Imagine a place where you don't feel lost, a place where you can be completely yourself without the fear of what others might think, a place where you can have an endless amount of love for God and your faith without feeling the judgment of others. It doesn't seem possible does it? Well, it is. And every year around 500 kids get to experience the journey of a lifetime that changes their whole life. Believe it or not, that place exists. It is called... IONIAN VILLAGE!
What is Ionian Village you ask? Ionian Village is a private summer camp facility of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. It is located in Western Peloponnese, Greece on the beautiful shores of the Ionian Sea. Ever since the camp was established in 1969, over 16,000 Greek-Americans have attended the summer camp unlike any other.
Here are some things you may experience while having the best summer of your life:
1. When you first get to camp all you want to do is... SLEEP
after sitting on endless plane and bus rides, the last thing you can think about is pounding on tables for food, let alone staying awake. PLEASE JUST LET US GO TO BED.
2. Eating your first meal made by Kyria Sophia
Yeah sure you've always heard about how good her food was. But you had no idea it would taste like it was prepared by an angel.
3. Every time you hear "10 feet tall"
Is it acceptable to just break out into tears in the middle of Target when you hear those first few words??
4. Waiting an hour in line for a Fanta μπλε , just to find out they're all gone.
5. Talking to someone from home for the first time since you left New York.
"Yeah, mom. Everything is great!! Nope, I don't miss home at all!!!"
6. The endless bus ride to Athens without a bathroom.
If they don't stop soon, I swear, I am pulling this bus over myself.
7. That glorious moment when you realize that you have the most beautiful bus driver in all of Greece.
oh. oh wow. OK WOW
8. Waking up at 4 am to leave for Athens.
Why is there music blasting through the whole camp? Didn't I just fall asleep?? What is happening?!?
9. Finally being able to flush toilet paper in the hotels.
BEST FEELING EVER!!!
10. Realizing you only have one day left until you have to go back home.
What do you mean I can't move to Greece?
10. Having to say your final goodbyes at the dance.
Um yeah, I'm sorry but I can't do this. Not today. Not ever.
11. And finally... the struggle of talking about IV with people that haven't been there.
"Ugh, why are you so obsessed with Ionian Village?" YOU JUST DON'T GET IT OK!!
