American Adjustment

This picture of the Parthenon is one of my favorites I took this trip. It doesn't even do it justice though.

Well I'm back on American soil! I got back home late Monday night after a long day of travel including screaming toddlers and one cancelled flight. It was so nice to take a shower in my shower and sleep in my own bed! I forgot how much I missed those little things.

Some things were a shock: understanding EVERY conversation around me in English (it was so loud!), green trees and lawns, signs in English, ice water, tons of fast food restaurants, normal bathrooms, that sort of thing. Some things I miss: my friends, our cozy apartment, the yummy food, the beautiful views, those kinds of things.

But, I'm trying to look at my return as just another part of my life. I want to be neutral on the subject, not pessamistic or overly excited. One of the things I learned while in Greece is that life is really just a series of events, like chapters in a book, and what makes those events important are the people you share them with and what you learn from them.

I have learned much more than the archeology of Greece and the history of antiquity while abroad. I've learned some things about myself: the people I like to surround myself with, how I function in a large group or alone, and how much my life here as made me who I am. I've conquered challenges physical, emotional, mental, psychological, and social.

I have said in earlier posts how the theme of this summer has been juxtaposition: the ancient ruins next to modern cities, the beautiful blue ocean next to dead arid land, I have to add one more and that is my American self and my Greek self. I believe I could succeed in both countries but I have found that my home and my choice is here.

So now, as I continue living in central Illinois surrounded by the American college culture found nowhere else, I will learn to look at it differently. Whenever I walk past academic buildings with columns, Niros late night gyros, or sorority and fraternity houses proudly displaying an odd collection of Greek letters, I will be taken back to a summer where I truly and fully lived a chapter of my life.

Roommates are off!

At dinner. from the bottom left: Anita, Andrew, myself, Sam Bruni, Justine.

And then there was one. Last night was a great last night. We had dinner with Kate, Jill and Ann Marie from our class. Andrew came and so did Katie's friend from the Paros class Brie. Sam Bruni also joined us so we were a big happy group! It was delicious as always and we stayed for quite sometime. After dinner we decided to go to Mao one last time and say goodbye to Costas, the owner who loves us. He gave us all hugs and kisses (even Andrew) and sent us away with business cards.

We then walked back to our apartment and got in bed and talked about our favorite memories. There was a bit of tears and lots of hugging. I can't believe how unbelievably close I've gotten with these girls. I will miss them so much. But we changed our reunion to October 24th for Justine's birthday weekend! Turns our the day of the Illini game is Initiation for the house and since I'm VP I have to be there.

So the Sams and Justine left at about six this morning for their Turkey/Egypt/Island 10 day trip. Then Katie and Anita left about 8:45. So it wasn't a great night of sleep. After they all left I just sat in my bed for awhile processing. Then I made a solo trip for a frappe and croissant eating at a cafe. I explored a bit and came back to start packing.

I decided to go into Plaka, the square by the Acropolis and finish some shopping. I got my silver and mother of pearl bracelet I've wanted forever! It's beautiful and exactly what I pictured. Then I took the bus to Andrew's hotel for some pool time. I was so proud of myself navigating around this foreign city! Yes I've been here 2 whole months but I have a TERRIBLE sense of direction (it's backwards) and I've never gone anywhere alone before! I feel you can't truly know a city without some solo exploring.

The pool was beautiful! We laid around for about three hours before heading to his room so he could get some work done. He's an intern for a Greek/American shipping stock market thing? He tried to explain it to me today but it's confusing. He takes some work home and he was looking through the past two years worth of a specific kind of boat's money made. There were tables and graphs and things like that that I don't understand. I watched Greek MTV and occasionally helped him.

Then we went to his favorite gyros place in his neighborhood where they spoke no English! He knows how to say "one chicken gyros" so we were good. We walked around a bit and then parted ways so we could shower and he could finish more work. He's coming over soon and he's staying in one of the extra bedrooms because I feel a bit uneasy staying alone.

It's been a good day but a hard one. These girls I will love forever and will always have a special place in my heart. I know more about each of them than a good number of people I've known my whole life. This experience has been completely challenging and changing and it's bittersweet to see it end. Last day tomorrow :(/)

Last Big Night

This is one of my favorite pictures from the trip. We took is last night before going out: myself, Katie, Anita, Sam, and Justine.

Well, today's our last day together :( It all of the sudden hit me while walking back from an afternoon gyro. So sad. I can't even imagine life here (for 2 days) without them!

Last night we made pasta but still went out for a Greek salad and wine at this pretty restaurant in our neighborhood. Then we got back to the apartment, Andrew came over and we had a cocktail hour before heading out. We laughed so much and took lots of great pictures. Then we went to Mao for another drink and then to a club called Villa Mercedes. It was a great night.

This morning Sam and I went walking to a fresh weekly market to try and get olive oil and olives but they only had some fresh so it wouldn't travel well. The market was beautiful though. The most colorful fruits and vegetables I've ever seen! And even some weird foods I've never seen before.

