Generous, Beautiful Greece

Have you ever seen the “Spring Break” shows on MTV? All the people running around look like they are having a blast. The group of us from Dublin that traveled together to Greece decided that we would have been a much more interesting “Spring Break” special. We deserved a spot on the Discovery Channel.
We were very lucky to end up in Greece over spring break. My fellow student and friend, Tom Giannakopoulos, has family in Greece. Could you guess he was Greek himself? His godparents live on the island of Rhodes in a tall called Trianda. He also has a family friend who now lives in America, but still has an apartment in Greece for when she wants to go back. She generously offered us this apartment as a place to stay. Generosity is synonymous with the people of Rhodes.
To express to you how amazing our trip to Greece was, I want to tell you three stories in particular.
Yamas
Our first day in Greece, our pale, Dublin white faces were greeted by the sun, a soothing breeze, and Tom’s Godparents. They picked us up and brought us to their home where were indulged in a home cooked meal—scratch that, home cooked feast. While we sat around their patio table eating fresh grapefruits and clementines from their fruit trees, their son serenaded us with a traditional Greek instrument. Before we knew it, the table was covered in bottles of water, wine, and Suma, the local alcohol; spaghetti with shrimp sauce (and past with butter for our friend April); stuffed zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, and grape leaves; homemade garlic toast with peppers and cheese; and the most delicious, fresh, refreshing salad that my taste buds had ever been tickled by.

Tom’s Godparents pushed food onto our plates while inquiring where we all were from. They asked about Vermont, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. We all cleaned up the table together and thanked them for the millionth time. We honestly couldn’t thank them enough. We had just eaten like kings. We all raised our glasses and said, “cheers,” which they quickly informed us was, “yamas,” in Greek.
But, the feast wasn’t over yet. We still had dessert. There were more of us than expected, so, Tom’s Godmother called her sister and asked her to start baking. Luckily, we were able to walk off some of the feast on our way to eat the freshly baked apple pie. I couldn’t wait to taste apple pie—I hadn’t had any since Christmas. However, Greek apple pie is extremely different. In my opinion, it’s ten times better! It is more like a cake and is covered in a thick, chocolate icing.
Throughout our dessert, I noticed baby toys everywhere and kept saying “shhh” to all my friends. When the baby finally woke up and came to join the party, I couldn’t help but look at her and say, “One day, you will go somewhere far away and I hope people are as kind to you as your family has been to me.”
Old Town
Tom had been to Rhodes before and was very excited to see it again through aged eyes—not to mention with nine of his friends! We woke up early and took off on the local bus for Rhodes, the main city on the island. In the center of the city is a castle. To be honest, I’m not much of a history buff—I would have been more excited to go for a hike. Little did I know, this castle was more than old buildings within a large wall. It was it’s own city! Just inside the castle walls, the city begins. There were tourist shops, restaurants, cafés, bars, and the most beautiful views! We walked out along the harbor and finally dipped our feet into the baby blue ocean. The wind whipped at our faces and it felt good—unlike any wind we had faced in Dublin. Some of us ate Greek gyros and others ate the freshest octopus and crab cakes around. We wrote post cards and drank Mythos, the local beer, in ancient squares. To put it simply, we spent the day amazed, smiling.

Lindos
It’s official. I think I am becoming lame. I no longer long to go on vacations where there are amusement parks or life size Disney characters. I want to learn. Lindos was absolutely amazing. We hiked up to the Acropolis. Want to talk about a view? I never thought I would see something more beautiful than the view from Prospect rock in my hometown, which looks out over the valley where my mother lives. But, I had never been to the Acropolis. To one side, you could see the town of Lindos. To the other, a baby blue bay that faded into a deeper blue. Tom looked down and said, “I’m taking you there.” We all filed down the hill into Lindos to grab some food before we went to relax on the beach. Some ate gyros, and others kebabs. I indulged in calamari and a real Greek salad. The feta was unbelievable on the tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cucumbers. I was full, and ready to continue my adventure.

