July 14 - Ermoupoli

Our first full day in Syros started off with a delicious buffet breakfast and students are loving all of the options available to them. After breakfast, classes got right to it!

Classical Civ started on their seminars, with students discussing Socrates, Julius Caesar, and Greek Fashion Popularity. The English classes had their debates, where each group had to debate and mediate different topics. The Bio classes had their lessons, and the Grade 12s did a Lactic Acid lab where they had to time themselves doing wall sits to feel when the lactic acid starting building in their bodies!

After classes, students had a break to enjoy the pool, the beach, or their patios before getting ready to head to the city of Ermoupoli, the capital of the Cyclades. Program Manager Diane gave us a rich walking tour, leading the group through various landmarks in the city. Dr. Flaherty even told the group about a famous painting by El Greco, The Dormition of the Virgin. This painting was created in 1567, and was held in one of the cathedrals in the city.

The group then went to dinner in a vine covered courtyard right in the heart of the city where we enjoyed Greek salad, fresh bread, and pastitsio. After dinner, students had free time to explore the city as they wished, with many doing more shopping, treating themselves to gelato, and just enjoying the views of another beautiful city.