Mariachi bands, chips and salsa, and March Madness: only one of these was absent from Hotel Pythagorion room 207 on March 17. I’ll give you a hint, it starts with ‘c’ and ends with ‘hips and salsa’.
So the basketball-starved Davidson travelers had just arrived in Athens to start their spring break [insert collective dance of joy], while their hardcourt heroes were likewise traveling to frigid Buffalo NY to play the anonymously evil Maryland Terrapins. “There must be a way to watch the game,” they all cried, “this is the 21st century! But where so ever shall we find internet fast enough?” They searched left and right, up and down, but to no avail. They were beginning to lose hope until…
[Enter CHRIS BEESTON, holding an unidentified object in his hand] “Fear not,” said Chris Beeston, raising his arms to reveal something as glorious as the sword of a thousand truths [insert South Park reference] as the sound of angels filled the room. No one could believe it. An actual CABLE that plugged into the hotel WALL! “No more pirating wireless for us. We are destined to watch this game.” They quickly formed a plan.
Where: Chris Vincoli’s hotel crib
When: 6:20 PM (12:20 back home…it’s not coincidence, it’s fate)
Who: Aforementioned crib owner + Anne Horn + Jess Bradshaw + Misters Beeston, young and old + the sisters Smith
What: Davidson Men’s Basketball: NCAA Tournament
With: Chips and Salsa
Well, at least we ironically TOLD everyone there would be chips and salsa…hooray for poetic license. The smorgasbord actually included super jelly pops, schoko bons, tsatsiki, lemon fanta, baklava, and (brace yourselves) cheesy poofs. It was like a fiesta in my mouth... without chips and salsa.
The li’l computer stood proud on top of the hotel room dresser and we all watched the cbs video stream in sheer bliss, at times even bursting out into spontaneous applause. So what that we lost the game? Irregardless, ignorant, and erroneous on both counts. After all, it’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you watch the game.
Which we did.
YOINK!
[much of this blog = compliments of chris vincoli]
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Saturday, March 24, 2007
turkish delight on a moonlit night
For you crazies, asking for my ever-moving address, there is hope. I will be at the Hotel Silva in Rome (Hotel Silva - Via A. Bosio 20/a, Rome 00161, Italy) off and on from 4/6-4/24. You prolly want to allow up to 1 or 2 weeks airtime, so jump on it. jump on it.
present time = Northern Greece.
W 3/28 = Sicily
F 4/6 = Rome for Easter
Tu 4/10 = Sorrento
M 4/16 = Rome
Tuesday Night.
Athens, Greece.
Saw Zach Snyder’s film 300.
Based on the graphic novel 300 by Frank Miller –- plot = Battle of Thermopylae.
Wednesday Morning.
Thermopylae, Greece.
Saw the site of the Battle of Thermopylae.
Movie Highlights –
-Slow-mo fight scene
-the oracle scene, which was filmed underwater
-Toumazou’s [my prof’s] commentary throughout the movie
-the locals laughing when Spartan King Leonidas called the Athenians “boy-lovers” [saw it in Athens]
-movie intermission – all the Greeks took a smoke break
-quotes from the director
• “That’s awesome. That’s awesome. That’s awesome. Every shot is awesome.” –his commentary when reviewing scenes
• “Frank was really awesome. For instance the swords…like in the book they’re really kind of hard to see. So I said, ‘Frank, knock me up a good drawing of the sword.’ Boom, boom, it’s done.” –on working with Frank Miller
Turkey was really terrific. great eats. great weather. great hotel room.
-They Might Be Giants: Istanbul Not Constantinople. Circled through my head for 4 days straight, while staying in Istanbul.
Leave it to Tin Pan Alley to turn centuries of ethnic and religious struggles into a catchy ditty:
-ran in to 6 other davidson spring break travelers
-saw erasog on multiple occasions. refreshingly offensive. very nice.
-“Unfortunately, you did not come at feeding time, or we would have let you feed all our silkworm their mulberry leaves.” -the car salesman of a guy at the Turkish carpet factory
-the view from the hotel was stupendous –the roof top restaurant = perfect view of hagia sophia, the blue mosque, the golden horn, conjunction of europe and asia
-a BBC debate was viewed on tv. why’s this interesting? cause they argued over whether women should be allowed to wear a full head covering or not. one side (the majority vote, ironically) argued this was keeping muslim societies from advancing like non-muslim cultures because it creates a physical barrier. the other side argued freedom of choice.
-turkey is in the process of banning youtube in their country cause there are some vids that insult Ataturk - the founder of the Turkish Republic and its first President.
-went to a turkish bath
-turks have a stupendous sense of humor. they are especially great at pick up lines.