When we made it to the bay, we all were in awe. Instantly, we all removed our clothes and laid in the warm sun in our bathing suits. Some of us went swimming, and other just left our toes in the sand. On one side of the bay, I spotted a chapel. I went to take a closer look and when Tom joined, he said, “Wanna see a great view?”
We immediately climbed up the rock face and just as my eyes got over the peak, it was like I was looking into forever. My eyes looked out over the open Mediterranean Sea. I walked back to the bay side of the rocks, and had a “HI MOM!” television appearance moment. I called to my friends back on the beach who waved back. I took a seat and soaked up not only the sun, but also the once in a lifetime moment I had just discovered.


I had always wanted to go to Greece and I never thought I actually would. I couldn’t be more thankful for this opportunity. I honestly believe that things happen for a reason. If I hadn’t gone to Champlain, I wouldn’t have ended up in Dublin. If I hadn’t gone to Dublin, I would never have gotten to know Tom. If I hadn’t met Tom—well, I could have ended up in Greece; however, my experience wouldn’t have received the generosity I did on our adventure. The world is full of places to discover, people to meet, and adventures that combine the two. I have the same wish for you that I do for the baby girl I met in Trianda. May you see the world and experience the same kindness I have.

Yamas!

The Anthony and Seannie Show

Matt, Casey, Me!, Silas, Stephanie, Claire, Annie, Jamie, and Anthony


Nine of us, in a taxi, chased two Irishmen around Tipperary.
It wasn’t your average field trip. It was pure adventure. Our day began early with a three hour bus ride heading south out of Dublin. Professor Anthony O’Halloran greeted us at the bus stop with hugs and handshakes; a real Irish welcome. He shuffled us into a cafe where we sipped on coffee and munches on scones and toast.
Without warning, his partner in crime showed up. Well, one of them. They shook hands and his friend, Seannie, a local politician and extremely good slagger, took a seat at our table. He asked us about home, which we told him was snowy, and our majors. Let me tell you, listening to Silas explain Graphic Design as quite funny. Anthony had explained he was taking part in a charity which explained why he was wearing a winter hat in the morning sun. He was sponsored by numerous people to shave his head and raised money for a local hospice.
The day was a mess of discovering parts of Ireland people drive past everyday and never take time to stop and look around. We looked at a memorial, which Seannie created, for children taken from their families and placed in a house where they learned to work, sew, and clean; a well once used to bless women with fertility; we looked at a castle, once occupied by... the post man; and the entire valley which Tipperary lays in from the top of a mountain.

Post Man Castle


Throughout our trip, it seemed half of everything was planned. All of our planned activities were wonderful; however, I felt that when the two Irishmen hopped in the little silver car we chased, they were saying, “What else can we show these kids?”

Anthony beating Casey in a race :-)


When we looked out over the valley, Anthony opened the taxi door and said, “I was thinking about you when I planned this!” It was the most beautiful Ireland I had ever seen. However, there was one other place where I felt more at home than anywhere in the past two months.
We went to a farm. I was jealous of Willy, the farmer and friend of Anthony’s, Wellington boots, and disappointed I didn’t have my Muck’s because all I wanted to do was walk through the “Maternity Ward” of the farm and see the most recently born calf. She was about six hours old. Yet, I did spend a solid ten minutes letting one of the calves, about two weeks old, suck on my fingers. My classmates looked at me like I was insane, but she didn’t have teeth, or any formula left in his bucket; she was longing for some attention.
I felt at home. Before we left the farm, Willy’s wife insisted we come in for tea. Our cups of tea were accompanied by finger sandwiches, cookies, and a sweet, raisin filled bread. Willy, his wife, their two sons, and daughter, Orla, sat and discussed having a couch in the kitchen, the weather in Vermont, and of course, football. Anthony and his friends laughed about the many times they sat at the kitchen table together. They were a family.

