(Good evening, from Athens!)
After a total of 10 hours in the air, landing in Athens was a pleasant surprise. We were welcomed by the fresh air and startled by how intense the sunlight was. Having left gloomy weather in Zurich, we all readily reached for our sunglasses as the light reflected back off of the white buildings that filled the basin of Mount Hymettus.
A view of Mount Hymettus from the van on the way to Deree.
Despite the long travel hours and excessive sleep deprivation, we were eager to begin our adventures in Greece. We met our ambassador at Deree College, the undergraduate division of the American College of Greece. After depositing our luggage in the dorms, we went on a walking tour of the campus. Deree began as a small institution devoted to educating women in a time when it was not the norm. It continues to boast small class sizes, averaging 15 to 20 students, and easily accessible facilities. Deree is quickly becoming a home away from home for us.
By the time we finished the tour, the sun was beginning to set, and we still wanted to hike a nearby mountain to see the view from the top. After a very brisk walk, we reached it just in time to see Athens drenched in a spectacular sunset. In the fading light, Professor Salowey pointed out major points of interest, some of which include the Port of Piraeus, the island of Aegina, and the Acropolis.
Professor Salowey describing the Attic Basin.
We descended the mountain in the final rays of sunlight. We enjoyed our first authentic Greek meal at a local restaurant and returned to our dorms for some much needed sleep.
All of us in Greece. Woo-hoo!
Catherine & Pavithra
How exciting! Wonderful to read your blogs.