Sunday 31 July 2011
Saturday 30 July 2011
Exarchate of Jerusalem in Athens, Benaki Museum, Mount Lycabettos
July 28
Today, our group gathered in front of the UINDY, Athens campus to go to the Exarchate of Jerusalem. We walked through the beautiful Plaka neighborhood, before we arrived at our destination.
Upon arrival, we entered a reception area where we were treated to refreshments. When we finished our food and drink, a tour guide briefed us, as Dr. Dimitriou translated, on the historical and religious significance of the site, as well as the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
We then proceeded to the Agioi Anargyroi Church and finally the Museum, where we learned about the icons and religious artifacts. Before leaving, we saw the Holy Light, that lights up in Jerusalem every Easter and is distributed throughout Greece. Following our religious experience, we went to our customary lunch at our favorite Plaka Taverna.
In the afternoon, the Journey family returned to the classroom for Modern Greek Language and Greek Dance. In the Greek language class, students prepared for their midterm exam, by reviewing their vocabulary lists and spoken phrases. The Greek Dance class learned the history behind the Zembekiko and practiced the dance.
At the conclusion of the lessons, students met at the University of Indianapolis, Athens Campus and were briefed by Dr. Dimitriou about the world famous, Benaki Museum. Dr. Dimitriou discussed the wonderful archeological artifacts at the museum and went into depth about the Greek Independence Collection of artifacts, including the pistols of Lord Byron, the original Constitution and the original National Anthem and flags!
The Journey family then took the short walk to the museum, where they were given an informational pamphlet and time to explore the museum for a few hours.
After taking a group photo outside the museum, we walked to the beautiful Kolonaki neighborhood. There, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner and strolled by the high-end shops and boutiques.
Following our time in Kolonaki, we headed to Mount Lycabettos, which has a wonderful view of Athens. Once we reached the bottom of the hill, our group took a cable train to the top of the mountain. Upon reaching the summit, we enjoyed the beautiful view beside the Chapel of Saint George. Our group then headed to the restaurant area on the summit, where Dr. Dimitriou treated us to an ice cream dessert. After our dessert was complete, the Journey family returned to their apartments to relax after a busy day.
Friday 29 July 2011
US Embassy Visit
July 27
This morning, we returned to the classroom for our lessons. In Dr. Dimitriou’s Foreign Policy class, our group prepared for our briefing at the US Embassy. To prepare, the class session covered issues that included, the Cyprus dispute, Secretary of State Hilary Clinton’s visit to Greece, the economy, and possible foreign investment in Greece. After our session, we enjoyed a traditional Greek lunch at our favorite taverna in Plaka.
Following lunch, our group assembled in business casual attire and headed to the US Embassy for our briefing with the Hon. Daniel B. Smith, US Ambassador to Greece. After we went through security, we headed to a conference room for our briefing with the Ambassador. To begin the session, each member of the Journey family introduced themselves to the Ambassador. Following introductions, the Ambassador began the meeting by explaining how loyal an ally Greece has been, especially recently with its assistance in evacuating Americans from Libya. The Ambassador then discussed the possibility that Turkey could join the European Union and Agenda 2014, which aims to have all Balkan countries join the EU. Hon. Smith then emphasized that the United States supports Greece’s work in tackling its debt crisis and believes that this situation is an opportunity to make changes that were desperately needed. The Ambassador also stated that Greece must make itself a more viable option for foreign investment by changing laws and policy that make it difficult to invest in our Motherland.
Following the Ambassador’s initial statements, our group had a question and answer session. Questions posed during this period included, “What is being done to stop the illegal trafficking of Greek cultural artifacts to the United States, what specific legislation can Greece introduce to make itself more marketable for foreign investment, what is the status of the FYROM name dispute, and why was Secretary Clinton not more forceful in advocating for a solution to the Cyprus issue? Following our questions, the Ambassador spoke about internship opportunities with the US State Department and took our customary group photo. Before leaving the Embassy, we took gathered around a statue of former Secretary of State George Marshall, which was generously donated by the Order of AHEPA, and took another group photo. After our briefing, our group relaxed for the evening and prepared for our next day of classes.
Journey to Greece E-Bulletin 4
Yiassas,
Attached, here, is the fourth Journey to Greece E-Bulletin. This edition features an overview of our week and pictures from our three-day excursion, which featured stops in Corinth, Isthmia, Nemea, Olympia, and Delphi. Also featured is our visit to the Acropolis, Parliament tour, Greek Foreign Ministry briefing, Battleship Averoff tour, and Dora Stratou experience.
