submitted by Samantha

THOUGHT OF THE DAY: Every moment of every day, life’s energy is coming your way. Take it all in and make it into something magnificent!

Well you could sure tell that the last day of the program had arrived. Morning meeting at 7am?!? I award a gold medal to Barbara, Elizabeth and Patricia for showing up! The reality that the adventure has come to an end, the last minute late night shopping, and the night cap may be to blame!

Some volunteers went in early today to witness the Easter church service which is attended by the school kids, then back to work teaching at the various schools.

After lunch most did their own things – packing, reading, kicking back. Evening coffee and biscuits together, waiting for the teachers to arrive. But unfortunately only one showed up – at least the others did make the effort to call the hotel and say thank-you and goodbye to the volunteers. The mayor had an emergency meeting, but sent via courier a gracious and flowery speech about the value and inspiration of volunteerism.

Greek music was played loud as Mille and Lia (Sam’s kids) led the volunters out by back door, and around through the front door dancing a greek dance in a line!! Great exercise.

After a dinner (B-B-Q), the volunteers were presented with a certificate and dvd of Gazi. A bracelet was give to Sam in appreciation of her efforts. She, of course, cried!!!!

After a last goodbye drink, it was off for some last-minute packing and little sleep as some had to be up at the crack of dawn for early flights!!

Thanks, guys, you were a great team!!

submitted by Tony

THOUGHT OF THE DAY: Per arova ad astra

Things motored along pretty much as usual Thursday.

We played musical classrooms again with no clear winner. A couple of periods went well until Val and I were asked to “say a few words” to a 6th-grade class. With no preparation, we were shown in a room of about 24 “exuberant” children, some of whom were actually in their seats. We prevailed, taking no casualities.

In the PM, some of us went shopping, others went “ruining”

submitted by Val

THOUGHT OF THE DAY: Carpe diem

The day dawned, as usual, with the hopeful sounds of our neighbor to the east – a hyperactive rooster cockadoodling from 4am through the evening, every ten minutes. We are tempted to purchase one of the many Easter hens in storefronts to keep him quiet.

Some of use went to work today, while others had the day off. Barbara and Elizabeth soldiered off to work; Tony went scuba-diving (ama – against medical advice since he tore a ligament in his shoulder with his fall last week. Like all men, he’s created a myth to cover up the truth of his stumbling fall and has told the boys at school he got it playing football. Playground news travels fast and gets twisted. (By next week Tony will probably be playing in the World Cup!)

Val, Eileen and Julie drove off in a zippy, red car rental – a Toyota Aygo – which cost 80 euros for 3 days. Destiny Ayios Nicholaos and Spinalonga—definitely worth seeing. A lovely city and Spinalonga has a fascinating history as it was last lived in by a leper colony disbanded in the mid-1950’s. Driving on the highways is easy, and the views are spectacular as you wind through the mountains. Don’t be afraid to rent and drive – there is really only one main highway that runs end to end. Adventuring off the main roads can be confusing, but always fun.

Patricia ventured off with her family to Reminthon where they were happy to witness a baker making filo dough The city is very busy and not a great destination for the very young, 3-year-old Julian. The organic farm was closed. Posted hours are irrelevant here. Museums and doctors close before hours, seemingly on a whim.

Tony returned from the watery depths, having had the pleasure of going down 30 meters to see a cave. Cool. Elizabeth braved it out alone at school, and conducted so many rounds of bingo that she’s taking Thursday off to recuperate!

Tonight we a have a night out on the town up at Arolithos for a Greek dinner and traditional dances.

submitted by Julie

THOUGHT OF THE DAY: In learning to know other things and other minds we become more intimately acquainted with ourselves and to ourselves better worth knowing. Phillip G. Hamilton

Today started the last week here in Greece. Breakfast was at eight, and at 9:30 we all ventured off to school. Now that Margo and Nicole are no longer here, Val has switched schools and is teaching with Tony, Patricia and Eileen. She has now not only squeezed herself a spot in the fabulous four, but gets to ride on the fancy bus as well.