Then we walked back and had our farewell lunch at CYA. Our professor sat at a table with Sam, Katie and I and we had nice visit. He was telling us all about how he wound up in Greece. He's been married twice, both Greek women, and has a 42 and 18 year old son! Talk about an age difference.

Then we came back here and the girls packed while we talked some more. Our friend Sam from the first class came back from the class in Paros so it's nice seeing her again. They're leaving tomorrow at 5:00 am for Turkey and Egypt :( Tonight we're going to this great taverna for a 10 euro college special that's delicious!

Pictures!

Peloponnese pictures: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=181159&id=590541644&l=9470397c56
Back in Athens pictures: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=183303&id=590541644&l=b77005a29a

Last Day of Class!

The Hephaisteion at the Agora (one of my favorite temples)

It's a hot one today. The heat of the day (a half hour ago) was 100!

Last night Andrew came over and we chatted for a bit and then went to get a drink at Mao, our favorite place. Came back after an hour or so to go to bed for our last day of class. This morning we did the Agora again. We went upstairs in the museum to look out at the view which was only one story up but very beautiful. I liked getting that perspective.

After the Agora we did a little shopping around Monostriaki and Plaka before heading to CYA for lunch. After that we came back to our apartment, took a siesta and then attempted to go get coffee with our old Professor Nicola but she had already left for the day. We'll see her tomorrow though!

Tonight we're making the rest of the pasta we have left and then going out to a taverna for something small. Andrew's coming over after he gets off and so are the other girls after they eat dinner. We're all going out tonight for a celebration/going away night. Should be fun.

I'm starting to have mixed feelings about this whole leaving in 3 days thing. I'm going to miss these girls SO MUCH. We're already planning our reunion, the U of I game at Michigan the first weekend in November. And they'll come down to U of I for Unofficial. They're really not that far away and with all the technology now I'm not worried about it. It's just strange because we've spent so much time together.

But I'm ready to be home. I'm ready to see all of you and my friends. I'm ready for ice water and toliet seats. I'm ready for mornings to sleep in and showers that actually make me feel clean. I'm not ready for missing my new friends or being so far from the ocean. I'm not ready for no Greek salads or gyros. I guess it's just a point in my life that I'll have to take.

Acropolis

We got to witness the raising of the flag today on the Acropolis because we got there so early. Like I mentioned before, this is very important to them because of the whole Nazi-flag-on-the-Acropolis thing. Plus we heard a story from Diamant about how one heroic Greek snuck up to the Acropolis in the middle of the night and tore down the Nazi flag and put up the Greek one! And he is still alive today. Greeks have A LOT of patriotism.

Last night Sam, Katie, and I went to a nearby taverna and drank wine to cheer Katie up, it worked! These past couple of days I've got to have some alone time with each of the girls and it's really nice. It's nice to get to know them without the rest of the group, I feel like we have all gotten really close to each other individually so that's nice.

This morning we did the Acropolis again and focused on the Erecthion. It was weird having our last trip up there! Then we shopped a bit, hung out at the apartment for a bit and then went to lunch at CYA. After I took a nap and worked on the outline of my 2nd paper.

We all walked around for a bit together before dinner. We ate at McDonalds, I got nuggets and they weren't bad! Then we stopped and got some wine for tonight. Andrew just got over here and we're thinking about going out for drinks later. Last day of class tomorrow!

Brauron Round 2

View of Brauron

Sad news to report tonight: Katie got her wallet stollen at H and M tonight :( She was even being responsible! She had her purse in front of her AND it was zipped. Somehow they unzipped it and got it out. Luckily she only had 100 euros and some cards. Also they didn't take her passport or phone or camera so we're looking on the brightside.

Last night we attempted to go get Indian food at this place CYA suggested but it was closed so we went to this yummy Italian place called Armoa. I had probably one of the tastiest things I've had here. I got grilled aubergines with tomatoes, onions, garlic, with feta on top. Sooooo good. We then walked back and hung out before going to bed. I laugh so much with these girls, I'm starting to realize how much I'm going to miss them.

This morning we drove to Brauron to look at the Temple of Artemis there. We had already been but it is beautiful so it was nice to go again. We had to hike up this brambly path up to see the view though and it was a bit unpleasant. I was scared because it was so steep and slippery I was worried I would fall and I have scratches all over :( But we saw a shepard down below in the valley with a bunch of sheep with bells on, just like a movie! Then we talked about the temple and all of that stuff.

We went back to CYA and had lunch there before getting a freddo and going home. I finished my first paper, the only one that's due before I leave and plan on starting the 2nd one tomorrow. I'm not that worried about it because I have about 50 days to finish it. Then I took a bit of a nap before heading out shopping with Katie and Sam.

We went to a bookstore that had books in English so I could be sure I would have something for the plane ride. Popi, the housing director, got back to me and said I could stay in the apartment until Monday morning so that's settled. Now we're hanging out and we may take Katie out for a drink to cheer her up. Luckily her parents were able to go straight to the bank and take care of everything and she had a backup credit card so it's not so much of an inconvience. Plus she has to get a new license anyway!