Willy, Seannie, and Anthony


At the end of our day with Anthony, we sat down at a pub for a pint. Just throwing it out there, “going for a pint” is simply a figure of speech. More importantly, at that pub I made a friend. I don’t know his name, and to be honest, his name doesn’t matter much. He was sitting next to the fireplace with his grandson. Seeing how his grandson was about ten, the little boy sipped on Coca-Cola through a straw while he put back straight Jameson.
I was standing next to the fireplace and he insisted I sit down at the table with him. He asked about my day, and I told him that I had found “the Ireland I had been looking for.” We talked about the farm, the potential fishing spots in the area, and most importantly, how people in Tipperary ask you to sit down at their table. Our conversation made me think of a quote I had seen on a wall at the Guinness Storehouse. I said, “Home isn’t where you’re from, but where they understand you.”
The man, his grandson, and I tapped our glasses together.
“Cheers.”

Clicking Heels in Kilkenny

Katherine, Kate, Chris, Tom, and Tricia letting out some energy before we headed back to Dublin on the train.

Friday Adventure: Discovering Ireland

Winters in Vermont always seem to be far too long. Don’t get me wrong, I love snow. However, I always find myself looking at the Green Mountains wanting them to be… green.
This is not an issue in Ireland. Spring starts on February 1st. Our group from Champlain College successfully bypassed the winter months! Although we have been seeing yellow tulips pop up throughout St. Stephen’s Green, spring hadn’t officially smiled back at us until we took our Friday art trip with Jacinta. For the hour and a half train ride to Kilkenny, I looked out into fields of green grass being grazed by sheep, and their new-to-the-world lambs.
Champlain College Dublin gave us a huge gift: reserved Fridays. We have two reserved Fridays a month. Some of these reserved Fridays don’t even pertain to all the students. The Fridays the school doesn’t have reserved, the students have reserved for sleep or day trips of their own!
I took my first reserved Friday trip with my Cultural Immersion through the Fine Arts class with Jacinta to a town called Kilkenny.

The Dart took us out of the city and into the country where we took a look into The Butler Gallery. The gallery is presently showing Aideen Barry’s exhibition, "The Morphology of the Other."The exhibit consisted of four rooms. The first room held Barry’s drawings of what she saw humans morphing into as well as sculptures which were half grenades-half squirt bottles.

My fellow student and buddy, Rob, was quite interested in these. He even got to hold one!
The second room held her piece, Minefield. It was four mines made out of aluminium.

They were at one time shown at the Royal Hibernian Gallery where we had seen another contemporary art exhibit, by Nevan Lehart, the week before. And, if and when you find yourself talking with someone from Ireland, write “aluminium” on a piece of paper, hand it to them, and tell them to read it aloud.
The third exhibit consisted of three televisions showing three different movies. Each movie was accompanied by music/sounds. The movie that struck me the most was Barry’s film about how we have become so pretentious about keeping a clean environment, and we move around so much to get everything done, that we never really even touch the ground. The woman, Barry, in the movie is floating above ground while shopping for groceries, taking out the garbage, and cleaning the house.
We have been discussing in Jacinta’s class if some contemporary art is really art; we have been asking if these artists deserve as much credit as Monet, or Degas.

And, Barry’s last exhibit made me decide my answer. The extent to how I felt when I went into the last room of the exhibit was too powerful for the work in the room not to be considered art. Projected on the far wall was a video of a creature, half woman-half vacuum cleaner. The suit she was wearing in the movie was displayed along the wall. It was like a long, disgusting, disturbing worm. Just an interesting fact: To get the full effect of feeling no gravity, Barry was granted money to study with NASA!
The Butler Gallery is located in the bottom of the Kilkenny Castle. After looking through the gallery, we took a tour of the castle. It was built in the first decade of the 13th century for the Duke of Pembroke. It later became the home of the Butler family for around 600 years. In 1967, Arthur Butler, the 3rd Earl of Ormond, sold it to the people of Kilkenny for… £50!!! It has been going through renovations for many years. Jacinta asked when the renovations would be done. Our tour guide responded, “Never probably!”
Out of the many, many opportunities that we receive from Champlain College Abroad, reserved Fridays are one of the best. Whether we are off discovering Ireland with a professor or fellow students, we are bound to be on an adventure. This Friday, we are heading out of the city to ride horses!

