Students Experience Culture and History in Greece and Turkey

After a day at school, eight of our school mates embarked on a ten-day cultural emersion to Greece and Turkey. Arriving in Athens on April 8, the students, accompanied by science teacher Ms. Susan Fisher and history teacher Ms. Bridgette Francis, enjoyed spring break 2009 in Europe and Asia.

Athens, the ancient capital of Greece, is often called the ‘birthplace of civilization.’ The city is the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and hosted the games again in 2004. Students visited the stadium where the games were played. After they toured the city, they were able to observe luxury stores, traditional taverns, and the Acropolis.

Athena’s Acropolis in Athens is more commonly known as the Parthenon. It was built in the 5th century B.C.E. and was nominated for one of the seven modern wonders of the world. Students observed the marvelous limestone foundation, high pillars, ancient sculptures, and mysterious engravings.

Exploring the islands of Greece on a cruise, students first went to Mykonos, an island supposedly formed when Hercules killed a Giant, and was named after one of Apollo’s children. The island is known for its windmills, world famous beaches, and shopping.

“Jumping into the Aegean Sea was one of the highlights of this trip,” said freshmen Larissa Athoe.

With its white buildings with blue dome roofs, doors and windows, Mykonos was a hit compared to most of the other cities. In addition, students saw pelicans, the mascot of Mykonos for over 50 years.

“Greece is one of the most amazing places I’ve ever been to. The water is crystal clear and the sunset in Mykonos is breathtaking,” said senior Samantha Goon.

The next destination was the ancient city of Rhodes. Rhodes is home to the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It is a statue of the god Helios, built by Chares of Lindos in the 3rd century BCE. Before the statue fell in 226 BCE due to earthquakes, the Colossus of Rhodes was one of the tallest statues in the world.

Rhodes is guarded by old buildings and fortresses used in past wars. The most renown is The Palace of the Grand Masters. The ancient buildings are now used for modern purposes like stores and banks. The most traditional food enjoyed on the trip was in Rhodes at a local family restaurant.

The last island the students visited in Greece was Patmos. “My favorite moment of the Greece/ Turkey trip was exploring the quiet and small island of Patmos with students on Easter morning. We had no set agenda, just walked around soaking in the culture and having an unplanned adventure up sideroads to nowhere that opened up to unexpected views of the Medditerranian Sea. To me, it’s those quiet suprises of new places that make travelling so rewarding,” said Ms. Francis. Crew members run ferries from the ship to the dock because of low sea levels. Patmos is a small rocky island filled with houses painted in white and blue, the traditional Greek colors. Patmos is mainly known for its monasteries.

“If I were given the chance to go back to Greece, I would definitely take it,” said freshmen Sean Geissler.

During the time spent in Turkey, students were able to contrast the different nations’ culture and geography. Students marveled at the ancient ruins of Ephesus. Ephesus was an ancient city in Anatolia, Turkey. It was built around 550 BCE and is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This city is famed for The Temple of Artemis, and its unique public baths built by Emperor Constantine I.

Students were also able to visit the legendary city of Troy. This city was supposedly the site of the Trojan War. In Greek mythology, the Achaeans waged war against the city of Troy when Helen, the Queen of Sparta, was stolen. According to the Iliad by Homer, Odysseus devised a plan to use a giant hollow wooden horse filled with soldiers to win the war.

In addition to rich history and culture, Turkey is home to many luxuries. The students visited a carpet factory, where they were in awe of the handmade silk and wool carpets, some of which took years to make. While at the carpet factory, they were also given an opportunity to buy handmade carpets, rugs, and pillowcases. The students were also invited to a leather fashion show by the Turkish leather manufacturer, Popular Leatherworks. They were given the opportunity to purchase leather products, including Popular Leatherworks’ notorious product called Silk Leather.

In Istanbul, students saw the marvels of Turkey’s most fmaous city. While at the mosques, all were required to take their shoes off and all women had to cover their hair. We went to Topkapi Palace, which was the official residence for the Ottoman Sultans for over 300 years. Students also saw the world famous Hagia Sophia, which was a former mosque now made into a museum. The Hagia Sophia is known for its unique dome

structure, part the well known classical Byzantine architecture.

Before leaving Istanbul, students didn’t forget to shop in the Grand Bazaar. The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered markets in the world. It has over 1,200 shops and over 250,000 visitors daily.

English teacher Mr. Wayne Weightman from El Cajon Valley High School in San Diego, California said, “This was a trip of a lifetime. While in Istanbul you have to see the mosques and go to the Grand Bazaar!”

Finally, the group attended a cruise on the Bosphorus Straight, touring Istanbul from a boat before they returned home.

The Bosphorus forms a boundary between Asia and Europe, connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara.

Furthermore, Ms. Francis said, “Touring the Ephesus Library, exploring the ancient roads in the city of Rhodes and checking out the mosques in Instanbul were breath-taking once in a lifetime experiences that I will always treasure.

In the long run, all the students, these reporters included, shared a unique and rewarding experience.”