-Amira and Matias
Thursday 30 June 2016
Swimming, Biking and Running can't stop the SMUS crew
We all woke up in time for breakfast at 7:30 which consisted of toast, cereal, juice, milk, and Angie's favourite, lemon loaf! Then we all grabbed our things and met back in the lobby for a long talk about the day ahead of us. After the long talk we split into three vans, loaded the bikes, and headed off for the beach. Once we arrived at the beach, we unloaded the gear, we met up with the NOKY group and we ran through the course and tested out our bikes. We were told the routes of the bike ride, the run and the swim and after we biked to the beach, we started a warm up. Our swim was around 500 meters but against the NOKY kids, we had no chance. It was super fun to watch eachother play in the waves and pretend we were pros cough* cough* Mr. Doland. After we warmed up our strokes we all went to the starting line further down on the beach. We took our marks and we were off, or at least the NOKY kids were off. The Canadians were left in the wake of their waves and you could say we were very salty. It took us about six minutes to swim 500 meters. After the swim we all rushed to the bikes, put our clothes on, and prepared our bikes. A few minutes later we were all being tousled by the rocky path in our way of victory. After six grulling kilometres of rocky terrain, we reached the final leg of the race. The run was around one kilometre and it was easy to see everyone was really tired. We even had a small award ceremony where everyone was given a medal. Whether it was participation or first place, everyone was really proud they accomplished training with the NOKY crew. Tired and sweaty, we took out our slowly shrinking sandwiches and ate in the shade. We "popped into the vans" and drove back to the hotel for the hour of blogging in the afternoon.
-Amira and Matias
-Amira and Matias
Wednesday 29 June 2016
SMUS explores where the Olympics were born!
After the second morning workout (to which the attendance rate had coincidentally dropped), we got in the vans and headed off to the archeological site of Olympia. At Olympia, we were met by a very knowledgeable guide who took us on a tour of the ruins. We learned a lot about the culture of Greece at the time, as well as recognizing the similarities and differences between the Olympic Games today and when they first began.
Some of these differences include:
- In Ancient Greece, women and barbarians -also known as anyone not Greek- could not compete
- Chariot racing was a popular sport in the Ancient Greek Olympics
- The Ancient Greek track was a straight line which they ran back and forth on
- There was an event called 'Pankration', a mixture of wrestling and boxing in which two men covered in olive oil fought to the death. There were no rules in this sport, with the exception of no biting and clawing eyes out. And yes, they all competed naked.
We walked to the Olympic stadium, and had the incredible opportunity to run in the "footsteps of the ancient Olympians" (credits to Ms. McQueen's trip brochure for the quote.) Next we went to the Olympia Museum, where we saw many reassembled statues, all with their individual myths that revolved around the time of the ancient Olympics. The most significant one depicted Hermes bearing the child of Zeus in an act of protection from Hera. On the way back, we stopped in several souvenir shops. We learned that with souvenirs, there is tacky and then there is REALLY tacky. Ask us for a photo of the spartan-warrior-rubber-duck-toy for a better explanation.
Once we arrived back at the hotel we had time to swim in the pool and explore the town. After a lovely dinner we were then joined by Yannis and a few NOKY kids to learn a Greek dance which we will be using tomorrow at the beach party. The dancing was very fun and although difficult at first, we ended up being able to dance in a group circle, with only a reasonable amount of toe stepping. During that rehearsal, we also found out that Mr. Doland was a very good salsa dancer and we insisted that he taught us. What at first started off as just for a laugh, turned into a three hours session where we were taught four different moves that even included sliding under the legs.
Overall, it was a very fun, educational, hot and sticky day. We found today's adventure to Olympia a very interesting excursion which showed us in real life, what we had learned about in school during grades five and seven. Our guide, Vasilis Panagiotopoulos was passionate and loved sharing his knowledge with us which made him very engaging and easy to listen to. Our favorite part of Olympia was getting the chance to run on the track if the Ancient Greeks, and stand on the podium with olive branch wreaths on our heads. Dancing was an incredible experience and it made us connect to the locals in a fun and cultural way. We learned so much about the one of the of the main foundations of Greek culture and history, and most importantly, learned that Mr. Doland is a fantastic salsa dancer.
