Submitted by Ashley Steele on the 2022 winter session program in Greece sponsored by the Department of English…
I didn’t think that there would be so many pet shops in Greece, as well as palm trees and Turkish culture! I know that Turkey is nearby geographically, but it still surprises me to see so many things like the evil eye on shirts, bags, and magnets. It is meant to ward off evil spirits if it is gifted to you.
It’s been a lot of fun getting closer to Professor Sukava’s group, who is learning all about historical competition and battles! The students are super nice and are always up for an adventure. A couple of days ago, we traveled to Corinth, where we climbed up the Acrocorinth. It was so incredibly breathtaking – both because of the incline of our hike, and because of how gorgeous it was! It was so peaceful just standing at the top of the mountain, finally having made it, just gazing out into the distance. At times, Greece looks very similar to Ireland or Scotland with its green hills and rocky mountains. Weirdly enough, it also looks like Florida or California if you make your way down to the beaches and see the palm trees.
Yesterday, our class visited two synagogues, the only ones in Athens. It brought an actual tear to my eye when we read all of the names of Greek citizens who had helped Jewish people during the holocaust. I had no idea that the Nazis even occupied Greece! I feel as though history doesn’t ever touch upon Greece, which is really unfortunate, as I don’t know much about Greek history outside of ancient history. It was such a great experience being able to walk into my first ever synagogue and to admire the gorgeous mosaics, stained-glass art, and stars of David along the walls. Professor Satran himself is Jewish, and he was so excited to share all of his knowledge on the architecture of the synagogues and the importance of the menorahs, the torahs, and the minute details of the places of worship! I’m so thankful we all got to experience that, as it was a lot of the girls’ first times being in a synagogue.
It actually snowed today! It NEVER snows in Athens, and you can tell because all of the locals were outside having snowball fights, the joy on their faces was undeniable. When the girls and I went to brunch this morning, a little girl ran up to us with her father and threw little snowballs at us, giggling the whole time! We pretended to fall over and played along with her. This is the first time I’ve ever experienced snow in another country, and it’s so beautiful to watch everyone enjoy it just as much as me. We’re actually snowed-in today, as most shops and school have been canceled! Time for some bonding between study abroad peers.
