Bittersweet: It All Ends Here by Imani Davis

Oh how time flies when you're having so much fun. However, Nafplio is the perfect place to end an amazing trip. We are all sitting on the beach on our last full day here. Not to just admire the beauty of this place but to reflect and study for our final exam, which I must say is torture. It's hard to concentrate when everywhere you turn there is a view that just takes your breath away.

In this moment I am trying to participate in a chaotic group study session. Everyone is talking over each other answering random questions being asked. But also in this chaotic moment I can't help but to think about how lucky we are to have experienced Greece. Ten days ago this study session would have been quiet. But the chaos of everyone answering questions is a good sign of what we accomplished. It's different when you're reading about the history and myths in a classroom. Seeing these things in person to make the readings come to life is so fulfilling. Not to mention we balanced education and fun very well and I'm sure we made our Professors proud.

Being one of two recent Pace University graduates on this trip made me sad as our time comes to a close. This trip was my last piece of Pace to hold on to. Greece was a great way to end my college career and I couldn't be happier that I got a chance to have this experience. This trip really showed me how much I've learned and grown as a person throughout my four years at Pace. Pace promotes stepping outside the box and trying new and exciting things. I would have never thought to take a trip to Greece if it wasn't for the study abroad program.

And once again I'm back to looking out at this amazing view. I see some of the new friends I made on this trip having a blast and all I can do is smile. In a short period of time I've gained friendships with such brilliant, caring and outgoing people who I am truly going to miss and I know have bright futures ahead.  I wish you all nothing but the best. For all of us this trip has really been one for the books. Thank you to Professor Catalano and Professor Collins for this opportunity.


Goodbye for now Greece. Truly the trip of a lifetime. We will meet again!



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Location:Greece

We Travel Because We’re Human by Alex Franciosa

I’ll never get tired of watching a sunset. Recently, however, I’ve been trying to figure out why sunsets are so beautiful to me. Being on this trip has helped me do that.

When traveling, it’s easy to get caught up in the itinerary: what time to leave, where to go, where to eat—people often find vacations to be more stressful than being at home. Subsequently, they spend so much time worrying that they miss what’s important, which is why it’s necessary to take time to reflect, especially in a country like Greece.

Something our professor kept stressing was the history of where we were, but he wasn’t talking about who built what temple in which year. Instead, it’s the fact that when standing in complete silence and looking at the Aegean sea from the Temple of Poseidon, you can begin to feel the weight of everyone that’s been there. All the people on ships returning from wars, journeys, day trips. People working, fishing, getting lost, falling in love. You could probably name every human experience and it happened right there. Realizing this is one reason why traveling is so important.



We take for granted the names that lasted, the ones we learn about at historical sites and archaeological museums. We know the names Plato and Pythagoras so well that we can forget most people will go through their lives without doing anything that will be remembered in 2,000 years. It’s hard to come to terms with the fact that by ourselves and in the grand scheme of things, we are insignificant.

Despite our insignificance, what makes us important is that we are part of humanity. The ancient Greeks recognized that, and they lived their lives accordingly. They saw the necessity of art, literature, philosophy and reason in our lives because that’s who we are. Life is more than a job, and we are going to die, so we need to make the most of the time we have by pursuing our talents and passions. This is also why mythology and literature were so prevalent in Ancient Greek society; they tell the whole truth, while history—and even our own senses—can lie. Being in this mindset for 10 days is completely overwhelming and terrifying, but it’s also eye-opening.



Traveling to Greece has helped me realize that when I look at a sunset, to me it is beautiful because for thousands of years, it’s been the same. It’s beautiful because I am only one of the billions of people who have marveled at it, or thought about their lives while watching it, or completely ignored it. In this moment, I don’t have to think about how it came to be or how it will end. Just as Aristotle and Homer and Pericles and Archimedes and Hercules did, I can experience it.


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Location:Greece

The Blublanc Beach Bar: A Neverending Party By Alex Franciosa

The town of Nafplio, Greece has to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. The views of ruins, fortresses and gulfs are breathtaking, the food is delicious, and the social life is thriving. Of the last category, one of the most popular places to experience is the Blublanc Beach Bar.



The long bar and restaurant stands alone on the shoreline. With walls on only one side, each table has an open view of the beautiful, clear water and the people enjoying a swim.

