While Dorothy may have insisted “There’s no place like home,” there is, in fact, a whole world out there just waiting to be explored–as several of Elkhart High School’s teachers discovered over Spring Break.
Mrs. Krista Riblet, HPS principal, was presented with an educational opportunity to join other similar groups in Greece through a travel agency. It didn’t take much to twist the arm of English teacher Mrs. Janis Elli to join in!
“My trip to Greece was amazing!” Elli exclaims. “It is a very beautiful country–rich in history and rife with natural beauty.” Having taught such literary pieces as The Odyssey and Antigone, Elli was anxious to walk in the very footsteps of some of her well-known characters. “My group was able to see historical sites like the Parthenon in Athens, the Theater of Epidaurus, and the site of the first Olympic Games in Olympia.”
As exciting as that was, however, Elli quite literally ate up the food there. “The food in Greece was the best I’ve ever had in my life!” she confesses. “There was nothing I disliked at all! If I could go back, I for sure would!”
In terms of the delicacies, Greece’s most popular dish is called moussaka, which is a “layered casserole with sautéed eggplant and potatoes, spiced savory meat sauce, and a thick béchamel sauce topping.” In American terms, this would be Greece’s “comfort food.” Another popular dish is called souvlaki, “which can be made of meat, cheeses and vegetables, but it must be on a skewer.” Put over a fire, the char and smoke are said to add to the unique flavor.
Unlike the Midwest, some areas in Greece can also boast of over 300 days of sunshine each year–which is roughly 299 more than in Elkhart! Thus, even if a person never makes it to the white sands along the Mediterranean or Aegean seas, the sunny strolls through the ancient ruins or along quaint streets can make this a paradise.
“I think a trip to Greece would be an incredible opportunity for students, because many sites are pivotal to the development of Western civilization,” Riblet stresses. “It is the place where democracy was born, as well as many foundational ideas related to the arts, science, philosophy, and literature.” Savoring her memories, Riblet adds, “I wish I could go back to see the islands of Crete and Santorini. When on the trip, it was like taking a college class while looking at all of the sites!”
However, the world does not begin or end with Greece. It is merely one beautiful dot on a gigantic map. Taking up the mantle to ensure students can experience other “dots” will be Elli, along with fellow English teacher, Mrs. Amy Stine. “Just last year,” Elli notes, “Mrs. Stine took a group of students on a trip to Greece, similar to the one I went on.”
Thus, the two found equally amazing locations for their next adventures: the British Isles and the Iberian Peninsula. “I am currently sponsoring a summer 2027 trip to Scotland and Ireland that Elkhart students can join,” states Elli excitedly. “Mrs. Stine is planning a trip to Spain and Portugal, scheduled for the summer of 2028.”
Elli has already held an informational meeting for her trip Ireland and Scotland; however, there are still spots available. The informational meeting for Stine’s trip to Spain and Portugal, however, is coming up soon. “We’re holding a one-time informational meeting on May 19 to share everything you need to know—and spots on this trip are limited,” Stine offers up.
To her, it’s more than just an excursion. “I absolutely love seeing how my students change from day one of travel to the end,” Stine says with pride. “This life-changing experience helps students build confidence, independence, and a global perspective.”
Those interested in the trip to Spain and Portugal can sign up for the informational meeting here:
Find meeting info and RSVP here: https://rsvp.eftours.com/
Whether interested in the British Isles or the Iberian Peninsula, now is the time to reserve a spot. Unsure which sounds best? Just ask. As Elli says reassuringly, “If traveling aboard interests you, come talk to one of us for more information!”
