I am down to a little over a week left in my Corinthian adventure, and I can say with all honesty that I don’t want to leave…ever. I have taken to Greece like a fish to water. I absolutely love everything about my experience here- the 5 am wake-up, the archaeological dig from 6 am -2 pm, the treks into Ancient Corinth to go to the mini market, the long, drawn-out dinners with friends, and the dogs. Yep- that’s right: the dogs. There are dogs everywhere in Corinth, and as a long time canine-enthusiast, I am thrilled. There are signs posted to warn you of these ferocious guard dogs, but they are anything but. Historically speaking, dogs guarding Corinth is nothing new- as far back as the 400s BC, dogs guarding Corinth were used to warn the Greeks that the Persians were invading. The dogs that I have seen aren’t very fearsome; they are more inclined to lick you than bite.

Not only are the dogs not terrifying, neither is the local culture. While most areas appreciate the tourist and their contributions to the local economy, there is a definitive divide that separates local from foreign. Because we are students in the Lechaion Harbor Settlement and Land Project archaeological dig, however, the locals view us (I think) in a favorable light. We are helping Greece uncover its history, and they show their appreciation for our cultural contribution with tremendous kindness and hospitality. I can understand why there would be a different mindset- tourists appreciate the beauty and the sites, but what are they really giving back (aside from their money- ha ha)? My time here has taught me to appreciate not just a different culture, but the history that unites us all. Being part of this dig is a way to tangibly touch history. Mesopotamia may be the cradle of civilization, but so much of what we know today has come from ancient Greek culture. Sure, we all know philosophy, art, literature, and architecture, but don’t forget the marathon (the Olympics are coming up!), the alarm clock (thanks, Plato- I’ll never be late for the dig), and umbrellas (some sort of shade is needed for the beach, right?). And above all, maybe, just maybe, we have the Greeks to thank for dogs as house pets… I mean, fearless guard dogs!