Report on our first full day

on the steps of PORTA: The Albania House in Athens, Greece

guarding the tomb of the unknown soldier, Athens

not getting very far into the National Gardens, Athens

Temple of Zeus

Athens at sunset, July 11, 2011, from Mt. Lycabettus

Patjeter Partners on Mt. Lycabettus

the Acropolis

Adi, our interpreter and friend

July 11, 2011, was a great day.  Our Albanian partners arrived and soon all anxiety that might have existed quickly disappeared as the room filled with joyful chatter.  Our morning sessions included a discussion on cultural awareness and two presentations by Ryan.  He gave a great introduction to Sean Covey's book, "Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens" and provided some great insight to the concept of paradigms (also found in the book.)  Each Albanian student took the strength finders assessment and was given their top five strengths, out of a total of 34,which fall into one of four dimensions:  thinking, relating, impacting and striving.  We will be having several strength related conversations and hopefully lots of application throughout our two weeks here.


Around 3 p.m., we departed for some excursions in the city.  We walked to the Acropolis museum only to learn that it is closed on Monday's so we walked through the more touristy sections of town and took a brief stop at the Mitropoli Cathedral where the Bishop preaches (at least that is what we were told.) Many of us weren't allowed in because we had on shorts but snuck in a side chapel while the others toured.  OK, it was just me who snuck in.  Ha!  We then walked, what seems like miles, to get to the entrance of the National Gardens.  We also passed by the President's house on the way.  Anyway, National Garden’s - not so exciting, at least not in the summer. The students preferred to just visit atop a large tree rather than tour around. 


 The most exciting thing we did was watch the changing of the guards.  First, all of the guards are very tall and big. I'm not sure what the height and weight pre-requisite is but it must be significant.  I have also heard that their shoes are quite heavy.  Anyway, the rules are that you can get your photo made with them as long as you show respect (no laughing or cutting up) and you don't touch them.  These men are very stoic.  After they take their position, another individual comes and wipes their brow because they are not allowed to move or even change their facial expression. They stay in this position for one hour, six times a day.


Towards the end of the day, we took a short hike up Lykabettus Hill where we took in wonderful 360 degree views of a city of 5 million. We also stayed to enjoy the sunset.  We parted ways with the Albanian's around 10 p.m. and were still eating dinner around 11 p.m.  We are beginning to assimilate -  at least in part.


I have posted some photos on facebook.  You can see the photos by typing in "Leadership Greece 2011" in the search box on the front page.


No luck downloading video as of yet but I will keep trying.

I also have included a photo on this psot of Adi. Adi is a university graduate and is serving as our guide and translator.  He is incredible and a language expert.  (We are hoping he finds his way for graduate studies at Baylor.)  The Albanian’s speak excellent English but occasionally, he is needed to help with some English translation and certainly helps Jeff and me get to places in an efficient manner. He is also investing a lot in all of the students – Baylor and Albanian.  We are so grateful.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Leadership-Greece-2011/232557640099742

Kelli (and the team.)