Trip to Greece proves to be adventure

My stepsister, Molly, went to Greece recently. I wanted to write all about it because I know that it was a wonderful experience for her. She is 16 years old, and an up-and-coming junior at Notre Dame this fall. She and 16 other people, students and adults alike, left June 5 for the trip of a lifetime.

So why am I writing about it? Because I want to share Greece with those who may never get to go. I don't even intend to go to Greece; however, I don't think Molly ever planned on it either! Even though you may never plan to take a trip of that magnitude, someday you may have the chance, and hopefully you will take it. But just in case you never get the opportunity, let me tell you all about it:

The group went to a vineyard where they saw wine that was bottled in the 1800s. At one point, they jumped on a ship and took a cruise to three Greek islands. They saw the place where the Olympic torch is prepared for lighting. Some of them jumped into the Mediterranean for a quick swim. It had to be quick -- the water is freezing cold!

The food in Greece is nothing like in America. Their tongues were shocked with the taste of fresh olive oil (not the bottled cheap kind, that's for sure), real feta cheese and moussaka. They took a tour of Athens, viewing both the president's home and the Temple of Zeus. They shopped for Greek knickknacks and handmade items that you can't find around this part of the world. They saw some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet.

They had a blast, making memories that will last a lifetime. The head chaperone of their tour, Mark Koehler, is a theology teacher at Notre Dame. Along with him there was a tour guide who documented everything in detail. She kept the parents, family and friends of the adventurers up-to-date by writing an online journal, available to anyone day or night who wanted to see what they were doing. She also took pictures, some of which were posted online. Between the great tours, the unusual food and all the knowledge they undoubtedly received about Greece, the people and their culture, it is safe to say that all 17 participants have enriched their lives.

Emily Hendricks is a student at Central High School in Cape Girardeau.