’t be heard. 


For the Betterment of the State

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Over the past three weeks we have all changed the way that we conduct ourselves and it has been amazing to watch and understand. When we first started we would be running around and all run into the store to buy a bottle of water, but in Rome almost 3 weeks later it changed. When we were all running to the airport we helped share the load. We passed bags around to help relive the weight, and there were times when people went into stores to get water for the whole group. This teamwork makes you feel whole. It really makes our group feel like a family. Originally we had a joke about all being comrades and doing things for the betterment of the "State". Now we actually do things to improve the State (our group).

Boarding at the Border

Looking left and seeing a border wall strewn with barbed wire every time I walked out the front door made the strife caused by hard borders readily apparent.  Living outside of Boston, the only time “borders” have effected my daily life in a meaningful way is avoiding sales taxes in New Hampshire, or paying $0.05 for shopping bags when I cross into Cambridge.  This is obviously in stark contrast to homes divided in two, and armed guards sitting in observation towers. Outside of the southwest, hard borders are an abstract concept for many Americans.  Staying in Nicosia has underlined for me the importance of freedom of movement, and the real impact of walls.

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Thoughts on Cavafy

Today’s lecture on Cavafy was amazing and it made me think about many different things. The first poem made me think about military service and the price that the soldiers and their families have to pay. Personally, coming from a family with a military background, it made me think about my grandmother’s brother who had fought in the war back in 1991 between Armenia and Azerbaijan for the occupation of Nagorno Karabakh. He was the head military official of his village which is located very close to the Azeri border. He had fought for over 3 months and was killed by one of the Azeri spies that was able to sneak into the military base where he was stationed. I unfortunately never got to know my grandmother’s brother but I have grown up hearing stories about him. He was a man of great dignity and respect. He loved his family very much and was a father of 4 children. At the time of war, he had just had a baby boy who was only 4 months old. When he was killed in the war, the family, and especially his wife had many difficulties. She had to raise 4 little children on her own. Even though my family greatly helped, it was still very hard for her because of all the responsibilities that she had. When today the professor mentioned the price that each soldier has to pay it directly made me think about her struggle and the price that she had to pay because her husband was fighting in the war. Many times we forget the real burden that each soldier faces and their families as well. I was also mesmerized by how Cafavy presents time and how he makes it almost seem like that time is not relevant. When we were walking through the streets and seeing all the different buildings from ancient times, it struck me that my eighteen years that seems long to me, in fact, is nothing compared to history overall. I think I have a bad understanding of how time works but the lecture and the different cities that we saw helps me to better get an understanding of how time moves and where I personally stand currently in relation to time and history. You really get a sense that you are a little particle of the thousands and millions of years of history that is known to us. Time is one thing that is out of our control and whether we want to slow it down or fast forward it, we can’t and I think many people including myself still have a long way to come to know how it really works.

Capturing the Moment

Travelling to the extent that we have over the past few weeks is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. To eyes that have never seen sights anything like the ones we’ve seen - waters so clear you can see 10, 20 feet down below; lava cooled down on a mountainside; the architecture that has inspired the West on nearly every civic building created - these moments must be captured. You want to remember how you felt, looked. You want to remember seeing those sights again. But every day, every time I take a picture, I wonder - am I diminishing the experience of capturing these moments in my own eyes and storing them in the memory located in my mind, rather than the cloud? To some extent, I want to share the images I’ve taken along this adventure to help with the stories I can tell of it. Despite this, I know that no image can do this journey and its visuals justice. Maybe it’s just the culture we’ve been adapted to - there’s a camera in my pocket and I’m expected to use it. Or maybe it’s a drive to trap beauty in the confines of a photograph. Perhaps it’s a hobby I’m developing that I never realized before. I know I will look back fondly on the images that I’ve collected along the way, but I certainly hope I remember what it all looked like through my own eyes.

