The history of the even went something like this: students outraged at the dictatorship that had lasted for seven years and included about all the malice a dictatorial regime could, organized a sit in at the Polytechnic Institute that grew very big very quickly. Families were sending food, water, supplies, etc to the students at night, radio stations were broadcasting messages for them. In short, their sit in became a popular movement. As it progressed into an actual uprising, the military became active and moved in on the institude with troops and tanks. After an evening of killings and shootings by the military, tanks moved forward to tear down the barricades set by the students and infiltrated the building, violently taking control. Many were wounded and dead. This was not the overthrow, but a major turning point in the fight for democracy.

     At first, observing what was supposed to be a riot seemd very obsurd to me; especially, since something like a riot is not organized by the government in America - not the case here. But, as we were waiting for the marchers in between Parliamentary Square and the US Embassy, I took a seat apart from our group and the chance to observe the Greeks around me. In particular, an old man, weathered by the test of time, sat alone on a small concrete block, holding a carnation in his hand, and staring into the bare street. Perhaps he was in the Polytechnic? Maybe his friends were? Or even his sons? What would it have been like to live in Greece during this time and know your brothers, sisters, friends, sons, and daughters all held a building that was surrounded by tanks? Right: Said old man.

     By this time, the first round of protestors came forth marching and chanting something the likes of, "Brothers of the past you lead us forwards." Following them were actual members of the sit in and then groups of college students, adults, children, high schoolers, all marching behind banners, some exclaiming wrong doing on the part of the US for occupation here or there, some supporting communism, but most demanding an end to imperialism. It's pretty awkward standing on the sidewalk watching a communist flag march past you supported by thousands of people and a translator calmly stating in your ear, "They're saying end all US bases and imperialism, Americans get out, etc." But, the large majority of the supporters appeared to be there in the spirit of the events, as a nationalistic support for their fight to independence and struggle for democracy. Left: Surviving members of original march.

     The event ends at the US embassy due the the fact that the US was viewed as fascist in the 1970s by the Greeks when the march officially began. The tradition continues today. Some of our teachers described it as an Anarchist March, which was partially true, but really only a small amount of people marched behind the anarchy flag and most appeared to be older, long haired, "more free" citizens of Greece and then more alternative youth around my age. The fact that the anarchists were marching in an organized march seems contradictory and even more so that some had their Iphones out and were wearing such and such a brand. Apart from that however, it was one more "thing I wouldn't see in the US" added to my list.

     Friday, I caught a bus to Nafplio, at the northern tip if the Peloponissos at about 5:30. The group of us, 8 in total, sort of went on a whim, and found ourselves staying in a budget hotel called Hotel Economou on the outer edge of town. The first night, I think we were the only ones staying in a 5 story hotel, with thin walls, vintage furniture, and an aura something like The Shining. The girls were a little freaked out. Nonetheless, we made it out to dinner at a recommended place by Dr. John Fischer which had fantastic tzatziki and helpful waiters. They serve the traditional way where you literally walk into the kitchen and look at what they have ready to prepare for the evening and point to what you want to eat. The 8 of us went from there, to the peer to have a few drinks before heading to some bars. I think we made our way in about 3 in the morning and all crammed into 3.5 twin beds (thats 8 people), because the girls felt that uncomfortable. It was a blast though, one of those nights that epitomizes traveling Europe with friends. Running around til the early hours of morning, cramming into budget accomodations, and laughing about it all the next morning. Right: Street in Nafplio

     Nafplio is a beautiful neoclassical city that maintained its Italian character after the occupation of the Venetians. There is this fantastic castle, even better than Corinth, atop a hill there, 999 steps up (actually some desrepancy here), which has wonderful views. It actually was in existence until the late 1700's because no one could conquer it. We probably spent about 3 hours up there; and yes, I ran around the top again like a little kid on a play ground. From there, we took a walk to the beach to watch the sun set. Above: Looking out at the city from the castle steps.