Acropolis again tomorrow!

World Cup and the Acropolis

This is at the Venetian castle we visited in the Peloponesse in one of our last days, it was so beautiful!

Well, the end is near. We have nearly every day and night planned out for the rest of the week :( I'm excited to come home but will be very sad to leave the city I now love and all of my new friends. I've decided to stay in a CYA apartment Saturday and Sunday night instead of a hostle. It's easier and I feel that it's safer so I won't have to worry about people going through/stealing my stuff. Luckily Andrew will be here so I won't have to be alone when all my other roommates leave Saturday morning. There's also another girl in our class who's staying until Monday as well in an apartment so they may put is in the same one, who knows!

Yesterday after a painful two and a half hours at the Acropolis museum we decided to go straight to dinner because we were starving. We ate at this restaurant in Plaka that we've been to a couple of times. Andrew met us there and we all split saganaki, gyros, and wine. After we finished eating and chatted for awhile we went into Monostriaki to find a place to watch the World Cup finals. We found a great table at this little taverna, got a beer, and watched the game.

This may come as a surprise to many of you but I think I've found a sport I actually like to watch besides wrestling! I never knew it could happen. I was not bored at all! Soccer is really easy to follow and it's insane who intense it is. People were falling left and right and getting fouls all over the place. One guy even got literally kicked right in the heart! So intense.

We left around 11:15 but it was still 0-0 so there was another half an hour until overtime. We left because we had to be at the Acropolis at 8:00 in the morning and we had a pretty long walk back home. We got home and chatted a bit more while in bed. I love how our rooms are set up. Sam has her own room back in the back but us four sort of share a room. There's a pull out door in between Justine and Anita and Katie and I's rooms so we're sort of always together. It's really nice though because we all face each other. We have lots of good conversation and laughs before bedtime each night.

This morning was tough, we were pretty tired. But we were at the Acropolis which is always fun. We only had an hour and a half there! I think Diamant's realizing the pace of this class is really fast so we were thankful for more free time. We sat and had a freddo (this yummy coffee/slushy thing) and then walked back to the apartment. We had lunch and now we're back in the apartment again. I think I'll try and write my paper this afternoon. We decided to get Indian food tonight, I'm so excited!

Free Time in Athens

This is the roommates minus Anita at Mao. From the left: Justine, Andrew, Sam, myself, and Katie.

Hello! Didn't write yesterday because there wasn't too much going on. When we got back Friday we just hung out and made dinner. Andrew came over when he got off and I fixed him something to eat while the other girls continued getting ready to go out. All of the sudden, the power went out. We flipped the fuse box switch and still nothing happened. So we called the emergency number and they called Poppy, the housing person at CYA. It was getting dark so we were getting a little anxious. Poppy couldn't find any electrician because it was Friday night (and Greece) so she came herself to help! She got directions from the owner of the building and fixed it. We were very thankful.

We had invited some other people from our class over for a cocktail hour before going out so they came a little after our power was back on. Ann Marie, Kate, Nancy, Jill, Salah (only other boy), Alexis, Dominique, and Alexis. It was really fun! We headed to Mao after about an hour and a half and were dancing there for another two hours. Justine, Andrew, and I were pretty tired so we decided to head back while the other girls went to another club.

We got to sleep in, it was so great! When we woke up we just decided to stay and bed all day. And we didn't feel guilty about it! We left for food a couple of times but just stayed and talked and watched tv or movies on our computers. It was so nice to have a break from class.

This morning we had a lecture from 9-11:30 and then we got lunch at the bakery. It's Sunday so nothing else is really open anyways. We came back, ate, I worked a bit on our paper, and napped for a while. We have to go to the Acropolis Museum at 4 for another bit of class. More tomorrow!

Delphi Round 2 and back to Athens!

I found a bomber in Delpih!!! Slightly different insides, I checked.

We are back in Athens! I feel so at home here, it's strange. It feels so good to be back in our apartment again!

Yesterday we did the lower temple at Delphi for about 2 hours. It wasn't bad because it was so cool! I was actually chilly, I didn't know that could happen here. I brought my rain jacket because the forecast said it could rain so I put that on. There was a lovely breeze as well.

After that we showered and went to dinner at this beautiful restaurant that is literally built inside a mountain so you get the most amazing view of the mountain range. We watched the sunset and ate our delicious meals, I got a real salad (with lettuce!) with avocados, radishes, cheese, pine nuts, and pomegranete seeds! Then we just walked around the town before we collapsed into bed.

This morning we had breakfast and did the museum and the upper temples at Delphi. Hotter today but still not anything like what it could have been. It was interesting but a lot of it I knew from the first session. Got on the bus, drove 2 hours and stopped at a little oasis for lunch. Got back on the bus and drove another hour to Athens!

We're just lounging now waiting to cook dinner. We're going out tonight with a couple other girls in our class and Andrew. Probably clubbing because we finally have a free day tomorrow! Can't wait!

