Greece 2019: 6/20/19 blog by Lilia Pries
When I was accepted to this program, I thought about all of the ways that I could use what I learned about in my classroom. Being in Athens was amazing and stopping in Volos felt mind blowing. The scenery and landscape were the most beautiful I have ever seen. But I was feeling a little […]
Greece 2019: 6/20/19 blog by Janna Lettan
For as long as I can remember, I had always been told how remarkable it would be to witness Orthodoxy in the old country. Although Orthodox churches in the states are awe inspiring and beautiful in their own right, there was always something mysterious about the ancient churches that had withstood the test of time. […]
Greece 2019: 6/19/19 blog by Owen Brelsford
One thing I’ve been completely blown away by is the fact that everything we do, somehow outdoes the last. Today we spent a good amount of time in the car but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t enjoyable! We saw some amazing views of the gorgeous gulfs between the mainland of Greece and Euboea and the […]
Greece 2019: 6/19/19 blog by Mary Lou Ellena-Wygonik
It’s a wonderful day in the neighborhood. As we continue to become immersed in Ancient Greek culture, the history of the Greek people is really very intriguing. A people obviously well-versed in architecture and math, this cradle of democracy was a blend of real people and mythical characters who were often violent and immoral. They fought; they killed; they sought […]
Greece 2019: CONNECTED | a poem by Betsy Lamitina
Connected by our storiesWho are we?Teachers, administrators, doctors, nurses, parents, future leadersBut morealso Jews, Catholics, Christians, Atheists, searchingBut still more Cuban, Serbian, African-American, Italian, Polish, IsraeliBut more Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, cousins, aunts, husbands But still more. Too much to even add. What connects us?Our stories Our passionOur intellect Our sense of adventureOur responsibility Our voice Joined together in our purposeTo […]
Greece 2019: 6/18/19 blog by Sarah Fichter
Today we journeyed to the ruins at the palace of Mycenae, the “Treasury” or Tomb of Atreus, and the Athenian agora and surrounding cultural districts of Plaka and Monastiraki. It is only day 2 of our trip, and I’m already fortunate enough to be overflowing with new knowledge to share, new stories to tell, and […]
Greece 2019: 6/17/19 blog by Sally Allan
We arrived at the Athens airport a little after 10 am. We were met by Tsipy, Avi, Christian Viviene, and our awesome bus driver, Stavros. After a lunch on our own, we went to the Acropolis Museum. It is a new, beautifully presented museum of Greek artifacts. I am a potter myself so the pottery […]
Children’s Village 2019: 3/26/19 blog by Yunsong “Leo” Liu
We went to the Golan Heights in the morning today. It was captured by Israel from Syria during the Six-Day War. Being, in effect, controlled by Israel for almost 40 years, no other country has recognized Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights. Yesterday, however, the U.S. became the first country other than Israel to recognize it […]
Children’s Village 2019: 3/25/19 blog by Yiwei Wang
In the morning we went to two local workshops. We first visited a chocolate shop and experienced the process of making chocolates and cakes! The entire bakery was fascinating and beautiful. Everyone had their own masterpieces during the decoration step. Then we went to a music workshop, which is inside a reformed synagogue and our […]