In the morning and throughout the day, waiters run around the beach and serve coffee, fresh fruit juices, breakfast and snacks. Among the heavier items are sandwiches and pizzas, including a prosciutto and spinach pie (which I highly recommend).

Beach-goers can also use the restaurant's sun chairs and umbrellas with the order of a menu item. The prices are reasonable (the cheapest pizza was only 8€), especially if customers plan on using a chair for the majority of the day.

At night, the place completely transforms. While the waiters still run around frantically, customers switch from swimsuits to dress clothes and coffee to cocktails. A mix of modern English and Greek music plays loudly throughout the night, although there isn't much dancing. The amount of people inside just about quadruples at night, leaving barely enough room for George the waiter to bring drinks, let alone dance. Despite the crowd, the general mood is laid back and friendly, with the people eager to socialize and connect with strangers.



However, if you want to visit Nafplio for the nighttime experience, you'll have to wait until at least midnight. Greeks can typically be seen having dinner past 9pm, so the nights' dancing and partying pick up around 1-2am and lasts until sunrise.

One aspect of Nafplio that makes it the most charming place we visited is that it is not a "tourist town." It's beauty isn't commercialized, and visitors can appreciate the town for what it is. The locals will start speaking to you in Greek because they assume you're one of them; but they are still friendly and happy to help when they discover the truth. With the absence of English signs and gift shops with overly pushy vendors, Nafplio and the Blublanc Beach Bar give visitors a chance to experience and enjoy modern Greek culture as it exists naturally.


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The Bargain Method by Imani Davis

Before I came to Greece I was asked what I was most excited about. My answer was simple, shopping. Anytime I travel, shopping is always one of the highlights of my trip. It's cool to get unique things from places you visit as a souvenir or even get some common things you see at home for a cheaper price.

Here in Greece the shopping experience has been different than any place I've been before. Normally we shop in malls or outlets.  But here the stores are all boutique style, located in romantic corridors and not bustling city centers. And most importantly the key to shopping here is one word, bargaining.




Mykonos Boutiques (Taken by: Michelle Ricciardi)

In the states we have set prices and the word bargain is only used in the context of sales (discounted prices) or shopping at cheap stores. In Greece, bargaining means to negotiate a price you feel is appropriate for the item. And bargaining is best when you're paying in cash not card. For example, in Athens I saw a pure linen tunic that I tried on and fell in love with. The price on the hanger was 50 euros but through talking with the store owner and telling him I was paying with cash, we agreed on 35 euros. In another situation a customer wanted a leather tote. The price written was 100 euros. The store owner discussed a lower price at 75 euros but only if paying with cash. If paying with card it would stay at 100 euros. This method of bargaining also works when buying multiple items. This is really when you hit the jack pot because you pay a better price for all the items than you would buying just one.

In the states if a shirt says $50 and a leather bag says $100 that's the price you pay unless you have a coupon or it's on sale. Negotiating and whether you're paying with cash or card doesn't matter.

After my time here in Greece bargaining, I think I like their system more than ours. Of course it still has to be a reasonable price in order to be a successful purchase but even $5 off is a deal from an original price. With bargaining you basically always have a coupon for each store.


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Location:Mykonos Island, Greece

The Hidden Gem of the West by Michelle Ricciardi

The Peloponnese region of Greece is home to the hidden gem of Nafplio.

This seaport town boasts old-world charm with modern luxuries like savvy beach clubs and boutique hotels.

There is a gelato shop on every marble corner and the streets are lined with many restaurants, which take credit cards unlike a lot of places I have found in Greece.

The sun sets along the turquoise blue waters so clear that you can spot the sea urchins that collect themselves in the corners of the harbor.

Parents play with their children in the streets in the midnight hours while crowds gather together at wine bars and cafes.

The energy of the town is much calmer than other areas of Greece; merchants and restaurant owners greet the people passing but don't haggle them to come shop or eat.

A walk along the scenic pathway will give you a chance to take in views of the water and the Bourtzi fortress before leading you to a small beach, a tiny piece of paradise.