Architecture

In the past couple of days that we have travelled to many cities, we have seen different architecture that has left mixed feelings with the group and me. Personally, I never thought of the buildings and the back story of them until James commented that they made him feel smaller. I personally have a deep appreciation of the buildings and the architecture that we saw. I think that the beauty and the art that each building delivers is mesmerizing. However, I understand where people are coming from when they say that they have negative emotions about them and why they don’t feel the same appreciation as I do. I think it’s crucial to understand the history that each building tells us whether it is the building that Mussolini built or the slaves during the Roman Empire. It is horrible what they had to go through and I do deeply feel sorry for them but yet those buildings I think ate more than just who built them. For me, the buildings are a reminder of how powerful a human being is as a species. Sometimes people talk about the fear that they have of other animals and things, yet forgetting how powerful they are themselves and how far they have gotten in history. Those buildings remind me of the past and humble me for the future. They humble me because they are a reminder of power and understanding how powerful human beings were and still are. Again I’m not ignorant of the terrible things that the people who actually built it went through however it is a reminder that unfortunately, our world works that way. Finally, we can develop an appreciation for the beauty of the architecture yet not forgetting the past and the lessons that they bring with them because every one of those buildings is part of the history of the human past and will be part of it in the future.

Rome to Cyprus (Post 11)

Today around 1:30 AM we arrived at our new home for the next 3 days. After 2 non-stop days in Rome it felt great to lay in my bed and sleep for a few hours. Our trip to Rome was incredible and I am so glad that it was added to the program. Even though by the end of the day I was exhausted, and my feet were sore, it was all worth it. It was hard to take in all of the history and beauty that surrounded me at all times, but we all tried our best to stop at as many historical spots that we could. Going into these structures that people from all over the world, including us, come to see was such a beautiful thing to be apart of. Leaving Rome was difficult because I could stay there forever if I had the opportunity to, but now we are in beautiful Cyprus, which again is a learning experience that I wouldn’t trade for the world. 

The past week has been both physically and mentally exhausting, whether its from all the walking, lack of sleep or water deprivation, its been tiring, to say the least. Though this intense traveling has taken a lot out of me, being surrounded by such a supportive group of fellow students and incredible professor has really got me through the long days. From everyone helping each other carry bags or people buying waters to share or even a simple “how are you” when someone needs it most. Everyone cares so much about one another and it truly shows. These are people and a trip I wouldn’t trade for the world. 

Also, I attached my new favorite picture AKA the photo competition winner 


Generational Progress

Cavafy says that the passing of time does not directly correlate with the progress of society. States cannot expect to keep reinventing themselves over and over, instead previous innovations must be built on. The same systemic problems that are being faced today were once contemporary in societies of the past, therefore, people should look to the past and find applicable situations. At the Mills of Crete, we learned that the collection of businesses worked with each other with preexisting knowledge and technology for the benefit of all. We have discussed multiple times that the places we have seen were largely built over the span of numerous lifetimes. A single lifetime is insignificant when compared to the grandeur that is empires like the Romans who build over many generations. A collective with knowledge of the past is able to make significant changes for the future.

Identity

One of the threads that has been leading our traveling and experiences around the Mediterranean is the issue of identity. Through our visits, we were able to gain a modest framework of the innumerous factors and characterizations that identity entails. Nonetheless, it is very difficult to speak and conceptualize identity. At the same time, as a foreign in different lands and among different people (as I have been in the past three weeks), I have reached a better understanding of my identity, meaning what being Italian means to me. Our language, daily cultural references, local sayings, what we eat, how we dress and so on are an embodiment of our identity, that we bring with us wherever we go. Then, to what extent could we actually be a "citizen of the world"? How is it possibile to find some sort of compromise or balance between preserving your identity and, at the same time, integrating others?

