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Day three was fully loaded with great events and incredible challenges that traveling in a foreign country present. Sorry for the delay in posting this but our schedule has been non stop.
Forty-six stairs and a long hill later the bus was loaded and we left the orphanage headed for Corinth. After three to four hours of sleep and a wake up call of six o’clock all the girls stumbled out of bed took showers and had breakfast. Finally we lugged everything down to the bus stop and pilled on. After Gerry’s head count we finally got on the road. So much for asking everyone to pack lightly.
We arrived in Corinth at about nine forty five. We met up with our tour guide and she showed us around ancient Corinth. The history was amazing and the ruins were beautiful. I couldn’t believe so many were still intact. We learned about apostle Paul and his letters to the Corinthians about the lifestyle of the people back then. After Corinth the group went to meet Metropolitan Alexios in Patra for some tiropita and a drink. It was a welcome stop and we had a wonderful conversation with our spiritual father. His Eminence then made a change to our schedule and we headed for the oldest winery in Greece Achaia Claus. At the winery we were given a tour and learned about the winery which has wine which dates back to the early 19th Century and got to taste the famous Mavrodaphni.
After the winery we headed to the Cathedral of Saint Andrew where we venerated the skull of the First Called Apostle Andrew and also venerated the Large X Cross on which he as martyred. Many of us were moved to tears. It was a breathtaking Church filled with magnificent icons. It is also one of the largest Churches in the world.
After all of that we headed to Agrinion where we had a dance workshop and learned several new dances. After the workshop we began to head for the hotel when a problem arose. Can you guess what is was? Our bus could not fit through the narrow roads of the village due to some construction. Our bus driver called the police to see if they could escort us through the village and they arrived with lights blinking on two motor cycles but that did work. The hotel then proceeded to send 12 cabs to pick us all up along with our luggage. What confusion! After about 1 hour we all arrived safe and sound at the hotel. Remember when you travel in a foreign country to be patient and expect changes...this is what our leaders keep telling us!
The hold up gave us little time and we were forced to get dressed as soon as we were at the hotel. We then proceed in 12 more taxis to the place where we would perform that night. The entire program was delayed by a strong rain storm and then the electric power for the stage went out. After three attempts to reestablish the electrical current the show went on. The Music Private School with over 400 students gave an outstanding presentation of hymns, dances and music. Waiting to dance we watched the other local groups and made some new friends. When we danced up on the stage it felt great. The kefi just sort of came and we felt like a real group. When we were done we preformed a dance with those who had taught us at the workshop. The local people who had come to view the presentation were truly impressed and their leader even commented that the guests had probably preformed the ethnic dances better than those who lived in Greece. For a small stage it sure held a lot of people. At eleven it was finally time for dinner. Dinner was good and we headed back.
Day three of our trip was interesting. It had many unexpected twists and turns but most of them weren’t that bad. I cant wait to see what else the trip has in store for us so I can share it with you. Brittany.
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