Olympia

Part of the pediment on the Temple of Zeus at Olympia

Well no internet in our Delphi hotel so this will be a day late! Yesterday after our break we went to the Olympia museum for two hours or so. I actually enjoyed it a lot. My favorite piece was the pediment from the Temple of Zeus. A pediment goes on top of the temple and is the shape of a triangle and consists of a collection of sculpture that often tells a story. The temple of Zeus pediment is of particular interest because the two sides of it are so different.

The east side is a depiction of Pelops and King Oinomaos about to start their chariot race in which the prize is the Princess’ Hippodamia hand in marriage. It shows the scene right before they begin their race with Zues standing in the middle. The myth of Pelos is one of the founding myths for the Olympic Games. King Oinomaos heard a prophecy that one day is son-in-law would overthrow him and take the kingdom. He thought he could beat his fate so whenever suitors came to court Hippodamia he would challenge them to a chariot race which they could never win. King Oinomaos had magical horses that could not be beat. He would let the suitor get a head start and then would decapitate them, while Hippodamia was riding with them, when he caught up to them.


Pelos knew this so he bribed the chariot maker to replace the pins in the wheels of King Oinomaos chariot with wax instead of metal. So while King Oinomaos was just about to kill Pelos the wax melted and he was thrown from his chariot, fell into the river and drowned. Thus beginning the games at Olympia.
The west side depicts the battle of the lapids and centaurs after a wedding reception got a bit out of hand. A god figure in the middle is said to be Apollo but no one knows for sure. This side of the pediment has much more movement and emotion whereas the east side is much more vertical and placid. They are equally beautiful and very interesting, I would have loved to see them on top of the Temple still.

After the museum we decided to stay into town and get dinner. We got gyros and tzatziki and I got a diet coke as dessert. We walked back towards hotel and the night was beautiful. As we were close to the hotel we became aware of someone following us, it was a little boy probably about 7 with the smallest kitten I have ever seen. It had the pattern of a cat already but it was so tiny! He held it out to me and I surprised myself and took it. It was purring and trying to cling to my clothes, it was adorable. I don’t particularly like animals so I congratulated myself on overcoming another challenge of experience!

He ran along and we continued back to the hotel. We hung out for a bit, chatting and playing on our computers waiting for the World Cup game to start. It was Spain versus Germany, I was rooting for Germany because I’m German and they had the cuter players. Once down there we realized we were surrounded by Spanish people decked out in jerseys so we decided to just sit quietly and not react to anything.

It ended up being a very intense and exciting game with Spain winning 1-0 close to the end. They were freaking out! Everyone was screaming in Spanish at the TV, it literally sounded like a riot was breaking out. I’ve never seen anyone get into a game as much as these people. It really fascinates me how Europe and the rest of the world are so into soccer and the US still doesn’t really care. It’s actually entertaining and I could definitely become a fan! I’ve seen this all summer with the World Cup. I’ve been to restaurants where they clear a table and bring out a huge plasma screen to watch the game and the waiters completely ignore you until it’s over.

Then we headed to bed and got nine hours of sleep, it was glorious! We had breakfast and left for Delphi. We drove about an hour and a half to a little town for a two hour lunch and beach break. Justine, Sam and I just grabbed something at the bakery and sat at the beach for awhile. It was surprisingly cool and windy so we didn’t even need to get into the water! Then we got back on the bus for another hour or so ride to Delphi. We get a little break and then we do half of the site tonight at 5. Hopefully I’ll learn something new today!

Site of Olympia

A picture of us in start position for the stade, one length of the stadium. It was the first event at the ancient Olympic Games and stayed the only event until the 14th Olympiad. From the front: Justine, Katie, myself, and Alexis.

Today we got up early and headed to Olympia, the actual site. Fortunately it wasn't too crowded or hot when we got there but after about two hours the heat and the crowds were rising. We started off at the River that flows to Mount Cronos, the moutain where Cronos (Zeus' father) was supposedly born. Then we headed to the temples of both Zeus and Hera.

The temple of Zeus housed the "greatest sculpture in ancient Greece". It was sitting on a throne, altogether 15 feet high, and made entirely out of gold and ivory. Pretty ostentacious if you ask me. We talked about the mythology and architecture associated with each temple as usual.

The stadium was very neat to see, however it was different that I imagined. It had no preserved seating. Apparently having marble seats is a Roman design and the Greeks had seats terraced into the landscape so they wouldn't last very long. We talked about the chronology of the events and descriptions of them. I knew a lot of the information because of my paper so it wasn't as interesting to me.

We then grabbed a snack at the little kiosk there and headed back to the hotel for a swim. The pool is very nice but it was pretty hot out so I just stayed out for an hour or so. We have another museum visit in an hour so we have a little time to relax indoors. Tomorrow we don't have to leave until 10, sleep in!

Olympian Adventures

This is taken in front of the ocean by our hotel in Sparta. From the left: Sam, Anita, Justine, myself, and Katie.

