2025 Mullen Greece Cultural Journey
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Blog 9
Today we started our morning with a sunny day in Nafplio. We hopped on the bus and went straight to our first destination for the day which was a Mycenaean tomb of the father of king. Then we went up to the Mycenaean settlement and went to the museum to learn about their history and to see the discovered items of the sight. After we went to lunch with beautiful view of the mountains and had great food and an extra delicious dessert! After we took a 2 hour bus ride and stopped in Corinth to see the canal and then went to our new hotel in Athens and regrouped before setting off on a walking tour in Athens. We went through many cute streets with great shops and markets. Then we had some free time to go shopping and walk through the streets of Athens before we met up for a dinner. At dinner we had great food and even got to watch dancers and join in on the performance, making it one of our favorite dinners yet! Now we are back at the hotel to go to bed and get ready for an early morning and travel day tomorrow!!
By Bella T. and Cate M.
Top five funniest moments:
- Braelynne getting picked up and spun around: she was picked up while dancing and was spun around like a helicopter during a performance by the waiters at a restaurant
- Cupid shuffle on the bus: we all started to do the Cupid shuffle on the bus while it was stopped and we were waiting for someone to move their car out of the very narrow street.
- Evan hitting his head on the glass in the museum: we were at the Mycenae museum looking at ancient artifacts and the glass was so clean that Evan didn’t see it. He accidentally bumped his head on the glass and gave everyone comical relief from the tour.
- Meeting petros at the restaurant: we meet this waiter at a family owned business who taught us some valuable lessons. He was really funny and told us not to take everything so serious, it’s okay to laugh! Make sure you are having fun because life goes by faster than you realize. Live life with a smile on your face and you will be surprised how easy it is.
By Alexander A, Matthew M, John H
Blog 8: Souvenirs
Each person has their own personal preference on the beads. It depends on a preference of bead shape, weight, size, and material. The shape of the beads changes the sounds when moved around. The weight affects the movement and how it moves in the hand while fidgeting. The size must be proportional to the hand size for optimal fidgeting. If it is too light and small it will fly out of the hand, if it is too big it will not fit and be to big to move, making it more frustrating then relaxing. The material is the most personal preference in choosing your own beads. The Komboloi can be made out of a variety of materials.
Komboloi or informally known as wonder beads are a traditional Greek tool used for stress and fidgeting. Kombolois are traditionally made with wood, amber, and glass beads strung together. They were inspired by Orthodox Christian komboskini and Islamic misbaha but aren’t considered a religious item. These beads are more used as a Greek cultural accessory generally used to calm the mind. To this day they are popular among locals and tourists.
– Evan A. , Jaxson C. , Mary H.
When we were allowed to explore, we found cute little dessert shops where we tried Gelato. They have so many different flavors that are not all found in the U.S. Some of our favorite ones were bueno, black forest, oreo, chocolate cherry, twix light, and cheesecake. Being able to explore and find new flavors of ice cream has been a great experience because we can use our freedom to explore new places on our own. It has been fascinating to see how many different things there are compared to the U.S and the desserts are a great example. Not only is there Gelato but there are also macaroons, jello, Samali, orange cake, fruit and honey.
– Priscella S. Alivia T. Lea C.
Blog 7: Our Favorite Quotes
Context: My roommate Laurel woke up randomly and started asking me questions.
“WAIT WHAT I THROW YOU?! WHAT I THROW YOUUU?!” *looking for thing* “Laurel you didn’t throw me anything” “yes I did” *goes back to bed*-Laurel
Sami L.
“And if you look to your left-i mean your right tehehe”
Our tour guide, George was showing us the Mountain of Sparta, Taygetos, and he got his directions a little mixed up. Those darn directions!
Braelynne L.
Our tour guy, George, was talking about the Greek cave we were going to and on the shore of the beach was a shipwreck and he said …”over by the right you can see a ship wreck on the shore. It was destroyed by a German U Boat. That was me. Just kidding guys…” I thought this quote was hilarious because there was no pause in the sentence and George is a really funny dude.
Favian F. L.
Okay I’m bored of you guys, I’m gonna read a book
*immediately pulls out and opens passport*
– Hadley, during dinner
Matthew D.
“But it is a long story … We’ll finish it on the bus.”
Our tour guide George was talking to us about a Spartan king named Leonidas who died in battle fighting off the Persians that caused the rest of Greece to join the war. And all he said was that Greece came out victorious, but then proceeded to say…
Aubrey T.