Ordering Food in Rome


On the first day we arrived in Rome we went to an amazing bakery in which I got a suppli and some pizza. I noticed that the way people order food in Rome is much different than America.  On the first day, we first waited in line to order our food and chose what we wanted, after that, they gave us a ticket with what we got on it and than we paid for it. After paying for the food is when we went and got our food, instead of usually like in America where you get your food first and then pay. I witnessed this also at a gelato shop. When we went to the gelato shop, first we paid for what size ice-cream we wanted and then we went and waited in line to order what flavor we wanted. I was shocked by this because the cones and whip cream were both free, the only thing that was paid for was the amount of ice-cream we received. In America, it is nothing like that. To receive whip cream at Ben and Jerry’s is another 50 cents and to add a waffle cone is another $1.75. It is mind boggling to me how much cheaper not only the ice-cream is here, but also how the extra add ons were not charged for. 

Malta


Although we were not in Malta for a long time, it was nothing as to what I expected. When first entering Malta, I was nervous because before coming to this program I had never heard of Malta before. Malta may be a tiny island but the beauty within it, it unforgettable. When we walked into the city the first day, I was in awe seeing how midivil the buildings looked. The architecture on the buildings were beautiful, and I noticed that all the buildings were very very tall. With that being said, i was in shock that walking through Malta we could not find any supermarkets or small shops. In fact, when we went to the area where the lights made it seem like Christmas, I was shocked to see how there was only two restaurants and one bar. Since it was so beautiful and I thought a good amount of people actually were there, I was confused to not see many more restaurants and shops. In fact, there were no shops within that area, all there was was a few restaurants. Near the bar I got a drink at, I noticed that all the other bars next to it were closed. I don’t understand why they were closed though, but overall Malta was actually one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.

Rome

Walking through Rome, I was struck by the sheer density of the monuments and Cathedrals.  It felt as if every other block I was met with another ornate and imposing marble structure.  This has left me wondering what motivated Romans to build and maintain these great works.  It’s not as if Rome is unmatched in its wealth, as there have been and are richer cities.  I doubt there’s some genetic disposition of Italians which makes them more appreciative or desirous of giant public works of art. Judging from the amount of tourists, anyone can appreciate these works. Is it some peculiarity of the Catholic Church?  The cultural legacy of the Roman Empire? A powerful tourism industry? The closest comparison I can think of in the United States is the National Mall, which despite the United States’ greater wealth and power, pales in comparison to something like the Pantheon.  What has made Rome invest in these displays to such a degree?

Monday, June 24, 2019

Malta

I was excited to come to Malta, but I did not know what to expect. I knew it was a small country, but I did not realize to what scale until our plane was landing at the airport; I could see the whole island from shore to shore and it was an incredible sight. Throughout this entire trip we have been reflecting on the communities around us. In Alikianos, we observed how close the community was in such a small town; however, in Malta we saw that communities can be close in even a whole country. In the lecture the professor mentioned how easy it is to talk to people in Malta because it is such a small country. Malta’s size makes it easier for the political voices of its people to be heard. Having a close knit community throughout a whole entire country is unique and it is something I loved about Malta. On top of this, I was also amazed by Malta’s beauty. I was in awe from all the architecture on the island and the whole island seemed like one giant castle to me. Malta is filled with so much history and a complex past that is reflected in the design of the island.

eternal city

Rome is a kaleidoscope of emotions and beauties, an outdoor museum that you can experience with all of your senses. I know that I am in one of the most beautiful places in the world because I feel inexplicably amazed every time I come here...as it was the first one. 

"Grazie Roma, che ci fai vivere e sentire ancora una persona nuova"