Today was a busy day! We started out early and went to a Venetian castle near Sparta. I'm not sure exactly why because it isn't really what we're learning about but it was actually one of my favorite sites because he let us wander around and explore for ourselves. It was so magestic looking, built entirely out of stone and streched out along the coastline. There was an area of rocks before the water turned clear, it looked like something right out of a medival movie. Unfortunately I left my camera on the bus so I'll have to wait and take someone elses pictures once they're put up.

There was a church on the property that we wandered into and no one else was in there. It was even more beautiful than the other ones were. This one had better preserved paintings because it was more recent and they were just glorious. You experience so much emotion looking at the iconography, it's wonderful.

I hate to use the word "religious" because it sounds so ritualistic and impersonal but that's the best way I can describe this country. There are Greek churches everywhere, you can just feel the influence the church has on the people. 98% are practicing Greek Orthodox, it is the state religon: you can pracitce other religions but it is illegal to try and convert people. Every single restaurant or store you go into has at least one cross or icon. I admire their faith even if some is insincere. I've seen about four or five instances of older men or women who cross themselves continuously when they see a church and they continue to until they pass it. I feel so proud to be a Christian here and appreciated, it's much easier here than in America.

We then drove back to Pelos to sit by the ocean and listen to a short lecture on the battles of the Peloponnese. He always gives us short 15 minute breaks but I've come to realize that our professor only does this so he can have a smoke break...how very Greek of him. We then had about an hour drive to a site called Nestor's Palace, the capital of the Myceanean state there. We did that for a bit and then had a longer drive to a beach town where we swam in the ocean for a bit and ate lunch by the water.

Then yet another drive to Olympia where we went to the Olypmic Games museum. Unfortunately it was not what I expected, nothing on the modern games at all, just the ancient ones. I knew a lot of the information because that's what I wrote my paper on so I felt proud about that.

Then we drove to our hotel and it is very nice, I'm surprised CYA is putting us up here! It has a beautiful outdoor pool where all of us girls went immediately after the bus finally got back around 5:30 where we had head stand contests for an hour or so. I then decided to borrow Sam's running shoes (even though they were a size and a half too small) and go for a run. I haven't been for about six weeks but it turned out better than I thought! I really needed it and it felt so good. Once we get back to Athens I'm going to go everyday.

Then we all showered and I washed my running clothes in the sink because I'm running out of clothes. We headed into the town of Olympia, about a 15 minute walk to eat at a gyros place. Our waiter, who may have been the owner, had his little boy out at the table next to us, probably about one and a half. He was so adorable and waved and blew us kisses the whole night. Greek men are much more affectionate with their children, I've noticed I've probably seen more men with their kids than women.

We then headed back to our hotel and just chatted in our room for a while. Now off to bed! We have another long day tomorrow but Thursday we get to sleep in until 9 because a museum will be on strike! Love Greek rights of assembly.

Continued Tour of the Peloponnese

This is me standing at the top of the fortress at Mystras we climbed this morning 15 minutes outside of Sparta.

Last night we took a bus ride out to a tiny restaurant next to natural springs for dinner. It was a beautiful night and the scenery was very picturesque, it even had a mini waterfall and many spouts where you could fill up your own waterbottle! We ordered family syle again and got mini cheese pies, tzatziki, greek salad, and pasta carbornara. Once again, delcious.

This morning we got up and took a bus ride to a settlement called Mystras that was occupied in the 12th century AD by the Byzantinians. This was very interesting to me because many of the buildings and the castle were very well preserved so you could actually see what it looked like! We hiked up to the top and looked out at the beautiful view and then made our way down looking and being lectured on the different architecture.

My favorite part was the churches we saw. They are Byzantine Greek Orthodox churches and they are quite different from Western churches. Just about every square inch of the insides were painted with many iconographic scenes. We learned the layout of a Greek Orthodox church is supposed to resemble a cross with a large dome in the middle of the two pieces.

The scenes painted included the crucifixtion, Jesus' baptism, birth of Jesus, the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus, raising of Lazarus, the reserection, doubting Thomas, etc. The side walls of the church are painted with the different saints in temporal order going clockwise around the inside. There are three sections in the church: one for the unbaptized, one for the baptized, and one for the priests. You are only allowed in the section to which you belong.

Something else that I found interesting were these mini silver and gold offerings people would leave when they are awaiting healing. This comes from the ancient pagan practice of leaving mini pottery pieces in the shape of the body part that ails them. They would leave it as an offering to Asclepius, the god of healing. This tradition continues today but it is for Jesus. The churches were just beautiful and it was a very emotional experience seeing the many painted scenes. There are still active nuns that live at the site but unfortunately we didn't see any :(

After we were done we got on the bus and drove about an hour to eat at this tiny little restaurant up in the mountains. This restaurant had no menus, the waitress just came out and told us what they had. It was very different than anything I've experienced but I liked it! I got my staple Greek Salad and an ice cream bar for dessert. Then we got back on the bus and drove to Pylos, where we're staying for the night.

