Touching Base

Touching Base

Day 17 June 22nd

        At the NAMFI Installation, the bus was checked in, we were walked into an auditorium, and received an informative lecture on the bases uses, operations, and contributors. After the lecture we walked back onto the bus and driven to the missile firing site.

On site we were encouraged to take photos and look around. Everything was explained geographically and how it related to the chart and graph descriptions of missile and droid deployment and in range marked targets.
       There were officers relaxing and a good amount had their families with them. Crete, Greece is an in-between station for most soldiers who are coming back from the Middle East stations or the more current post with vested interest of Djibouti, Somalia. Soldiers that are just passing through can find a space to relax here in Crete before returning home, maybe catch their breath as they transition from military lifestyle to day-to-day civilian life again. It was obvious some soldiers had their families meet them in Crete for a vacation/reunion, and Suda bay has some family oriented fun like a pirate ship geared for kids and parents at play.

       As a class some of us enjoyed "firsts" for Crete cuisine. The octopus in oil is out of this world and has been added to my list of favourites. Whenever I expand to something as unusual or off-putting as octopus it opens the door for another foodie adventure in the future. I did however have some concern about the environmental factors knowing that large amounts of chemical warfare weapons have been discharged in the fishing vicinity. But, like a any person I can turn a blind eye in the name of person interest, this was an interest of great food. As an environmentalist and a fairly health consciences person I have great concern for people who have a lifetime of secondary exposure to the chemicals in the sea through seafood consumption.
        Once we headed to the United States Naval Base described to us not as a base but as a Naval Support Activity. The language in the name alone suggests the strategic area is coveted and the activities that take place are quite covert. The term "Support Activity" also implies that being on a yearly lease continuously with Greece they need to be delicate in their presence to maintain their post. Also, our admission was our passport in exchange for an ID badge.
       The lecture we were given was very informative, you were left with the impression that we were told everything allowed to be told and that was a fair amount. He did open up for questions and did his best to answer as much as possible some topics he flat out said he could not discuss. All in all our guide was a very entertaining character and was as much interested in us as we were his tour.
      Suda Bay is a desired military hotspot and if the US Navy were not here in Crete, Crete would be vulnerable to all other large military contenders in the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East, African and Asian countries looking to branch their navy out. 

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....

One of the most exciting cultural visits we made in Crete was when we visited a silk weaving production facility. They were completely self sufficient from the beginning to end of the silk making and weaving process and have volunteers working with them year round from different schools around the world.

Pictured above is the silk worm feeding step, which was amazing to listen to and see take place. These silk worms provide the silk necessary to make garments, which they sell at different markets around the country. 

It was beautiful to see the women continue this process of weaving as it holds within it a large history of Greek culture and preserves a classic system within the Greek household. 

Over the past weekend we completed a 17km trek through Samariá. The landscape gave us plenty of opportunities to capture amazing photos while also giving us a great bonding experience as we encouraged everyone to stay safe and keep moving forward.

We all enjoyed some ice cream and freshly squeezed orange juice at the end of our hike through the Gorge. The best part might have been the black sand beach that shared water with Libya.

Our stay in the local town was filled with excellent food and we had beautiful night on the beach looking at the stars.

Last week we sat down with four Fulbright members that work at a primary school in Athens. They enlightened us on their experience and gave us a valuable perspective from what they view as the political atmosphere of Athens. 

Comparing what they said about Athens and the life of Crete it seems that both places have different cultures and values. They also shared what their future goals are after Fulbright and have made the fellowship seem very appealing for future Emmanuel students. 

Some Thoughts

I can honestly say that I have learned far more about the Eurozone crisis and possible default by Greece from the Cretan people, cultural experiences, lectures we have had in Alikianos, and the roundtable discussion with the Fulbright students than I would be capable of learning from any lecture given in Boston or from any reading on a laptop. The experiences and memories are invaluable in understanding the crux of the crisis and how much it hits home for the Greek people. Professor Vamvakas did a pretty good job outlining some of the major implications a Grexit would have on the Greek people that would make your stomach turn to think about because after spending two weeks we have come to learn that the Greek people here are top shelf bar none. On the surface, it appears bad things happen to good people, but the issue stems from a gap we mentioned today in our Statecraft lecture (in a different context). The gap in Greece allows for a huge incompatibility and discrepancy between the political elites that are the decision makers and the hardworking folks that are making ends meet here on Crete. The austerity measures that have been implemented combined with the additional proposed increase in those measures are alarming and I would reckon the Greek people will no doubt be raising their concerns at the highest levels if they are carried out. While I did not participate in the Cretan dance night here at the Institute, I did watch my peers enjoy themselves which was very entertaining. And while that was captivating enough, I could not take my eyes off the audience. The locals that came to enjoy the show, see the cultural display, and watch everyone dance were so excited and supportive. They sat on the edge of their seats clapping and laughing, their faces bright with utter satisfaction and happiness. Some may say these people exhibit the denial of Greeks that just cannot come to terms with the crisis at hand but in essence it's just their "living in the moment" mentality and positive life they lead. I think the takeaway in all of this is that their genuinely optimistic attitude should be seen as nothing but an attribute and something that need not be explained to anyone who can not clearly see what respectable and kind people they are and I would encourage anyone that cites denial and naiveté as a reason for this attitude to speak with some of the locals here and learn about their "cushy", laid back island life (If you're missing the sarcasm, stop reading.) to understand that they are not looking for anyone to commiserate with and complain to. They remain cautiously optimistic and continue with their lives in the most normal way possible simply because, at this point, the Eurozone crisis is out of their hands and pessimism and griping is futile in this situation and is more than made up for by the international news media covering the crisis.

