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the arc mediterranean classics, history and culture program is an exciting new itinerary offered from the most experienced and trusted teen travel organization, global expeditions group. having traveled extensively in this part of the world, check out the following blog entries from our sister program sea|mester to get a sense of our experiences from crete to athens.



April 3
Location:   
Underway
Leader of the day:   
Mike C.
Activities:   
So I think we all breathed a sigh of relief to know that we are finally in the Med. It's been a long journey and we've seen many sights, but knowing that Greece is near brings both sadness, at the end of our trip, and elation to be welcoming in a new sea and a new continent. Our day was another passage day. The weather is getting colder and colder and everyone has been pulling out extra clothes from their dirty washing to layer against the chill. The brave amongst us had salt water showers on deck, our first bath in the Med. Classes at our usual time are the order and routine of Argo as she floats us into the Med.



April 4
Location:   
Underway
Leader of the day:   
Boomer
Activities:   
Today was a fairly normal passage day, except that the weather turned unusually but pleasantly hot. The shorts and tshirts we've been missing the past couple weeks made an appearance and gave our foulies and fleece a break. We had a marine biology class in the afternoon, followed by shower time on deck to take advantage of the beautiful weather while it lasted. Alas it was a short break, as night fell the temperature dropped again, but we had a great day in the sun and are eagerly anticipating our landfall in the next day or so.



April 5

Location:   
Iraklion, Crete, Greece
Leader of the day:   
Abbey
Activities:   
Seeing Crete!

 



April 6

Location:   
Iraklion, Crete, Greece
Leader of the day:   
Annie
Activities:   
Today we woke up for a chilly morning filled with cereal. We then broke into groups for a quick boat appreciation, getting Argo back to her glorious self. The morning was chilly, grey, and drizzling, but we went to work with smiles, always happy for an excuse to don our foulies. After lunch we were granted shore time where we immersed ourselves back into life on land. Shopping and eating filled our afternoon and we arrived back on Argo for dinner grinning.

 



April 7

Location:   
Underway
Leader of the day:   
Julia
Activities:   
Our morning started off quite chilly with cereal on deck followed by a few student leadership presentations on Crete. Afterwards the crew headed onto shore to explore the area. Many roamed the streets looking for some good shopping (don't worry Mom and Dad, we found it) while others went to visit Knossos and the Venetian fort. We all enjoyed some excellent Greek food in outdoor cafes and embraced Western culture once again. Just before dinner we lifted anchor and sailed away from Iraklion. We should arrive in Santorini within the next ten to twelve hours, weather permitting. We are looking forward to seeing more of what the Greek islands have to offer. Happy Passover and Easter!



April 8

Location:   
Fira, Santorini, Greece
Leader of the day:   
Matt
Activities:   
We arrived at Santorini this morning after a pleasant overnight passage (one of our last, unfortunately). Watch team two and three took care of anchoring stern to, so when the rest of us woke up we were awed by the sight of sheer volcanic cliffs rising out of the water far above the companionway ladder. Well, I was, but at least after lunch our basic seamanship final exam took up most of the afternoon with its lengthy chartwork component. Still, it was pretty exciting when one considers how much we've all learned about navigation. Thanks for reading, and have a happy Easter!

 



April 9
Location:   
Fira, Santorini, Greece
Leader of the day:   
Andrea
Activities:   
I really must say that walking up a mountain, panting hard, and the smell of fresh donkey dung is the most invigorating combination early in the morning. Fira is amazing. It is a little town built on the edge of a cliff. The people are nice and the views are amazing. Tomorrow shall be another great day but sadly one closer to parting with those that we have come to cherish and love as brothers and sisters.

 



April 10
Location:   
Fira, Santorini, Greece
Leader of the day:   
Justin
Activities:   
Greece is a place of ancient history,
Why I haven't been here is surely a mystery.
The people are nice and fashionable of sorts,
I looked like a goof walking around in my shorts.
The weather's quite nice with a chill during the night,
With fields full of daisies just right for a kite.
There's caldera views from the cliff-side cafes,
I'd definitely say it's one of the best of our days.
Argo is happy, her crew is at peace,
I cannot wait to see more of Greece.

 



April 11
Location:   
Underway
Leader of the day:   
Cody
Activities:   
I awoke this morning to the surprise of already being underway. We had slipped our mooring with the rising sun and began the last leg of our journey. We were now heading north to Athens. After 6500 nm of ocean crossing we were near the end port. While sailing this afternoon most of the crew hung out on the bow with several pods of dolphins that came to play for a while, enjoying our bow wake. They swam and jumped and you could hear their whistling noises when they surfaced. All day the sun shone valiantly, although I still felt I was lacking in warmth. Man, do I wish I had brought some warmer clothes! My fingers are crossed that my parents, when I meet them in Athens, brought some articles to round out my wardrobe. My excitement for seeing the city was rising with every mile. Just think, Athens has been inhabited for 700 years!

 



April 12
Location:   
Marina Zea, Athens, Greece
Leader of the day:   
Chris
Activities:   
When arriving in port today, everyone came to the realization of what we had achieved. People were ecstatic of what they had accomplished, yet sad that the end is so close. We spent the afternoon exploring Athens and just enjoying each others company as much as possible in the limited time left. Thanks to everyone, it's been amazing.

 



April 13
Location:   
Marina Zea, Athens, Greece
Leader of the day:   
James
Activities:   
We enjoyed a relaxing day. It was a day to tie up loose ends and contemplate what we had all just accomplished. Some ventured off on a Chantale- guided tour of the Acropolis, while some others stayed aboard to finish up their PSCT exams. Spirits were high onboard, even with our last day quickly approaching you stay classy Argo.

 



April 14
Location:   
Marina Zea, Athens, Greece
Leader of the day:   
Jill
Activities:   
I can't believe today is the last day. This trip and everyone on it has changed my life for the better. I love you all and I'll miss you. Peace out!

 
 

 
Link to our Mediterranean Leadership and Adventure blog for more photos and stories from another Mediterranean program, then be the first to blog our new Arc adventure in 2010!

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