Day 13

Packing the bags to depart the cruise was a hard thing to do. Stopping at the airport was even harder. Waiting in line for two hours made it worse. This day was just so said, I don’t even want to talk about it. The 13 hour plane rides didn’t help either. I know that things in life will come and go, but not experiences. Those will live forever and when you have the opportunity to experience them again, take it and don’t think about. Instead of considering this day a departure, I look at it as inspiration. To come back and see the things I didn’t have time for. Like they all say you have it take it one step at a time.

Day 12

This will be the last real day in Greece, sadly enough, so what other what to celebrate our departure, see more art of course, but this art is different. When I say different I mean it is not necessarily Greek. Its technically Cretan art or also known as Minoan and Mycenaean. These two culture precede Ancient Greece by at least 2000 years. To prove how they contributed to Ancient Greek art, we visited the Archaeological Museum of Crete. In there I saw a lot of interesting creations. For one the famous Minoan Snake Goddess, although I almost didn’t see it due to its size, but I managed. Also, the Minoans in particular were a bull-orientated culture, they  had paintings of them, they were represented on their tombs and served as decorations for doors. This was interesting because this trend is also present in other ancient cultures. As I stepped out of the Museum, I realized the time in Greece was coming closer and closer to its end and I just had to accept it. Its hard to say goodbye, but its easier if you believe you’ll visit again.

Day 11

Today is the day we get to visit Turkey, more specifically Kusadasi. I have never heard of this island but I am glad that I did. I almost what to say it was the most amazing part of the trip. Not only was shopping there less expensive but the best part was when I took a hamam or Turkish bath. I’m not going to lie, that was probably the hottest water I have ever touched, but it could not have felt better. It was interesting to do something different rather to see a museum. Don’t get me wrong I live to see art, but I also would like to appreciate a learn more about the cultures that serve as legacies to those great artists. Art describes one part of a culture, but living with and communicating with the people on a personal level is different. 

Day 10

This is the start of our three day cruise and this is my first time being on a cruise as well. The first stop we will make is to Mykonos, a little Greek island. Not much to see in terms of art, but the landscapes were very beautiful. The sand, the water and the boats were just great to look at. Personally, walking on a Greek beach versus an American one just feels better. Your mind is in a calmer state and plus they are a lot quieter making relaxing easier.

Day 9

Athens, the most famous Greek city as well as the capital. Known for its amazing art and architecture, specifically the Parthenon. The Parthenon was more than just a structure built for the Gods, but given the size of it, I almost want to say it was it was a whole new city. I love how it is just separated from the rest of Athens. I feel that the Greeks created it that way because they wanted to isolate themselves when they wanted to worship the Gods versus being in the rest of Athens where wars were fought and brothels were visited. Complimenting the Parthenon, we also visited the Acropolis Museum. The Acropolis Museum is where most of the rooftop friezes and statues lay. All over you can see how the Greeks worshiped their Gods just by creating art.  Once again, I was proven why art can be so powerful and knowing that this will be one of the last days I will see Greek art, I can leave fully appreciating it.

Day 8

We have arrived in Delphi and whats next on the list is the Delphi Archaeological Museum as well as the Ancient city of Delphi. The museum was cool, a little short but cool. I guess it was designed to let us know what the archaeologist found in the actual city. I would have to say that the city was more interesting because this is the first time we get to see architecture dedicated to the Gods. In Rome, it wasn’t as apparent and thats where Italy and Greece differ. First we were shown the Delphi Theatre which was interesting for me because when I take Theatre History next semester, maybe the professor will talk about this particular theatre. Next we saw the Temple of Apollo. The columns were still extant, but I’m not so sure if there was supposed to be a rooftop on the structure. If not, I assume the Greeks wanted to honor the fact that Apollo was the Sun God. If that was a bad joke I won’t write any more. If I fail, I’ll know why. Hopefully when we move on to Athens, I won’t need to fill in the blanks with jokes.

Day 7

Not too much happened today, were just on are way to Delphi. I do have to say that this is may first time on an overnight ferry so I’m enjoying this. From the outside, you can see a lot of peninsulas and from far away they look very beautiful. From knowing this I have a feeling that there will be a lot of water involved with everything we do here in Greece.