Sunday, June 23, 2019

Mediterranean Graveyard

Dr. Daniela DeBono’s lecture on immigration and the migrant crisis was very interesting and helped me better understand what is going on throughout the Mediterranean. Also, being able to hear the stories of the refugees in Sicily gave us all a new perspective on this crisis. It amazes me that people my age leave their families and risk their lives to flee to Europe. In speaking about her firsthand experience at hotspots, Dr. DeBono emphasized how many young children make the journey as well. This is shocking to me because I could not imagine doing something like this in my life, and learning more about the migrant crisis has helped me realize how lucky I am and how much I have to be thankful for. Through listening to Dr. DeBono’s lecture, it was easy to understand that the level of organization in terms of humanity is very poor. She mentioned that when refugees got to the wharf they would be handcuffed, even though they showed no acts of violence. Many of the reception centers that the migrants are brought to live in used to be prisons. A camp is not a natural way of living, nor is a detention center a form of hospitality. Do countries help migrants because they are hospitable or do they just want security? It is unfortunate because Mediterranean islands like Lampedusa used to be friends with countries like Tunisia, and now these islands sell Tunisian style couscous yet are afraid of helping migrants because they might have infectious diseases or could be terrorists. It is also sad how many people think about migrants in a way that either benefits or hurts their country. Dr. DeBono mentioned that when migrants are in the high seas, those which are not territorial waters, it is problematic because countries do not care as much about what will happen to those migrants. Due to the intense journey though the seas, many migrants have drowned and suffered and the Mediterranean has become the ultimate graveyard.

Malta Trip (Post 10)

Yesterday, on a very hot day, we toured the University of Malta. Following the tour we were lectured by Dr. DeBono. During this lecture she discussed the refugee crisis in great detail, including information about her own research. During this trip, the refugee crisis has been something that has really stuck with me, so I really enjoyed learning about her research through her hands on work. It’s inspiring to see that she’s dedicated her life to the crisis and is raising awareness while doing so. Being able to meet so many highly educated people with such a personal relationship with the issues we are learning about has truly been the best way to learn. This has been a completely new experience, being able to visit these countries that play such a vital role in the crisis that I wouldn’t trade for the world.

Friday, June 21, 2019

Sicily

Since the moment we arrived in Sicily, I fell in love with it. The buildings are amazing and the architecture is breathtaking. The city is exactly what I had imagined it would look like if not even better. The little streets with tightly parked little cars and cars passing by closely are very common. Many coffee shops around with great coffee and beverages that are very cheap. My favorite part of Sicily so far was the University of Catania. The building itself used to be a monastery which was later turned into the university. The architecture inside and outside was amazing with high ceilings and big arches. The classrooms were fairly small compared to ours. The library was the best part of the university which was located at the lower level. There were many shelves filled with books from ancient times till today and you could tell how precious each book was. I also really liked the mosaic on the walls and on the ground on the 2nd floor which used to be a kitchen during the time when it was used as a monastery. At the end of the tour, we stopped in the quad where there were many interesting plants. There were some palm trees and cactuses but my favorite one was the huge aloe vera plant which was right next to the door. During the time we visited, it was examination period and we saw many students in the hallways studying and preparing for their exams. The overall atmosphere at the university was relaxed and generally, in Sicily the atmosphere is amazing. I really have never seen any city like this one that I fell in love with so fast. Finally, one thing that struck me the most during the university tour is how the tour guide said that tragedy can be a good foundation for the future, referring to the lava and Mount Etna. I really hope to return in the future with the plans to study here.




A Few Days in Sicily (Post 9)

I’ve said this a million times and I’ll say it again, I’ve developed such a new appreciation for beauty while being here. While driving up to the site of the volcano it was hard to take in every little thing that we drove past but I tried my best to appreciate all that I did see. After visiting the beautiful ~active~ volcano we went to visit Taormina which was yet another beautiful place to see. Walking down the streets I am surrounded by beautiful alleyways and views of water that is crystal clear. It’s a different type of beauty than the one I experience at home. Being here I have been able to both learn and experience the beauty I am surrounded by which wasn’t a lesson I thought I was going to learn when coming on this program. These few days in Sicily have been such a great experience and I am so glad that it was added to the trip.

