CRADLES OF CIVILIZATION REDUX FDA REDISCOVERS GREECE AND EGYPT by THE MIRABALS

     CRADLES OF CIVILIZATION REDUX FDA REDISCOVERS GREECE AND EGYPT In December 2008, I had the privilege of traveling with the Academy to Greece and Egypt. On Christmas Eve 2008, the FDA adventurers departed from school grounds on two chartered buses, heading towards John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK). It was a cold and rainy afternoon, but the atmosphere amongst the travelers was charged with excitement and anticipation. After all, we were heading straight into the nucleus of classical mythology in Greece, and mankind’s historical epicenter in Egypt. After arriving at the JFK airport, approximately 80 of us quickly boarded an Olympus Airlines Airbus, and within minutes were headed towards Athens, Greece. The plane headed north until it reached Greenland, passing Iceland, then veering East crossing the Atlantic Ocean, flying over England, France, Spain, Italy, and finally, after 12 long hours, landing in Athens. In Athens, we were welcomed by English-speaking guides who led us on a non-stop tour of Athens and the ruins at the ancient Acropolis. Seeing the Panthaleon and other historical sites within the City of Gods (Athena) was truly a Christmas gift for our families! Throughout our journey, we read the intriguing stories of Greek mythology about Zeus, Poseidon, and Troy. Finally we were witnessing the backdrop for all that history with our own eyes. At that moment, being at the Acropolis, I realized that the trip was indeed going to be unique. After a long day of sightseeing we were escorted to a traditional Greek restaurant where we feasted on local dishes. After our meal, the group headed to the airport to await a night flight to Egypt. Customs in the airport was rigid, with suspicious eyes watching our every move once we arrived. As a New York City Police Officer, I quickly realized that we had landed into a militaristic world, with defined set of rules. This surely was not our beloved America. After clearing customs, an adventure in its own right, we were transported to our hotel, in the city of Giza, which is separated from Cairo by the Nile River. Our hotel, The Delta Pyramids, a Muslim-owned venue, seemed to be the gravitational focus for Muslim weddings, as countless ceremonies were held during our stay. These weddings became part of our overall experience and knowledge about Arab customs and culture. Our first day took us to the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, and on camel rides through the Sakara desert. Standing in front of the pyramids was an awe-inspiring moment. Realizing that these monuments were built centuries ago without the aid of technology was truly mind-blowing. We also visited The Coptic Museum, Mit Rahina Museum, and The Royal Mummies Hall, where we were able to see actual embalmed mummies of past Pharaohs and their families, an eerie and surreal experience. In addition, we ventured on a three-hour trip to the beautiful coastal town of Alexandria, and travelled on a memorable sailboat ride along the Nile River. On New Year’s Eve, the entire group embarked on a party cruise along the Nile where we were entertained by a real-life belly dancer, as well as Dr. Hodge’s smooth salsa-dancing exhibition. What a night! By the way Dr. Hodge, our bags are packed. Where are we headed next? Adventurous-At-Heart, Tracy, Kyle, and Robert Mirabal