     It was all in all a great time, theres something to be said about spontaneity, and I would encourage anyone reading this to take a weekend sometime and just do whatever. Catch a midday bus to a city, find a budget hotel, stay out all night, then hike around all day and end it watching the sun set. I know it sounds crazy, but those have been my favorite days, the ones where I just roll with the punches, see where the day takes me, and really enjoy life. I often think back on my motives for studying abroad and how much I just wanted a break - almost like a therapeutic vacation. Thus far, it's been so much that and more. With 36 days left to my return, I look forward to returning, standing just above that giant W on the Allen Center floor, and saluting that red-handled bell, but am still having the time of my life here.

     Last Friday, I'm not sure if I mentioned it or not, but I volunteered at a local healthcare clinic, a part of the associaion Doctors of the World, which is centered on providing healthcare to the underpriveleged. In Athens, this means refugees. My first day was one of the most thrilling experiences I've had. It was the first time I've been involved on the doctor side of the clinical setting. I still remember my first patient and how different it felt to have a woman asking for me to help her feel better. A certain amount of doubt ensues a moment like that, it's like the first day on a job and no matter how much training you've gone through, it is still going to take a while to adapt. The afternoon moved on fine, I grew more comfortable and confident, and gradually the doctors allowed me to do more. By the end of the first day, they had me taking blood pressure, temperature, and bandaging minor wounds. I had only planned on staying a couple of hours but was there for 7 hours the first day. Left: A view across the street from the clinic window - its a pretty rough neighborhood.

     I went back today, and had a very similar experience. Within the first hour, I had taken stitches out of a mans face and anotheres hand, cared for and bandaged a leg wound, and taken another mans blood pressure. It's exhilarating working in an environment like that. The clinic is pretty small and obviously needing supplies, but nonetheless, fully functioning. The rufugees and the story behind them is very interesting. Greece is in the middle of some political changes and currently has a pretty narrowminded attitude towards refugees (borderline racism). Because of this, the government will not issue passports to even the children born of refugees in Greece. It's a terrible situation that leads to lots of people not being able to get the most basic of healthcare practices such as bandaging open wounds. Today for instance, although it is possible the hospital was really that busy, the clinic waited nearly 4 hours for an ambulance to take a man to the ER. The refugees mostly speak a slavic language with little to no Greek or English leaving a huge language barrier and often times a lot unsaid. Right: In the Greek Parliament.

     As long as they keep allowing me to come back, I'll keep going. I was working hands on with a surgeon today and probably doing things I never would be allowed to do in the states. It has been a great introduction to medicine for me and thus far inspiring to know I have pursued a career in this field. I also went to Greek Parliament today which was interesting and neat to see as well as informative. It's pretty crazy thinking that the Greek government has only been stable for about 35 years now.

    I slept poorly last night, mostly because of excitement, maybe a little due to watching a movie about Prefontaine, and perhaps a lot becuase I had spent the last 9 months preparing for this one race. This morning, I awoke at 5, ate and all that, before walking out the front door and stepping straight into a puddle. It was a rainy first hour and a half of the race. I was strong through the first half nonetheless, about 20 minutes stronger through the first 20km than the second. Which, as you can imagine, led to a very long, and mentally taxing last 20 km. Right: Just before the finish.

     I may be too tired now to really elaborate how I feel but first, it was hell. That was by far the hardest physical beating I've put on my body, but one of the most rewarding. My feet were sogging, my legs were cramping for the last 15 km, I was dehydrated, and exhausted, but never stopped running and didn't take a single walking step, even through the pit stops. To a lot of people, physical activity, especially extreme physical activity seems pointless. But to those who gain an affinity for it, they usually learn from it. After you've run 26 miles, staying up to study for chem just doesn't seem as bad, and neither does sleep deprivation. Its all a part of pushing your limit. Another aspect is climbing hills. A person can easily stay on flat ground and move around an obstacle never tackling the larger questions of life, but the truly happy are the ones who run up the mountain only to find an easy descent on the backside. Do I even need to allude to Wabash here? Left: The middle of the marathon

     As I look back at my study abroad exerience, I've put together quite a portfolio. I've walked where philosophers once walked, and now run where warriors once ran (this was the original marathon afterall - do your research on the battle of marathon). I've seen art, ancient temples, and more pottery than I ever could have fathomed. I miss home very much, as you can imagine 16 weeks away from your family is a long time, but wouln't trade this experience for anything. I'd be lying if I didn't say at one or two points during the marathon the phrase, "Wabash Always Fights," flashed through my head; and of course, I wore my Wabash red sleeveless top.