Thursday, June 20, 2019

Change in Scenery


These last few days have been very overwhelming and stressful for me, and I assume also many of the other students on this group. Though, this does not mean that some stress is not a good thing. We went from a very small village in Alikianos to Sicily, in which it feels like time never stops. I think one reason I feel as though I am in a much faster pace here in Catania is due to the amount of events we try and fit in the few days that we have. While in Alikianos we had a much more flexible time span, but here, since we want to fit in as much as possible, the time seems to be going very fast. Though, I do not mind this because we are able to see beautiful places and are very blessed to be able to have the opportunity to go to different historical sites and talk about past issues that have risen there. Many people stated that time runs faster here, but I have started thinking maybe it is not that time runs faster, but because we have so much more to do within the day, we feel as if the time is running faster. Though, this post is to show how thankful I am to be able to go to all these places within just the few days we have, and that this fast pace will not last for us forever, so we should enjoy it while we still can because soon we will be wishing we were back in Alikianos and Catania instead of being in the United States. 

The head plants


At Taormina our tour guide told us a very interesting and also crazy story about a Sicilian woman and an Arab man falling in love. As the story went on, the tour guide expanded on how due to jealousy, the woman cut off the man’s head and created it into a plant. Now, as we walked around, we saw multiple plants with head vases of the Arab man and other Arabs. I find this story very interesting because why would they cut off the Arab man’s head and create it into a plant? Out of all ways for the woman to harm the man, what made her choose to cut his head off and put it as a plant? And also, I would like to know how and why this story became so popularized when it is very grotesque. These are just a few questions I pondered as I thought more about this story and saw the multiple vases as passing by all the stores.

Mount Etna

Looking at all the ashes surrounding us on the bus ride up I thought about how it must have been when lava was flowing down the mountain. As we reached the near top of the volcano, we could see areas of green and, right next to them, lines of black ash. It amazed me to think about how at one point all those black ashes were boiling hot lava. Our tour guide mentioned that the last terrible eruption occurred in 2002. We saw houses that were covered in ash, and it was crazy to see how people could unbury the houses and they were still being used. I also thought it was really interesting how the volcano is like a mother figure to the Sicilians. This brings in the idea of a matriarchal society that we have been seeing throughout the Mediterranean. The volcano also helps the people living in Sicily because they can use it for resources. They used the ashes and stones from the volcanoes to build houses. We also saw that in the monastery they built structures on top on the ashes and used the resources that they had to better their architecture. I like how they think of the volcano as their life-giver and not a threat.


Taormina


Going to Taormina was an amazing experience. This city has sat here perched on the cliffs of Sicily for centuries. Built in 392BCE the city has changed hands from one empire to the next. From the Greeks and Romans to the Arabs and the Spanish Taormina has thrived. Today the presence of all the former empires can still be felt. The Palace has faces of Arab and Spanish architecture, and the Greek temple and theater can still be seen behind and under the city church. Going up to this city you can see the riding roads and the buildings on the cliff and truly understand how it to the Arabs 80 years to capture the city.

Our time in Taormina was brief, but we were able to experience the beauty of centuries worth of culture. Leaving Taormina was as sad as it was a battle. We missed the first shuttle to get down the hill and the second shuttle filled up almost as quickly as it pulled up. Everyone in our group was able to get on the bus rather quickly except for Thespina Maddie and myself. The bus almost left without us so we had to muscle our way into the bus through separate doors. Getting on that bus was one of the most immersive Realpolitik moments of the trip so far. Im glad that I was able to have this memory though. It made the trip to Taormina that much better.

What is our Ithaca?

On June 15th, our class has been introduced to Konstantinos Cavafy, an Alexandrian poet of the 19th century. I am amazed on how his poems fit so well into what we are experiencing here, into what we are doing and discovering every single day. In particular, "Ithaca" truly expresses the sense of travelling in time and space; not only physically, but also spiritually and emotionally. Is Ithaca then a place? A state of mind? Personal achievements? And what hides behind our desire of travelling? Is it just about exploring new things or is it about finding our own self?
These and many more questions have crowed my mind lately. I would like to know what your Ithaca is and how you are trying to get there every day.

