Visions of Greece

Anonymous This moment really was the vision of Greece for me. I am standing in front of the Zappion Palace and what makes this picture more than just a picture of myself in front of a building is that this is the place I suggested for my class to visit while in Athens. When I walked up and saw the Zappion on the second day, it struck me that I was finally in Greece. I was in the moment I had waited for, for months. It took me back to when I was researching the palace, checking out Google maps and pictures, just thinking how incredible it would be to stay in Greece. I couldn't wait and at the same time couldn't believe I would get to be in such a great country. Months later walking up to this building and taking this picture was my "ah ha" moment for the start of my trip. The realization that I was finally here, it wasn't a dream but something I was going to be in right now. So it may not be a National geographic fancy or great picture but it was a wonderful moment.

Visions of Greece

Anonymous
Everything is so different here, from the cars and mopeds crazily speeding by to the sound of our feet walking across the stones underneath. The dank and smoggy smell of the city is occasionally reprieved by an orange tree or pastry stand that we pass. We walk through side-streets of shops and Tavernas and turn the corner to find ancient ruins sprawling over a few blocks. The setting sun adds a sense of majesty and grandeur to this site and the reality of where I'm standing sets in. Looking towards the Acropolis, we can see blocks of terraces. As the sun sets, the air becomes chilly and dark, but the life around the city stays alive. We walk to a cafe and pick a table outside. Sitting in a cafe, sipping coffee, socializing, and people watching; I feel like I could sit here forever.

Visions of Greece

Anonymous

In Athens, the ancient and the modern mix together to form a single identity. Ancient ruins mesh with modern buildings in a seamless testament to the city's history and hardships.

At home in Washington, the oldest buildings are around 100 years old. Here in Athens, they date thousands of years back in time. To the common Athenian, seeing the Parthenon outlined against the clear sky or Hadrian's Arch standing tall on the street corner is an everyday sight that has become as common as passing a Starbucks shop in Seattle.

For those of us travelling in this historically extensive city, the sight of ancient ruins automatically insights a picture taking frenzy. Resident Athenians have accepted these landmarks as part of their city's identity and pass by without a second glance. Much the same way Seattleites pass by two or three Starbucks locations on the way to work every day.

Visions of Greece

Anonymous

It would seem logical that in a cross-cultural situation, the best of each culture would be shared and adapted to the other. Think about what we, as Americans, choose to incorporate from other cultures. From Japan-sushi, Ireland-St. Patrick's day, Spain-Spanish guitar, Mexico-cheerful colors, France-cooking with butter, Switzerland-watches and chocolate. Obviously I am being a bit stereotypical here, and we have inherited more than just one thing from each of these places and cultures, but you get the idea. Usually what sticks with us is something that stands out to us as exemplary, delicious, useful, or enjoyable. Something that represents (what we consider to be) the best of that culture. This makes me ask myself, what does America have to offer the rest of the world? The hamburger? Hardly a culinary masterpiece (no offense to burger-lovers everywhere). Football? The rest of the world seems to prefer soccer. How about cowboys? Now, when I think about it, there ARE lots of positive things America could be said to "give" to the rest of the world. Things like rock 'n roll, jazz, Martin Luther King Jr., and Apple computers. But the real question is: what does the rest of the world chose to inherit from us? What do they deem the best of our culture? What have they chosen to incorporate; to import (figuratively or literally), from the U.S. Hamburgers?... not so much, there is only one McDonald's in Athens. Jazz? I haven't heard any. Apple computers? Maybe, but I haven't seen many. What then? ... Surely not... yes, ... the snuggie.