Samaria Gorge

This past weekend we hiked the Samaria Gorge. It was a cool morning when we boarded the bus in Alikianos. After a bus ride to the beginning of the gorge, we hiked well into the afternoon. The gorge was beautiful and not nearly as grueling as I had expected. Like Professor Vamvakas said, it was more about endurance and team building. The team building was very evident during the heat of the day when we needed to check up on eachother to make sure everyone was properly hydrated and feeling well. When it was over, (the last 3 km seemed to take forever), there was a bar to greet us at the exit complete with fresh orange juice, beer, and soft serve ice cream to boot. After enjoying a few minutes of relaxation, Mary, Elijah, and I took the short air-conditioned ride to the beach while the rest of the group walked (God bless them). After a quick lunch, I peeled off my socks, sneakers, and sticky hiking clothes to jump in the clear water. After Mary's attention-seeking display in the water attempting swim to Benghazi, the conversation began about the proximity of Libya to the village we stayed in that night. With the migrant crisis being of such interest and importance internationally, I became even more incredulous of just how logistically embedded we truly are in many of the crises currently plaguing this region of the Eastern Mediterranean. Overall, the weekend was a blast and very relaxing while the post-hike soreness serves as a reminder of what we accomplished this weekend! 

June 19, 2015

 Last week we took a tour of "Penelope Gandhi" which is a nonprofit organization. Penelope Gandhi is a volunteer based cooperative for women. The organization aims to "revive the sacred art of weaving on Crete". We were first introduced to the silk worms. It was amazing to learn and hear all about the process in which silk is created. 

The rugs, clothes, and other items the women at Penelope Gandhi create are so unique, creative, and meaningful, putting my appreciation for this art into words is really hard. After we learned about the organization we sat down and spoke more personally about the weaving and more. Skoulas said, "this is a postcard you can take with you, but it will be inside of you". He was referring to the hospitality offered to us not only there, but everywhere we go in Crete. A woman took the time to make us a fresh traditional pastry and snack during our tour, which is so rare for my experience. 

Back home everyone is constantly in a rush to figure out what's next, myself including, we forget to enjoy each other's company and talents. The professor then told us another story about how a man was walking through a village in Crete and he needed a place to stay so he knocked on a priest's door. The Priest offered the man a place to stay and a meal. The next day the man found out the priest's son has died and there had been women weeping over his body - yet the priest still had let gave him food and a place to stay. I really took all of the stories and thoughts in while reflecting on my own life.  I and everyone should be in the business of generosity and not just doing things when it's convenient for us.  I've struggled a lot this week with education vs. knowledge. I think I'm coming to terms that with education comes knowledge. I'm finally starting to understand and accept the (life) long process of learning.

Pictures from the Samaria Gorge

So, here's a sample of my Samaria Gorge Pictures. It's hard to figure out anything profound to say about the experience (stunning- yes, am I still feeling the effects-yes, would I do it again- give me a week to feel better then we'll talk).

I need to figure out better conversational topics, obviously.... 

Anyway, enjoy.

Realist Theory: The Cretan Dance Edition

Ok, people; you've lucked out; apparently about 50 seconds of film is about all this post will grant me. Still, I said I'd release more videos and I have to keep my promises to be taken seriously.

Enjoy!

Gorge-ous First Hiking Experience with EC EMSS

I am writing this blog post from my favorite beach yet. Come to think of it…I am not sure of the actual name of the beach... I just know it as the beach at the end of the long Samaria Gorge. And my salvation after the 6 hour hike.

 We all woke up at 6am to prepare and were on the bus by 7. It was about an hour bus ride to the beginning of the hiking trail so we started the hike around 8am. I had never been hiking before but I was excited about the new experience. Once I started the trail I also became pretty nervous—turns out, I’m scared of heights.

The first part of the hike was down a mountain…At first I thought ‘ah down hill will be easy’…then I found out that I was SO wrong. The height from the top is pretty terrifying. One simple trip means you are falling down the mountain and…well yeah. It was also frightening because the path was narrow and simply a path of rocks. I was so paranoid with every step. I went slow to be carful not to fall, which I manage to do anyway but luckily it wasn’t down the mountain. Okay—I am being a little dramatic. It was not that bad and the views were amazing. 

         Although I was petrified at some points, we all made it safely down the mountain. I got through the fear of heights that I didn't even know that I had. I felt accomplished. At the bottom of the mountain was this cool serenity rock thing… We added some other rocks to the well balanced piles...some were more successful then others! 

I felt successful for making it down alive and also ready to continue on. The terrain changed—thank god no more heights—at least for a little while.

After about two hours we reached about  what’s known as, the ‘doors.’ As you can see it is the narrow opening between two mountains. This is a picture of Elijah and I were ready to walk threw the 'door.'

 Great Anger!!! This sign we came across was

 alarming but also provided some comedic relief 

on the fourth hour of hiking. Everyone was hot 

and tired but we all kept moving. We took short 

breaks about every hour. 

My favorite part was walking along and over the stream of clear, blue refreshing water. 

 

 Professor Vamvakas spotted tagging! Go EC!

A picture from when we finally made it out six hours later!