ETHS Classical Mediterranean Latin Trip

The final day of our trip never felt like the end until now as we write this post. After being berated by Enriqua for our lack of energy (sleep) yesterday, we woke up with extra enthusiasm today, or did our best to make it seem that way. The notion that we have two weeks of homework to do has begun to set in and many of us have spent the last few nights burning the midnight oil to catch up. It sounds unpleasant but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

In the morning Costa and Faye led us to the ancient sites at Mycenae and Agamemnon’s tomb. However the wonders of ancient architecture were forgotten when we met a family of dogs at the ancient corinth. We affectionately referred to them as Biscotti, Lunchbox, and Juice Cleanse. Trying our best not to get fleas, we chased our furry friends around the ruins and occasionally took in the wonder of ruins nearly four thousand years old.

The return trip was a scenic bus ride that allowed us one of our last good views of the Mediterranean. As we approached the hotel our local guide, Faye, said goodbye and wished us all the best in the future. Seeing her go was another painful reminder that time was running out.

The stop at the hotel didn’t give us much time to collect ourselves. A brief bathroom break was had, and we hopped back on the bus to explore the shopping center under the Parthenon before dinner. Both of us, along with Mattias, Luke, and Marc, got a fish pedicure at Doctor Fish. Having tiny Tiawanese fish nibble at your feet for fifteen minutes is disconcerting at first, but the gentle vibration becomes relaxing and your feet come out smooth and fresh by the end.

After our spa treatment we explored the less commercial end of the street, taking in graffiti in a mixture of english and greek, displaying messages such as “eat the rich.”

Once we had explored the streets of Athens it was time for dinner. At eight we sat down to a lovely Greek meal and live music. Soon after we’d had our appetizers we took the stage and danced rather loudly, to the clear disdain of the elderly couple who had been in the restaurant since before we arrived. A show from professional Greek dancers followed, and interspersed between the dances we would take the stage and enjoy the music. Though the night went on for hours, the highlight had to be the shock and excitement in our faces when the band began to play Mama Mia. Since we arrived Greece felt even more foreign than Italy, and an English song we could all sing our hearts out along with made Athens feel a little more like home.

The idea of home right now is exciting and a little scary. Jumping back into life as normal will certainly be difficult, but I think we all miss it in some capacity.

We’re so grateful to the people who made this trip so great, Mrs. Green, Mrs. Wickham, Sabina, Katya, Linda, Enriqua, Faye, Costa, and the big man Pasquale Di’Angelo. Luke likened our regret at saying goodbye with the end of Star Wars episode six when we see the hologram of Anakin and get a little teary-eyed.

Our only regret is not petting the dogs.

Adam and Will