Learning On Site

The weather was threatening rain, so we did not attempt climbing the Acropolis on Tuesday. Instead we visited the National Archealogy Museum, the Greek and Roman agora ruins, Hadrian's Library. and watched the changing of the guard at the Parliament building. In the evening we all congregated on the roof of the hotel for lots of laughter and showing off of tattoos (not mine) and sharing favorite music played on a computer. I had a great discussion with Dr. Dewey about a whole spectrum of subjects from the failure of the Greeks to preserve their artifacts in early years before they were carted off by the western Europeans, to how people choose when to die and the role models we have who lived full, creative lives nearly to the time they died.

Yesterday morning (Wed.) it looked like it might clear, so we delayed our departure, gathered in a meeting room to hear presentations by the students. Each student prepares 7 fifteen minute presentations on some subject related to our trip to Greece. We heard 4 of them and by then, the sky had cleared some, so we tackled the Acropolis. It was a tough climb but we stopped a few times for more students to make their presentations about what we were seeing, the Theater of Dionysis, the Stoa, the Erechtheon, and so forth. Nothing like actually walking on and seeing what you are talking about!

A word about our fearless leaders. Dr. Shannon Byrne, Classics professor, does an excellent job of keeping things moving. She walks really fast; even the students have difficulty keeping up with her. She is also a great fund of information, supplementing the student reports and helping to give them perspective particularly when talking about Greek mythology, which was always a really foggy subject for me. She is really down-to-earth, and can talk their language. She often buys treats (fruit, drinks, extras) for the student group.

Dr. Art Dewey, History & Theology professor, usually brings up the rear, corralling and seeing to any stragglers in the group so we don't get lost. He adds historical  information related to relics and statues we see in the museums. He also meets individually with students related to their study goals. They make a good team.

Lots of student groups at this hotel. Breakfast room is full from 6:30 until 9. I saw one girl with full backpack, including her bedroll, leaving the dining room this morning, so this is obviously a favorite staying spot for backpackers as well. Many groups come through: some go on bus tours. Us: we walk! My calves are sore, but not painfully, and I sure don't have any trouble sleeping!