My favorite quote from the trip so far has probably been from our tour guide, George. We were driving by an old ship wreck in Githio that could be seen from the road, and as we passed he said, “That ship was brought down by German torpedoes.” And then, as we were all letting the history and its implications wash over us, he said, “Just kidding. I made that up.”
Noelle C.
When we got here the first thing I noticed was how green everything is! Especially when walking around in The Oracle city when I really hit me. I said “and your elemental power is… greeeen.” It’s from Lego Ninjago and now we all just go “greeen” When we hold up something green here.
Addison G.
1. As we were writing postcards, for loved one’s yesterday (1/14/25), Mr. DeNezza approached me and said, while pointing to my postcard about Kalamata, Greece, “That card is Hellas cool.” Hellas is the Greek name for Greece.
2. During dinner on 1/14/25, a nice Greek waiter became very invested in our eating experience. At one instance, he points at Favian, who is gluten free, then points at a pile of bread. He proceeds to declare, “No!” and wags his finger. He also made repeated eating motions to encourage us to eat. It was an altogether comedic experience.
Caden G.
Also, an addition from yesterday’s group:
A Piece on Greece, a poem by Kaitlin T and Ali C
we went to a little town
and we wore a nice gown
we went shopping
it was really popping
we did get some gifts
they were more than thrifts
we drove over a bridge
and it had a beautiful sight of a ridge
it was really windy
and the rocks were really slippery
there was a lot of tripper-y
we looked in some stores
but there were a lot of closed doors
then we went to lunch
and ate a whole bunch
we ate 3 loaves of bread
that’s a lot mr. denezza said
we went on a long drive
and we felt so alive
the rain began to fall
it was very cold y’all
we went to get ice cream
and it sure was a dream
we had a nice chat
it even required me to take off my hat
now we are off to dinner
hopefully it’s a winner
now it’s BED TIME
i hope you enjoyed this rhyme
Blog 6
Question: what is a song that best represents your experience in Greece?
Song: “When I was yours” by Bruno Mars
I chose this song to represent the trip because in the song it describes how a man wishes he would have done certain things to have appreciated a woman when they were in a relationship. The reason behind this is because I am appreciating the beauty of Greece as the pictures don’t do it justice because nothing can compare to the beauty of the city’s, land, culture, and historical places of Greece. So in this time I am here I don’t undervalue the beauty of Greece and wish I have appreciated it as this man wished he had appreciated this woman.
– Will R
Song: Cupid Shuffle by Cupid
This song represents the trip for me because we have all learned how to go with the flow and keep moving despite any setbacks. The weather has proven to be a bit of a challenge but we have all taken it in stride and remained positive. The rain has given us new opportunities to go into Greek cafes and trinket shops that we otherwise would’ve missed. We were even rewarded with a beautiful rainbow during sunset. Not only are we continuing to experience new things, we also preformed the Cupid Shuffle on the parked bus. We all got into the isle or danced in our seats as we shared another special memory as a group.
– Claire L
Song: Mr. Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra
If I could pick a song to describe Greece it would be Mr. Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra. I often find myself looking out at the unparalleled scenery. The millions of olive and orange trees are a unique sight. Then there is the intense blue ocean that stretches to the horizon where it meets the sky. Mr. Blue Sky represents this experience because the view is out of this world and makes me happy. Not to mention it has been rainy so the sun is extra special. It is also a song we have jamed to on the bus, so it will be a song that highlights all the good memories of the trip.
– Talon P.
Song: I can go the distance from the movie, Hercules
This song is in a movie that is set in Ancient Greece. The song is about going the distance no matter what. We went the distance and traveled around the entirety of Greece to see the beautiful cities. Also during the song, Hercules is climbing the top of a mounting to go see the temple of Zeus. We have not only seen the temple of Zeus but other amazing Archeological sights.
– Maddison S
Song: High above Austin farwell
I feel this song fits the Greece trip. It is a beautifully played classical piano song. I feel that this trip feels like this song, because although it’s a classic (like how the song is an ancient traditional music genre ) it still has modern application in culture and society as a beautiful masterpiece a timeless song. This song is really really awesome, just like this really really awesome trip!!!!
