I Really am Learning Things-I Promise!

I recently tagged a Political Science major onto my Business degree at TCU, so I have naturally been interested in the events transpiring in the Mediterranean during my stay here. Unfortunately, our ship’s lack of Internet and newspapers has left me unsatisfied in my desire for up to date information on current events. Seriously, mount Vesuvius could have erupted since we left Italy, and I would not have a clue. Yesterday, however, when an unmanned drone flew over and around our ship, lingering over the 7th deck tanning area, I became immediately aware of the continuing issues surrounding Israel and the Gaza Strip, as well as the fact that the world is, in fact still turning during my many Mediterranean adventures. This drone was most likely sent from Israel, the biggest user of this type of aircraft outside of the United States, to check out our ship. A ship recently sailed from the area around the Greek islands that threatened to challenge the Israel blockade. Not again, you think. Well nothing became of the incident, except that I was reminded of my real priority in taking this voyage: to immerse myself in different cultures and learn as much as I can about their history and present struggles. Enter, Greece.

Today was my first day in Athens, and as I sit waiting to board my midnight ferry to Santorini, I am reflecting on what I have already learned and observed about this country’s extensive history, captivating culture, and present economic woes. Starting with history, I’ve gotten fairly well acquainted with many of the Greek gods on this voyage, two in particular named Athena and Dionysius. On the one hand, I identify with Athena, the goddess of wisdom, devouring books with the same fervor I directed toward Da Michele’s pizza in Naples. On the other, I have become quite the student of Dionysius, the god of pleasure and wine. I don’t think I need to draw any examples to prove my point here. Both give me great happiness; both are needed to make a balanced life.

The culture, well, I don’t think I have to sell anyone on that. My Big Fat Greek Wedding is on television right now, and who wouldn’t secretly love to have a big, fat, Greek family like that? Whi le I’m on the subject, gyros and hummus are love in food form. Almost as comforting as TexMex, but not quite. As far as the economy, tensions run high right now among the EU, and this is a very serious time for the fairly new union and its universal currency. It is easy to see the effect by walking the streets of Athens. Everything is cheaper here, strikes are a weekly occurrence, and there is a very real risk I may end up stranded on the island of Santorini because the ferry companies periodically decide to strike without warning. Stranded on a beautiful Greek island, tragic, huh?

Santorini is where I will be for the next few days, so wish me a fun time in Greece, and pray the ferries are running long enough for me to get back--the airlines are already on strike!

From Athens with Love,

Bonnie