Pictures to come as soon as I get them from those who took them.

     This week has been pretty low key. Lots of pasta and relaxing, along with mental preparing. I'm getting better at Latin. It's been neat to translate Cicero - I'm not doing any big literary works, but paragraphs; however, they're getting bigger and more complex. Above: The entrance to the Roman Agora in Athens made to resemble the Parthenon, however, the Romans apparently are bad at following ratios.

     I have decided to put together my own Monon Bell tailgate in Athens for some of the students here to share a little bit of that Wabash pride with them. It should be fun. I was hoping to find some scrap wood and all to maybe assemble some corn hole sets, but we'll see how that goes. I can feel the excitement building from here.

     Try to imagine hiking through a gourge, looking up at rolling mountains with steep cliffs on their faces holding trees with the most beautiful shade of oranish red leaves, the clearest river that appears grey due to the rocks on the bottom showing through, and, the trump card, the overwhelming peak straight ahead, the throne of Zeus glaring down upon us. It was a beautiful afternoon. I spent a lot of time on our roughly 14 mile hike reflecting on what it would have meant to be in this valley as a Greek citizen during the age of mythology. I tried to compare it with visiting the Vatican back in Rome. Would the pilgrim be overcome with awe and a desire to praise the gods? What would be learned by traveling amongst these mountains? Were these mountains so sacred that no mortal were allowed to traverse them? I always find myself reflecting on my life during long hikes and musing the mysteries of life. I thought back to what I would be doing if I were at Wabash around 9AM on a Wednesday afternoon, weighed the pros and cons of being a doctor, and even had some very "Wabash Friday evening conversation" about being successful vs. being happy. Once we made it back to town and onto the train, an hour flew by, and I awoke to see the other two sleeping and Thessaloniki only 5 minutes away. Left: a view of the fall leaves (dearly missed from IN) from the monastery. Right: Clear water scene in the park

     Friday only added to the trip. We started off with a trip to Pella, near Macedonia, which was a bit of a bust, mostly because of the sights we have seen thus far, before heading to the school of Aristotle in Macedonia. Grey skies and a somber chill in the air, I arrived with a bit of curiousity regarding the site. My philosophy professor gave an awe-inspiring talk that rivaled a Wabash chapel talk and sent me craving to learn. He spoke of Plato's claiming, "Man has an apetite for learning," and finished with the claim without this school, the world as we know it would not exist. I stood in the cave where Alexander the Great was educated. I walked the foot paths some of the most brilliant thinkers the world has ever seen wore. It occurred to me also that the philosophers of this time were so much more than philosophers, but more "Liberal Artists" who had mastered so many areas of study it was unreal. It had me craving for knowledge and wishing I could complete every major Wabash had to offer. Above Left: The site of Aristotle's school and the little cave like thing to the left of the picture is the cave in which Aristotle taught Alexander

     From there, we visited Vergina, the site of Philip II and Alexander's graves. It was simply neat to be standing staring at the closed doors behind which possible the most charismatic leader of all time was buried. I'll leave it at that. It was a day that inspired me to want to learn more and realize how little I already know. Right: Alexanders Tomb

     Bear with me, I know this is a long one. Saturday, we woke up and went to a war memorial. Maybe it was simply the mood I was in, but I loved this site. We had about a 70 year old Serbian tour guide show us around the site and explain the burial customs and how the Serbians not only drank with the dead, but visited with them. By drink, I mean they would take a shot glass of some Serbian liquor, pour some on the ground, since the dead drink first, and then drink the rest before visiting the burial sites. It was a pretty cool monument and dedicated mostly to World War I veterans and victims. Combined with the day before, I was shot into a reflection on death and really was struck by this site. I had an immersion learning experience; I can tell you 8,000 Serbians died on this site in World War I. You can imagine how many that was and yadda yadda. Then I can show you a picture, but until you're standing in a field of 8,000 white crosses commemorating those lives, you don't understand. Left: The Serbian Monument

     The weekend really came together for me, we got a good taste of Greek pride from World War I to now and a good understanding of it too. I know for a fact, had we sat in a classroom for a week and tried to learn all that we saw, it would not have "stuck" in my head, nor would I have really grasped it without visiting these sites.

