Freshman volleyball student-athlete Rebecca Nunge with a village child on an outdoor basketball court in Ancient Corinth, Greece.

Irish Extra: Blogging from Ancient Corinth

June 5, 2015

Photo Gallery

If there is one thing I would have to say about Ancient Corinth it would be, in the words of Dorothy, “You’re not in Kansas any more.” As I am typing this, (Irish football player) Romeo Okwara says, “Actually, this is a lot like Kansas.” And (Irish women’s tennis player) Alaina Roberts chimes in humorously, “Romeo, this is NOTHING like Kansas,” and the entire table bursts into laughter. Actually, this entire trip has been completely filled with laughter.

First, I don’t think any of us correctly anticipated what life would be like here in Archaia Korinthos. You know how you see all those beautiful pictures of Greece with the beaches and the white houses with blue roofs? And you imagine scenery like what is in “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” or “Mamma Mia.” Let’s just say I was rather surprised with the two-square-foot tile and water hose for a shower where it proved too short for me to stand up straight. Luckily, the other girls don’t mind sharing their roomy bathtub/shower with the two tall girls: (Irish volleyball player) Maddie Plumlee and me. Yes, I was quite surprised with Ancient Corinth, but I consider it a pleasant one.

Lets talk about Day One. We were tasked with climbing up the massive mountain that can be seen clearly from anywhere in the entire town of Corinth. You can see how huge it is in the picture, but, honestly, the picture doesn’t do it justice. So Professor (Robin) Rhodes led us up the north face of the mountain, and it was more physically taxing than a lot of us expected. Nonetheless, the 360-degree view from the highest point on the mountain was absolutely breathtaking and well worth the hike. Speaking of hilarious moments, I think I may have laughed the hardest I have during the entire trip when I glimpsed (Irish men’s basketball player) Eric Katenda, out of the corner of my eye, silently sprinting away from the group and possibly halfway back to the hotel because he saw a snake. Little did we know at the time, but Eric has been a source of comic relief throughout the duration of this trip.

To cut a long story of this trip a bit shorter, I think it’s safe to say all of us here are so happy for the opportunity to spend three weeks in Ancient Corinth. We have become friends with the villagers because of hospitality we have been shown from the start. It has been both funny and fun attempting “hello” and “thank you” while mainly butchering the pronunciation of the Greek language. We have made many special memories we will cherish for the rest of our lives. We hope you enjoy our photographs!

— by Rebecca Nunge, special correspondent and a freshman on the 2015 Notre Dame volleyball squad

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