Respectfully,
Michael Savvas
Hellenext Next Generation Correspondent
Thursday 28 July 2011
Briefing with Mr. Nick Larigakis (President of AHI), Ministry of National Defense
July 25
After a wonderful three-day excursion, the Journey family returned to the classroom. Today, we had the privilege to have Mr. Nick Larigakis, President and CEO of the American Hellenic Institute, brief us about US-Greece foreign relations. AHI is the official sponsor of our foreign relations class.
Mr. Larigakis, who just came from a briefing with US Ambassador to Greece, Daniel B. Smith, spoke to us about the importance of working together as a Greek community and doing our part to advocate for Hellenic issues. The AHI president spoke about Greece's role as a loyal ally to the United States and the countries similar views on foreign policy. He contrasted Turkish and Greek relations with the United States, showing that Greece has aided the United States much more than Turkey has in the past, especially in terms of providing military facilities. Our speaker also critiqued US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton’s visit to Greece, explaining that it was a step in the right direction, but that she should have been more forceful in advocating for solutions to Cyprus and the Ecumenical Patriarch.
Following Mr. Larigakis’ initial statement, our group had a question and answer period. During this time questions included, "What is the possibility of a settlement of the FYROM issue? “What is the importance of the Greek lobby and the Hellenic Caucus in Congress? "What is the importance of the US appointing such a qualified, career diplomat and senior State Department official as ambassador to Greece? What can be done to stop Turkish violations of Greek air space? "Is a solution imminent in Cyprus, to remove Turkish occupation troops and have a unified island again? and What can be done to promote the solution for the Ecumenical Patriarchate in regard to re-opening the Halki Seminary and for the future of the Patriachate?"
With our newfound knowledge, we enjoyed lunch at our usual taverna. At the conclusion of our meal, we attended our afternoon classes and prepared our written work.
July 26
Following our briefing with Mr. Nick Larigakis the previous day, our group returned to Dr. Dimitriou’s Foreign Policy class and screened a documentary produced by the American Hellenic Institute, “Cyprus Still Divided: A U.S. Foreign Policy Failure.” At the conclusion of the film, our class discussed the film and the issues that have led to Cyprus being illegally occupied for over 39 years. After discussing the consequences of the film and the Cyprus situation, students were generally prepared for our afternoon briefing session!
Following our session, our group enjoyed lunch, before gathering for a briefing at the Greek Ministry of Defense. At the Ministry, Brigadier General Dimokritos Zervakis briefed us about the policies of the Greek military. General Zervakis’ multi-media power-point presentation covered a variety of issues including; objectives, policy, and statistics of the Greek military. Additional topics included the Souda Bay Military Facility, Turkish Over flights, illegal immigration, and the purchasing of new weapons and technology.
At the conclusion of the introductory remarks, the Journey students presented their questions for the General. Inquiries included:"How prepared is the military from potential threats at its borders? How does Greece mitigate human trafficking and illigal aliens entering the country? Does Greece plan to reduce military spending in light of the debt crisis? What type of Special Forces does the Greek military include?What is the new relationship of Greece with Israel and how does this improve Greece's military operations?"
After the question & answer period, we took a group picture in front of a mural with Alexander the Great defeat of Darius. We then enjoyed a reception with General Zervakis and became further informed regarding the Ministry of Defense and Greek military.
Following our time at the Ministry, students met to attend one of the famous open-air movie cinemas for the evening! After, we returned to our apartments to prepare our studies for tomorrow.
Wednesday 27 July 2011
Monday 25 July 2011
Delphi
July 24
Early in the morning, students gathered at the hotel’s restaurant area and enjoyed a buffet breakfast before departing for Delphi. When our bus arrived, we made the short walk to the Delphi Archeological Museum. Before entering the museum, Dr. Dimitriou briefed us about the artifacts and their historical significance.
Upon entering, our group was able to explore the collection. Highlights included the pediments of the Temple of Apollo and the sculpture of the Charioteer of Delphi. During the month of July, there was also a photo exhibition that had exclusive and artistic pictures of the site.