After yet another long day of teaching, Barbara, Elizabeth and I took a taxi into Gazi which ended up being very unsuccessful—I wasn’t able to exchange money at the bank and Elizabeth had no luck finding Eileen’s lost belongings. We all met back at the hotel where we enjoyed our sandwiches that Sam had made us. Thank god for peanut butter!

Most of us left after lunch to catch and bus and go to the aquarium, which ended up being amazing and well worth the long bus rides. Elizabeth stayed behind and had another lesson with Ersi. Patricia spent the day with her family in a village called Bali. When we returned to Iraklion, we all went our own ways. Val shopped around, Tony and Barbara went straight to the bus, and Eileen and I went on our own on a little adventure – an unintentional one.

After buying our bus tickets, we turned around to realize we were on our own. It took a couple of questions and wrong turns, but we finally found our way. We all made it back to the hotel in one piece and relaxed until dinner and our meeting at 8 PM.

For dinner we had pastisio, a team favorite, and of course salad and fruit. After dinner, ideas were thrown out for the remainder of the week, which by now we all know will end up being changed a few times before we set an actual plan. It’s 10pm and everyone has gone off to their rooms to get a good night’s sleep, other than myself who is getting the amount of humor out of watching Val trying to make origami, an unsuccessful octopus at that.

submitted by Barbara

The troop to Chania dwindled to a brave three: Barbara, Elizabeth and Eileen. A long bus ride but the scenery was spectacular with views of the sea, rugged mountains and groves of olive trees marshaled the landscape. I wondered at the great engineering feat that built the winding highway and connected each town with electricity and means of communication. I wonder if when archaeologists unearth this after many years, will we be praised for our creativity or will they laugh their heads off.

Patricia and her family visited two beaches and returned with a happy but sandy little boy. Val was still in lotus position when we returned by after a while we felt it did her some good. Tony, on the other hand, went into town and tried to emulate the male clans at the coffee shops, but was disappointed that they did not seem to accept him without dark glasses.

Oh, yes, there were many opportunities in Chania to guy gifts that might not be given to others. Museums and churches were also visited.

submitted by Eileen

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: You can’t control the wind, but you can adjust your sails.”

Now there are seven. Margo and Nicole left at 5 AM. A going away party was planned. Unfortunately, no one showed up. Television but no cartoons. Tony, Eileen, Barbara, Val and Julie went to Talos to see the town’s pride and joy – a two-story mall. Later, a conference was held to plan the proposed trips to Chania. Many alternatives were suggested but in the end we had done a one-eighty. Aside from the learned discussions of geography, Tony – on a more homey topic—announced that his laundry had dried. A round of applause for Tony.

submitted by Margo

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Have fun, wage peace!

Well, the week has flown by quickly – too quickly. Tomorrow Nicole and I depart, leaving the others to rest up for another full week with the students of Crete’s primary schools.

Most of us are back to full health, except Tony, who is on the way to the local doctor for an x-ray of his shoulder. Wishing for good results.

Today, our fabulous four who teach at Ayia Marina had an excellent day. Many photos of students who have become familiar faces to us, fun conversations, some hokey pokey time, and lots of good English pronunciation.


Best story of the day was Tony and three boys who got so immersed in the photos on Tony’s computer they did not hear the bell ring or the other students run to the next class. They stayed glued to the screen, the desk and each other until the teacher came down and pryed them loose. Tony politely asked if they HAD to leave!

Back at the hotel for lunch of fried eggs, bread and soup, and fresh pears.

Plans for the afternoon changed several times, but finally a group of 5 decided on a trip to the nearby traditional Cretan Village called AROLITHOS. Beautiful and restful. Gorgeous stone buildings, lush gardens, decorative pottery, many cats, and a rooftop restaurant that offered stunning views of the mountains, valleys and sea. We left plenty of euros in the shops (linens and spices mostly). We re-grouped at the hotel for naps, email. Evaluations (Margo and Nicole only) and some relaxation.

Anticipating dinner at 7:30pm followed by Greek dancing taught by Sam’s kids. Some are planning to go out afterward with our stellar teacher, Ersi, from Ayia Pelagia.