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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