A Quick Recap and Back in Athens - Sunday, July 5th

In spite of the many, many stairs, the resort was great.  How was it possible that I walked and climbed so much and gained weight?!? Well, it could be the non-stop yummy food that the resort served.  My favorite things were the tasty feta cheese, huge assortment of various olive oils, and the incredible al dente pasta at the chef's stations.

Now, sometimes there were some super aggressive people that couldn't wait a few seconds for people to get out of their way and it really bugged me.  For example, there was a person at the small water fountain getting sparkling water and the nozzle for still water was right next to it.  I was waiting for the person to move to get to the water so I wouldn't crowd the guy and a young adult swoops in and gets water.  She's on my list! (My imaginary list of people who need a stern talking to...in actuality, I'll just glare at the back of their head for a bit  (or, perhaps vent about it on my blog) before realizing that they don't care that they bugged me.)  

We had incredible views of the water at every meal.  The architects did a great job of maximizing the number of tables that had water views.  It was also a great location for our course because we were all eating in the same area which meant that we got to know everyone better this year compared to last year when we had to fend for our own meals each time.  Hurray for group bonding!   

We had to write an ode for our interdisciplinary portion of the trip.  I am no poet but I couldn't resist doing one for the resort.  Although I like my Ode to Nutella from last year, I now know that odes are supposed to have three main parts.  In order to ensure that my ode to Fodele Beach Resort was in proper form, I modeled it after Ode to a Grecian Urn.  ;)

Ode to a Cretan All-Inclusive Resort

Thou beacon of rest that sits on a hill,

Thou who reaches from the azure frothy waters

To the plastic water slide near the cloud filled sky,

Thou whose rooms provide a peaceful morsel of sleep

Away from other travelers basking in the many delights of thine offerings.

What delight thou bringest to the weary traveler—

People who desire a respite from the day-to-day grind

That eats away at the very marrow of existence

When at last a ray of solitude breaks through the gray clouds of work.

What men and women work thou has selected to serve the masses that

Assemble on thine halls, pathways, and courts

To ensure all will find their personal piece of relaxation.

O Fodele!  What shall become of us now?

Who shall slice our cucumbers, feta, and tomatoes for a longing stomachs?

Who shall offer us discounts on massages for our weary muscles?

And. Who shall ensure boardwalks are easily accessible so our

Feet dare not sink in the sandy shore?

O Fodele, we shall once more learn to be on our own.

But to us, you say’st “Rest is Fodele.  Fodele is rest.

You need only return to us to remember this truth.”

As much as I enjoyed Fodele, it was nice to get back to Athens.  We had a great graduation and celebration of the people that completed the program and a lovely goodbye party on the rooftop garden overlooking the sea.   I would have had some photos of the incredible sunset but someone (not to mention any names) accidently left the video camera on when she put in it her pocket and wore out the batteries.......

One of the great things about this particular writing program is that it was designed to not force competitiveness but encouragement so people are very supportive of each other.  I finally was brave this summer and read some writing samples to the larger group (all genres can participate in the student readings) and had such encouragement from my classmates.  Woohoo!  Go Spalding!