The beach bar, Blublanc, is a series of rectangular decks and small white tables with wooden tabletops. Or, if you prefer, you can order right from your beach chair on one of their three levels along the water. It reminds me of a restaurant you would find along the beaches of Delray and specializes in a savory prosciutto pizza.

The town is the prefect mix of old charm and modern amenities and the perfect escape for travelers looking to be less tourist.


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Food: The Key To Free Wifi and a Full Stomach by Imani Davis

The norm for us in America if we want something to eat, whether we are feeling fast food or something exotic is to drive by a place and settle, Yelp the best places to eat or we go to our favorite restaurants. Here in Greece it's quite interesting how restaurants work to help you choose where you would like to eat.
No matter the city you visit the tactics are the same.

As a traveler there's not much driving but a lot of walking. While you're walking through the market place the managers of each restaurant are standing outside with a menu wide open as they wave their hand for you to come sit and eat at their restaurant. If the waving doesn't work they try to persuade you with free wine and free wifi, which were the magic words for us.

At the start of every meal the server asks whether you want white or red wine and then proceeds to place bread, oil and vinegar onto the table. And depending on the restaurant you can have up to a 4 course meal to a 15 course meal like we had in Athens due to a longtime friendship Dr. Catalano has with the restaurant owner.

For Dinner:



Greek Salad served at every meal.




Loukoumades, Greek Donuts made on the Celestyal Olympia Cruise Ship.

The food here compared to back home is completely different as you can see. It's fresh, healthy, flavorful but not thick. You can clean your plate and have room for dessert or you can clean your plate and because the food is so good force dessert. But no matter what, you never leave hungry or disappointed. The restaurants are very accommodating to everyone's dietary needs. There is always something that the restaurant brings that you will love and want more of.


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Balconies and Bars of Santorini by Michelle Ricciardi

Santorini, the Greek island that sprang from a volcanic explosion and is built on the top of the cliffs, is one of the most picturesque islands.

It has no natural harbor but the explosion left a gigantic caldera with waters no less than 600 feet deep. Visitors from cruise ships are brought to the bottom of the mountain by water taxi, that is when the water is not too rough for the taxis to make their way to the ships.

There is a cable car to transport visitors to the town. However, those more adventurous can climb the winding marble staircase or ride a mule to the top for five euro.

If you survive the mule race to the top without scratching yourself along the stone walls or passing out from the oder of manure, you'll finally come to see the wonder and awe of Santorini. Much like Mykonos with its white walls and stone walkways, this island also has a 360 degree view of the sea from every bar and restaurant along the cliff side.

One bar, Palia Kameni, has three levels built into the cliffside with balconies facing the water. The mint leaves they use in their mojitos are picked fresh from a mint tree that sits on the second floor iron balcony next to the bar.

They make their raspberry martinis with freshly squeezed raspberry juice and decorate it with ripe fruit that tastes like it came straight off of the vine. Even the vodka used in the martini tastes light, not the usual well-vodka that smells like nail polish remover and makes you want to hold your nose to swallow a gulp of your drink.

The server offers popcorn and an assortment of olives to each table. Combine all of this with the incredibly kind and attentive servers and a view to die for, and you'll be convinced as to why many celebrities and jet setters find Santorini worth the smelly, bumpy mule ride up those never-ending stairs.





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The Unknown by Imani Davis

"If you don't live everyday you're cheating yourself" -Dr. Catalano







Studying abroad is all about the learning experience, introducing yourself to new places and even new people. It's an adventure. Through this experience you learn the stories about the places you will be visiting and the people around you. During your stay abroad the people traveling with you become your family away from home. These are the people you go to for everything. You laugh, vent, cry and see the world together. For us, these same rules apply. We all started this trip as 12 strangers, well in some ways. We each knew at least a person or two but not all.


The Pleasantville and City campuses finally got to feel like one University. There are two students from the City campus and the rest are from Pleasantville, making eleven girls, one boy and three teachers. And we're always on the same page. We could all arrive to a city together, somehow separate and all meet up with each other to head back to home base at the same time without sending a text to one another or making a phone call. We often joke and say that we are study abroad goals.


But then something happened. On our sixth night abroad we went from sharing stories at dinner about Pace experiences and trying to find internships to personal real life stories. All of our eyes were opened to the similarities we had to one another that we hadn't known before. The dinner started with much laughter and ended with tears shed along with comforting. We had a break through.