• Are you real? Are you from heaven?
• I have weight loss tea. I think you need some.
• You dropped something. I think it was my heart.
• Friend. My dear, dear friend. I have handicrafts.
• Are you looking for me? I am here.
• Can I help you spend your money?
• I bet your mother ate many, many desserts. Come eat some here.
-a dessert-- named either irmik pie or tatlisi.
boil 1 liter milk. Add 10 T semolina (similar to cornmeal, available at groceries in the states). Add 2 turkish tea glasses* of sugar. Pour half into pie pan, followed by walnuts or pecans or whatev, followed by the last half. Cool to room temperature, then fridge it. or eat hottish.
*Turkish glass is maybe ¾ cup. Made that one up.
-for a finger food – cut tomatoes into slices (2” tomatoes = perfect size). Lay them out on a big plate. Sprinkle lotsa feta, walnuts, chopped fresh basil, and drizzle olive oil and pomegranate juice.
-“but I don’t want a donkey.” –chris beeston in a confused voice, as Greek men pester us to ride a donkey up the cliff in santorini
present time = Northern Greece.
W 3/28 = Sicily
F 4/6 = Rome for Easter
Tu 4/10 = Sorrento
M 4/16 = Rome
Tuesday Night.
Athens, Greece.
Saw Zach Snyder’s film 300.
Based on the graphic novel 300 by Frank Miller –- plot = Battle of Thermopylae.
Wednesday Morning.
Thermopylae, Greece.
Saw the site of the Battle of Thermopylae.
Movie Highlights –
-Slow-mo fight scene
-the oracle scene, which was filmed underwater
-Toumazou’s [my prof’s] commentary throughout the movie
-the locals laughing when Spartan King Leonidas called the Athenians “boy-lovers” [saw it in Athens]
-movie intermission – all the Greeks took a smoke break
-quotes from the director
• “That’s awesome. That’s awesome. That’s awesome. Every shot is awesome.” –his commentary when reviewing scenes
• “Frank was really awesome. For instance the swords…like in the book they’re really kind of hard to see. So I said, ‘Frank, knock me up a good drawing of the sword.’ Boom, boom, it’s done.” –on working with Frank Miller
Turkey was really terrific. great eats. great weather. great hotel room.
-They Might Be Giants: Istanbul Not Constantinople. Circled through my head for 4 days straight, while staying in Istanbul.
Leave it to Tin Pan Alley to turn centuries of ethnic and religious struggles into a catchy ditty:
-ran in to 6 other davidson spring break travelers
-saw erasog on multiple occasions. refreshingly offensive. very nice.
-“Unfortunately, you did not come at feeding time, or we would have let you feed all our silkworm their mulberry leaves.” -the car salesman of a guy at the Turkish carpet factory
-the view from the hotel was stupendous –the roof top restaurant = perfect view of hagia sophia, the blue mosque, the golden horn, conjunction of europe and asia
-a BBC debate was viewed on tv. why’s this interesting? cause they argued over whether women should be allowed to wear a full head covering or not. one side (the majority vote, ironically) argued this was keeping muslim societies from advancing like non-muslim cultures because it creates a physical barrier. the other side argued freedom of choice.
-turkey is in the process of banning youtube in their country cause there are some vids that insult Ataturk - the founder of the Turkish Republic and its first President.
-went to a turkish bath
-turks have a stupendous sense of humor. they are especially great at pick up lines.
• Are you real? Are you from heaven?
• I have weight loss tea. I think you need some.
• You dropped something. I think it was my heart.
• Friend. My dear, dear friend. I have handicrafts.
• Are you looking for me? I am here.
• Can I help you spend your money?
• I bet your mother ate many, many desserts. Come eat some here.
-a dessert-- named either irmik pie or tatlisi.
boil 1 liter milk. Add 10 T semolina (similar to cornmeal, available at groceries in the states). Add 2 turkish tea glasses* of sugar. Pour half into pie pan, followed by walnuts or pecans or whatev, followed by the last half. Cool to room temperature, then fridge it. or eat hottish.
*Turkish glass is maybe ¾ cup. Made that one up.
-for a finger food – cut tomatoes into slices (2” tomatoes = perfect size). Lay them out on a big plate. Sprinkle lotsa feta, walnuts, chopped fresh basil, and drizzle olive oil and pomegranate juice.
-“but I don’t want a donkey.” –chris beeston in a confused voice, as Greek men pester us to ride a donkey up the cliff in santorini
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
currently wearing adam martin's socks [from the last classics trip]
[a comparative study of two professors i have had on this trip.]
The streets/sites of Europe are full of stray cats and
dogs. Everywhere. They are often friendly and occasionally adorable.