Following our time at the museum, our group met a tour guide who took us on a private tour of the archaeological site at Delphi. Our guide gave us an introduction and shared the significance of the artifacts that included, the Temple of Apollo, Athena Pronaia Sanctuary, and the mountaintop Stadium. As we passed by each monument, we had a beautiful mountain view overlooking Delphi.
At the conclusion of the tour, the Journey family headed to a local taverna for authentic Greek cuisine. After a relaxing meal, the Journey family boarded the bus one last time and made the trip back to Athens.
Following a very informative three-day excursion, we headed to our apartments and prepared for our next day of classes.
Sunday 24 July 2011
Saturday 23 July 2011
Corinth, Isthmia, Nemea, Olympia
July 22
Early in the morning, the Journey family assembled in front of the UINDY, Athens campus to start their three-day historical journey to Isthmia, Corinth, Nemea, Olympia, and Delphi. Our group boarded a chartered bus and headed for Corinth. Upon arrival, Captain Evangelos Rigos, Director of the Hellenic Electronic Center and who generously sponsored our Journey met the Journey family. Captain Rigos gave us a presentation on Greek mythology on Isthmia and Ancient Corinth and guided us to a restaurant overlooking the Corinth Canal, where we enjoyed breakfast sponsored by the Hellenic Electronic Center.
At the conclusion of breakfast, our group headed to the Archaeological Sites and Museum of Isthmia and Ancient Corinth. Captain Rigas and our private guide gave us a tour of the sites, all sponsored by the Hellenic Electronic Center. Highlights of our visit included visiting the isthmus and the Corinth Canal and the ancient sanctuary of Isthmia, which is the home of one of Ancient Pan-Hellenic games. Following, we visited Ancient Corinth one of the more prominent Ancient Greek city-states and the site of Apostle Paul’s Address to the Corinthians. In Corinth, we visited the museum and site, which included the Ancient Temple of Apollo.
Subsequent our visit in Isthmia and Ancient Corinth, we headed to the Archeological Site and Museum of Nemea. Here, Dr. Stephen Miller, Emeritus Professor, University of California at Berkeley, gave us a tour of the facility. We were fortunate to be led by Professor Miller because of his credentials as the preeminent archeologist responsible for the discovery of the ancient stadium and site for the Ancient Nemean Pan-Hellenic games. Our group visited the museum, temple, and ancient stadium where the games were actually held. Professor Miller gave a fascinating explanation of the years of exploration prior to uncovering of the tunnel and Ancient Stadium. He continued giving an account of the delicate work involved with the restoration of the Temple of Nemean Zeus and other areas at the site.
We continued on to the local Nemean taverna with Professor Miller and Captain Rigas. The meal, sponsored by the Hellenic Electronic Center, featured an abundance of souvlaki, and salata for the students. At the conclusion of the meal, Dr. Miller showed a film and gave a presentation about next year’s historic recreation of the Ancient Nemean Pan-Hellenic Games, where he invited the Journey to Greece program to participate.
After the presentation and film, the Journey to Greece family gave Dr. Miller, his wife Effie, and Captain Rigos an official JTG t-shirt. AHEPA Advisor Lou Eleopoulos, a UC Berkeley Alum, and Journey student Dimitri Dimitriou, a current Cal student, presented Dr. Miller an official Berkeley university shirt and hat.
Following our wonderful time in Nemea, the Journey family headed to our plush hotel situated beside the hillside of Ancient Olympia with a view of the countryside and featuring a pool for our students to enjoy. Our group rested for the night and prepared for our visit to Ancient Olympia the next morning.
July 23
On this beautiful Saturday, the students enjoyed a buffet breakfast at our hotel, before departing for the archeological site and museum of Ancient Olympia. Upon arrival to the historic venue, our tour guide met our group and showed us around the site. On our tour, we visited the ruins of the Phillippeion and ancient Temple of Hera and Zeus. Our experience culminated with a stop at the Ancient Olympic Stadium. Subsequent our traditional group picture outside the tunnel of the stadium, our students went inside the stadium and further explored the ancient archaeological site.
After our visit, we walked to the Ancient Olympia Museum where Dr. Dimitriou briefed us about the historical significance of the artifacts. Subsequent the museum visit, which featured sculptured ornaments from the Temple of Zeus and the famous Hermes by Praxiteles, our group proceeded to a local Olympia taverna for a group lunch.
When the souvlaki, pastichio, and keftedes were complete, we went back to our hotel. Following two busy days, we were afforded the opportunity to relax poolside and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Ancient Olympia.
