Good morning,
Today was an incredible day! I TRULY have fallen in LOVE with Rodes! I absolutely love the people here, it is beautiful, and so dis I say beautiful? Because I'd like to say once more it is beautiful in so many different way, culturally it is beautiful, it is physically beautiful, and would be a top spot to see. There is no way one can explain Rode's unless you see it for your self.
Today I learned that one of Pantelis horses is a sire of the famous racing horse Majestic. Who would have thought that? The photo that I have posted is majestic's sire.
Riding went well today, I love being at the stables. Pantelis is one of the most genuine and fearless men, he never shied away from the team, he never spoke down to us. As I said before he accepted us with open arms, the cultural, language, and the fact that we were with special needs did not phase him the least. He treated us no differently. Pantelis in fact says he would like to start a special olympic program at his stables. Wow!!!! How neat is that. I know Pantelis will have a powerful influence on the athletes in his program and in his community. My new favorite Greek word for training horses to trot is Hip. So when you want a Greek horse to trot you say as you squeeze the barrel of the horse hip,hip,hip. Love it!!! Pantalise offered his horses to our team to use during the games if the horses in Athens were unsuitable for use. This discussion came up because we were unsure if we were using Pantelis's horses to compete with or if they were being provided by Athens. Pantelis was willing to trailer his horses and all of his supplies he would need and take the ferry which would be a 17+ hour trip on a boat with horses. I was so incredibly touched at his offer. I can't find words to describe to you in words our riding experience with Pantelis. You have to meet him in order to truly get what I am talking about. As the day closes I am in sheer joy yet at the same time wanting to sweetly drift off to sleep as I listen to the soft rolling of the sea. Good night all.