Fresh In Week Five

It’s hard to believe that we all have been on The Emerald Isle for over a month now. Do you know what that means? This is week FIVE of classes.
Our classes are moving right along; we have already made presentations, written papers, and finished Irish novels.
As a Professional Writing major, I have to take two online classes. However, I do take four classes at the Champlain Dublin academic center. I can guarantee that every student would say, “I am learning.”
And, not just learning. We aren’t talking about American History or re-reading the literature that we were introduced to in the ninth grade. We’re learning about Ireland. That would make sense, right?
In Jacinta Kendrick’s Cultural Immersion through the Fine Arts course, we have spent our weekly class time out of the classroom. In our first week, we went to The National Museum where we looked at bog bodies. These bodies were preserved in the layers of earth in Irish bogs. As well as the bodies, Irish relics have been found; our assignment was to sketch one of these relics. I chose The Tully Lough Cross. In our other class periods, we have gone to The Irish Museum of Modern Art, The Georgian House Museum, and walked past the Leinster House, which houses the National Parliament of Ireland.
The Irish Parliament has been a hot topic in Anthony O’Halloran’s Modern Irish Social History. We have discussed the issues present in Ireland and America and learned that Religion and Government run parallel through more societies than we thought. We have been shown the disturbing intensity of the Famine through important historical documents and speeches and can recognize the recent developments in Irish society like women’s importance and the approval of divorce. Most important, we have been shown the affect America has had on Ireland and Ireland on America.
I have two classes with Caroline Elbay. One of these classes, Writing the City, I am illustrating the city through my writing. In one piece for this course, I wrote about a brunch my roommates and I devoured. We write creatively to inform the reader about an experience we had at an establishment like a café, restaurant, park, theatre, and more. One of our courses was spent at The Irish Writers’ Center, where we listened to four authors read their short stories while enjoying a glass of wine and the company of other writing appreciative people.
In Caroline’s other course, Cultural Immersion through Irish Literature, we have just finished reading The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. Our class learned about Irish history and evolution in culture through this novel. We now recognize the urbanization in Irish history, the emergence of the “new woman”, and the ideas of Darwin and Freud. We have moved onto James Joyce’s collection of short works, The Dubliners. This collection has illustrated the different lives of people in Dublin; we have read about Priests, young boys skipping school and traveling across the Liffey, and young women leaving their families to pursue life and love.
In each of Anthony’s classes, he tells us, “You will need to know this when you get back to Vermont to know the real story.” And, we listen. And, to be completely honest, I feel relatively proud right now. I feel proud to be able to tell about all that I have learned in Dublin. It is an amazing, exhilarating, even ecstatic feeling to be able to recall five weeks of courses and have every idea be fresh in my mind.

A Few Pictures

We hiked from Bray to Greystones. This was a view from the coast about a mile away.


Katherine looking out at the ocean when we arrived in Greystones.

A Decorated Dublin

Couples danced, hand in hand, swinging their partners to other jigging bodies in front of a stage decorated with the traditional Irish band. People gathered around to see them dance the dance they had known for years.

So, of course, I joined in. Our friend Darragh (pronounced Dara if you will believe it) led us into the center of the dancing crowd. He tapped his toes and heels as the girls and I spun each other around.
Trad Fest is a weeklong festival that takes place in Temple Bar. Short for Traditional, Trad Fest is a combination of events that represent the traditional ways of Ireland, and specifically Dublin. Not only was there live music in the streets, but each pub was decorated with celebration and a classic band. Temple Bar sits between the Liffey (the river that runs through Dublin) and Dame Street. It’s only a few blocks, but it is packed with pubs, restaurants, shops, and smiling faces. However, this past Sunday, the streets of Temple Bar were filled with a parade of coral orange seahorses, giant prawn (who looked more like aliens), blaring bagpipes, floats of trains, and a collection of Irish youth, representing the old of their home.


A group of young girls, about thirteen, with painted faces and shiny teal suits, marched down Dame Street waving a sheer and sequined cloth, representing the water in the Liffey. As I said before, they were thirteen, meaning that they were more embarrassed walking down the main street of Dublin dressed like blue Christmas lights. She encouraged the girls to wave their water cloth with oomph, to smile at the crowds of people around them; she screamed, “This is one of the best things you will ever do in your life!”

To be honest, I think that might be the sentence I have heard most since I have been here. That’s right, even more than “cheers”!