This is Sparta

Anonymous

When you think “Sparta” you think of the movie 300. You think of ripped men, big battles, and what could be called, a guys movie. But now, when I think of Sparta, Gerald Butler wont be the first thing that comes to my mind. Now it will be unbelievable views, a very large stone fortress on top of a steep hill, the hike up to that hill, a monastery with detailed fresco paintings, and a castle, then possible Gerald Butler.

Our last day here in Athens was spent a bit of the beaten path in Mystras where we were able to see some of the best view of Greece I have ever seen. Now this fortress wasn’t built to see these breath taking views originally, but rather to see oncoming armies from afar before they attacked, but now, a much more peaceful way of life fills the places that was once filled with death and war, nuns who still live and work in the Saint Sophia Monastery.

While this portion of the tip winds down and we have to say good bye to Athens for about a week while we spend it on the Island of Rhodes, then back to Athens for one night of pure enjoyment before we fly home I feel excited to keep the adventures coming, but just wish it would all slow down a little bit. Tomorrow we leave the College Year in Athens at 7am for our flight to Rhodes. Rhodes, like Athens is rich in history with sites and places like no other places in the world. I can not wait to see what lies ahead for my classmates and I in this trip. Sparta today, the location that once held one of the 7 wonders of the world tomorrow, what could be better? A little longer in Greece, yes, Gerald Butler from 300, yes, but life is good and I couldn’t ask for more from this experience.