     Some differences about the parade was the seriousness of it. In the US, our parades are celebrations, but in a different way. Candy is thrown, people are waving, their are shows, music, etc. but for Oxi Day, it was an almost somber experience. The military officers all stand stout, arms firm at their sides, gaze straight ahead, as a display of their military force. The flag barrers and students before them all marched in step, right and left arms flailing together - this seemed very out of place until the tanks came barreling down the street. It also still seemed all very strange until I was speaking with one of our professors about my impressions of the parade and she simply pointed out, "Imagine living in Greece in the 1930s and 40s and watching Nazi tanks and troops march down your hometown street and into your capital building with more tanks and troops than what you just saw. Imagine what it was like for virtually every European country to be overtaken and conquered." That hit home with me. Amidst what seemed like madness, there was actually a very legit underlying principle, and it was neat to be a part of it.

     The rest of the day was pretty low key, I caught a quick run in the afternoon, saw some artifacts and some sea food pasta for dinner. We did not make it out to dinner until around 10 which is when the restaurants are busiest. However, we found a place that had live music and it was pretty cool to see the Greeks get up and dance some of their traditional dances. Thessaloniki is a much more traditional city and has been very entertaining so far. Tomorrow, myself and two others have decided to cut class (I know, scold me later - we got permission) to take an hour train from here to Mount Olympus National Park and hike around the mountain that the gods dwelt according to ancient mythology. I'm really looking forward to it and as always a good break from city life =)

     Corinth is about an hour train ride outside of Greece and situated on the original ismuth, after which all ismi are named. The excavations director was one of the most interesting people I've met in Greece thus far. He was incredibly well educated and full of interesting facts regarding the importance of Corinth, geography of Greece, historical events, and mythology. He even explained very well a theory regarding the credibility of the Odyssey regarding Helen and Penelope. He took us under the ropes and right up next to the monuments and even let us, I know brace yourself, touch them. It was forbidden fruit syndrome to a "T." Seeing all these monuments makes you want to touch them, and for me, climb them (we'll get to this). After showing us the excavated sites which were really thought-provoking and a time capsule, he took us to the newly excavated sites and let us walk around there and explained they are currently using a new method of excavating. The old school thought is what is seen in movies, lots of 2x2 holes with about a 2' walk path between them for wheel barrels. However, this leaves a 2x2 walking path that must be excavated after everything else and then pieced together with the objects from either side of the foot bridge. Thus is leads to lengthy excavations. The new system however, just takes the top layer off all across the whole site and then records its findings layers at a time. It basically changes an excavation being published in about 5-10 years from what used to take 30. Just thought that was neat to see real cutting edge stuff.

    We then got to look at the most recent findings of bones and pottery fragments and actually touch them. This was the most gratifying thing so far. I cannot tell you how much pottery I have seen in museums, but to finally touch it was unreal and yet another case of forbidden fruit syndome.

     After we left the site, some people went to lunch; but I was fully energized and excited that we were in mountains and chose to hike up to the top of this mountain overlooking the archaeological site which has a fortified citadel atop it. The hike up was great, I miss the outdoors and hiking around mountains with olive and lime trees only adds to the experience. Hiking up there on my own was the most free I've felt in a long time. It was such a good break from the Athens city life. At the top, the guard informed me I had 40 minutes to see the whole site before he left and would lock the gate. Thus, I literally ran around the whole site - so glad I'm in good shape. I was the only one in there and was climbing over fortified walls, scaling towers, and leaping from rock to rock to see the site. This was like a little kids dream come true: running around a real castle. All I needed was a suit of armor, a sword, and maybe a few enemies to fight and I would have had the best day of my life. I probably did climb some things I shouldn't have, but hey, no cameras and no guards - why not? I came running out of the castle walls with one minute to spare, dripping with sweat, and a huge smile on my face.