– Hadley J
Song: Mamma Mia by ABBA
The song Mamma Mia by ABBA embodies the beauty of Greece, with its scenic sights and amazing destinations. Whether you’re wandering through the streets of Athens or touring Ancient Greek ruins. The song reflects the excitement of exploring a new and vibrant country. The fast beat of the song displays the warm hospitality of Greece along with a sense of adventure. The charm of “Mamma Mia” is a fitting song to a trip filled with history, culture, and unforgettable moments
– Maddie M
Question: Today we visited Monemvasia. What is the history of this special place?
Monemvasia was founded in 583 CE by mainland Greeks fleeing Slavic invasions, quickly becoming an important Byzantine fortress. During the Middle Ages, it became famous as a naval and trade hub for the Byzantine Empire. Its strategic location on a rock island made it nearly impenetrable, earning it the nickname “Gibraltar of the East.” Monemvasia came under Venetian and Ottoman rule at separate points in it’s history each influencing its architecture and culture. The Venetians fortified the town further, while the Ottomans brought Eastern elements to its architectural design. After Greek independence in the 19th century, the town was largely abandoned but a separate settlement on the nearby shore kept the area occupied. In recent decades, Monemvasia has been restored and transformed into a popular historical site and tourist destination.
– Brady G
Blog 5
We’ll start by saying, this trip has been amazing so far. We have been to many beautiful sights, walked through quaint greek towns, and learned about both ancient history and mythology and its connection to greek culture. For example, today we went to a tower in the area of Mani, we toured Diros Cave on a boat and on foot, and we ate dinner at our final destination, in Githio. But there have been some rather funny moments we would like to share, so here are, our
Top Five Things We’ve Lost And How (from 5 to 1):
Sleep: Jet lag is no joke and we are all still feeling it, and in quite a few of the rooms the AC is subpar to say the least.
Journals: Between bumper cars, storms, and restaurants those journals are long gone.
Audrey’s 2 pairs of shoes: She started with three and somehow she is down to one pair.
The Bus Mirror Cover: Apparently they are not as stuck to the bus as one might think. Don’t worry we did find it, and the mirror remains intact
George: He is one of our tour guides and let’s just say, he likes to walk very fast, through the very narrow, very windy streets.
Written by Audrey K, Charlotte M, Morgan S, and Kylie J
Blog 4
Blog 3
Our bus driver George (not to be confused with George the guide) is incredibly talented. He has piloted the 40-seater bus through the narrow streets of small Greek towns. Most of the people of places like Olympia and Kalamata drive motorcycles because the streets are so small and twisty, so his maneuvering skills (leaving sometimes only a few inches of clearance) are extremely appreciated, getting the group where we need to be.
Written by Noelle C and Matthew D.
Over the course of this trip so far, we’ve spent a lot of our time on our bus. Surprisingly it’s not as boring as you’d think. We have learned so much while watching out our windows and listening to our guide George. We have learned about the culture, places, and just Greece itself. We’ve also had much time to gain experience with the people around us. Like listening to 2000s music, dancing to The Cupid Shuffle (yes while still on the bus), and sitting with new people to enjoy company.
Written by Sami L and Addie G
Each of the hotels we’ve stayed at have varied in all the cities we have stayed in so far. The first one in Athens was very compact since it was in the city and views often involved the night life and the colorful artwork on the walls. The second hotel in Olympia was really nice and had beautiful views of the greenery and mountains as well as being much cooler than Athens and more spacious. And most recently our hotel at Kalamata has been a good mix of the two considering it’s in an urbanized area and it’s right by the beach having really pretty views.
Written by Aubrey T. and Braelynne L.
Greece is famous for its ancient temples and historic locations. Among these sites are two famous temples of Apollo: the Temple of Apollo at Delphi and the Temple of Apollo Epikourios. Apollo is the ancient Greek God of light and order and the protector of art and culture. At Delphi, he was worshiped at the famous site of the Oracle Pythia, who gave prophecies to myriad travelers from the far reaches of Afro-Eurasia. There, Apollo was said to speak through the Oracle her prophecies; what was considered to be his words were crucial to commoners and kings alike. Many miles away, the Temple of Apollo Epikourios served as a second seat of the revered God. Here, Apollo was worshiped as a healer after he, according to legend, rescued the nearby city of Bassae from a plague. In fact, “Epikourios” means “assistant in evils of war.” Perched 3700 feet high on a mountain, the temple was heavily damaged but retains valuable historical information and several unique design features. The Temple of Apollo Epikourios is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Both temples are remarkable feats of engineering and, as they both remain standing thousands of years later, are testaments to the ingenuity of the ancient Greeks.
