By Mara Lorch   The Monkey Wrench Gang:   Dill grows scraggily; its leaves fluff out like a tender, flattened thread, and the hollow stems echo out a dull, juicy “crack” when broken off the plant during harvest. This fresh, herbal scent that filled the August air around me became indelibly linked to Edward Abbey’s iconic novel. Listened to as an audiobook, his comic, anarchic story of environmentalism in a changing desert played out into the warm air, mixing with the “pops” of the aromatic dill breaking from the stem, wafting into the raven’s whooshing air. Scenes from the book (destruction of dam- and road-building machinery, billboards blazing in flame…

By Martin Bargo There were countless attractions to choose from, but you claimed you had no time to fool around. All work and no joy might have made you the dullest boy. Shortly after, a near-death experience changed your way of seeing the world; your priorities changed, and you learned you had no time to waste. When you finally set out to have some fun, the amusement park was closed; its once-bright lights were now casting long, fading shadows.

By Manarah Brown Carefully shaped cobblestone streets and a sunset kissing the bright blue waterfront left my crew and me speechless on those first few nights. A sweet tune lingered in the air, flowing through the walkways and carrying the vast, striking history of what was—and still is—a sought-after land. We feasted on many new foods and watched merchants sell fine, authentic Greek pieces to bubbly tourists. Amid a lively city, the still perfection of such moments leaves a person’s mind forever changed and undeniably craving more. I’m still incredibly grateful for Athens for being more than what I imagined it would be.