Ancient Market Place and Musings on a Ferry Ride

We started the day off by visiting the agora — the ancient market place. You could just envision Socrates in prison as we trampled through the back corner, the Senate, in a circular fashion, discussing important issues over lunch as we stared at the ruins of a round building and the past activity associated with the reconstructed columned stoa. Later, we headed off from Athens down to Piraeus, the port, to catch our ferry. The Mediterranean is amazing; its deep blue color is indescribable. The atmosphere was unseasonable — cloudy, misty, raining and cool. While most people stayed dry, I ventured out to the deck to brave the elements.

After exploring the entire ship, I was invited to the bridge, by Mike, an officer of the crew. Thus, for the next two hours, I got a front seat view of the water, their collection of plants and the boat's yellow canary. In addition to checking out the radar periodically, I got to steer the boat — briefly and off-course. After Mike was off duty, I went back downstairs to our seats and met some people from Argentina. For another two hours, we exchanged cultures and language lessons. Not only is traveling enhanced by meeting interesting people, but also it's a staple to the journeyman's diet because what is the use to transport yourself to another place without infusion and interaction? You might as well push a button on a remote control. And it is truly amazing how you can still have a good time and laugh with someone even if you cannot necessarily verbally communicate. We are all people and human; that is the simple truth, bond and connection which has sustained us throughout and between the ages and, thereby, is the only means which will propel us forward.

Adria Ryan
Geography Senior
Greece, May 12, 2001

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