Harper Lee once said,

"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Climb inside of his skin and walk around in it".


At this dinner we heard stories and felt real emotions coming from behind the masks that cover our vibrant faces everyday. We went from formal introductions to lending a ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on in just a couple of days. Chemistry like this is hard to find in a group of very different individuals. We made it work and started or rekindled friendships and this trip will forever be remembered by both the students and the teachers.

Rest In Peace- Richard Kennedy, Loving father to Catherine Kennedy

Rest In Peace- Lauren McCormick, Best friend to Athena Cipully

Rest In Peace- Patricia Cipully, Step-mother to Athena Cipully


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Coffee is Universal (But Not the Same) By Alex Franciosa

Do not stir and drink Greek Coffee.
In most coffee shops in Greece, customers can buy typical drinks like coffee, coffee lattes, and cappuccinos. All of them can be served hot or cold, with or without sugar and milk, and with additional favors. However, most menus also contain something suspiciously called "Greek Coffee."
Thinking I would undergo the legitimate cultural coffee experience, I ordered a cup of Greek coffee- black. But I didn't ask what made it Greek.
After doing research, I've learned that, similar to Turkish Coffee, Greek Coffee is unfiltered. Roasted beans are finely ground and then simmered instead of boiled in water. After it is poured, the grounds are left to settle before the drink is served, sometimes with a small piece of candy.
What does this mean for drinking it? Greek Coffee comes in an adorably small mug as it contains less water than "American Coffee." It is also stronger.
Despite not knowing any of this, I enjoyed my cup until I discovered the ground coffee beans at the bottom. At the time, I didn't give any thought to what they were. I probably figured it would dissolve if stirred, and I would miss out on the full coffee experience if I didn't. In the heat of the moment, I made the decision to stir them around and then take a huge sip. As you can imagine, this resulted in a terrifying ordeal that was resolved with me drinking water to try and clear the coffee grounds that coated my throat.
It's like drinking tea leaves: you can technically do it, but it's definitely not recommended. I probably should have taken the hint that the coffee didn't come with a spoon and I had to use my fork to stir.
All of that being said, I do strongly recommend trying Greek Coffee. For the taste, the caffeine, and the experience.


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A Bird Who Won't Fly Home by Michelle Ricciardi

"We must travel in order to find the place where we belong."-Unknown



Travel is one of my biggest passions. As someone who had only been to Florida a dozen times with my family and a few states that surround New York, I decided I needed a change.

I made a promise to myself at age 21 that I would visit at least one new destination per year. I've overachieved my goal thus far, having been to New Orleans, Honolulu, Punta Cana, Bangkok, Koh Samui, and after this trip I'll be able to say that I've been to Athens, Mykonos, Kushida, Patmos, Rhodes, Santorini, and Naplion.

My travels started out as a way to satisfy my thirst for adventure and to learn about the world the way no text book could teach me: by throwing my whole self into new cultures and surpassing my comfort zone.

Yet, the more I travel, the more I realize that the adventure I crave can never be fully quenched because this passion has become a characteristic within myself.
Even after I see the whole world, I don't think I could ever stop traveling.

It's not a list of chores that you complete in order to avoid revisiting, rather it's something you do to find your favorite places and figure out which one of them is right for you. After all, how can we truly know our place in the world if we have not seen all of it?

The more I travel the more I question my home and what home means. I'm not one of those Americans who will say that "America was never great." I love my country and respect the people who fight for it. I acknowledge that no matter where you go in the world there are people who will be ignorant or rude. Moving somewhere new will not rid your life of all of the jerks of the world but everywhere I go I find myself questioning the quality of life in each country and what I am willing to give up in order to call one of these new places home.

Would I be able to trade in my Constitutional rights to live in a place where the sun is warmer, the views more breathtaking, and the people more friendly? I think at the end of the day, the answer is "yes."






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Location:Crete, Greece

Crepes from the Gods by Michelle Ricciardi

The Greek island of Mykonos has a reputation of being a destination for fabulous nightlife.

However, it holds much more for travelers than nights full of parties. The crystal blue waters set the perfect stage to watch the sunrise from one of the hundreds of restaurants that face the port.

