Meraki: Bonding & Day trip to Heraklion

outdoor lesson

Written by Italy & Greece Overseas Educator, Ariana 

This week has been all about getting to know Greece and each other! In addition to Greek lessons, we’ve also learned about Ancient Greek philosophy and the Parthenon, and even mastered a few traditional Greek dances. Food continues to be plentiful here in the village and nightly appreciations and thoughtful go around questions over a hot cup of tea have become a part of our evening ritual.

We’ve worked through orientation and learned a lot about one another as well. This group is full of amazing communicators and it’s been great to see them share many of their stories over this past week.

What have been the three highlights of the week?

🇬🇷 Day trip to Heraklion! Our group visited the palace of Knossos and explored the Heraklion Archeological Museum.

🌯 First gyros! Food continues to be a highlight for us on this trip! During our day into the city we also tried gyros for the first (but certainly not the last) time.

🏠 Archeology lesson with Carly! Before we ventured into Heraklion we learned more about the Minoan society from ancient Crete from Carly, an archeobotanist who works on sites on the island. Later this week we’ll tour the institute with her and see one of the sites she works on.

Growth comes with challenge – what are some of the challenges you’re overcoming this week?

The group has been without their phones for the last week as we focus on connection and getting to know one another. They’ve been great, though they miss home and can’t wait to give parents a call soon.