Ancient Greece and Turkey
September – October, 2009

“OUR LIVES IN RUIN(S)”
When I asked our alumni who participated in the Ancient Greece trip to provide testimonials, Dick Booth ’60 submitted one with the above title which made me smile.  How appropriate! What a privilege it was to see such a beautiful part of the world that boasts a wealth of culture and unrivaled historical significance.  Imagine, more than 3,500 years ago, the ancient Mycenaeans constructed one of the earliest great civilizations on the archipelago stretching from Greece to Turkey, across what the legendary bard Homer called the “wine-dark” waters of the Aegean Sea.  This world of classic ruins, rustic whitewashed houses and bright sandy beaches captures the authentic character of the cradle of civilization where legendary emperors, fabled gods and mythic heroes were brought to life by literary masters like Homer and Herodotus.  And we walked among the ruins of these great civilizations! It was difficult not to be inspired and awed by all of the magnificent places we visited.     

The Alumni Association hosted this seven-day cruise aboard the M.S. Le Diamant.  Each morning we pulled into a different port and proceeded to embark upon a new adventure.  We explored Mykonos, "the jewel" of the Aegean Sea and Delos, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece (both were the center of the Cycladic civilization);  Santorini, once a center of the Minoan civilization and one of the most advanced societies in the world, is the island widely believed to the lost kingdom of Atlantis; Rhodes, an important island in the 5th to 3rd centuries B.C. and the former site of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World; Patmos, whose religious significance dates from St. John’s arrival in 95 A.D. and where he wrote the book of Revelation; Troy, where excavations have revealed nine ancient cities, built one on top of the other, dating back to 3000 B.C. and where Homer’s Iliad is inextricably linked; and Ephesus, the best preserved and most spectacular Greco-Roman city in the world known in antiquity for its sacred shrines, notably a famous temple to the goddess Artemis (another of the Seven Wonders of the World), and an important center for Christianity.  In addition to this cruise, many of our alumni participated in the pre-program in Athens and the post-program in Istanbul.

President Weiss accompanied our alumni and shared his extensive knowledge of Ancient Greece through a series of on-board lectures--truly a highlight of the trip.  In addition to the intellectual stimulation we received throughout the week from tour guides and lectures, the camaraderie of fellow alumni made this trip even more compelling and meaningful.  Next year President Weiss will accompany our alumni on the trip to Italy September 22-30 featuring seven nights on the Amalfi Coast.  I hope you will consider joining us.  Check the alumni website for more details.  
(Sherri Jones, Director of Alumni Affairs)

During a two week trip through the Greek Isles and Turkey, the mythological characters, ancient history and wonders of the world I'd learned about as a student came to life.  I, along with thirty other Lafayette-connected travelers, experienced breathtaking scenery from Athens through the Greek Isles, to Ephesus, Troy, Istanbul and Cappadocia, Turkey.  I appreciated more of the scenery and history through the first-rate education about Greek and Turkish life I learned from President Weiss and our local tour guides. There are too many awe-inspiring moments and photographs from which to select a favorite.  Every day, however, I will be reminded of my trip when I walk on my new Turkish rug! (When in Rome, I mean Turkey, do as the Turkish do!)  
(Sandy Kazinski ’85)

The beauty of the Aegean, the wisdom of our President, and the camaraderie of fellow alumni made our journey to Greece and Turkey a once in a life time adventure.  The small ship, excellent itinerary, and informative lectures added even more stars to our experience.  Thank you to President Weiss, Sherri Jones, and Gohagan Travel for making it all happen. 
(Wynne  Whitman ’86)

Much to our delight, our trip to Greece and Turkey far exceeded all expectations. Smooth sailing with a highly qualified French crew as well as very knowledgeable guides made this trip one of the best we have ever experienced . Gohagan & Company did a marvelous job of attending to the minutest of details justifying great praises for a “job well done”. New friendships, great historically significant sites, afternoon lectures by “famous” people
( President Weiss, etc.),  plus exceptional food made this journey one never to be forgotten. When do we leave for the next adventure?  We are raring to go!!
(Dick ‘60 and Colleen Booth)