12 day program that changed my life!

First I must say I wish now I would have paid better attention in Art, History and Geography classes. Taking the few things that I do remember growing up or my earlier years in college were now experienced first-hand. This travel study trip not only enlightened me to the degree that Greece and Italy has had on our culture today but it has given me a better understanding of folks behaviors that I know from Europe. It also has effected my life and the pursuit of happiness.

I would like to start off with Greece, not only do the Greeks have much pride in being Greek but to know that ancient Greece is one country that goes back to as far as 5,000 years ago. The many islands and majestic mountains brings this country to life within itself. The remnants that remain from the Bronze Age still have an influence on the country today. Honoring the gods such as Athena, Apollo and Zeus still hold many mythical stories being told not only as history but as a way of life in which Greece was built. When one sees the ruins of the Parthenon or any of the other ruins that still stand from the fifth century B.C. on the Acropolis you could not deny that this place is for real and that some stories from history are true. I can now look back at something as simple as two movies with a Greek foundation and see how they took real life Greece and brought it alive in today's and age. Two examples; My Big Fat Greek Wedding. One part of the movie the father in the show (Gus) says; "Give me a word, any word and I will show you how the root of the word comes from Greek" Our guide basically used the same type of the example when giving us a interpretation or definition of a word in relationship from Greek to English. And the next example is the movie, My Life in Ruins, which took place in Greece. One part of the movie they go up to Delphi and ask the oracle questions. Never realizing until our visit to Greece the history behind the oracle and that something such as this actually existed.

I think Rome had the most influence and impact on me personally. I can surely see why Rome had such an influence in the world when it came to art and architecture. To think of buildings in the US that were influenced by ancient Rome but cannot compare to the magnificent structures we saw as a group. As we were explained the logic behind many of the drawings done by Michael Angelo in the Sistine Chapel opened up many thoughts to my Christian walk as well as a better understanding being raised in the Catholic church as a child. There is no doubt that the Roman Catholic Church has a major influence still within the world today. I am still at awe at the massive buildings and still cannot imagine how they were constructed back then. Their attention to detail, craftsmanship and coloring makes one realize how much they took pride in their surroundings, religion and emphasis on the important things in life back in their time. It surely wasn't a fully loaded SUV like today.

I would say however my biggest take away is how as American's we seem to be spoiled and have become blinded to the simplicity of life. Bigger is not always better, the travel studies experience has made me come home and take things a little slower; enjoy the simpler things that life has to offer. Most of all I am thankful for the beautiful history, cultural, art, philosophy and architecture that these two countries have brought to the world back then and now. I do have to say the take away from many of our discussions within the class room and outside has really made me think outside the box and those 12 days will remain with me forever!