yasouh!

Hello from Greece! It is very hot here! But we are having a great time experiencing the Greek culture. The dancing lessons were exhilerating-our instructors kept talling us us "Bravo!" We are thinking about trying out for the "So you think you can dance" show when we get back to the States.
The Plaka is a the marketplace where there was a shoe store every ten feet. Some of us couldn't pull ourselves away!
We have been practicing how to say "Thank-you" in Greek, but it's kind of tricky. Everyone has been very helpful and patient with us, though.
The Greek keep things simple when they say hello and goodbye - same word: Yasouh!

So this is what if feels like to be on top of the world!

Wow -- or even awe-inspiring -- can't begin to explain the Acropolis. It is truly amazing. Combine that with an expert guide who knows this iconic world attraction like that back of his hand and today was unbelievable. We spent two hours exploring this fascinating Greek wonderland, learning about its ancient history and taking a million pictures from every possible location. The sprawling city of Athens surrounds the Acropolis, making for even more great photo ops. Standing at the base of the Parthenon gave me chills -- despite humid temperatures in the 90s! We started the day with an interesting dicussion with a Greek mytholody expert who explained the history, and personalities, of each Greek god. Everybody got to weigh in and ask our expert questions. We all saw parts of a few gods in ourselves. Incredible day. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves!

Foot-stompin' fun!

Our dance instructors were very impressed with our students' (and teachers') quick feet and graceful moves! After some lessons, they performed an amazing sequence of traditional dances from every part of Greece.

We're just getting started in Greece!

We all made it. A bit weary after long travels, but we were ready to put on our dancing sandals and learn some traditional Greek folklore dance today from some amazing dance instructors at a public school in downtown Athens. Each of us even received an official certificate of completion. Then it was back to the hotel for a delicious four-course meal of pizza, fresh salad prepared with all local ingredients, delicious burger patties grilled the Greek way, and even dessert. Tomorrow, we're off to explore the majestic Acropolis. Stay tuned ...

Touchdown (bit late...)

We have touchdown in Athens!
Following months of anticipation, MOST of our travelers have arrived in beautiful Athens, Greece, and will spend the next 15 days exploring Greece and Italy. They were warmly welcomed by their in-country tour guide and then jumped immediately into their adventure, visiting the world-famous Parthenon. And now they are diving into the world of Greek mythology!
Our group learned about the myths and legends of the ancient Greeks, and the origins of their cult and ritual practices. They are attending a performance of an ancient Greek tragedy in a modern theater, an example of how Greece’s history and future shape this iconic culture today.

More to come later from the travelers and teachers!

Hello Europe!

I have arrived in Amsterdam safely and soundly! After a brief layover here, I'll meet up with the group in Athens this afternoon. Looking forward to meeting everybody. Get ready for some very cool pictures -- and lots of them -- coming soon.

Watch out Greece/Italy ... Here we come!

Wow, I can't believe our adventure has finally arrived ... almost. Fourth of July may still be two days away, but fireworks of excitement are already burning in my brain as I get ready to visit Europe for the first time. Can't wait to meet you all and give you a huge Discovery welcome! We're going to have an outrageously awesome time, so hang on!