Acropolis, US Embassy, Birthday Celebration

July 5

The Journey family today had a time to reflect on what was a wonderful Special Olympics. Collectively, we contributed a combined total of over 1200 hours as volunteers for Spectator Services at the Aquatic Center and the Athletic Stadium at the OAKA Center. As part of the requirement for the Introduction to Community Service course, we have to write a journal and share our thoughts about the live changing experience.

The day was also one of celebration, since Journey member, Mihalis Schindle, was celebrating his 21^st birthday. To celebrate, students enjoyed a wonderful taverna lunch at our favorite restaurant in Plaka. When the meal was complete, program director Dr. Dimitriou treated the Journey family to ice cream to celebrate Mihalis’ special day. 

After the birthday treat, we had some free time and were able to catch up on homework and also shop for some souvenirs. Later that evening, the Journey family had a second birthday celebration for Mihalis at the Noodle Bar restaurant close to campus. The Journey family then returned to their apartments and prepared for a busy day ahead. 

July 6

The day started with our customary meal at our favorite taverna in Plaka. Our group came dressed in business casual attire and with passports in hand ready to visit the US Embassy in Athens after lunch. We had the unique opportunity to have a private briefing with US Ambassador to Greece, Daniel B. Smith. Once at the embassy and students had gone through security, a State Department official escorted students to our private briefing room.  

The briefing started with an introduction period, where students introduced themselves to the Ambassador. Hon. Daniel B. Smith then briefed us on important US-Greek foreign policy issues. He discussed how media outlets should have covered how wonderful a Special Olympics Greece hosted, rather than the purely negative focus on the demonstrations in front of the Parliament.  He stressed the importance of Greece’s contribution to the NATO alliance. The Ambassador was especially thankful for the level of cooperation with Greece allowing the continued use of the deep-water port of Souda Bay in Crete for naval operations. He stressed the fact that Greece aided in Libyan evacuation and aid. The Ambassador also updated the students about the FYROM name issue, the Aegean Sea dispute and the Cyprus issue. Ambassador Burns stated that the US Embassy would continue to use its offices to help foster more tourism from the US and would specifically encourage US cruise lines to make Greece a primary destination.

Following the initial briefing, students had the opportunity to pose questions. The Journey family was very prepared and questioned the Ambassador on a variety of issues. Questions included, what are the consequences of Greece leaving the EURO Zone; how American businesses can be encouraged to invest in Greece; and how will Souda Bay continue to help NATO and US obligations relative to Libya and the instability in the Eastern Mediterranean. When the question and answer period was complete, the group gathered around Ambassador Smith for a group picture, who complimented the Journey family on their wonderful questions. Before leaving the Embassy, the Journey family gathered around a statue of former Secretary of State Geroge Marshall, which was generously donated by the Order of AHEPA. 

The students then returned to their apartments and changed into comfortable clothing before departing for one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Acropolis. After a short briefing on the history of the Acropolis by Dr. Dimitriou, students left to climb the historic site. Upon reaching the summit of the Acropolis, AHEPA Counselor, Tina Papadopoulos, who is a board member of The American Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures, shared the committee’s efforts to reunify the Parthenon Marbles. Subsequently the group took our traditional group photo in front of the Acropolis, students had the opportunity to explore the monuments until closing of the historic site. Students then returned to their apartments and had an opportunity to reflect on the experience and work on schoolwork. The evening was free for dinner and meeting students from both Hellenext and the Special Olympics.