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Equality

Yesterday we were lucky enough to be able to visit one of the Refugee sites in Catania. In this place, we gathered as a circle and heard people's stories and struggles they have faced in having to leave their home countries and come here. What I found truly interesting and humbling about this, is that not one of them complained or seemed unhappy. In fact, they all were extremely grateful for the life they are now living and were more than happy to share their stories with us. One that really touched me was talking about equality and how to him, everyone is equal and he will never judge anyone and is all about peace and finding inner happiness. It really made me smile hearing how much they embrace equality even though they are not the same race and religion. I enjoyed hearing how equal they all were to not only each other, but everyone they meet.

Very Nice (Post 8)

While sitting around the table eating pizzas with everyone after a long day I can’t help but reflect on how amazing today was. We started off the day at a breathtaking Monastery that was turned into a University but also keeping the unique characteristics that it once had. Watching students in the hallways of this beautiful place, waiting for exams, was a strange thing to see but it’s good to see they are taking advantage of the beauty. Later in the day we went to visit a refugee camp, which was probably my favorite part of the entire trip. Getting the opportunity to hear such brave people talk about their experience about coming to Catania was like nothing I’ve heard before. It’s hard to put into words how I felt while hearing this but it was just incredible. Listening to the refugees around us in a circle talk about everything they’ve gone through was inspiring and something I will never forget. The opportunities we’ve had and people we’ve met will be something I’ll always remember, especially this day.  

Monday, June 17, 2019

Seitan Limani

Looking down from a cliff at one the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen was incredible; then, I saw the path to get down. I was terrified. It looked like a path that only a mountain goat to manage to take, so I was very surprised to see so many people laying on the beach below. Everyone started to walk down the cliff so I followed, hardly realizing what I was about to go through. It was quite the experience, but, in the end, the hike down was completely worth it. The beach was breathtaking with the water's perfect shades of blue, the gorgeous views, and the occasional visit from wandering mountain goats. I know I will never forget adventures like this one, and I will cherish these memories forever.

it was the best of times...it was the worst of times

Being already 2 weeks into the program I can now certainly say that it has been an emotional roller coaster. Whether it has been the different places we have visited such as the Suda Bay War Cemetery or the Gorge, there have been many mixed emotions all along the way. It’s very interesting to experience all of these emotions at the same time because it’s not easy to handle it. it’s also been interesting to observe others and see how they are handling these new things. Some people adjust easily, others not as well, however, at the end of the day everyone is on the same boat and experiencing all together. One thing that this trip has taught me so far is that people are different and take things differently. Personally, I have been up and down on this trip myself but I always try to push myself to be better and try to experience and be in every moment as much as I can. This trip is definitely a challenge for all, either an emotional or physical or even both. It has certainly helped me to grow as a person and taught me a little flexibility which I’m usually not good at. I try every day to do better whether I succeed or not. I think it’s important to try and adjust to certain situations and I really try hard to accomplish that even though sometimes I fail. In the end, I know everything is going to work out and be fine :).

Late Night Trip (Post 7)

Last night I fell asleep in Crete and woke up in Athens. Being able to have such easy access to transportation has really come in handy during this program. Whether it’s a trip to the beach, an adventure to Chania or trying to make it from the museum to the airport in time, transportation has been our best friend. Taking the overnight ferry was yet another new adventure that showed how connected and accessible everything is. Walking through the hallways on the ferry and seeing how so many people had set up little beds (sleeping bags) either right outside our room or on the staircases really shows how much we all need it. Other than this amazing overnight trip that brought us to a new place, we are now in Athens (for a few hours) and taking advantage of the time we have here. Both having our class in the Acropolis Museum and easting lunch with a “casual” view of The Parthenon in the background was truly breathtaking. Traveling with everyone in the group has just made this all so much more enjoyable, I have learned to truly be able to make the most of this short trip to Athens because of the people I am surrounded by. Shoutout to y’all, I love you.

 

Saturday, June 15, 2019

Goodbye Crete. See ya in 10!