Some of these differences include:
- In Ancient Greece, women and barbarians -also known as anyone not Greek- could not compete
- Chariot racing was a popular sport in the Ancient Greek Olympics
- The Ancient Greek track was a straight line which they ran back and forth on
- There was an event called 'Pankration', a mixture of wrestling and boxing in which two men covered in olive oil fought to the death. There were no rules in this sport, with the exception of no biting and clawing eyes out. And yes, they all competed naked.
We walked to the Olympic stadium, and had the incredible opportunity to run in the "footsteps of the ancient Olympians" (credits to Ms. McQueen's trip brochure for the quote.) Next we went to the Olympia Museum, where we saw many reassembled statues, all with their individual myths that revolved around the time of the ancient Olympics. The most significant one depicted Hermes bearing the child of Zeus in an act of protection from Hera. On the way back, we stopped in several souvenir shops. We learned that with souvenirs, there is tacky and then there is REALLY tacky. Ask us for a photo of the spartan-warrior-rubber-duck-toy for a better explanation.
Once we arrived back at the hotel we had time to swim in the pool and explore the town. After a lovely dinner we were then joined by Yannis and a few NOKY kids to learn a Greek dance which we will be using tomorrow at the beach party. The dancing was very fun and although difficult at first, we ended up being able to dance in a group circle, with only a reasonable amount of toe stepping. During that rehearsal, we also found out that Mr. Doland was a very good salsa dancer and we insisted that he taught us. What at first started off as just for a laugh, turned into a three hours session where we were taught four different moves that even included sliding under the legs.
Overall, it was a very fun, educational, hot and sticky day. We found today's adventure to Olympia a very interesting excursion which showed us in real life, what we had learned about in school during grades five and seven. Our guide, Vasilis Panagiotopoulos was passionate and loved sharing his knowledge with us which made him very engaging and easy to listen to. Our favorite part of Olympia was getting the chance to run on the track if the Ancient Greeks, and stand on the podium with olive branch wreaths on our heads. Dancing was an incredible experience and it made us connect to the locals in a fun and cultural way. We learned so much about the one of the of the main foundations of Greek culture and history, and most importantly, learned that Mr. Doland is a fantastic salsa dancer.
Tuesday 28 June 2016
SMUS takes on the Beach, Turtles, Old Town Kyparissia & NOKY
Picking up where Meaghan and Lizzy left off. We headed back to the beach for our sleepover adventure. This time we were at a different spot than where we had been that morning with the Archelon volunteers, http://www.archelon.gr/index_eng.php
We ate our dinner on the beach, played some games, and just soaked in the incredible setting, including the stunning sun as it slowly signalled the end of daylight. After it got dark we went for a walk on the beach, and saw three sea turtles in various stages of digging their nests, laying eggs, and in one case, saw a turtle making its way back into the Ionian Sea. We were not allowed to take photos and had to use red cloths over the flashlights to avoid any 'white' lights. It was a fabulous experience. Then back to our camping site where we spent the night in the open air, 'sleeping' on mats in sleeping bags with children and adults set up in various configurations. We were lulled to sleep by the roll of the sea (well at least some of us were) and the damp air.
Up early the next morning for a walk on the beach, meeting some Archelon volunteers (university students from different countries) to see how they protected the sea turtle nests. Once there is evidence of a nest, based on the sand where the sea turtles come out of the water and then return, the volunteers dig for the eggs and then put a wire grid over it secured by bamboo stakes. They take a lot of measurements, etc, recording a lot of information. Their efforts have definitely been rewarded as the number of nests has increased dramatically over the years.
Then we returned to the hotel for a late breakfast before heading out to explore Old Town Kyparissia. The sun was beating down and we stayed hydrated as we walked up to the top of the old city. The group soldiered on until we stopped for some photos overlooking the town. Then it was onto the very top, the old castle, where we had our picnic lunch. Afterwards, we walked downhill to the NOKY pool (local triathlon club) with whom we have a partnership from when the Vincent's and Ms. McQueen spent several weeks here just over two years ago. It's a 50 meter length outdoor pool that we had all to ourselves! The setting once again is incredible. We posed for a photo in front of the mural created last year for our first visit. After some pool games and an exciting relay with students and adults, we picked up our bikes and headed back to the hotel. The students had a couple of hours off (yes, we are slackers) before another dinner outside on the hotel terrace. Afterwards, we were joined by some students from NOKY and other students from the local school. There was a real mixture of ages, which Mr. Doland took on as a challenge in doing a great job of organizing a variety of games on the beach alongside people from the community enjoying a glorious evening beachside on the Ionian Sea. Canada VS Greece featured an array of ice breaker and athletic challenges, resulting in a couple of hours of intercontinental friendship - a terrific way to meet the local community.