To illustrate the contrasting personalities of Toumazou and Dr. Peter
Krentz, I want to describe each of their interactions with said strays.
Their respective approaches to these wandering animals is an allegory for
their respective approaches to life as a whole.
Toumazou - [crouching like a gargoyle, mid-cigarette, letting a stray dog
lick his face, or, mid-lecture, holding cat in his arms and kissing it,
speaking in baby-talk]: "Come here you dirty, dirty animal. Oh, yeah, let me
love you. You’re so cute. You’re sooo cute. Yeah, come here."
DPK - [sees cat approaching during lecture, and pauses as someone in the
group calmly starts to pet it. In a severe tone]: "I would like to draw to
our attention the fact that these stray animals found on the street mostly
likely harbor parasites. As with anything [pause, eye brow raise], touch
them at your own risk."
The streets/sites of Europe are full of stray cats and
dogs. Everywhere. They are often friendly and occasionally adorable.
To illustrate the contrasting personalities of Toumazou and Dr. Peter
Krentz, I want to describe each of their interactions with said strays.
Their respective approaches to these wandering animals is an allegory for
their respective approaches to life as a whole.
Toumazou - [crouching like a gargoyle, mid-cigarette, letting a stray dog
lick his face, or, mid-lecture, holding cat in his arms and kissing it,
speaking in baby-talk]: "Come here you dirty, dirty animal. Oh, yeah, let me
love you. You’re so cute. You’re sooo cute. Yeah, come here."
DPK - [sees cat approaching during lecture, and pauses as someone in the
group calmly starts to pet it. In a severe tone]: "I would like to draw to
our attention the fact that these stray animals found on the street mostly
likely harbor parasites. As with anything [pause, eye brow raise], touch
them at your own risk."
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
The stadium of Olympia, Greece.
Too tired to be stoked about racing, yet Toumazou is hopping around as usual, persuading the idea of a dash as he craftily makes some olive branches into crowns for the winners -- to try to make it real like the ancient Olympics.
We sluggishly take off our stay-puff-marshmellow-man coats and backpacks. Guess you’re only in Olympia so many times in your life, right?
First - the men in the Olympia*. A couple opt for the sidelines, while five of the guys sprint through the stadium at rigorous speeds.
As we watch all the guys run, I was inspired. None of the girls seemed too keen about speed. So I decide to pull the slow-mo card -- instead of taking the let’s-have-an-actual-race-where-we-show-how-outta-shape-we-are route, we should just all run slow-mo without mentioning it to anyone beforehand. No presh on winning. Only slow-mo.
It was crystal clear in my head -- Toumazou would give us the ushe “READY! STEADY! HALOUMI!” [his standard saying] and then we would take off, absolute intensity in our facial expression, yet slower than Christmas.
I talked it up as fast as I could , cause time was atickin’. “Slow-mo, guys!” I could only imagine how funny that would be [there happened to be lotsa tourists around the stadium watchin’ us make fools of ourselves on this particular day]. Others seemed to think the idea was comical as well. I really thought it had the potential to be such a good joke.
To seal the deal, I just keep whispering “Let’s SLOW-MO!” and “Just SLOW-MO, EVERYONE!” to all the girls in a really quiet but fully committed voice. Everyone gives a chuckle of consent and says ok. In my mind, it had only taken moments for this race to go from being a lame-tourist-race to being the funniest joke of the day. No one would ever expect us to slow-mo.
So we trudge out way down to the other end of stadium for the big Heraia**. I’ve murmured “SLOW-MO!” so many times that there’s no way anyone in the race doesn’t know. The atmosphere is a combination of eager to slow-mo-it-up and nervous that I’m not real about the idea. But I make it clear that it’s slow-mo time.
We stand on the old ruins of starting blocks.
Prepare for take off.
Toumazou yells “READY! STEADY! HALOUMI!” [no surprise there]
Everyone takes off, looking in all peripherals to see if other partakers are slow-moing or actually dashing. I soon realize that everyone except for me is bookin’it. Hard core. And I’m running slow-mo in back, but it prolly just looks like I’m abnormally slow. You’d better believe that I’m not letting this stop my joke. Who cares if I am the only one to take this 200m race completely in slow-mo.
I still can’t figure out which is funnier -- the mental image I had hoped for of us all slow-moing. Or the reality of me being the only one to follow through.
Dave Chapelle says everything looks better in slow-mo, and Dave Chapelle is never wrong. I mean never. Seriously.
*name of the ancient race for men
**name for the women’s race in ancient times
Too tired to be stoked about racing, yet Toumazou is hopping around as usual, persuading the idea of a dash as he craftily makes some olive branches into crowns for the winners -- to try to make it real like the ancient Olympics.