Not sure what our plans are for the evening but I'm sure exploring is in our future!

Birthday Celebration

Unfortunately I didn't bring my camera out with us and no one put pictures up yet so I can't show you how cute we all looked! This is a picture of Sam and I in Santorini watching the sunset.

Yesterday after I wrote Katie and I went into town to do a little shopping. Sadly it started to pour so we got pretty wet. We went into a couple of stores and I found this beautiful sundress that I love! It's such bright colors and patterns, usually not my style but I'm trying to challenge myself in every way this summer :) We were running around in the warm rain together laughing and this man invited us into his restaurant to watch the World Cup game even though they were closed! Very sweet.

We went back to the hotel to freshen up some before dinner. We ate a delicious dinner to kick off Katie's birthday. We decided to eat family style which worked out really well. We got tzatziki, saganaki, greek salad, chicken fillet, pasta carbornara, and vegetarian pasta. And the most delicious rose wine I've ever had. The taverna was outside under these beautiful hot pink flower/trees.

After dinner we went back to our apartment for some drinks before heading out in Nafplion. We then walked along the water and checked out a couple bars. People were very friendly and bought us drinks because Katie was wearing a birthday tiara and sash her mom sent her in the mail before we left. We met a lot of nice people and stayed out until about 1:30 until we made our way back home.

While walking home we heard people speaking English, with English accents! We stopped to stay hello and chatted about our program and their vacation. When we told them we were heading home because we had to be up at 7:30 one of the boys responded: "I thought American girls were supposed to be fun and know how to party, I guess I was wrong." Clearly we took this as a challenge and felt it necessary, on the day of our great nation's and Katie's birth to live up to the American standard. So, we rallied.

We took cabs (there were three girls and three guys in their group) and went to this awesome club that has another location in Athens called Villa Mercedes. It was unbelievably fun. We were a bit tired on the way over there but once we started dancing and hearing American music we came alive again. We danced for a good 2.5 hours and finally left at 4:30. Back to the hotel room by 5 and up again at 7:30.

I surprised myself and wasn't that miserable today. We got freddos in the morning for a little caffeine boost before class so it wasn't terrible. It was worth it, Katie had a wonderful birthday and we got to experience the Euro-club scene at it's finest.

This morning we went to a museum in Nafplion and two settlements at Tyrins and Lerna. Not very well preserved but the views were beautiful. After that we got lunch back in Nafplion at this pizza place that had THE best Greek Salad I've ever had! IT was so delicious. After that we started the drive to Sparta. The times I was awake for had beautiful scenery. It's much more rural than Attica and had more lush vegetation. We even saw a herd of sheep with a shepard! It was so great.

Our hotel is probably the nicest one we've been at so far. It even has a large shower, a shower curtain, and a tub so the water doesn't spill anywhere; heaven! We had a thiry minute lecture on Spartan history and their intense Army state culture that is so well illustrated in 300 (I think, anyway). We're all going as a class to a Taverna for dinner tonight for more celebration of Katie's birthday!

This. Is. Sparta.

Epidaurus and Franchthi Cave

The heat has returned unfortnately. This morning wasn't too bad but it was very humid last night and our walk to the cave was rough.

Last night we did a walking tour of Nafplion as a class and he pointed out some historical buildings/spots. Then we got dinner at this little taverna he suggested where you go into the kitchen and pick out what you want to eat. We decided on the saganaki, fried eggplant, and Greek Salad. It was delicious, as usual. Then we got gelato at that Italian place I went to three times the last weekend we were here. I got white chocolate and strawberry this time.

We went back to the hotel for a bit to freshen up and then we tried to find a place for drinks but everything was so expensive! So we ended up just going to a different taverna by the water and getting wine, only 2.50 for half a liter! We walked around a little more and then headed to bed.

This morning we went to Epidaurus, it was cool but again I was underwhelmed because a lot of it is either reconstructed or just piles of rocks on the ground. The theatre was really cool though. It is acoustically perfect (which interests me because I'm a nerd). You could hear someone rip a piece of paper and drop a coin all the way from the top! It was designed off of the golden ratio to be that way.

We then got into the bus and headed to Franchthi Cave where we had a picnic. They provided bread and we brought an avocado and some fruit to split. I also had some chips left over from the day before. This is when it got really hot. We had to walk 45 minutes there and back to the cave along the water but full of brambles. I was sweating everywhere. But when we got there it was shaded obviously so we got a break.

He offered us the chance to climb some of the rock into the cave and I did it! I felt like I needed a physical challenge and it felt great. I was a little worried because my birkenstocks are a bit slippery but it turned out fine. It was so cool to see where basically caveman had lived at some point. And our teacher loved showing off because he was one of the first to excavate there.

Well tonight we are beginning our celebration of Katie's birthday, she turns 21 tomorrow! I'm awfully sad about missing 4th of July at home, it's one of my favorite holidays. I trust everyone will have fun at home and want to hear everyone's plans!
More tomorrow!

