This is SPARTA!

Today was an average day in Greece. Dr. Finitsis lead us on another long excursion up and down the breathtaking (literally and figuratively) hills of Mystras. After we finished exploring, we went and had lunch in Sparta. Yes, Sparta. It was incredibly disappointing. For lunch we were greeted by two kind shop owners who made us a delicious meal. Then we sat down and ate with forks, knives and napkins. Wait, in Sparta? To make matters worse, we went and got gelato and daintily ate it with cute, tiny spoons. Sparta, what happened?!! Where are your shields, your armor and spears? Currently, the most violent thing in Sparta is a toddler running through pigeons... No.


Fear not 300 fans. Passion for glory and honor still lives in Greece today, but instead of Sparta, in the Olympic Stadium. Last night six of us went to a European football game to cheer on Panathinaikos, Athens' team. That game is a testament that Leonidas is not dead;he lives in the heart of every Greek football fan.
I've been to plenty of sporting events in my lifetime, but this was the most enthusiastic stadium I had been a part of. Like other soccer games, singing and drumming go on for the full ninety minutes. To add excitement, Greeks also throw water bottles at security, light flares and small explosions. Let me inform you that winning this game had no impact on either team, the stadium was almost empty, and it was a Wednesday.

The game itself was a rowdy one. Several players were hurt, nobody liked the refs and Athens' was not dominating a team they were predicted to destroy. In the 88th minute, tension was high; both teams had yet to score. All of a sudden, Athens' made a goal out of nowhere and the crowd explodes. Full grown men started leaping over seats, running to get as close to the field as possible. Booms from explosions started echoing throughout the stadium, fire filled the air and the roar was deafening. I have never been involved in something so epic. If my words do not convince you, follow this link to watch the video Z took right before and after the game determining goal. You need to see it to believe it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB1qEFKp8R0&feature=youtu.be

Even though the spirit of Sparta is no longer is Sparta, stop by and enjoy the gelato. Afterwards, make sure you see a football game, you'll find the warriors there.