Day One: Aegean Dip and Athenian Adventures
Our first full day in Greece began at the Cama Luxury Suites Apartment located in Glyfada. The location near the beach was fantastic, and the host was great, especially with the room service breakfast! Though the persistent road noise was a reality, it seemed to be a fixture of the area—a reminder we were truly in the heart of things.
Coastline Views and Seaside Refreshment
We immediately hopped on the Hop-on, Hop-off bus to get a feel for the stunning Athenian Riviera. We cruised along the coast, taking in the picturesque beaches, and spotted a gorgeous, warm lake that earned a coveted spot on our “must-return-to” list for Wednesday.
The main event was a thrilling dip in the actual Aegean Sea! The water was marvelous, but the intense Greek sun resulted in a classic case of ‘raccoon eyes’—a small price to pay for the experience.
A Walk and a Feast to Remember
Post-swim, we walked to the highly-anticipated Sebastian Restaurant. We may have over-indulged, but every bite was worth it. I started with a decadent dish of lightly battered crab and asparagus, followed by a juicy steak for the main course. Heather enjoyed her dipping bread and a hearty lamb burger. Despite the temptation, we showed admirable restraint and declared: NO DESSERT! We were so full that we literally waddled back to our room—the true sign of a successful Greek meal.
Inspiration at the Verita International School
The day was spent at the Verita International School, which proved to be the most rewarding part of the day. I was privileged to present to three distinct groups: Grades 1-3, Grades 4-6, and Grades 7-11.
The students were wonderfully enthusiastic, especially during the post-presentation discussions. A special moment was meeting two boys named Dennis: a ten-year-old from Ukraine whom I sensed was struggling—and was glad to have given a moment of positive attention—and an older, charismatic student who earned the nickname ‘Mr. Personality’ from the high school group.
The feedback was humbling and immediate:
• One younger student declared it was the “best presentation they ever saw.”
• An older boy waited patiently until I was done speaking with someone else just to share his thanks—a sign of genuine respect.
• The teachers were impressed with how I managed to hold the interest of the younger students, acknowledging the “Spenser’s regulation issues” (typical younger student energy) were held at bay!
• A highlight was a teacher, an English expat, who waited specifically to tell me how much he loved the presentation.
Lunch at the high school—pasta and meat sauce—was delicious, but the true sustenance came from the connections made. I even met one young, enamoured student afterwards who received a sticker and a selfie!
ATHENS
Public school system, from point of view of lady from Athens is not good. When people become teachers they are shipped off to small towns, leaving older teachers to teach in Athens, many of whom are just treading water until they get their pensions. They are not invested in their students nor do they have control of their behaviour.
The lady we spoke to feels that their government doesn’t care about them, created anger issues with the people.
Police are not affective or interested in motorcyclists who don’t wear their helmets or graffiti.
Public school system, from point of view of lady from Athens is not good. When people become teachers they are shipped off to small towns, leaving older teachers to teach in Athens, many of whom are just treading water until they get their pensions. They are not invested in their students nor do they have control of their behaviour.
The lady we spoke to feels that their government doesn’t care about them, created anger issues with the people.
Police are not affective or interested in motorcyclists who don’t wear their helmets or graffiti.
First Impressions and Greek Culture
The day provided rich opportunities for a deeper understanding of Greek life:
• The “Just Deal With It” Culture: I observed an attitude that Greeks “just deal with it”—a pragmatic approach to issues as they arise, from traffic to governance.
• The Helmet ‘Workaround’: While helmets on motorcycles are technically mandatory, many riders find ways to technically comply without actually wearing them (e.g., carrying them on handlebars). The rationale is that the government doesn’t specify where they must be worn!
• A City of Layers: Athens is incredibly busy, loud, and noisy, teeming with cars and motorcycles. The persistent and widespread graffiti adds a certain grit to the architecture, a low-priority issue for the police who seem to “just deal with” it as well.
• Delicious Discoveries: The food is truly amazing, and a swim in the Aegean Sea is now a high-water mark for the trip.
All in all, our first full day was a perfect blend of sensory experiences: the refreshing sea, the indulgent food, and the heartwarming interaction with the next generation of Athenians.
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