Session 1 Departure, Visit to Battleship Averoff, Regimental Changing of the Evzone Guard, Beach

July 15^th

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 16^th 

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 17^th

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.