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The Alumni Travel program takes Yellow Jackets to exotic locales around the globe. Here, we explore a recent trip and several on tap.
Greece Trip Full of ‘Wow’ Moments ath e n s 3
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Greece t ri p i t i n e r a ry 1 Athens: Tour the Acropolis and lunch at the Plaka. 2 Crete: Heraklion, Chania, Knossos. Walking tour of Venetian architecture and lectures on Cretan history. Visit to the Palace of Knossos. Road trip to Akrotiri Peninsula. 3 SANtorini: Fira, Thirassia Megalochori, Oia. Catamaran cruise around the volcanic island. Thirassia: Sightseeing cruise to islet. Visit to Gavalas winery.
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Melanie King
Our first night in Athens, I opened my balcony doors and realized I was looking at Syntagma Square and the Parliament buildings featured so often on CNN. On my right was some ancient structure, floodlit and shining—the Parthenon. I thought I’d have to take a bus to see it, but there it was. I was alone, but I just had to say “wow” out loud. We spent several days in Crete,
an island larger than I expected and famous as the center of the Minoan civilization. The first morning in Crete we had a riveting lecture by a native of the island. As he talked I was spellbound by the ferocity and loyalty of the Cretans: Over the ∏ L-R: Melanie King; Carole Steele; Mark Steele; centuries, they battled against Helen Whittier; Don Whittier, IM 65; Barry Wallis, ME 68; the Venetians and the Ottomans Dick Chandler; Bill Bibb, Phys 71; Mary Chandler; Ann Bibb; Cynthia Greeley; Jim Greeley; Anne Wallis; Buddy Marshall, and caused a lot of grief to the IE 66, MS IM 70; and Gloria Marshall. German army during the occupation of World War II. Even today, they remain very proud of their bougainvillea branches. When you culture and just as strong. travel with a group, such unscripted And then there’s Santorini, paradise moments together can create lasting on the precipice of a volcanic crater. If memories. you see this place, you’ll be willing to A unique and valuable part of this take your chances with the possibility of trip was the educational component. another eruption. It’s just like the comFrom guided tours of museums to mercials on TV with the little white special speakers and lectures, you buildings with blue domes. And yes, a “graduate” at the close of the trip with blue glow permeates the island. I was a thorough knowledge of the culture asked if I altered the colors of my and history. photos from this area. But no, it just has There are three other lessons I took a hue all its own. away from the trip: Georgia Tech Among the many special moments travelers are wonderful companions, there, we helped two of our fellow Georwe should use much more olive oil gia Tech alumni travelers celebrate 40 than we do and, finally, the best way years of marriage. The sun was setting t o u n d e r s t a n d t h e b e a u ty o f t h e on one side of the balcony and the moon Mediterranean is to look at photos. was out on the other. Guests were At least until you join us on our next dressed in blue and white and holding alumni tour there!
GTALUMNIMAG.COM VOLUME 88 NO.1 2012
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1/27/12 8:17 PM