Wander down the white and gray stone roads and smells from shrimp risotto to pizza fill the tiny paths that wind uphill between the crisp, white squares of buildings.



Upon all of these delicious aromas, one particularly sweet scent of fresh baked waffles and crepes caught my attention.
As I walked into the shop, the owner and chef was delighted and greeted my friends and I with a warm smile. He stood behind the counter with a large, circular hotplate in front of him and a large pale of batter on the side.

One girl, Brianna, told him to "surprise" us with his own combination of crepe. His smile widened and replied that he is very happy when his customers trust him. He poured a small ladle of batter on to the plate and used a small wooden square with a thin handle to spread the battery evenly throughout.



After he flipped the crepe, he spread Nutella, white chocolate sauce, fresh sliced strawberries, and crushed Oreos and filed the crepe.

He topped it with a dollop of whipped cream and there I held a crepe the size of my face, warm and fresh, in my hands. Every last bite was worth the mess of sweetness the dripped all over my face as I ate it.


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Location:Mykonos, Greece

Getting to Know Maya by Imani Davis

Science and culture is what makes us human beings" -Maya Acenova






She walks into a room with high spirits, dressed in full Pace University gear and gives a warm "Kalimera", which is Greek for good morning. She welcomed us with open arms to make us feel as if we weren't out of town guest but family. She has so much knowledge about the people and places around her. And I am happy I got the pleasure to sit down with Mrs. Maya Acenova to have a one on one conversation. We covered so many subjects from religion to history to art and even personal life. And for those back home who did not get the pleasure to meet this kind women, I'm pretty sure you will want to after reading. :)

Originally from Bulgaria, Maya Acenova came to Greece in search of expanding her knowledge on history and the arts. She studied the History of Art at the National Art Academy of Sofia in Bulgaria. While studying abroad, Maya met her husband of 18 years in Greece. Once she fell in love she moved to the suburbs of Athens, Greece in 2000. She enjoys living in the suburbs because of the peace and quiet, the nature and the closeness of the beach. Maya believes that nature has given her much happiness and she takes the time, whenever she can, to appreciate it. She shows her appreciation through her work and rescuing animals.

Maya was asked to begin working in tourism and she kindly accepted because she wanted to not only make herself useful but use her studies to grow and reach her highest potential.
This year, Maya decided to take a break from the tour company and become a freelance tour assistant. In doing this she gets to reconnect with old friends such as Professor Catalano, whom she met 8 years ago and has always kept in touch with.

Maya is enthusiastic about tourism and making Greek culture available to foreigners. She wants to help to find the gaps in Greek history because there is so much more that people do not know. Her goal is to make communist culture more popular and expand other people's knowledge of it.

Besides her wide knowledge of Greek culture and the arts, Maya speaks Italian, Russian and Greek. She also learned to speak English in only 3 months. If I do say so myself, she speaks better English than most people who speak it as a first language. Just amazing!

By the end of our conversation, I felt like I knew Maya for years. Her passion for what she does really shows through the way she speaks and the work she does. When I asked where she saw herself in the next five years Maya responded, "Working on the idea of creating tours around the Balkan Peninsula that presents its culture from ancient times through the centuries to modern époque".

When I return to Greece, hopefully within the next two years, she will definitely be my go to person. If anyone is interested in finding a tour assistant while in Athens Maya is your girl!

Contact info:
mayacenova@gmail.com


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Magic Carpets by Michelle Ricciardi

Over 2,400 people work in the learning complex of Turkmen Carpet Weaving Center in Kushisa, Turkey.



For the silk rugs, they collect silkworm cocoons. They then dry out the larva and soak the dried cocoons in warm water to pull apart the material using a brush.

The Turkish women hand sew each rug for 3 hours a day, a process that takes about 14 months to complete. They follow patterns that are drawn on pieces of cardboard by weaving teachers in the complex.

The results are breathtaking rugs that should be viewed as a piece of art rather than something to keep your feet warm from your hardwood floors.

They produce silk rugs that range in vibrant purple damask designs to rugs with simpler patterns made with natural dyes, or sals.

The tour guide, Alper, insists that guest remove their shoes and walk on these colorful masterpieces in order to feel the quality. It is like gliding on a smooth cloud.