     I've commented on this before, but I've always thought all the excavations in the world are done and that what is going to be found has been found. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Archaeologists still have yet to find any neighborhoods in Corinth; they simply do not know where the people lived. On top of that, in the past year alone, 5 students earned their pH.D from the Corinth site alone. Not to mention the director of excavations rambled off about 10 other sites that have recently begun their new method of excavating. On top of that, within the past 5 years one of his students rewrote text books. Literally discovered what was considered 3rd century pottery was actually 2nd century pottery. It's amazing to me how much more we have to learn. On top of that, I have another plea for the liberal arts as the director began throwing around times like Calcium Carbonate oxidizing and the Silicon oxidizing to form waterproof barriers. He was educated in how the chemical processes enabled the pottery and fortification of the walls. On top of that, they excavated a graveyard that had 240 bodies in it. From those bodies such as where the muscles attached, how the bones were deformed, etc. they have pieced together stories and pieces of the past. More and more, the importance of a liberal education becomes increasingly important. 

     Thursday afternoon, I found myself standing atop what used to be Plato's academy. It was for my art and archaeology class, but found myself in a state of euphora walking on the same foot paths the ancient thinkers did. We've started Plato's dialogues in my philosophy class and I am hooked. I am going to try to read the entire selection of works we have before the semesters end. After reading Crito and the Apology, standing on the site of Plato's school really sort of hit me and added a lot to the drama. Reflecting on putting a societies most intelligent man to death for constantly questioning and man's desire for power crashed about my head. On top of that it was a rainy day and really left me in a reflective mood. Right: Plato's Academy

      Tuesday a friend from back home at Wabash College and rhyne brother, Matt Scheller, made his way to Athens from Rome. He was on break and it was good to see a familiar face and share some laughs abroad. He brought with him 3 friends from his program who found Wabash men humorous; not in any mocking sense, but in a sort of respectful lack of understanding for our bond and day to day lives. Several times throughout the night, I found myself and Matt either engaged in heavy laughter and something or in the act of some silly thing only to have his buddies comment, "Those Wabash." It's definitely a unique place that takes a unique man.

     Tomorrow I'm catching a day trip to Corinth to meet with the head of excavations for an informative afternoon. I don't have too much more going on this week other than studying for a Latin midterm and reading some Plato. We leave for Thessaloniki next Tuesday and I am very much looking forward to that. 15 days until the Marathon.

     Rome is a neat city because it has always been a city since its founding in around 700BC (correct?) whereas Athens misses about 1000 years of history when the Turks take over around 7th century AD. Thus, there are literally a million things to see. I had quite a list and got to see probably 5/6th of that list which was neat.

     Vatican was unreal. It was good to go there as I went to 13 years of Catholic schooling before Wabash and have always heard of the Vatican and the seat of the papacy, but never had the chance to see it. It's quite stunning, religious or not, its well worth seeing. The Vatican Museum rivals the Louvre and the Sistene Chapel was one of the coolest places I've seen thus far. Seeing the brilliance behind Michaelangelos art first hand was stunning and awe-inspiring. I spent all day there and probably could have spent another 2-3 days in the museum. If you go, buy tickets online before hard to skip the wait - big thanks to Dr. Cook on that one. We went to mass, which was in German, but I took a video just before hand:

     Our last day, we did the Roman forum, Veniz square, and the Collosseum. It was neat to see, thought provoking, and will be well remembered. Flashbacks from the movie (Gladiator) echoed in my head the whole time I was there. It's all one of those things you can only faintly imagine, but never fully realize. It must have been quite a site in its day to walk through.

