Tuesday & Wednesday

Tuesday by Mr. Clarke:

The day started out with the threat of rain, but we pushed onward for our cruise and island stops in the Saronic Gulf.  The journey took us through the Gulf comfort in a newly-renovated cruise ship

Our first stop was the picturesque island of Hydra.  Surrounded by the deep, turquoise waters, the island boasts many museums and galleries housed in former mansions of powerful sea captains.  Many students took immediate notice of the island's friendly feral cat population that seemingly claim the sidewalks as   Aside from the shops and the dramatic cliffs, a number of students bravely mounted local donkeys to see the local streets.

From here, we ventured to the small island of Poros.  Here, students explored the quaint port area or climbed the steep avenues to reach the majestic clock tower.

Aboard ship again, we enjoyed a delicious lunch before arriving at historic Engina.  By coach, we made our way to the ancient temple of Aphaia.  Hearing the remarkable history of the structure, we took an abundance of photos before visiting Agios Nectarines, the resting place of Greeve's most recent saint, renounced in 1961.  Elevated to sainthood in the Greek Orthodox Church only 40 years after his death, Nektarios is said to have performed miracles of healing the sick.

Perhaps Nektarios was also looking down on us, performing a miracle of weather--the rain held off, giving way to sunshine and a picture-perfect day.  As we sat having dinner at the hotel, the seemingly torrential rain pounded on the glass roof, we felt safe and secure, having been blessed with such a wonderful day

Thank-you Nektarios?

Wednesday by Natalie:

Thank goodness it rained heavily last night as we woke up to a SPECTACULAR day! Students were walking around in their t-shirts as we enjoyed a tour of the Acropolis Museum, The Acropolis and Parthenon and Ancient Agora. Following a very informative tour the students enjoyed a free afternoon on their own. Some shopped, others toured and some just chilled out. 

This evening we went to a traditional Greek Taberna and ate a very big and delicious Greek meal (complete with spanikopita, french fries, Greek salad, Greek meatballs for starters and a beef kebab, french fries for the main and a very tasty, homemade baklava for dessert). Throughout the meal the students enjoyed (and participated!) in some traditional Greek dancing. 

Today was a very very very fun day! 

Tomorrow morning we will depart at 8am for a full day tour of Delphi. 

The students are having a really great time, the sun is out and so far Athens has been very, very, very great to us.

We heard there is snow back home, for which we say 'sorry?'

Have a great day and evening everyone! 

Sincerely, 

Natalie