These hand-sewn works of art don't come cheap, though. Rugs the size of an average kitchen sink runner will cost you about $2,000. Though I can imagine the quality is well worth it .


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Holy Culture Shock, Batman! By Alex Franciosa

Of all the difficulties I expected from traveling, I never thought ordering a cup of coffee would be one of the worst.
After a nine hour flight that put our group in Athens at 10am- resulting in a night's sleep of about two hours- one of the only things on my mind was coffee. A couple of friends and I set off down the street with our euros and knowledge of a few Greek words like "thank you," "please," and "water." We were told that would be enough, because "everyone speaks English in Greece."



What we found out in a matter of minutes was that most people spoke more English words than we spoke in Greek, but we were so wrong to expect them to be fluent. On top of that, what's not in English are the street signs, shop names and menus. As I pointed to the menu in the coffee shop and said "what?" about a million times, I felt the weight of embarrassment not only for myself but for the people from my country that I'm representing settle on my shoulders. I choked and waited too long to try out any Greek words before the barista turned and walked away, clearly annoyed. At least it could only go up from there.
After spending 20 minutes trying to find a bathroom, and 40 minutes trying to find the Fish Spa that was 12 minutes away from our hotel, we sucked it up and talked to people.
Once the initial shock subsided, we realized that most shop owners did speak a decent amount of English, and that they were very willing to help. They were also very friendly, especially when we used the few Greek words we knew. They appreciated the effort, and in turn we became encouraged to try more.
In preparation for travel, people will tell you about culture shock, but it never really hits that such a thing can exist until you try to thank someone who helped you with directions and you can't. Reflecting back on the experience has been very humbling, especially considering the people, even in the United States, who experience this every day because they have to- not because they are on vacation.
Now, although the jet lag is still at large, we're able to appreciate the country without being held back as scared tourists. We've been able to learn not only about the history, but about the culture. And we've been able to talk to some great, friendly locals in the meantime!


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The People of Syntagma Square by Alex Franciosa

One of the most interesting things to learn in a foreign country is that people are all the same. While they speak different languages and eat better food, they all fall into the same basic groups. While walking through Athens at night, I was astounded-and comforted-by the fact that I often found myself forgetting I wasn't in New York City.
Picture the scene: a large, circular, paved, marble square. In the middle stands the centerpiece: a running fountain that lights up in various colors throughout the night. Street venders selling Greek snacks stand by their carts as people walk by.
An elderly homeless man walks by slowly with a large plastic bag of clothing. A middle aged man plays the violin for tip money while people funnel through, most of them not paying attention. This is the scene of Syntagma Square in the middle of Athens at 9:30pm.
As in most places, young people dominate the square both in number and volume. High school age students wearing name brand shirts flock around in large groups. Smaller groups ride by doing tricks on bikes and skateboards. One boy in particular has long disheveled hair matching his baggy t-shirt and jeans. The "skater kid" really is universal. And so is the "man bun."
Tourists snap pictures of the architecture and the locals' "way of life," which primarily seems to be walking quickly through with earbuds in and heads set looking somewhere between the ground and straight ahead.



The people that really struck me the most were the dancers. Off to the side stood a group that at any time contained 3 to 7 people. They played music (Missy Elliot among others, interestingly enough) out of a radio. They really didn't care about who was watching, and they danced casually, feeling the music and responding with movements strikingly similar to those I saw in Union Square last week.
Wherever you go, the relationships between people continue to be the most interesting. Couples walk by holding hands- more than in the United States. Guys greet each other with the "bro-five," the universal half hand-shake half-hug. A young girl pushes up her bra into the position to guarantee the most cleavage as the talks to a group of three boys her age or slightly older.
Throughout all of this, the sounds of protests ring in our ears as a large crowd parades down the streets shouting loudly. I can't tell you exactly what they were protesting, but some English speaking ladies nearby say it is "something about police." This acts as a constant reminder that although America is filled with political unrest, we aren't alone and we definitely don't have it the worst.
One thing that I've really come to appreciate about traveling is that it gives you a chance to think about how every person has a story. While they may outwardly fall into the same groups and have similar experiences, each one has an individual history and way of looking at the world.


