I can’t believe the program is over. The first day in Crete felt so long and then after that it flew by. I’m really glad I decided to come on this trip. I was really nervous to come because I didn’t know anyone and I had heard that the classes were really challenging. I’m happy to say that I’ve made so many great friends (can’t wait to see all of you in September) and that I survived Yota and our other two classes. Petros hypes everything up, but for this trip he was spot on. Its going to be so strange landing in Boston tomorrow and not eating meals with everyone or going to bed saying goodnight to Katie, Tess and Laryssa. I’m going to feel so lost! I hope everyone had just as much fun as I did and were able to make a lot of great memories.

Last day

I can't believe today is the last day of our program! I always joke that Petros always over hypes things but this program truly lived up to his praise, if not, more! Before coming, I was excited but also really nervous. I had no idea what I was getting myself into and I only knew two people coming on the trip. I'm so lucky to say that this trip allowed learn more about the Mediterranean, sight see, eat yummy food, make some really amazing friends and also learn more about myself--apparently I sleep a lot?! Just kidding, I knew that.
I also thought this trip would help me understand more about the problems our world is currently facing but in fact, I think I am leaving with more questions. This program is very intense and sometimes, it can feel like we are going a hundred miles a minute. This was a hard adjustment as a lot of us thought we were going to run on island time the entire trip. However, just miles from us, there are refugee boats that are being capsized. As I write this blog, I can see Turkey just 11 miles away across the water. I thought I would find solutions to the issues we have been discussing for the past 4 weeks, but I think I'm more confused than ever. As the simulation between the EU, UN, and NATO groups taught us today, the issues around the world are very complex. There is no sole solution or policy to tackle state failure, the refugee crisis, economic collapse or food insecurity. Such issues are all interconnected and it is always changing. Overall, this program has taught me to be more curious and to stay aware and involved with the issues happening in our world.

THANK YOU ALL <3
Tess

ME...This whole trip...

The concert on Wednesday night was everything I wanted it to be. I had asked Petros in March if we would be able to attend a concert in ancient theatre or stadium and of course he made it happen. Although the generator blew and we were hanging out for a couple of hours enjoying souvlaki it was really worth the wait. The music was nothing less than incredible. For anyone who didn’t go, you really missed out. The acoustics of the outdoor stadium really made it that much better. It was so powerful hearing everyone clap and sing along. I didn’t understand any of it but I could tell that the lyrics were really powerful. Going to the concert was on my top five things we did this trip.

.....
 so Rhodes is great and it has its own characteristics but I have not felt any culture shock until coming here. I just don't understand this place. The traditional culture is gone, even from just the looks of it. Maybe its because we are a touristy spot but this whole place feels like a giant frat house. Damn Germans and Sweeds everywhere, they're a bit too upfront. I miss Crete and our little village where people spoke greek first, here they just assume and say "hello" instead of "yasas" first. Which makes me sad because its harder to practice my greek. I'm afraid I'm going to loose it when I go back to the states. Maybe when I'm Vamvakas' classes I'll speak greek to him. aka hello, how are you, goodbye, thank you. hahaha its still something though. Also there's a lot (Im assuming their title) gypsies around. Mostly young kids playing the accordion sitting on the street and asking for money. I feel so bad turning my head to them. It's also upsetting because they don't know any other life. The world is weird my friend   

The Great Magistrate’s Palace was something so incredible and well maintained. Its hard to believe that it used to be a summer home. The architecture was a clash of pagan gods and Christianity. Although we were running around trying to find everything on the scavenger hunt list I managed to get some awesome pictures. I just wish we went when the rest of the exhibits were open. I would have really loved to see the rest of it.