The "worst June storm Greece has seen in 100 years" continued to rage today; however, we didn't let it stop us and were able to enjoy all of our planned activities.
Our morning started at Methoni Castle near Pylos bay. As we explored the seaside ruins, complete with secret tunnels and a church, we found ourselves caught in the middle of the storm. Most of us were able to seek shelter in the bourtzi tower and remain mostly dry. The intensity of the rain, wind and waves was similar to the breakwater during a mid winter Victoria storm. Needless to say it was very exciting! Eventually it died down and we were able to explore the rest of the castle grounds before heading over to Pylos Bay and the spectacular Voidokolia Beach.
- Ms Cade
We were fortunate enough to go to another castle, and this one was just as spectacular as the first. To get to it, we hiked up a mountain overlooking Pylos Bay and much of the surrounding ocean and mountains. The castle was built by the French hundreds of years ago, and much of it is left today. We walked through the main entrance, and then hiked on top of the perimeter wall to the other side. While we were on the wall, trying not to fall off, we could see for miles around us. After that, we hiked down the other side until we arrived at the cave. It was enormous, at least one hundred feet high from the centre to the top. We took some amazing pictures with the drone and then continued down the side of the mountain to the beach. The beach was the best so far, all golden sand and because we were so hot after the hike the water was just perfect. The waves were perfect for wave surfing and we stayed for as long as possible. As we finished swimming we dried off slightly, then walked for a few minutes to get back to the vans, drove to the hotel, and got ready for the dance party.
- Jonah
Stay tuned for photos and more updates from the students about the Greek dance party.
Everyone was excited and a little bit worried to have our newly learned Greek dancing skills put to the test. We had learned the moves three days prior to the party and most of us had not practiced sense (if were going to be one hundred percent honest none of us had) We hopped in the vans and listened to some North American music preparing us for the night of Greek music ahead of us. When we finally arrived and took our seats it was extremely awkward. Someone would timidly say "hi" and get a hello back but that's where the conversations would end. After a solid ten minutes of this we began asking questions and learning how to say other words but there was still that awkward chemistry. Mr. Doland then decided to take us out to play some beach games. We started off playing the simple ones and ended with an intense game of buggy up buggy down. After all the games everyone was talking and laughing. The Greek food was extremely tasty and it was hard trying to stuff your face and chat at the same time. Although we all started feeling confident with each other (Greeks and Canadians) we had no clue what was coming... the dancing. The floor started off empty for three whole songs as Alex Marina and I scrambled around looking for a fourth person for our train. After no success I went out alone and not only did the Canadians join but even people I'd met twenty minutes before this were joining in with the circle. Soon enough practically everyone was tiring themselves out with dance after dance after dance. I along with many others attempted to dance every song we could. At the end of the night during the very last song we all felt satisfied and tired. Even after this night I had a man I met at the party tell me I was a very good dancer when our group ran into him at the beach. In the end this experience was utterly amazing and we all met new people and danced the night away.
- Alyssa
Extra photos and videos of the first 6 days
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMe too Christine! Not that this is a criticism; it has been fantastic to see the photographs. But I know what it is like to take students on a school trip - it is full on and I am amazed that the staff have found the time to update the blog at all! Thank you so much - all your hard work and careful attention to detail is very much appreciated. Above all, thank you for looking after our sons and daughters and giving them the opportunity to have such a fabulous time.
ReplyDeleteEven though the rain got in the way of our adventure just a bit, it created its own one. The highlight of my day was dancing and singing Moana in the rain just outside of the walls of an ancient greek castle with all of my friends, which just goes to show that you can make fun out of anything.
ReplyDelete-Lizzie Cunningham