I believe that touring and learning about a new country can be compared to the process of learning how to swim. Just like there are many different ways and methods of moving in the water (breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly, etc.) there are many different ways to learn about a country. Some of these include, but are not limited to, touring different cities, participating in various activities, attending different events, visiting cultural spots, etc. We have had the opportunity to do many things so far, but my favorite thing we have done so far was the cooking lesson.
At the beginning of the lesson, we donned chef’s attire (a hat, gloves, and an apron) and were instructed on how to prepare dishes like tzatziki. He first walked us through how to prepare each of the dishes then had us work on our own to see what we were able to do. At the end, we had a bit of a competition to see who prepared the best dishes, and it was a great experience. Preparing dishes and eventually winning the competition and taking home a prize was truly incredible. It encouraged me to build a bond with my close scholar contemporaries while building memories that will last a lifetime. Although these actions may be considered trivial to some, the preparation of food means a lot to me. What I love about food and cooking is that it is so much more than just creating something that is nutritious for our bodies. It is about learning practices practiced from ancient times, combining knowledge from cultures that has been passed down through generations, and generating a form of communication that bypasses simple vocal languages.
Food is art, expression, emotion, communication, and it has a history to tell. Participating in that competition and learning about some of the most traditional Greek dishes was truly a treat, and my favorite experience I have had on this trip.
