May 7, 2009
Rising junior running back Gaston Miller and rising senior safety Joel Caldwell are spending May 4-29 studying abroad in Greece. The duo is taking a three-credit hour course called “Uncovering Greek Religion: Cults, Sanctuaries & Festivals in the Ancient World.” While being immersed in a foreign culture for the first time in his life, Miller will provide Vanderbilt fans with updates of his experiences in Greece on VUCommodores.com. (Photo by Steve Green)
Also, check out Ryan Schulz’s feature on Miller and Caldwell in Commodore Nation magazine — click here
Thursday, May 7
Hello from Greece!
I have had more great experiences since I last wrote you.
In my last posting, I meant to mention that where I am in Athens, Greece is eight hours ahead of Nashville’s Central time zone. Also, There are a total of 12 Vanderbilt students who are here including me.
I have eaten several great Greek meals since my arrival. Many of the same meats and vegetables are used here, only in different ways. I have enjoyed meats from lamb, chicken, and pork alongside Greek salad, and a seasoned garlic yogurt spread for pieces of bread.
The group visited Athens’ Acropolis (which is the highest point of the city) with attractions such as one of Athena’s sanctuaries and the Parthenon (pictured to the right). We traveled a great distance up a mountain to reach the Acropolis where I enjoyed learning of its persisting history. Although, the Acropolis is currently being rebuilt, it is still a wonderful site filled with amazing views of sanctuaries and a great outlook over the city of Athens.
As an introduction to the Greek lifestyle, I was instructed on how to spell, pronounce, and use the Greek alphabet to form some words in the Greek language. I can effectively use greetings such as: please, thank you, yes and no.
Go ‘Dores!