     Not feeling the best tonight, think I may be coming down with something - I'll have a reflection up by the end of the weekend. Mom and Dad leave tomorrow at 11. They will be missed, but it will be good to get on with my semester abroad.

     Checked in and out in the city, mom and dad were exhausted. I wore them out with some walking before they had to take a nap and get something to eat. We caught a quick dinner meal, a taxi home, and had them in bed by 10. Friday we made it to the Acropolis museum and the Acropolis hill. I had not been to the museum yet and would say its an absolute must see. It's brand new, only a euro to get in, and contains most of the monuments from the Parthenon. Right: Hill that the Apostle Paul stood atop to preach.

     My parents loved the acropolis hill, were fascinated by the Parthenon and other temples, and then thought it was neat to stand on the hill where the Apostle Paul preached to the Athenians around 50AD. We had a quick nap after that before getting to dinner around 8:30 - it was hard to convince my parents that eating around 10 was normal so we compromised for 8:30. We had live entertainment (see video - the "video" isn't good, but you can hear the sound and see video proof that my parents are actually out of the US) and ate at a place were it was all you can eat for 14 euro. You simply ordered what you wanted, starters, salads, appetizers, main courses, grilled food, etc. and they brought it. It was good to let me parents try some Greek cuisine. Mom really liked the Tzatziki and Dad was a fan of "zucini balls."

      Today we hopped on the tram to the beach for a relaxing day looking at sailboats in the harbor and lounging on the beach. Dad had to use his haggling skills to bargain for a towel on the beach from one of the many wandering vendors which was fun to watch especially since he's been using spanish for some reason to try to speak to the Greeks. I think they're getting along just fine, worried me a bit the first day, but I think that was mostly jet lag. It's awfully nice to see some familiar faces and am very excited to see Rome with them.

     Today was busy, I added another course last week which is more of an art course than an archaeology course. I don't think I'm getting credit for it, but the professor is good, and I'm learning in it. We went to the National Archaeological Museum today which was pretty neat. It's a huge museum so we did not see a whole lot, but I did get to see this giant statue of Zeus/Poseidon, which I've seen on many text book covers. It was neat to walk into the room it was displayed in and have that sort of Aha! moment and to be standing in front of a very famous piece of art. On a side, I think its neat to know that scholars are still debating things like which god is depicted in the statue. Furthermore, the fact that excavations are still unearthing new objects and scripts which change history as we know it adds more mystery to the world and goes to show there is till plenty of the past to figure out.

     My study abroad experience has not been simply my own experience; my family and friends have been very involved and interested in the process and experience. This is especially true to my family, most of whom have never been outside of the US. It has been a sort of learning experience for us all and I am incredibly antsy to be able to share in this with my parents who arrive in Athens less than 32 hours from now. It should be a big part of my study abroad semester to be able to travel and see sites alongside my parents. I never, ever would have guessed this would be the situation I would be in my senior year of high school.

     After coming in about 5 am Friday morning, I caught a bus ride with a class to go to Delphi at 8:30 am. Delphi is beautiful. It's a beautiful countryside of brilliant mountains leading to the sea. I slept most of the ride and woke up just outside of Archova, which is 11km from Delphi. I was stunned. The mountains spanned such a great distance, interlocked, cut through valleys, and were filled with steep stone cliffs and brilliant overlooks. It was great to get out of the city for a few days. Especially Athens which is not the cleaniest or most "green" city I've ever been to. Right: The mountain we climbed looking from the road leading to the Temple to Apollo/Oracle at Delphi.

     The first day, we spent some time down at one of the olympic stadiums checking out the running grounds and the treasuries along witha  few scattered temples before taking a hike to the top of one of the mountains. The mountain hike was fantastic. I don't think I could have asked for a better break. It felt so good to just be outside in fresh air and climbing mountains. This morning, we woke up, went to the museum, and made it to the rest of the sites at Delphi. It really made me mad though because the rest of the site at Delphi including the temple to Apollo was closed due to a rock slide one month ago. =( Anyways, we went back to the Olympic stadium to run a race. I ran barefoot and was victorious. The poem to the victor by Pindar was then read before I was crowned with laurel leaves. It was a fun time and one of those things I'll probably never do again - just neat to say I was crowned in a real Greek Ancient Olympic Stadium as victor. Left: The Olympic track.