Later that evening, we enjoyed a wonderful meal at the hotel’s restaurant and returned to our rooms to relax for the last day of our trip.
Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Parliament Tour
Today afforded the Journey Family an opportunity to learn about the issues that directly affect US-Greek Foreign Relations. In the morning, our entire group attended Dr. Dimitriou’s Foreign Policy class and was briefed about issues relating to the IMF, Greece’s economic crisis, and possible solutions to the situation. The session stimulated the students’ minds and prepared us for our briefing at the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Upon arrival to the ministry, Victor Maligoudis, Second Secretary of the Ministry, updated us about political issues pertaining to Greece. Mr. Maligoudis spoke to us about a variety of issues including the Cyprus conflict, the Greek minority in Istanbul, and Greece’s hope for the countries of the Balkan region to enter the European Union by 2014. Topics also examined included “Greece’s Thessaloniki Agenda of 2003,” which aims to have all Balkan countries enter the EU by 2014. Mr. Maligoudis also discussed the importance of the US Naval Facility at Souda Bay, Crete. After his initial statements the Journey family posed a variety of questions. Questions included; “What can Greece do to limit the arms race with Turkey?” “What can be done to limit the illegal Turkish over flights over the Greek islands of the Northern Aegean?” “What is the status of Greek-Israeli relations?” and “How can Greece and the EU stop illegal immigration?”
After our initial briefing, we had a short break before our second session with Nikos Kotrokois, Deputy Director A7 Directorate of North America, MFA. Mr. Kotrokois was very well informed and recapped the importance of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s visit to Greece. Mr. Kotrokois also praised the new US Ambassador to Greece, Ambassador Daniel B. Smith, and his diligent work collaborating with all sectors of the Greek government and improving US-Greek relations. Mr. Kotrokois spoke directly to the Journey Family throughout his speech, reminding us that as Greek-Americans and Greek-Canadians, it is our responsibility to share our wonderful time in Greece and change the negative perception that is being portrayed by the media and become future ambassadors.
At the conclusion of the second briefing, the Journey family made the short walk across the street for a tour of the parliament building. Once at the Parliament building, we were met by two Parliament officials who gave us a private tour of the facility. As we entered the building, our guide pointed to a flag of Malta that was flying in the front of the building, which signified that the President of the country was in the building. Our group received a tour and was given a presentation about how the Greek government operates in a parliamentary form. Also, the students were taken on a tour to the old Senate Chambers, the old Throne Room and had time to explore the history of the Parliament and the Greek State. Before leaving the building, students departed with a famous book, Pericles' Funeral Oration.
Following a informative afternoon, the Journey family returned to their apartments and prepared for their three day trip to Isthmia, Corinth, Nemea, Olympia, and Delphi.
Friday 22 July 2011
Thursday 21 July 2011
Acropolis, Dora Stratou, Acropolis Museum
July 18
Today, the Session 2 Journey family began their first day of academic classes. Our group had the privilege to hear from a guest speaker, Alec Mally, Executive Director for Global Economic Affairs at Foresight Strategy and Communications. Mr. Mally briefed us on a variety of topics including how international media unfairly portrays Greece, employment issues, and illegal immigration. Mr. Mally went into depth about specific economic issues including how Greece spends double the Euro Zone average on defense and continues to be in an arms race with Turkey.
Following the briefing, the Journey family went to our favorite Plaka taverna for an authentic Greek lunch. Subsequent the meal, students attended their Modern Greek Language and Greek dance classes. At the conclusion of the lessons, our group gathered in front of the UINDY, Athens campus for our visit to the Acropolis. Dr. Dimitriou spoke to us and provided additional insight regarding the Acropolis’ historical significance. Afterwards, the Journey family made our way to the summit. Once on top, we took our traditional group photo and explored the monument until sunset.
After our time at the Acropolis, the Journey family returned to their apartments and enjoyed a relaxing evening.
July 19
Today, the Journey family had their second day of classes. In Dr. Dimitriou’s Foreign Policy class, students chose their midterm projects. Our group selected a specific topic, which varied from the Macedonia name dispute, the Cyprus conflict, the Ecumenical Patriarch Controversy, and US-Greece Foreign Relations. When class ended, The Journey family walked to their traditional taverna lunch in Plaka.