Since the moment I landed at the airport I felt like I landed in Armenia. The mountains with snow-covered tops and the overall landscape remind me of home. Crete is truly a magical place because of the people, the culture, the food and the climate. The people of the village and generally everyone has treated us amazingly with open hearts as if they’ve known us for a long time. This truly is one of the biggest blessings one can get. I never could imagine a place where I would swim in warm waters with palm trees around me looking up to a beautiful mountain covered in snow. I enjoy every moment of this trip even when I complain. Whether it was the 11-mile long gorge or the ancient archaeological sites, I know I am truly lucky to see all of these amazing places. I am sad to have to say goodbye to Crete, but I know I will return in the future. I am thankful to everyone that I’ve had the honor to share this trip with and to everyone that has made this happen. A special thank you, of course, goes to my Professor, Dr Vamvakas, who has put together this program. Without his hard work, this would have not been possible. I am very excited to continue this journey with my group and see how the rest of the trip unfolds.

Friday, June 14, 2019

Ancient Theatre

Yesterday we took a trip to an Ancient Theatre in which we were able to see where they would perform their plays. Although it was very hot and I was very dehydrated, I made sure to look around and take in all the beauty. When looking at the theatre that still had the seating for their plays, I was shocked that all of it was still put together. On the other side though it was a much different and it seemed as if though it was not as put together as it was on the other side. I did not understand how it could be a drastic difference from both sides.

Thursday, June 13, 2019

Pick Your Poison: Sleep or Coffee (Post 6)

Everyone has a particular appreciation for different things. For me, I appreciate sleep and is something that I love, need and crave. These past two weeks have been both physically and mentally exhausting for me. We have constantly been on the run with another event constantly to do next. Last night, being able to go to bed at 11:00 PM was a strange feeling for me. Even after getting all of my tasks done, I felt as I was supposed to be doing something else, since I haven’t been able to go to bed before 1:00 AM this whole trip. Going to bed early and knowing I would get to sleep for at least 8 hours was a great feeling. I knew I would be able to wake up fully rested and make up for the lack of sleep over the past weeks. But PSYCH! I was just as tired as I was when I woke up after getting only 2 hours of sleep. Honestly, my body is playing me with this sleep deprivation. Being a psych major, I am completely aware that you literally need sleep to live, but I think that I’m proving science wrong. Whether I get 2 hours of sleep of 8, I feel like a zombie. This trip has changed my #1 craving from sleep to coffee. **Disclaimer: this is not a complaint post I am just overtired and writing whatever comes to my exhausted brain.**

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

A Trial of Endurance

So you're 14 kilometers, about 3-4 liters of water, and one swiftly consumed beer into your hike when faced with the option of continuing on around 3 more kilometers, partially uphill to see some hyped up castle that apparently you can't miss. Easier said than done, sure, but all of the guys are going and you're definitely not going to be the only one who doesn't. Besides, it's not like you at all to miss the opportunity to step inside the walls of an actual castle.

I may have gotten a bit in over my head. Five minutes in, I'm on my knees and trying to find a place to sit my extremely out of shape body down to take a breather. The rest of the group pushes on, and I start considering turning back. But that castle. I decide to take a few more steps and then make my decision. After that, a few more. Eventually, I caught up with a group member who was also struggling, and we make the decision to push on together. Just a bit more to the next spot of shade, and then we can rest. Oops, no more water. Guess you should have packed more. Just grab a walking stick to help you out, what can go wrong? You fall and cut up your knees. There's water at the top, and how many people would kill for the opportunity just to make this walk and see these views?

Those are the thoughts that keep you moving. That, and your friend next to you - both of you relying on one another to push forward. Make shortcuts where you can. Take a breath when you need to. One more step.

One more step.

When you reach the top, the view is killer (and so are your knees). The castle is... somewhat of a let down, but you realize it was the hike up the mountain that you'll remember. And you made it.

And now it's time to head back down.

One more step.

From Physical to Fantasy: The Landscapes and Cultures of Greece as an Inspiration

Creative writing and world building for fantasy/fiction settings has always been one of my passions. I love writing stories and drafting maps, but I've always struggled with imagining myself creating a world that feels as real as the one we live in due to the restrictions of my own experience. Greece has changed everything for me.

