Don't get too comfortable in your comfort zone.

This study abroad program really opened up my eyes. My expereince here, what I have learned, and the people I met will stay with me for a very long time. Thanks Prof. Vamvakas and everyone else who made this possible. I wouldn't have had my first abroad experience any different. I'm glad to have met and cross paths with all 10 participants. We all became close going through this experience together and I look forward to seeing most of you guys back on campus in the fall!

I was so hesitant about taking classes out of my major but I'm really glad I did. I learned a lot more about the world and the economy in a political platform. And living in Greece during this economic crisis was another experience within itself.

It never hurts to learn something new. I'm glad I took this chance outside of my comfort zone. I really surprised myself.

GROUP SELFIE! (we're missing Mary, Jessica, and Prof. Vamvakas though)

Another day, another beach

We definitely took advantage of the beautiful beaches in Crete. Here are a few picture of the many beaches we visited.

My favorite beach was Elafonisi beach. It had clear blue water and pink sand. It looked breathtaking.. I definitely see myself going back there.

FOOD

The food we have been eating in Crete was absolutely amazing. Thanks to the women who cooked and prepared all meals for us! Everything was fresh and organic. They were exceptionally kind to my restriction of pork and prepared a separate dish for me. I am very thankful for that! 

My favorite dessert by far is the pie with custard filling. (Galaktoboureko, I think? .. At least that's what google think it is called!) It was very delicious.

I need to find this dessert somewhere back in Boston....

Scenery

Pictures from our trip to the monastery and the mountain village!

I really was into taking pictures of the stairs on the mountain village.... they looked pretty cool to me.

We also visited a monastery and spoke to a nun that lived there. The monastery was very beautiful and the architecture of the building was amazing. It's located in the mountain village, which is very peaceful.

Night Together Watching The Sunset

On our last Tuesday together we watched the sunset at a beach called Blue. The lovely ladies that cook for us, Cleo, our bus driver, our Greek professor- Yahota, Professor Vamvakas, and all of the students from the program sat in a circle to enjoyed each others company and watch the scenery. 

Professor Yahota brought her precious daughter named Mariela. Even though Mariela and I couldn't really verbally communicate, I know she likes me. She had me push her on some swings in the restaurant. She also loved to sing 'Let It Go' with Katrina. She is so cute! 

Of course Mary captured the beauty of this EC EMSS outing on her trusty Ipad! 

While I captured these beauties on my Iphone. Check out Mary's photography...it's the real deal. 

I am overwhelmingly grateful for the people I have met on this trip. Sitting around laughing, talking, and eating with them, all while watching the breathtaking views, made me realize just how lucky I am. I am very thankful for the two EC EMSSP professors who have been truly the 'best' educators.

Thank you Professor Yahota for your passion for three hours of Greek each day but mostly your patience and understanding. Thank you Professor Vamvakas for furthering my understanding of the Mediterranean and international relations, for your wise advice, and for a trip I will never forget.

Some Pictures of Santorini

So here's a clip of the celebration from earlier in the week, in case any of you were interested....