Bob's Adventure in Wonderland

Athens!

Miscellaneous Pictures from Ohi Day 2006

Ohi Day Parade (Greek Military)

Ohi Day Parade (Greek Navy)

Ohi Day Pictures Traditional Dress

More Field Day Pictures

Races during field day.

Pictures from Field Day

A few weeks ago we had field day at the school. Here are pictures from that.

Pig Roast Pics

pig roast

Olympos Pics (1100 To 2100 Meters)

Olympos Pics (2100 to 2500 meters)

Olympos

So our journey to Olympos started friday morning when Tom, Maria and I went to the local grocery store to purchase supplies for our trip. We got our groceries and rented a taxi to take us back. The driver took us part of the way back to the Farm School when he suddenly realized that he had approached a one-way street. "Its ok," he told Maria, "I am just going to drive backwards for a little while." I watched out the back window as we drove down a three lane highway in reverse. Cars were pulling into the middle lane and staring at us as we backed our way to the exit. I thought we were going to die without even seeing Olympos. The driver however had a different attitude. "There are alot of trucks out today," he tolds Maria, in the calmest voice imaginable. After much angry (or perhaps "astonished") hornblowing and near collisions, we finally made it back to the Farm School. One leg of our adventure complete. Unfortunately it was the easiest leg of our adventure. The next portion of our journey involved renting a car. That was an adventure as well, traveling to the inside of the city to the dealership which was basically a small shop with many vehicles parked on the sidewalk infront of the building. Those vehicles were the rentals. We met the guy inside and Tom and one of the Greek college students, Olga, talked to him about renting a nine person mini-bus. When I say "mini-bus", I really mean the European version of "mini-bus" which is basically a Ford Taurus with an extra row of seats instead of a trunk. The guy at the rental shop asks Tom, "Are you comfortable driving a stick? Because American cars are automatic." This came as news to all of us, especially Tom who simply responded, "Yeah, I own a stickshift." This comment garnered Tom a mini stare-down until finally the rental guy said "Have you ever driven a French car?" I wondered secretly what that question meant, perhaps the car smelled like old cheese and a giant white flag popped out of the hood at the first sign of danger, but the rental car guy proceeded to explain to Tom that the main difference was the location of the horn. If you have never driven a French car, then I won't ruin the surprise by disclosing any information here on this website. You'll just have to find out for yourself. After we filled the car, we were on our way to Olympos, Mats playing guitar because the radio only offered two stations, techno and techno. We went without any idea where we would sleep. And so when we got there thus began the mad scramble over the precious car seats. Five of us slept in the car while three intrepid souls slept out in tents. Maybe someday hunters will find those three poor unfortunates. Just kidding, I figure they actually got more sleep than the rest of us in the "mini-bus". The next morning came, cold and early, as most mornings spent on a mountain in a French car tend to be. But the view was SPECTACULAR. And that was only at 1100 meters. So I rubbed a generous amount of Carmex on my nipples for chafing, hoisted my load, pulled up my soccer socks, and set out up the mountain. It was one of the most strenuous achievements I have ever attempted. My legs won't let me forget this for days. After what seemed like an eternity of climbing, I passed a Greek man who pointed up toward the sky, "In one hour we'll be there," he said, "and we can relax at the shelter for the next part of the climb." "Dear God," I thought, looking toward the tiny glint far off in the mountain, "what does he mean by next part?" The hike to the shelter was excrutiating. It is so steep up Olympos, I have never hiked anything like it. It flattens out for maybe a total of 25 yards at various points but the remainder of the trail is a complete ascent. The shelter was at 2100 meters (about 6900 feet). That meant the summit was another 819 meters (2700 feet) above sea level. I made past the tree line, to about 2500 meters (8000 feet) and had to quit. My legs could take no more. I was proud of how far I went, though. Maybe next time I'll reach the summit and bring back fire for humanity.
Today the school had a pig roast for donors. It was fun. I helped turn a pig on a spit for which I was rewarded with delicious pork. And oh how it was delicious. These Greeks know alot about meat. And so that is it for now. I'm exhausted.

Recap

OK, so I haven't posted for a while. I am trying to remember some of the stuff that has happened in the previous few weeks. The pictures up featuring the ceramics are from the ceramics fair in Thessaloniki on the 15th. We had alot of fun with the students. The fair was interesting and I learned that the former president of the farm school's daughter teaches ceramics here in October, so hopefully I will be able to make some traditional Greek ceramics soon. The real enjoyment of the night came, however, when we went to a concert of traditional Greek music at the fair. I heard the bazookia, the baglamas and of course an accordian. Several students started dancing and the Greek enthusiasm being contagious as it is, I soon joined them. For centuries, the Greeks have used dancing as a way of celebrating and mourning, an expression of their individuality and uniquesness even when under the rule of barbarian nations and in just a few minutes, I obliterated it all with my dancing. Apparantly, the Greeks aren't very impressed by "the robot". The next day we went to an amusement park called "Magic Park" although the only magic I experienced was not vomiting my gyro on some of the rides. The following tuesday, I drank my first glass of ouzo. Wednesday night we went to another concert, this time it was Greek pop superstars! The next day was mountian day, featured in my pictures. It was alot of fun. We taught some of the kids "the stupid American" game of ultimate frisbee. Then we had a teachers versus senior student soccer match. The students took the early lead with two goals scored in the first fifteen minutes. But their propensity toward frappe and cigarettes showed wehn we finally won 6-2. One of those six points was scored by me on a beautiful assist by my fellow expatriat and hero of the match with 5 goals, Tom. Then we had some lunch and afterwards, games and festivities. We played sack races and egg toss and had an intern versus students tug of war which was lost miserably by us. Vengeance for the soccer match. Finally the seniors tied the underclassmen and teachers to the tree. I have no idea why, maybe to bring the sadist out in the older students. If I remember high school correctly, older students do have that particular inclination. Friday, the residents of the school, staff and faculty who live on campus, had a dinner on campus. I was invited! I found out later that I was invited mainly to help set-up and clean up but, whatever, they had some sweet souvlakia. Oh, delicious meat on a stick, I don't know whose idea it was but God bless your genius mind. I was invited at the dinner to sit with the Lansdales, the ex-president of the school and his wife, who also happen to be legends in the area and friends of many European heads of state and dignitaries. Also at the table was the current President of the school, Dr. McGrew. I felt a little out of place but deeply honored and impressed by the Lansdales humble diplomacy and warmth. I had a wonderful time at the dinner and after cleaning up when I got to hang out with many of the local college students. The weekend and most of next week until friday was spent with on campus, hanging out with students and teaching class and various other duties. Normal days. So that catches me up mostly with everything exciting that has happened up until the 29th when we left to hike Olympos.