Pictures: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=181159&id=590541644&l=9470397c56

Mycenae

This is me with the original Death Mask of Agamemnon found at Mycenae where we went today.

It was so great talking to/seeing everyone last night! I hope you guys enjoyed the rest of your day and that MC did well at the swim meet. After we finished that Andrew came over, we fed him dinner, and we hung out and just caught up some more. Then we headed to Mao just for about an hour for drinks.

This morning we left at 6:30 for our Peloponnese trip, our first stop was Mycenae. It was cool! We explored the many tombs found there, hiked up to the settlement, and climbed down into the ground through this passage way that was used as a water cistern. Everything was pretty well preserved but the tombs smelled very musty so that was unpleasant.

Mycenae is sort of in the middle of nowhere so we had to walk along this road to get there but it was enjoyable. When we went down to explore the underground cistern we each got a candle to use as light because it was so dark. It was cool going down there but that smelled too and there were little bugs everywhere that were attracted to the light. It was gross.

We saw the liongate and the two grave circles where the vast amount of gold and other treasure was found. The history of the dig there is filled with controversy and I find it very interesting. The site was first found by Heinrich Schliemann in 1876-1877.

Many things about this dig were questionable including:
-he was not a trained archeologist and made many mistakes on his excavations
-he married a Greek woman whose parents worked with gold
-the death mask of agamemmnon he found do not look like any other of the masks and it looks a lot like him, including the mustache
-he failed to report his finding of the agamemnon mask until months later
-there is no way to date gold, only pottery which he did not do correctly

There are many other things that are questionable about his doings, also some interesting things about his character. He was crazy. He named his daughter Andromache and his son Agamemnon. He was obsessed with himself. He claimed to have known at the age of 8 that he was going to discover Troy. He told everyone he had read the Iliad and the Odyssey but that was later proved as false.

I think all of this scandal and controversy is very interesting and adds to the romanticism of archeology. We'll never know I guess because there's no way to know for certain. We can only make educated guesses about the past that we know so little about.

Athens Day 2

This is me in front of my favorite kind of building in Greece. Taken at sunset in Santorini.

Well last night Anita, Katie and I decided to go to Eclipse at the outdoor theatre while Justine and Sam hung out with Andrew back at the apartment. It was a great movie, it was a warm night, we laughed a lot, got some wine, and relaxed. It was another one of those perfect evenings I've been having a lot of recently. After the movie we headed back to the apartment and then headed to our favorite bar, Mao.

Sam says she is still in pain, that much hasn't changed, but she did some walking around today. She didn't go to class so she could rest because sitting down is the worst thing for her and we had to sit down a lot today. First we went to the National Archeology Museum again and then we went to the classroom to look at slides Professor Diamant took in the 70s while excavating a site we're seeing in the Peloponnese tomorrow. I had never those old fashioned slides before so that was funny.

We're cooking dinner at home tonight again, we're starting another week long trip to the Peloponnese. We leave at 6:30 tomorrow morning so it will be a chill night.

Oh and DD, thank you so much for the package! Everyone's jealous of my magazines :)

Here are pictures from Crete: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=180251&id=590541644&l=fc5e4deeeb

Here are pictures from Santorini: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=180400&id=590541644&l=a76289ac7c

A little stop in Athens

Sam and I watching the sunset at Santorini :)

We've had a full day of Athens today! This morning we had lecture from 9-12:30...it was brutal. We talked about the Mycenaeans because we're traveling to the Peloponnese next week. It was interesting but we were sitting there for so long, it got old quick.

We had a break after lunch until 3:30 until we went to the National Archeological Museum...again...everything we saw today we had already talked about in our last class. But we had fun taking candid shots of everyone in our class.

While we were in the museum it started raining and because it's Greece, the stairs are made of marble which makes a slippery combination. Sam had flipflops on and her feet slipped out from under her and she landed right on her tailbone. I didn't see her until she was already on the ground but I already knew something was wrong. She was just sitting there looking like she was in so much pain.

Some people crowded around trying to help her and I called the professor over. She was sitting there one second and the next her eyes closed and she just fell limp like a sack of potatoes, then she started shaking.She didn't have a seizure but she went into shock for a little bit. It only lasted about five seconds but it really freaked me out.

Poor thing. We helped her up very slowly and brought her inside and she propped herself up on the bench inside. She looked so unbelieveably pale even though we have been in Greece all summer. I've always heard in books and stuff "she looked as pale as a ghost", "all the blodd drained from her face" and I never knew what they meant. Today I did. All the blood was out of her lips and they were a whitish-green color. Her face was significantly paler than the rest of her body.

Our professor called us a cab and we took her back to CYA. They talked with her a bit and she was very adament she didn't want to go to the hospital. They felt she was well enough to go home so we just took her home, gave her an icepack and some advil and now she's just resting. I feel so terrible for her, I would be so scared and I know she's in so much pain. I just hope she feels better soon!

