“Greece is on of the most historical and beautiful places in the world. When we first arrived at the airport we immediatly departed for downtown Athens. On the bus, we noticed how many beautiful mountains were surrounding the city and how it had unique structures. Then we spent the first part of our afternoon at a restaurant called Allou Gialou. The food was amazing and different then anything I have every tasted before. The meal contained many different courses, like a pickle sauce with a side of bread, grilled shrimp and tomato base pasta with ice cream for dessert. After we were finish eating, we walked around and caught our first glimpse of the ocean. At first I thought I was dreaming but it was my reality. I never thought I could see water that was so clear and blue so guess what we did …. TOOK PICTURES !! Next was an adventure to the Acropolis, Plaka and Olympic Stadium. There were many shops and Greek food placed we could browse. The one key thing about this tour was the historic buildings and the value that it held.
Later that evening we checked in to the Grand Hyatt Athens Hotel. All any of us could think about was sleep because of the seven hour difference from New Jersey so we ended the night early.
The next day we went to the Olympic Stadium and did a light work out on the track of the first Olympic Games. This stadium enlighten us on how the Olympic Games came about and why it started in Greece. After we left the stadium we headed to the Olympic Museum where we learned about every Olympic Games until this present day. This museum contained every torch that was lit on fire before the started if every Olympics. We felt real metals and really felt what it was like to become an Olympian. I feel like this inspired our team to see beyond what basketball is today and understand that we can go for further than we imagine.
Thursday morning we departed the hotel to take the Ferry to Island of Aegina! This was my first time riding a ferry and I didn’t know that it could fit a whole bus on it. As we arrived to the Island of Aegina we appeared in a small town that hand unique style. Everything was devoted to tourists, with people ready to shop and eat great food. We also saw a volleyball net at the beach so I purchased a volleyball from the store. Everyone began to play and compete as usual. Although none of us are volleyball players, you wouldn’t be able to tell that day. After leaving the Island it was time to change our focus to the next day … GAME DAY !
Early that day Coach Coquese made it optional for people to participate in the activity. Most of us didn’t because we were trying to prepare to go win, and we did. The next morning we visited the Corinth Canal were Paul from the bible preached for the first time. We saw all kinds of sculptures of ancient Gods and the remains after their tragedies. This experience of Athens, Greece helped me understand history and much of the impact that Greece has had on the world. Many people may not know that the reason we believe in many religions is because of this special place. Our team needed these experiences because it helps us remember our culture and what we stand for.”