Suddenly there is a medium between harsh snowy mountains and great rocky terrain - the blossoming subtropical climate apparent next to the waters of the island showed that to me. There is a place in between the desert sands with their sprouting cacti, and floral grasslands - there is a dry landscape dotted with greens, reds, pinks, yellows, and whites of the various flowers that still manage to grow there. There is a grey area in between the vibrant work life of a city like New York, and a community that relies on older methods of production - there is the rich history and modernizing businesses of Alikianos.

Since getting here, I've kept a list of all of the new things that I can think about and now describe more accurately. The sights I've seen here will influence my world building permanently. Besides, we're only two weeks in, and the list is showing no sign of ending.

Made With Love

On Sunday night, Tasoula invited us to her house for dinner. This was an incredibly kind gesture and we were all very thankful. She, along with some of the other ladies, cooked a delicious meal for all of us as well as many others who came to the dinner also. I sat outside with the ladies for a bit to ask them if they were going to eat too; their answer didn't surprise me, but it might have shocked anyone not familiar with the Greek culture. They said that they didn't want to eat because they had been cooking all day. I had a conversation with Tasoula again yesterday about all the work that she does. She mentioned how she does everything with her heart, and because she wants to. She said she would never cook or clean if she didn't want to; this meant a lot to me because it showed that she truly works with the best intentions. It amazes me how much work all these women do and how they do it with so much love.

The Security of Geography


Our recent hike through the Samira Gorge displayed the difficult of traversing mountainous terrain. This hike was fairly difficult despite being well maintained, a clear path being built and numerous bridges to cross gaps. It isn't difficult to imagine why the southern half of Crete has been able to rebel from occupiers based on their knowledge of their land. Without the luxuries of maintenance and a clear path, the Gorge would be incredibly difficult to cross and that doesn't even account for supplies to be brought along. Locations such as Samira Gorge highlight that geography is an integral field of study with politics and security in mind. 

Local delights

The village bakery, the local packaging company, and the national Mills of Crete were great examples for us to look at how businesses in Crete work. Although small and limited to this region (or village of Alikianos), it was very interesting to see how they all successfully take advantage of the uniqueness of local resources. Products like olive oil, oranges, avocados, and carob make Crete a very resourceful place in the middle of the Mediterranean. As these local businesses try to break into the regional and international market, they face high competition and challenges from European bigger industries. Nevertheless, I found the great deal of innovation impressive. I wonder if being limited to the Cretan territory is an actual disadvantage; by treasuring everything here, Crete becomes more unique than rare.


A studious group

During my first few days in Alikianos I was very worried that I would not know the material for the courses. I felt as if I was way far behind than everyone else and was very worried that I would get stuck behind in these courses. Now, almost 2 weeks in, this group has been one of the most hard-working, but also caring groups I have ever seen. Whenever I have a question, everyone is willing to help explain and make it so I can understand. Most people here are very caring and are always willing to help me when I am struggling with schoolwork. I'd like to give a quick shout out to Natalie, Kostas, Nate, Thespina who have been really helping explain all of the coursework for me. Everyone else also has been too but these four have had to deal with multiple of my questions and still help explain everything thoroughly. I am so proud of the group we have here for working very hard on our school work and also making sure to have a good time as well!

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Firsts (Post 5)

There have been a lot of firsts on this trip, first Gorge hike, first political science class, and my first time being in a different country with, what last week were, complete strangers. Whether its sitting around the kitchen table where we eat all of our meals or spending 8:30am- 2:00pm in the classroom together, we seem to be with one another at all times. At moments, this can be difficult, as I am someone who enjoys their own space and being able to escape when I need to, which is not really possible here. As I said before there have been a lot of firsts for me on this trip, and as hard as it is to be in a place that I am very unfamiliar with and surrounded by people I just met, I feel like I am around people I’ve known my whole life. My little room with three beds filled with two other girls, where all of us come from different backgrounds and even countries that have become family to me. For the first time, I have been able to find a little family in an unfamiliar place.