Tragos Quest: A Greek experience
Michael St. Croix
Issue date: 9/8/08 Section: Features
The most amazing part of the Quest may have been that when I met the 15 men in the airport on Friday, June 20. I felt that the only thing I had in common with them was the Greek letters we wore on our chests. I soon found out that we were more similar than I had realized. Despite living thousands of miles apart, we really were brothers. We became closer through our travels.
And travel we did. On our first two days, we visited the ancient cities of Eleusis, Corinth, Mycenae, and Epidauros. These gave us a great lesson in ancient Greek culture, history, and myth because the locations hold significance to the past.
On Tuesday, June 24, we travelled west to Olympia. The ruins of the Temple of Zeus were amazing in their size. The highlight of the trip to Olympia, however, was being able to run a race in the ancient stadium. Standing in the footsteps of ancient heroes was incredible. The competition that we still cherish today was clearly evident in Greece.
We spent Wednesday and Thursday in Delphi. Delphi is known mainly for its religious significance. It was the site of the most famous oracle of the ancient world. Cities held their treasuries there, some of which have been recreated. Others have elaborate ruins.
Treaties, agreements, and historical accounts can be seen inscribed in rock walls. The pythia, or priestess one would see to consult the oracle, was located in the Temple of Apollo, some of which still stands today.
Thursday afternoon, we went on a hike into the Parnassus Mountains, and stopped at the Cave of Dionysus, god of wine. This cave was known for people to come and worship the nymphs there in ancient times. Following the hike, we performed the Ritual of Sigma Phi Epsilon and initiated Mike Lippman as an honorary member of the fraternity. Being outside, beneath the stars, in such a place as Delphi made the experience even more nostalgic.
On Friday morning, we toured the Agora, the marketplace and cultural center of Athens. Famous philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle taught and debated there. Next, we climbed up the steps to the Acropolis, the highest point of Athens. The Parthenon reigns supreme over all the surroundings and leaves a lasting impression on a culture that would do anything to be the best and build higher.
Following the trip, I stepped back to consider what I had experienced. It is easy to think of an "educational experience" in a classroom setting, but there are obviously more ways to learn. One of the biggest things I got out of the trip was learning how to learn. It is important to continue learning, not just at class or for a job, but in general. The knowledge we have is not absolute. We must continue to pursue higher culture and more wisdom whenever we can.
The trip is summed up by the Greek poet Constantine Cavafy in his analysis of The Odyssey: "When you set out on your journey to Ithaca, pray that the road is long, full of adventure, full of knowledge."
We wandered around, as Odysseus did, not sure where we were going. The destination was not important; it was the journey. We are still on that quest for truth today.
And travel we did. On our first two days, we visited the ancient cities of Eleusis, Corinth, Mycenae, and Epidauros. These gave us a great lesson in ancient Greek culture, history, and myth because the locations hold significance to the past.
On Tuesday, June 24, we travelled west to Olympia. The ruins of the Temple of Zeus were amazing in their size. The highlight of the trip to Olympia, however, was being able to run a race in the ancient stadium. Standing in the footsteps of ancient heroes was incredible. The competition that we still cherish today was clearly evident in Greece.
We spent Wednesday and Thursday in Delphi. Delphi is known mainly for its religious significance. It was the site of the most famous oracle of the ancient world. Cities held their treasuries there, some of which have been recreated. Others have elaborate ruins.
Treaties, agreements, and historical accounts can be seen inscribed in rock walls. The pythia, or priestess one would see to consult the oracle, was located in the Temple of Apollo, some of which still stands today.
Thursday afternoon, we went on a hike into the Parnassus Mountains, and stopped at the Cave of Dionysus, god of wine. This cave was known for people to come and worship the nymphs there in ancient times. Following the hike, we performed the Ritual of Sigma Phi Epsilon and initiated Mike Lippman as an honorary member of the fraternity. Being outside, beneath the stars, in such a place as Delphi made the experience even more nostalgic.
On Friday morning, we toured the Agora, the marketplace and cultural center of Athens. Famous philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle taught and debated there. Next, we climbed up the steps to the Acropolis, the highest point of Athens. The Parthenon reigns supreme over all the surroundings and leaves a lasting impression on a culture that would do anything to be the best and build higher.
Following the trip, I stepped back to consider what I had experienced. It is easy to think of an "educational experience" in a classroom setting, but there are obviously more ways to learn. One of the biggest things I got out of the trip was learning how to learn. It is important to continue learning, not just at class or for a job, but in general. The knowledge we have is not absolute. We must continue to pursue higher culture and more wisdom whenever we can.
The trip is summed up by the Greek poet Constantine Cavafy in his analysis of The Odyssey: "When you set out on your journey to Ithaca, pray that the road is long, full of adventure, full of knowledge."
We wandered around, as Odysseus did, not sure where we were going. The destination was not important; it was the journey. We are still on that quest for truth today.
Be the first to comment on this story