I took twenty-two folks (mostly high school students) to Italy and Greece on a fourteen day trip. We visited Rome, Florence, Balogna, Meteora, Delphi, Athens, Mykanos, Syros, ancient Ephesus in Turkey, and Patmos. We saw the Vatican, Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Monasteries at Meteora, Temple of Apollo, Acropolis, Areopagus, Ephesian library and theater, and John’s cave where he lived in exile in Patmos. It was stunning.

T have those experiences be not only past memories, but present lessons, I’d like to reflect on them.

Some Reflections

Chronological Snobbery is difficult to maintain when you’re faced with the genius of history. Lewis coined the term chronological snobbery to speak about the smug attitude that believes new always means better. As the kids saw ancient architecture, artwork, engineering, and sculpting or heard ancient ideas about the democratic republic or philosophical wisdom they said, “Man, they were really smart.” No kidding. Though we have cell phones and planes, it isn’t clear we’ve progressed very far. In many areas, it seems we’ve stepped backward. One of the most important tools modern man needs is a rear view mirror.

People are a treasure. We met a lot kind, hospitable folks. Our guide, Milos – a 6’4″ Serbian (the runt in his family, because Serbs are apparently giants) was a gem. He lives in Greece, know everyone in Italy and the Greek island. Talking with him about his family, European politics, Serbia’s wild history, and his unique views on the the countries and cultures we visited was a highlight. Places are great, but people make them unforgettable.

Loving your country is good. Our Turkish guide was proud to show us Ancient Ephesus, thrilled by our gasps and incessant pictures. The Greek family who owned the restaurant we lunched at beamed as we savored every bite of their country’s traditional dishes. Our guides spoke of their nations triumphs and quirks without apology. They owned their flaws but never let it dim their love for home. Loving your country—and your kinfolk—isn’t just okay; it’s noble.

Character is the most important thing we have. Our trip was a glorious grind. Some days had us walk 25,000 steps. One day we visited three different cities. Equally exhilarating and exhausting. During the difficult times, I was reminded that our possessions, wealth, or even health are no where near as precious as our character. Patience, courage, compassion, and humility make hard times wonderful. Their opposites make even the easiest times miserable. What you have is pocket change compared to who you are.

Phones are black holes. There were times when I saw people standing before wonders like the Acropolis or the Colosseum staring at their phones. The gleaming Greek islands set in the turquoise Aegean sea were trumped by TikTok. Phones are sneaky drugs; black holes that take much and give little. How many soul-widening wonders are stolen by the Tiny Tyrant in our pocket?

Learning other beliefs forces you to examine your own. Few things expose our assumptions better than meeting folks who don’t share them. Experiencing cultures or speaking with people who don’t share our fundamental ideas is an excellent way to sharpen what we believe and why we believe it. Want to probe your own beliefs, customs, or assumptions, talk with people who don’t share them.

America has really good food. Let me first say that Italy and Greece has excellent food. I enjoyed every meal. I intentionally explored dishes I hadn’t had before. But, it needs to be said, Americas food game is strong. Don’t get me wrong, Italy has great pasta and pizza. Greek gyros are money. But, I think America Italians and Greeks crank those dishes up a notch. Bolder spices, bigger flavors, all-around yumminess. America’s great experiment isn’t just a constitutional republic, but food as well.

More reflections to come…