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Athens Fish Spa: Not Just For the Fish by Alexandra Franciosa

     While it may not sound like it, one of the most relaxing activities in Athens is to let animals eat your skin. In other words, try out fish pedicures, where little fish in a foot bath nibble away at dry, dead skin to leave feet feeling smooth and fresh.

     One of the most popular fish pedicure locations is the Athens Fish Spa, located on 45 Aiolou Street. The entire surrounding
area is filled with small, homey cafes and boutiques. It's always crowded with both tourists and locals, including the three college age boys lounging on the steps outside the door (while they looked like trouble, they were happy to help with directions).  

     The Athens Fish Spa sells 20 minute fish pedicures for 15€. They use Garra rufa fish (or "doctor fish" as they are sometimes called in the U.S.), which have been historically used in pedicures in the Middle East for around 400 years. 

     For the most part, the experience is actually very relaxing. After washing their feet (with the employee watching closely to make sure it's sufficient), customers sit in a comfortable chair and soak their feet in a glass bath filled with about 50 small fish. Immediately, the fish swarm the feet and begin eating. 

   As dozens of hungry fish start to attack your feet, it's hard to think anything besides "this tickles!" As you get used to it, the pedicure feels more like tiny vibrations against the skin. Between brief flashes of thoughts like "this is really disturbing," you can really enjoy it. 

     Afterwards, your feet are massaged with aloe lotion. The employees also suggest you combine the pedicure with a foot massage for an extra charge; it was honestly tempting.

The Athens Fish Spa provides an interesting opportunity for locals and especially tourists, as the pedicures are banned in most of the States-it's hard to keep the tanks to an acceptable level of cleanliness, although the Athens Fish Spa uses a UV light for this. The fish pedicures are a nice break from the walking and exploring that the beautiful, historical city of Athens is known for. They are definitely recommended for a reasonably priced, relaxing and unique experience.
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Location:Athens, Greece

The Marbleous Parthenon by Imani Davis

In America, marble is seen as a luxury to have in bathrooms, on counter tops and floor tiles. In Greece, marble is plentiful. They use it for everything from buildings to sidewalks and stairs. Although very pretty, marble is tricky to walk on. Especially at the Parthenon.

The Parthenon was a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, the patron goddess to the Athenians. It is located on one of highest points in Athens at the Acropolis.



The Parthenon, though very steep, can be climbed to the top. However, it is very important that I warn you of the dangers of not wearing slip resistant shoes. If you're ever thinking about taking a trip to Greece, the Parthenon is a must. Thousands of tourist and even residence visit everyday. But, do not and I repeat DO NOT wear Toms. That was my big mistake. If not wearing supportive shoes you will catch yourself paying more attention to where you're walking than the actual beauty of the architecture.


The plethora of running kids, people and rocks of marble are true hazards. It's scary to think of someone running into you or slipping and falling and bringing someone else down with you. This is the part that worried me about one particular tourist. Although the Parthenon is open to everyone, I set my attention onto a woman wearing a black and white t-shirt dress, Stan Smith sneakers, a black baseball cap and a hand over her stomach, maybe around 6 or 7 months. I found myself continuously checking to make sure she was ok and if her family was around to help her up hill.However, in the end she took her time and was just as cautious as any other tourist.

Slow and steady won this race.



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Lord Byron Graffitis Greece by Jane Collins

Long before graffiti covered subway trains and any viable urban surface, Lord Byron, the renowned English Romantic poet, was carving his initials into Classical Greek temples.

In the 1820s, while Byron lived in Greece and fought for Greek


Independence, he visited this 450 BC temple and decided to leave his mark (literally). Byron's graffiti is still preserved here at the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio.

Fortunately, modern tourists are no longer immortalizing themselves on the temple walls.

Location:Leoforos Souniou,Legrena,Greece

A Place Called Plaka by Michelle Ricciardi

- Upon arriving to Athens, I thought about how closely it resembles New York City.

There are hundreds of shops including American stores like H&M and Zara. Graffiti covers buildings, even those built in classical style with their marble staircases and Ionic columns. Cars bustle the streets day and night and it is nearly impossible for pedestrians to cross from sidewalk to sidewalk despite the crossing signs. Small pop up convenience stores that resemble bodegas line the streets.

Athens even has its own version of Greenwich Village.

