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.