     I had a couple of "deep" moments this weekend. The first was hiking the mountain and thinking about how many people before me would have trekked those exact mountains to try to reach the Oracle at Delphi. I know its completely dorky, but really, how many ancients had walked those same paths were were walking and for what purpose; it was just neat to feel sort of connected with the past like that. I got the same feeling walking around the treasuries and running down the olympic stadium path. It's a pretty neat feeling. The second was when we were in the museum talking about the kore which are early classical period and very stiff sort of Egyptian like statues (see picture) and how it tied into the philosophy that was going on then and I've been studying the Pre-Socratics, who are fascinating, and how the goal was to make sense of the universe and to try to organize the cosmos. Thus, the artistic representation is the doric style with these structured and stiff statues. It was just neat to see my education come full circle again. In my study abroad application essay, I wrote a line about "being completely immersed in the classics, having prior been immersed in the sciences," which was more of a plea at the time. But now that I'm here, it's really happening. I'm completely immersed in ancient studies and making sense of it. Finally, I'm not making sense of it because I'm connecting things in my brain. It's becuase I'm visually seeing these objects. In class we saw pictures of the kore and all, but it was not until I was actually standing next to this thing that I really grasped what we were talking about. It wasn't until I was standing next to the parthenon overlooking the agora and birthplace of democracy that I was overwhelmed with this sense of respect for the ancients. It wasn't until I was standing atop a mountain looking down at the monuments at Delphi that I was able to grasp the grandeouse nature of the place and really understand and feel connected with the past. Immersion learning has been crucial to my growth and development as an intellect.

     I'm getting better at imagining the ruins and what the city may have looked like. I still have a long way to go, but its getting easier. I couldn't quite grasp it at first from the Parthenon, but from the agora looking to the Parthenon painted a bit clearer picture. I'm becoming quite a fan of the classic studies; today I went to to a professor and requested to join her class which is basically an in depth study of the archaeology of Athens. It made me happy though as she knew the classics professors from Wabash (the Days and Dr. Fischer) - it made me proud, we may be small in number, but not in influence.

     The weekend was very laid back - not like the party island last weekend. We did make it out to a club one night, which was fun. I'm still learning the ropes of the city, but fitting in well. My goal was to sort of dive into the classics this semester and take something away from it and so far I'm succeeding. In my philosophy class, we just read the Atomists who amazed me at how close they were to atomic theory and all but still so far away from the chemical truth. However, it only further ingrained my love of the liberal arts deep within me; for even philosophy can be used to explain chemistry - I know I'm a dork, but not ashamed, and found it fascinating.

     Secondly, in my Athens archaeology course we did some studies around the Acropolis this week. I've gained so much more respect for what Athens was at its height. Not to mention the fact that its incredibly cool to be standing on the spot where the original democracy met. We went and sat by the Theatre of Dionosys and learned it was basically where political criticism originated and where free thought flourished; the site where the original political satires came about. I couldn't help but think to attribute this site to the creation and success of Southpark - ok, maybe thats a bit extreme. But the point is, Athens was the city that gave rise to these ideas of freedom that we know and live today.

     We also learned a cool myth. Apparently, Poseidon and Athena fount atop the acropolis for patronage of the city of Athens and Athena won (obviously). However, next to the Parthenon (dedicated to Athena) is a second temple, probably to Poseidon, in ionic style. Next to that, a well which has salt water in the bottom which is rare. So the myth goes that Poseidon left his mark atop the hill or whatever - just thought it was neat. Left: Temple of Poseidon

     Finally, in philosophy, we studied Paremenides today including the first time the mention of persuasion and rhetoric is documented. I guess I've just been a bit overwhelmed and fascinated by the fact that I'm standing and learning the most ancient thoughts of man. Even more interesting is how perplexing and valid these thoughts still are today. Point and case: even though its been easy, I'm still learning in the classroom.