Plaka, a small district in the city, is an oasis hidden in the city. The sidewalks are lined with trees and small buildings with iron embroidered balconies. Small lanterns line the courtyards and hang over dinner guests.

The smell of seasoned meats and coffee spill into the streets from the many restaurants and cafes.

Performers walk up and down the streets playing their instruments while their sidekicks holding signs that ask tourists for money. "Free for you," say the women who walk the streets selling roses.

Plaka is an escape from Athens, a place where those who don't enjoy concrete jungles can dwell as the hipsters in The Village.

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Location:Leoforos Poseidonos,Glifadha,Greece

Why We Travel: thinking about Pico Iyer's powerful essay

To start getting ready for our trip to Greece, we read Pico Iyer's beautiful essay "Why We Travel" http://picoiyerjourneys.com/index.php/2000/03/why-we-travel/

Michelle Ricciardi wrote:

Iyer's essay captivated me from the first sentence down to the last. I felt as though his words described what I have failed to tell to all of the world when I talk about my passion for traveling. Having recently traveled to Thailand, reading this essay reinforced the enlightenment about life that I had felt after seeing the other side of the world. One of my favorite quotes from this essay is when Iyer says "...the sovereign freedom of traveling comes from the fact that it whirls you around and turns you upside down, and stands everything you took for granted on its head. If a diploma can famously be a passport (to a journey through hard realism), a passport can be a diploma (for a crash course in cultural relativism).", because traveling to foreign places truly changes you. In my case, I could acknowledge the fact that I would never be the same even upon returning home. I felt like I found my center, that seeing how different Thai culture was and opening myself up to traditions and embracing their way of life made me learn about myself so much that I felt more at peace with myself than ever before. You not only learn more about culture than any textbook or newspaper, as Iyer states in the beginning, but you learn about yourself.

Alex Franciosa noted:

Iyer talks about how travel is work, but we need to work to appreciate things.  He also talks about the idea that some people will always grumble about how “things are all the same” or “things are too different.” To be able to truly appreciate place, we have to accept that things are different but that is what makes it worthwhile to travel.  Personally, I am interested in seeing how things will be the same, how people will all show some of the same aspects of humanity despite growing up in a completely different place. Iyer talks about how tourists, once the initial biases are overlooked, can bring different, beautiful points of view to something that the native people are used to.

     Iyer also discusses how traveling makes us like children again.  We become surrounded by a language we don’t understand, and we have to resort to simple phrases and expressing ourselves through our surroundings.  Travel makes us innocent; we’re in an unknown world, exploring and discovering new things.

Imani Davis said: 

Overall, Pico lyer’s essay “Why We Travel” speaks many truths about the emotions, thought process and semi culture shock of traveling. The essay opens by saying,

We travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel, next, to find ourselves. We travel to open our hearts and eyes and learn more about the world than our newspapers will accommodate. We travel to bring what little we can, in our ignorance and knowledge, to those parts of the globe whose riches are differently dispersed. And we travel, in essence, to become young fools again — to slow time down and get taken in, and fall in love once more”. (“Why We Travel)

The opening statements really got me to think about my past traveling experiences. Now, I’m not new to traveling and it has become a tradition in my family to travel to at least two new places every summer. We’ve gone to Florida, Las Vegas, Aruba, Venezuela and my mother’s birthplace Jamaica, just to name a few. And each place that I have traveled to I’ve gained knowledge from, never wanted my stay to be over and most importantly fell in love with. Once you travel out of your comfort zone its like a mind blowing experience. Traveling to places where people talk differently and dress different can be a little weird sometimes but when you think about it you’re just as different to them and they are to you. At the end of the day it’s all about embracing where you are and the people you will be around. Temporarily this is your home and these people are not just strangers but your new neighbors and somewhat tour guides. They learn from you just as much as you learn from them. As Pico lyer as said,

“Abroad is the place where we stay up late, follow impulse and find ourselves as wide open as when we are in love. We live without a past or future, for a moment at least, and are ourselves up for grabs and open to interpretation”. (“Why We Travel)

Traveling to unknown places is scary. Our Greece experience will be scary but fun. We will be living in the present and experiencing new and exciting things that only we can go back to our families and friends and try to explain or put into words.