Written by Caden and Favian
Blog 2
Q: What did we do and see today? (Jan 10th)?
A: The Oracle at Delphi is initially unassuming but as soon as you climb higher you are immersed in a complex, ancient city of ruins. The structures have mind-blowing architecture and unique historical writings carved into marble. The temple ruins stand as a focal point that highlights ancient culture and beliefs. The theater is on the slope of a hill looking out over the valley to immerse the spectators in the surrounding environment.
If you are strong enough to hike to the top of the hill you will find a full-scale olympic stadium. You can imagine the roar of fans watching on from the marble stands. Only to turn around an see the vast valley that many travelers hiked in search of answers from the Apithia.
A truly fulfilling and out of this world experience that will leave you feeling as though you walked through a fantasy world.
Written by Talon P. and Will R.
Q: Delphi was so unique because of the unique natural environment, and the Greeks utilization of that environment to communicate their cultural values. Tell me more.
A: The geology of Delphi played a critical role in its selection as a sacred site and the functioning of the Oracle. The sanctuary is located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, a geologically active area with significant fault lines, including the intersection of the Delphic and Corinth faults. These faults allow gases, including ethylene, to seep to the surface. Ancient accounts suggest these gases put the oracle into a trance-like, or psychedelic state, in which she would deliver prophecies. Other buildings, like the theater and stadium, were situated to harmonize with the steep, terraced terrain, enhancing their acoustics and functionality. The was specifically placed so the actors could use the background landscape to tell the story of Apollo fighting a Python. Additionally the site had spiritual significance, as the ancient Greeks believed the location was divinely chosen as the center of the world. The combination of dramatic topography and geophysical activity made the city Delphi uniquely suited as a destination to meet the world famous Oracle.
Written by Brady G.
Q: what did you guys do during your free time in Athens yesterday?
Although we always think of ancient ruins when talking about Athens, the city is very alive. We got to experience a flea market located at the base of the Acropolis. It spanned across a few streets and had a wide variety of items like jewelry, clothing, and gelato. We were able to get momentous for ourselves and our families back home. All the shop owners were very helpful and explained all the items in a friendly manner. It was all connected by a main plaza which featured music and a beautiful view of the Acropolis.
Written by Claire L. and Maddison S.
Q: We’ve all been surprised by the number of animals we’ve seen on this trip. Tell me about them.
A:There are a lot of dogs and cats that wander the streets of Greece. They are all different kinds of cats and dogs. They all seem to be a wide variety of ages. The animals are everywhere, including restaurants. While we were eating lunch, the other day, the cats were under the table and climbing on the roof of the restaurant. while we were on our tour at Delphi today, the tour guide informed us that we were allowed to pet the cats and dogs while we were on our bus ride. We also saw goats walking around the streets in the mountains. We’ve seen straight animals at all of the historical sites that we have been at as well as throughout Greece as we have driven across the country. A lot of the cats, as well as the dogs tend to be in highly populated areas.
Written by Kaitlin T. and Ali C.
Q: Food is a central part of every culture. Tell us about our Greek diet so far.
A: The food culture in Greece is primarily in a four course meal, which includes the appetizer course: a meal that starts with salad or bread. A traditional Greek salad consists of olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and feta. Then we move onto the second course which can be dipping sauces and smaller foods, like hummus and grape leaf rolls. Next is the main course. Greek cuisine frequently consists of meats like chicken and pork. Also, starches like potatoes. To finish off the meal, we end with a dessert like yogurt and honey or a traditional Greek dessert, Baklava.
Written by Maddy M. and Hadley J.
Blog 1: Greece Bound! Our Adventure Begins
Written by Jordan Sparrow
After two long flights, the Mullen group finally arrived in Athens! The airport was bustling with excitement, and we could tell that the group was excited to explore this new country. We were greeted by our Walking Tree Program Leaders George and Jordan at the airport, who will be showing us around for the entire trip and gave us some helpful tips to make the most out of our experience. We checked into our hotel and settled in before heading out for our first Greek dinner, which we loved. The food here is amazing!
Today, we visited the Acropolis and the first modern day Olympic Stadium in Athens, we are learning so much about Greek history and culture. We also had some time to wander the streets of Platka, buying some souvenirs and trying some new snacks for the first time. We are currently resting up before we head to dinner. Spirits are high and we are all having a wonderful time together!
We made it!
More updates to come.