Do You Believe in Magic?

Anonymous

After today, I think it may be a little easier for some of us on this trip to believe inmagic.  As we made our way to the village of Lindos on the SE Coast of the island I came face to face with a dream come true, basically.  I had always seen pictures of the Greek Islands with the white exteriors and picturesque settings on the ocean, but I had never come face to face with this setting until today.  To me, it really was magic, being able to walk narrow village roads and to experience the life of a Greek Island village such as Lindos.  While our experiences in Athens were definitely rewarding, I feel like today truly got at the "meat" if you will of why I came to this amazing country.  Walking through the courtyard of a Byzantine Church in the village and seeing the gracious woman in black who let us into the church, and then hearing the back story of why exactly and how long she would be wearing it from our gregarious tour guide Dimitris really cemented the culture of this fabulous country further in my heart.  Every corner you turn around, there is something new to see and experience.  When we reached Kalithera Springs beach, a few of my classmates decided to just jump in the Meditteranean.  It was very lovely to watch!  But I waited until arriving back at the hotel to make my plunge. 


With the water at 60 degrees fahrenheit, it sure beat taking a dip in the Puget Sound or Pacific Ocean at this time of year.  I honestly can't describe how clear the water truly is here.  You would have to come here and see for yourself.  Out guide, Dimitris, though, seemed to think us insane for even thinking about swimming at this time of year.  "You have officially joined the Greek polar bear club!"  Dr. Ihssen commented at dinner.  I smiled at that.  Yeah, I guess I have.  This is one particular club I don't have a problem with being a member of, though!  Tomorrow is our last day in this marvelous country and we will spend it in Athens for a final day.  While it is bittersweet for me having to leave, I feel I can carry the magic of this experience with me back across the Atlantic and spread the word to everyone back at home how changed a woman I am!   Washington had better be ready for a new Ashley on Friday when I get back!