Santorini

Santorini

Day 22 June 27th

       The East Mediterranean Security Studies (EMSS) course is officially over but there is still a crisis on the rise. Tourism, including our own, is still affluent and obvious as we were bused around the island of Santorini with several other tourist from various places of the globe. There were many buses in the line traveling up to these little Greek volcanic island villages all in hopes to boost their economies. The narrow walkways were bustling with people who were shopping, sight-seeing, directing tours, doing deliveries, why even a mule was extending local commerce amongst the tight passageways. The prospect of economic suffering does not seem to be possible from this perspective.
      There was ten of us at lunch that afternoon. And as we sat and engorged on the amazing Greek food for one of the last times; we watched Greek politicians in Parliament work through one of the toughest debates their country has seen to date. Lunch was over and we broke off into little groups

       After a beautiful day of browsing though and finishing up some souvenir shopping in the unique Santorini shops I found myself running low on Euros. I trotted down the hill to where I had seen some visitor services and saw several ATM machines. I got in line and tried my debit card several times not understanding why it was not giving me money. Then I went on to the next ATM that too would have me circle through the whole process and without pay. I thought perhaps my accounting was off and I had mistakenly overspent. Another woman seemed to have the same trouble as me so I went into an exchange store to find a third ATM. Third time is a charm, well at least for me it was. The reality is the ATM machines were being emptied as soon into the weekend as even Saturday afternoon. It was the beginning of a possible bank run in Greece. 

       Throughout the Greek bailout period there has been a cap on Greek's allowance to withdrawal funds in order to avoid a bank run. However, the ATMs still run out of euros for travellers and locals alike and there is less and less chance of the ATMs being refilled in Greece's current state of affairs.

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.