We sluggishly take off our stay-puff-marshmellow-man coats and backpacks. Guess you’re only in Olympia so many times in your life, right?
First - the men in the Olympia*. A couple opt for the sidelines, while five of the guys sprint through the stadium at rigorous speeds.
As we watch all the guys run, I was inspired. None of the girls seemed too keen about speed. So I decide to pull the slow-mo card -- instead of taking the let’s-have-an-actual-race-where-we-show-how-outta-shape-we-are route, we should just all run slow-mo without mentioning it to anyone beforehand. No presh on winning. Only slow-mo.
It was crystal clear in my head -- Toumazou would give us the ushe “READY! STEADY! HALOUMI!” [his standard saying] and then we would take off, absolute intensity in our facial expression, yet slower than Christmas.
I talked it up as fast as I could , cause time was atickin’. “Slow-mo, guys!” I could only imagine how funny that would be [there happened to be lotsa tourists around the stadium watchin’ us make fools of ourselves on this particular day]. Others seemed to think the idea was comical as well. I really thought it had the potential to be such a good joke.
To seal the deal, I just keep whispering “Let’s SLOW-MO!” and “Just SLOW-MO, EVERYONE!” to all the girls in a really quiet but fully committed voice. Everyone gives a chuckle of consent and says ok. In my mind, it had only taken moments for this race to go from being a lame-tourist-race to being the funniest joke of the day. No one would ever expect us to slow-mo.
So we trudge out way down to the other end of stadium for the big Heraia**. I’ve murmured “SLOW-MO!” so many times that there’s no way anyone in the race doesn’t know. The atmosphere is a combination of eager to slow-mo-it-up and nervous that I’m not real about the idea. But I make it clear that it’s slow-mo time.
We stand on the old ruins of starting blocks.
Prepare for take off.
Toumazou yells “READY! STEADY! HALOUMI!” [no surprise there]
Everyone takes off, looking in all peripherals to see if other partakers are slow-moing or actually dashing. I soon realize that everyone except for me is bookin’it. Hard core. And I’m running slow-mo in back, but it prolly just looks like I’m abnormally slow. You’d better believe that I’m not letting this stop my joke. Who cares if I am the only one to take this 200m race completely in slow-mo.
I still can’t figure out which is funnier -- the mental image I had hoped for of us all slow-moing. Or the reality of me being the only one to follow through.
Dave Chapelle says everything looks better in slow-mo, and Dave Chapelle is never wrong. I mean never. Seriously.
*name of the ancient race for men
**name for the women’s race in ancient times
Sunday, March 4, 2007
After traveling to Athens, Greece, Shaquille O’Neal was asked if he visited the Parthenon in an interview. He responded, “I went to so many discos that I can’t even remember them all.”
greek for 3rd graders...
Hello = kalimera [collie- mair-ah]
Thank you = eucharisto [ef-car-ee-stow]
Please = pairakalo [pear-ah-kah-low]
Cook-it-up.
-Buy peppers [big long skinny ones], gut ‘em, and stuff ‘em with cheese (such as feta, etc). Bake ‘em till they get all shrivel-ly.
-Also try stuff grape leaves. Stuff with rice, meat, whatev.
Travel To-do list:
1. Travel around the Peloponnese of Greece (including Sparta, Olympia, Pylos, Nauplion, and Delphi) until Tuesday feb 27. check.
2. Drive back to Athens on Wednesday feb 28. check.
3. Fly to Istanbul → Antalya, Turkey on Thursday March 1. check.
4. Turkey
5. Spring break
“Rush out like a bunch of turks attacking Cyprus! Go! Go! Go!”
-Toumazou, speeding us up as we exit the bus
greek for 3rd graders...
Hello = kalimera [collie- mair-ah]
Thank you = eucharisto [ef-car-ee-stow]
Please = pairakalo [pear-ah-kah-low]
Cook-it-up.
-Buy peppers [big long skinny ones], gut ‘em, and stuff ‘em with cheese (such as feta, etc). Bake ‘em till they get all shrivel-ly.
-Also try stuff grape leaves. Stuff with rice, meat, whatev.
Travel To-do list:
1. Travel around the Peloponnese of Greece (including Sparta, Olympia, Pylos, Nauplion, and Delphi) until Tuesday feb 27. check.
2. Drive back to Athens on Wednesday feb 28. check.
3. Fly to Istanbul → Antalya, Turkey on Thursday March 1. check.
4. Turkey
5. Spring break
“Rush out like a bunch of turks attacking Cyprus! Go! Go! Go!”
-Toumazou, speeding us up as we exit the bus
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