This past July, Dr. Caterina Pizanias was invited to take part in the Summer 2003 Programmes of The Canadian Lyceum of Greece in Chania, Crete. This was an unusual request, unusual only in that those taking part in the programme were young, college age students. But, as our name suggests, we are specialists in matters of Greece, its art and culture, and through an array of lectures, seminars and field experiences we bring Greece's creative culture to life. So, we said yes, and a new partnership was established.

Dr. Pizanias, or Dr. Cat (as was renamed by the students) spent an extraordinary ten days in Chania (despite the fact that the temperatures at times rose up to +40 degrees), taking part in one of the most rigorous academic programmes offered in Greece, where she taught a series of interactive learning units that focused on the Cretan House.

The first part of our learning experience consisted of a lecture which "set the stage", and established a framework within which we placed the historical landmarks as well as the materials and influences used in the evolution of the Cretan house. During the second phase, we took a walk through the streets of old Chania with a handout and a map. With the help of a camera, students recorded whatever caught their fancy, creating an architectural "portrait" of the city. The third and last part of our sojourn/cultural investigation included 'sharing' with others the bits and pieces that each had chosen to portray their own "private" Chania. As Dr. Cat led the walk-about, she took as many snap shots of the students as she could. Here is Dr. Cat's "portrait" of them and the city! Enjoy, and stay in touch with us at www.artexchange-greece.com, and The Lyceum www.thelyceum.ca for once-in-a-lifetime journeys to Greece!