Sharp in Greece

Kalimera once more folks! Okay, I'm not really deported but unless I put "Leaked Version of Final Harry Potter Movie" then how else am I supposed to drag your eyeballs to my blog? Week three is complete and my Greek is still weak. I’d say my Greek vocab spans as far as the covered bridge in North Manchester, Indiana (NOT FAR!). No worries though, classes begin on Monday and before the end of this semester I’ll be proposing to my future wife in Greek. Then again, she could be teaching me how a person gets rejected in Greek. For the sake of every philanthropist who helped make this once in a lifetime experience possible and inspires the writings of this very blog, I finally have a schedule! A schedule that says you can sleep easier at night knowing that John Sharp wasn’t lying. He actually does have an obligation to study and didn’t pull off some sort of Bernie Madoff ponzi scheme, enjoying a three month vacation traveling throughout Europe while we all suffer in the community deprived United States. Okay, the suffer line was a bit harsh and straightforward but in all honesty the majority of U.S. citizens can’t pull themselves out of isolation or away from the drive-thru long enough to even compete with the level of "community" in Greece. FYI once again, Greece enjoys ciesta, a part of their day devoted to breaking away from the chaotic workplace to enjoy a nap and a 2-3 hour lunch in community with friends and family. Most stores, trapezas (banks) and post offices close during this time. Never would this be dreamt possible in the states where we believe if our people don’t squeeze out a 14 hour workday, the stock market might flat line. Allow me to bite my tongue quickly so that I’m not speaking for the minority of people in our country who consider community just as essential for human existence as water (quick shout out to POIEMA). No, big business you’re not in the minority, put your hands down and quit mind raping me with your advertisements. Anyways, back to sharing with all the family, friends and angel investors what courses I’ve officially decide to donate my brain towards this semester. Drum roll please…

Monday:  Greek Language (4:15-5:45pm)

Tuesday: Global Marketing (6-9pm)

Wednesday: International Relations (2-5pm)

Thursday: Greek Language (9-10:30am)

Friday: Off aka Fly Day!

Now before you jump my case for what seems like a laidback schedule amounting to only 9 credit hours and a four day weekend, let me explain. All the amazing travels and sightseeing done within the past three weeks is called Orientation, it’s worth 6 credit hours and is accompanied by a 12-15 page paper due sometime before the end of this semester. They also operate on a trimester basis in Greece, exactly the reason why I am just now starting actual classes, an entire month and one week later than all my comrades at Manchester College. Another note, my International Relations course is taught by a grad school professor, the only undergrad course he teaches. You’re welcome.

On Monday la familia caught the bus for a three hour ride to Argolis. We spent the majority of our Monday visiting the ancient theater of Epidaurus and Mycenae. We also made a pit stop halfway through our trip to take in the breathtaking views from the Corinthian Canal.

Corinthian Canal

Known for its harmony and beauty, the ancient theatre of Epidaurus that can seat approximately 14,000 spectators has perfect acoustics. Fortunately, we have a few good singers who blessed us with a performance so we could all witness the perfection of this magnificent wonder. I was tempted to break out the Jay-Z in myself and put on a performance but their asking price was too low.

After passing through Nafplion, the first capital of Greece, we arrived at Mycenae. Mycenae was boring to be honest, yet remarkable to see knowing that it is the source of ancient epics and legends such as the dynasty of Atrieds, the labours of Hercules and the Trojan War (city of Troy was defeated and destroyed by the Mycenaean Greeks). We visited archaeological sites, including the Royal Palace, the Cistern and the Tomb of Agamemnon. Not too crazy of a day unless you consider taking pictures of rocks very thrilling.

tombs at Mycenae

Tuesday was a day spent in the classroom with courses taught by Professor Todorov (my International Relations Prof.) and Dr. Hatichristou. We were lectured on The Balkans and more Greek history by Prof. Todorov, followed by three hours on modern environmental problems on a global scale, the case of Greece by Dr. Hatichristou.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday la familia enjoyed a 3 day trip to the lower part of Greece called Peloponnesus. We started the trip with a tour through ancient Corinth where not only did Julia Caesar establish a Roman colony but also where Apostle Paul lived and preached for two years. St. Paul wrote two New Testament letters to the church here. You may have heard of them, 1 Corinthians & 2 Corinthians. Later that evening we arrived at Monemvasia, a name that means “single entrance”, literally.

After crossing a narrow bridge separating this fortified land from Peloponnesus and following a thin road along Monemvasia’s cliffside we reached a fortress wall, behind which lies the hidden village of Monemvasia. Homes here cost upwards of a million dollars.

Upon walking through the village we began our climb up the mountain to take in the view from atop where a Byzantine church and the ruins of Monemvasia castle are located.

At dinner we ate like kings (thanks Aphrodite) and spent the night at Philoxenia Hotel. Early in the morning we departed for Sparta, the homeland of 300 Spartan heroes and Leonidas, the famous king!

King Leonidas 

A few things to mention here. First off, no the movie 300 was not filmed here. It was most likely filmed on some Hollywood green screen with the abs being photo shopped. Secondly, a “Spartan meal” consist of very little aka basically nothing.  Finally a quick shout out, GO SPARTANS! (Manchester College’s mascot for those who don’t know)

represent from atop Sparta!

Following the short Spartan experience we departed for Olympia, sacred site of the first Olympic games. For those who play sports like myself, this was a place you only dream of stepping foot in. Running a lap around the stadium and taking photos from the podium where the victor would stand are things that I can now knock off my bucket list. Aphrodite even made a crown from olive tree branches, the only prize awarded to the one victor that was worth more than any riches (only 1^st place was given).

Okay this blog is getting long enough and your eyes are probably burning, but I know you’re kicking yourself for never studying abroad. If you’re still in school, you need to get with the program! And if you’re not in school anymore, plan a getaway to Greece, convince people that this will be an educational getaway so that maybe they’ll throw a few shekels your way and in the name of all things Holy get your butt across that pond. To everyone who can’t spare twenty minutes to read this novel of a blog because they’re too busy squeezing out that 14 hour workday, here is my promise (fingers not crossed, wink wink) to keep my blog posts brief from here on out following this post. Then again, I don’t know what you may consider brief. If your “brief” is the definition of the McDonald's promise, in and out of the drive-thru under three minutes, then I apologize ahead of time for not being so brief. Until next time and a shorter blog post this is adio sas!

PS – booked my flight to Barcelona, Spain (November 4^th – 7^th)!