Then a tired group of students and adults headed to their rooms, glad for a real bed and looking forward to tomorrow's trip to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympics. Wow.
We ate our dinner on the beach, played some games, and just soaked in the incredible setting, including the stunning sun as it slowly signalled the end of daylight. After it got dark we went for a walk on the beach, and saw three sea turtles in various stages of digging their nests, laying eggs, and in one case, saw a turtle making its way back into the Ionian Sea. We were not allowed to take photos and had to use red cloths over the flashlights to avoid any 'white' lights. It was a fabulous experience. Then back to our camping site where we spent the night in the open air, 'sleeping' on mats in sleeping bags with children and adults set up in various configurations. We were lulled to sleep by the roll of the sea (well at least some of us were) and the damp air.
Up early the next morning for a walk on the beach, meeting some Archelon volunteers (university students from different countries) to see how they protected the sea turtle nests. Once there is evidence of a nest, based on the sand where the sea turtles come out of the water and then return, the volunteers dig for the eggs and then put a wire grid over it secured by bamboo stakes. They take a lot of measurements, etc, recording a lot of information. Their efforts have definitely been rewarded as the number of nests has increased dramatically over the years.
Then we returned to the hotel for a late breakfast before heading out to explore Old Town Kyparissia. The sun was beating down and we stayed hydrated as we walked up to the top of the old city. The group soldiered on until we stopped for some photos overlooking the town. Then it was onto the very top, the old castle, where we had our picnic lunch. Afterwards, we walked downhill to the NOKY pool (local triathlon club) with whom we have a partnership from when the Vincent's and Ms. McQueen spent several weeks here just over two years ago. It's a 50 meter length outdoor pool that we had all to ourselves! The setting once again is incredible. We posed for a photo in front of the mural created last year for our first visit. After some pool games and an exciting relay with students and adults, we picked up our bikes and headed back to the hotel. The students had a couple of hours off (yes, we are slackers) before another dinner outside on the hotel terrace. Afterwards, we were joined by some students from NOKY and other students from the local school. There was a real mixture of ages, which Mr. Doland took on as a challenge in doing a great job of organizing a variety of games on the beach alongside people from the community enjoying a glorious evening beachside on the Ionian Sea. Canada VS Greece featured an array of ice breaker and athletic challenges, resulting in a couple of hours of intercontinental friendship - a terrific way to meet the local community.
Then a tired group of students and adults headed to their rooms, glad for a real bed and looking forward to tomorrow's trip to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympics. Wow.
Photo Album Link:
https://goo.gl/photos/rQwiy3VdCYL8qfrW9
https://goo.gl/photos/rQwiy3VdCYL8qfrW9
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| Not quite awake yet after sleeping on the beach! |
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| The bouganvillea is spectacular! |
E
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| Group photo at the pool in front of the SMUS/NOKY mural from 2015! |
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| A teachable moment on the walk to the old castle! |
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| Blueprint for the new SMUS dining hall? |
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| Last part of the hike up to the very top! |
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| Greek dessert on the beach at sleepover |
Monday 27 June 2016
The Journey Begins.... With Meaghan and Lizzy
June 25th, 4:30am. We said our goodbyes and were on our way. Everything went smoothly on our first flight, which was 4 hours as we flew from Victoria to Toronto. The second flight however, was 9 hours and it was particularly boring because we didn't have TVs but for most of the flight, we slept...if we were lucky. We do feel bad for Matias as his 6'4 body did not fit on the sleeps well enough to sleep. When we arrived in Athens, it was 9 o'clock in the morning, even though we were tired, we actually saw a celebrity which cheered us up a bit. We picked up 3 vans and drove for 4 hours to Kyparissia, stopping on the way to get a bite to eat. When we got to Kyparissia we looked around the hotel and explored the town.
