Today we journeyed to the ruins at the palace of Mycenae, the “Treasury” or Tomb of Atreus, and the Athenian agora and surrounding cultural districts of Plaka and Monastiraki. It is only day 2 of our trip, and I’m already fortunate enough to be overflowing with new knowledge to share, new stories to tell, and new adventures to cherish.
As Avi began our day discussing the beginnings of Greece and its connection to the known ancient world, I felt reaffirmed in what I already teach my middle school students and energized with new pieces to bring back to the classroom. As Vivi guided us through the various ruins, weaving mythology and history, I was reminded of the ways oral tradition and written history are connected. And as I engaged in conversations with new friends around the dinner table, I witnessed them revealing their identities through their own personal narratives. I have to think that this is what the trip is about—sharing and preserving the stories of others, whether ancient or modern.
Sarah Fichter is a teacher at the Valley School of Ligonier.