A great weekend on Crete

The weekend was great! We visited churches, Agia Nicholas, and other great sights in the region. We enjoyed a gourmet dinner in Heraklion hosted by Matina. Her two children, Nathlie and Nicko, joined us so we had the opportunity to practice English and they went over a few Greek  phrases for us. The warmth of the hotel staff and everyone we are in contact with is making this trip a true joy.

Message of the Day: “A genius is a person who shoots at something no one else can see – and hits it.” - Unknown

Cultural discussions with students

As reported earlier, we have been blessed with great weather. If anything, it is a bit warm, but not by much. Betty and I went to the architectural museum specializing in the Knossis Palace materials. This museum is completing a total remodel with half of it completed to date. The sections available for viewing are spectacular! Lynn also experienced successful adventures in the Heraklion area.

Our teaching assignment tonight went well. However, we possibly caused a delay in specific lesson progress. This is because Betty and I basically had a time of cultural discussions with our ninth-grade students. We discussed everything from artichokes to orange pie to Doritos nachos during movie events. Two of our students also treated us to a presentation of their mandolin skills. What an absolute treat!

Message of the Day: “You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do.” - Henry Ford

Truly blessed in Greece

Yes, indeed we have been truly blessed. Oh my, where to begin? Let us start with birds singing, blue skies, beautiful scenery, and the opportunity to end each day with young English learners.  Today the bonus for the team members was a memorable trip to another local area where we enjoyed archeological wine making and ruins complete with a guard who spoke very little but we got his message. Further along our trip, while we were enjoying a late morning beverage at a small café, the owner shared some pieces of her homemade cake along with a conversation about her life. 

(Maybe tomorrow our friendly cats will return.)

Message of the Day: “I will study and get ready and someday my chance will come.” - Abraham Lincoln

Learning about our students

After breakfast Betty, Perry, and I boarded the Cretan bus for the busy metropolis of Heraklion.  We split up so some of us could shop while others explored the Museum of History and enjoyed lunch.

The evening at Matina’s English school went well. We took turns going over vocabulary and the alphabet as well as having the students tell stories. They really seem to enjoy working with us and we are enjoying learning about their hobbies and interests. They seem to like all the same television shows, music, and hobbies as American teenagers.

Message of the Day:  “The best teachers teach from the heart, not from the book.”

Cooperative attitudes

Another day in paradise, 76 degrees Fahrenheit and clear. This morning Betty and Perry took a trip to visit the Knossos Palace. What an educational adventure, learning about thousands of years of history. Lynn went to Iraklio in search of a Starbucks and was diverted to many other local shops in addition to her original quest.  

This evening it was back to Matina’s English school. The introductory period was over and we were working with the students on their lessons and quizzes. They are all serious about their work, but, at the same, have a sense of humor and a very cooperative attitude. We split the groups up a little so we had more opportunities for personal contact.

Message of the Day:  “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.”  - Henry Ford

Visiting with Martina

What a way to start our official work week - beautiful blue skies, a slight breeze, and a team of three with willing spirits. Perry and I went on a short morning adventure. We saw a monastery, El Greco Museum, beautiful countryside with citrus trees, and goats and sheep. A tour book could not have done better.

Lynn reported she went on a long walk that got longer than expected but was very enjoyable.  Just imagine sitting outdoors in a café and reading a book with uninterrupted time. Add to that visual picture, the pleasure of two cappuccinos.

Tonight we went to the English program school. It’s just down the road in Gazi. We met Matina the owner, director, and immigrant from New York who operates this student-centered program to assist students to pass needed English examinations. We had a wonderful time visiting with the students and Matina in English.

Message of the Day:  “To teach is to touch a life forever.”

Getting to know each other poolside

A bright sunny day on beautiful Crete, Betty, Perry, Team Leader, Sam, and I enjoyed orientation poolside at the hotel. We got to know each other, discussed our goals for the two weeks (experiential, personal; expand horizons, brighten future) and learned about the after-school English program we will be working on.

Perry, Betty, and I took a beautiful drive to Anogia Village for some shopping and local culture and had the opportunity to witness a bride and groom walking to the Greek Orthodox Church to get married. The entire village joined in.

Message for the Day: “Volunteers are not paid – not because they are worthless, but because they are ‘priceless’.”