The town was very different than Victoria and we really saw the difference in the culture and the architecture. It was Sunday the first day and that is Family Day in Greece every week, which meant we had the town to ourselves. The weather is also quite different and we ended up being scorching hot after a few hours so the group decided to go take a dip in the beautiful Ionian Sea. For dinner that night we had typical greek food which tasted amazing. The best part is, they kept delivering plates after plates of food! After dining, we went for a walk along the pier and played a game called Electricity. We tried to stay awake to get over jet lag but that didn't really work, I know that we woke up at midnight thinking it was 7:00 am.
The next morning, we woke up and Mr. Doland decided we should do morning callisthenics which not many of us were pleased about doing, yet we made it through. After a good breakfast, we went to a beach just outside of the town were the Loggerhead turtles nest. Kim and Jessica, two of the volunteers at the beach, had a discussion with us about the turtles and their risk of life. We learned that they live for 80-90 years and the beach that we were on (agiannakis), has the most dense population of Loggerhead turtles in the Mediterranean. We also helped out and cleaned the beach, as a reward we had lunch. We drove the van back and played a game of 20 Questions with Mr. Doland. When we arrived at our hotel, we changed into beach clothes and had a great swim and a competitive game of beach volleyball, of course Mr. Doland trumped all of us. I did get a little burnt, not badly though so don't worry Mom!! Right now, we are about to go back to the Loggerheads and have a beach sleepover, dinner and hopefully experience a turtle laying eggs.
The town was very different than Victoria and we really saw the difference in the culture and the architecture. It was Sunday the first day and that is Family Day in Greece every week, which meant we had the town to ourselves. The weather is also quite different and we ended up being scorching hot after a few hours so the group decided to go take a dip in the beautiful Ionian Sea. For dinner that night we had typical greek food which tasted amazing. The best part is, they kept delivering plates after plates of food! After dining, we went for a walk along the pier and played a game called Electricity. We tried to stay awake to get over jet lag but that didn't really work, I know that we woke up at midnight thinking it was 7:00 am.
The next morning, we woke up and Mr. Doland decided we should do morning callisthenics which not many of us were pleased about doing, yet we made it through. After a good breakfast, we went to a beach just outside of the town were the Loggerhead turtles nest. Kim and Jessica, two of the volunteers at the beach, had a discussion with us about the turtles and their risk of life. We learned that they live for 80-90 years and the beach that we were on (agiannakis), has the most dense population of Loggerhead turtles in the Mediterranean. We also helped out and cleaned the beach, as a reward we had lunch. We drove the van back and played a game of 20 Questions with Mr. Doland. When we arrived at our hotel, we changed into beach clothes and had a great swim and a competitive game of beach volleyball, of course Mr. Doland trumped all of us. I did get a little burnt, not badly though so don't worry Mom!! Right now, we are about to go back to the Loggerheads and have a beach sleepover, dinner and hopefully experience a turtle laying eggs.
So far the trip is going very smoothly and I would say that we are all having a great time.
Cheers,
Meaghan & Lizzy
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| Morning workout |
Saturday 25 June 2016
Greece here we come!
It's that time again, the Grade 8s are off on a ten day Greek adventure! First stop Toronto then Athens here we come.
Friday 24 June 2016
About Me - Abby Bartlett
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| Water is the element of change |
Wednesday 22 June 2016
About Me: Meaghan Power
Χαίρετε!
My name is Meaghan Power and I am 14 years old. I currently live in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada and I attend Saint Michaels University School, moving into grade 9 in the upcoming year. During my spare time, I love playing sports such as tennis, volleyball, baseball and swimming. On the other hand, I have a passion to perform. I love the performing arts and have been acting since I was young. In the rest of my downtime, I like spending time with my friends and family. I have been volunteering at the Royal BC Museum for a while now. I help as a leader and mentor at the youth summer and spring break camps as well as help run family events. I have my babysitting license, lifeguard rookie ranger and star, which I am hoping to continue and finish, first aid training, and leaders in training certificate. My favourite movie is "Clueless", directed by Amy Heckerling. My colour preference is aqua. My favourite book is Eleanor and Park, and favourite series is The Immortals. My music taste ranges, as I enjoy listening to many styles, except country, I am sorry! This summer, I am very excited to travel to Greece with a great group of people and immerse in their culture. I believe that I will learn very much throughout the 12 days and it will change my view on many things.
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