My School Trip to Greece!

From June 1st to June 10th, I embarked on an unforgettable journey with my friends to Greece! It was not only my first time flying but also the first time I had the opportunity to live without my parents. The adventure began on the 1st day when we arrived in Athens and, despite feeling a bit tired from the jetlag, we couldn't resist exploring the magnificent Acropolis. We marveled at the majestic Parthenon and encountered several other famous temples along the way. That night, we indulged in a delightful Greek buffet at our hotel.
The following day, we embarked on a bus journey to Delphi, a holy ancient city located about 3 hours and 30 minutes away from Athens. In Delphi, we were fascinated by the ancient inscriptions carved into the rocks dating back to over 200 BC. For dinner, we savored the traditional Greek dish called gyros (pronounced YEE-ROS) which consisted of succulent meat such as chicken or pork, accompanied by sides of flavorful veggies like potato wedges and served with a generous portion of pita bread.
The highlight of our trip came on the next day when we set sail on a ship that took us to some of the most enchanting islands in Greece, including Mykonos and Santorini. Each of us received a boarding card, a prized possession that felt almost as valuable as a passport. Upon docking at Mykonos, known as the "wind city" of the islands, we embarked on a short excursion where we discovered the staggering fact that there are over 500 Greek Orthodox churches on the island compared to just 1 Roman Catholic church! After a peaceful night's rest, we arrived in the charming Turkish town of Kuşadası, the only exception to our Greek island adventure. Here, we had the opportunity to explore the ancient city of Ephesus, home to an incredibly old library that has stood for over 500 years!
Later that day, we anchored at Patmos, one of the smallest islands on the Greek map. Patmos is renowned for its rich history as a medieval Greek island. Despite its small size, the island's narrow alleys were filled with an array of shops offering great goods at bargain prices. We even stumbled upon a lovely beach not far from the port, where we enjoyed a refreshing swim for about an hour before heading back.
The next morning, we awoke to the breathtaking sight of Rhodes, one of the largest islands in Greece. Rhodes is adorned with magnificent castles that once accommodated kings and queens of the past. We also had the chance to visit a pebble beach on the other side of the island, where we indulged in a blissful 3-4 hours of swimming. As the day drew to a close, we rejoined the ship for a delectable dinner. Personally, I delighted in a dish of braised lamb marinated with a tantalizing blend of herbs and spices, served in golden brown butter. The flavors of the lamb danced on my tongue, creating a true party of taste sensations.
Little did we know that the next day would bring us to the largest island in Greece, Crete. Crete, with its extensive history and captivating landscapes, fascinated us with its unique charm. After a memorable time on the island, we boarded the ship once again and sailed 66 nautical miles to the world-renowned island of Santorini. Santorini, technically a sunken volcano, boasts dramatic cliffs that offer breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. We embarked on a scenic 50-minute bus ride to the picturesque town of Oia, where iconic blue-domed buildings adorned the landscape against the backdrop of the azure waters.
As our journey neared its end, we sailed back to Athens, where we enjoyed a slightly overrated dinner accompanied by an entertaining show that provided the perfect finale to our trip. The following morning, at the early hour of 2:30 A.M., we bid farewell to Greece and headed to the airport for our flight back home.
Overall, my adventure in Greece was nothing short of extraordinary. It allowed me to immerse myself in the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture of this captivating country. I returned home with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.