After lunch, our group attended their afternoon Greek Language and Dance classes. In the Greek language class, students learned conversational Greek and expanded their vocabulary.
In the Greek dance class, for the first half, students learned the history behind the Greek dances. After learning the story behind the zonaradiko, and syrtaki Greek dances, we were able to practice with our newfound understanding.
At the conclusion of the lessons, the Journey family gathered in front of the UINDY, Athens campus for our visit to the Acropolis Museum. Dr. Dimitriou gave the students a private guided tour throughout the museum. The tour provided ample information regarding the Acropolis, but also clarified the Parthenon Marble controversy, explaining the hope of Greece to see the return of the freezes taken by Lord Elgin. After a guided tour, students watched an informational video at the museum and had time to further explore the artifacts.
Students than made the short walk back to their apartments with a new found appreciation of one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
July 20
Following an eventful day, the Journey family returned to the classroom to continue their studies. In Dr. Dimitriou’s foreign policy class, the Journey family was informed about the significance of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s visit to Greece. We learned that it was a positive one, where Secretary Clinton praised Greece for how they are dealing with their budget issues, insisted that Turkey respect the rights of the Greek religious minority, and how there must be a solution to the Cyprus conflict.
At the conclusion of the class, the Journey family went to our favorite Plaka taverna for our beloved souvlaki, kleftiko, tzatziki, and salata.
After lunch, the afternoon lessons began. In the Modern Greek class, students learned more conversational Greek that could be used in day-to-day situations. Students also added more words to their Greek vocabulary lists by practicing speaking, reading, and writing the words. The Greek Dance class continued to learn about zonaradiko, and syrtaki Greek dances and were afforded the opportunity to further practice the steps.
When the afternoon classes were complete, the Journey family gathered and together we left for the Dora Stratou Dance theatre. Upon arrival, Alkis C. Raftis, President of Dora Stratou and the President of the International Dance Council and CID UNESCO, Paris, welcomed us to the theatre. We then had a private lesson from a professional dance instructor, who introduced us to different dances from various regions of Greece.
At the conclusion of the lesson, we took our seats at the open-air theatre where we enjoyed a dance performance from the world-renowned Dora Stratou dance troop.
Following the show, we returned to our apartments and reflected upon an eventful day.
Wednesday 20 July 2011
Tuesday 19 July 2011
Session 1 Departure, Visit to Battleship Averoff, Regimental Changing of the Evzone Guard, Beach
July 15th
Following a wonderful cruise, the Journey to Greece family arrived in Athens. Upon parting from the Majesty Cruise ship for one last time, the Journey family collected luggage and boarded a chartered bus.
Today marked the end of the First Session and together the students headed to the Athens airport. Upon arrival to international terminal, our group said their good byes to the Session 1 Journey family. Despite our students departing from Greece, we understood that this was just the beginning, since we had made friendships that would last a lifetime.
The chartered bus then headed back to the UINDY Athens campus. Our group then had the opportunity to unpack their belongings and prepare for orientation for the new classes. Students were informed on the expectations for their Foreign Policy, Greek Language, and Greek dance classes. We were then able to rest after an eventful week cruising the Greek Islands.
July 16th
Today, Dr. Dimitriou arranged a visit to the famous “Battleship Averoff in Pireaus Harbor. This is a floating museum of the famous ship that was commissioned 101 years ago and served in every Greek battle from the Balkan Wars, World War 1, the Greco Turkish War, and World War II. It has the history of never having lost a battle.
Following this visit, we explored the famous recreation of the Trireme Warship, the “Olympias” of the Battle of Salamis. Also present was the “HS Velos” the Destroyer that is a dedication to the Anti Dictatorship struggle against the Military Junta.
After the historic visit, our students went to Voula Beach to spend the rest of afternoon. At sunset, the Journey family headed back to their apartments and relaxed after a full day.
July 17th
Today the Journey family had the opportunity to observe the weekly Regimental Changing of the Evzone Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier outside of the Parliament Building.
While observing the ceremony, the Journey family noticed that the American flag was flying outside the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Upon inquiry, the Journey family realized they were outside the building where US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton was making a historic visit to Greece.
Following our experience. Dr. Dimitriou updated the students on the importance of the historic visit. He explained how she was very pro-Greek, praising our Motherland for tackling its debt and also advocating for a Cyprus solution in Turkey.
In the evening, the Journey family had time to relax and prepare for our first day of classes.
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