Anita, Katie and I had made plans to go see Eclipse, the new twilight movie, in the outdoor theatre tonight and we weren't going to go but Sam is insisting. Andrew is coming over later to keep Justine and Sam company. I'm really excited to see the movie but I just feel terrible for Sam!

Keep her in your thoughts and prayers!

Santorini Day 2

Back home in Athens after such a wonderful week of traveling! Feels good to be home.

Last night we went into Thira to watch the sunset. It was so beautiful. There were so many people there which sort of killed the mood but it was still incredible. We had a sunset photo shoot up at the top of the city and I don't think I've ever laughed so much. It was so fun. We made friends with a Danish couple and took turns taking pictures of each other. The view was fantastic, I'm pretty sure I've actually seen where they take postcard pictures!

We went to dinner after the sunset and it was so delicous. We split fried zucchini balls and spicy cheese dip and I got the meatballs which are so better here! We finished watching the sunset as we were eating and continued laughing through the night. When we got back to the hostel we did a little night swimming before turning in.

This morning we got up and ate breakfast overlooking the view again before heading into town to walk around and do some shopping. It was SO crowded. Two cruise ships made stops in Santorini today so unfortunately the crowds were brutal. It's so strange living the life of a tourist here even though I've been here almost 6 weeks. Slightly annoying but a fun experience.

We had gyros and then headed back to the hotel to lay by the pool until it was time to leave for the port. Stavros, the ownder of the hotel drove us to the port and even kissed us on the cheek before dropping us off! He is so sweet, he went out of his way to help us many times. We hung out at the port for an hour or so and then boarded the ferry. It was about five hours but I read the whole time so it flew by. We had to take a taxi from the port because the metro workers decided it was time for another strike. The museum we were supposed to see and write a paper on was closed because they were on strike. So that worked out great. These Greeks never want to work.

Class tomorrow!

Santorini Day!

Today we did everything I’ve ever wanted to do in Greece. It was seriously like living a dream, a dream shared with four girls who mean show much to me, it could not have been any better.
Yesterday the ferry ride was actually quite enjoyable. Of course it involved wine and talking, two of our favorite pastimes in Greece. I cannot believe that we can still find things to talk about after being together almost every minute for the past week. We just click so well, I really love them. The ride took about four hours but it just flew by because of the great conversation we were having and the laughs we shared. We get off the ferry and immediately find a van that says “Stavros Villas” on the side, our hostel! We run up to it and Stavros himself greets us and helps us with our bags. He is the typical Greek man: big, loud, and overly affectionate. We ask for music so we’re blasting it with the windows down driving along the Santorin coastline. After we get settled in our rooms, probably the nicest so far, he offers to drive us to a restaurant! We get food and hang out at the restaurant until close, and then walk back.
This morning we got an early start, had coffee (I had water) and checked our email and talked. Stavros drove us into town and we walked around a bit before finding a place for breakfast called “Mama’s Place”. We walk up and this old Italian woman comes down from the restaurant yelling “Say hello to Mama girls!”. She insisted we call her Mama and she was absolutely hilarious, we got a picture with her. I had blueberry pancakes and they were so delicious, it was nice to have a good cooked breakfast.
Then we began the decent down 588 steps to the boat that would take us on our 18 euro tour of the island. Not only were these steps far apart and cobble stones but the narrow path was COVERED in donkeys. There were probably 100 of them, all tied together, all trying to run over us and pooping everywhere. It was the most blissful yet insulting experiences of my trip so far. The coastline was unbelievably beautiful, the white buildings with blue roofs you see on postcards next to that water that always takes my breath away. Unfortunately it was coupled with the stench of donkey droppings. We were all laughing the whole way down, trying to dodge the droppings and moving donkeys.
We get on the boat and begin our ride to the Nea Kameni volcano. We had an hour and a half there and we walked all along the side of it, looked at the craters, and then walked to the highest point. It was beautiful but very rocky, black ash rocks, and hot. The sites were amazing though, you could see the whole island, large rocks with the stark white village nestled safely at the very top. After the volcano tour we got back on the boat and rode to the hot springs. We got to jump off the boat, one by one, and swim to the springs. It felt so good plunging into that icy water on such a hot day. We were all laughing hysterically and playing in the water like young kids, completely carefree. The springs were cool but a little muddy so we mostly stayed close to the boat. We got back to the boat to head back to the islands and to our donkey ride!
The donkey ride was so great! Typical tourist activity but we had to. We all traded cameras and took great action shots of everyone. My donkey, I named him Pongo, was a tad aggressive. He thought he could just keep trudging up the hill blissfully unaware of the other donkeys. Needless to say I got well aquainted with other tourists from all over the road as Pongo slammed me uncomfortably close to them. He also tried to cut the others off by slamming me into the stone wall, scratching up my leg. But, he was a good donkey and I felt bad that that was his job all day.
After the eventful ride we headed to a cheap gyros place for a much needed lunch. Sam, Justine, and I decided to head back to our hostel. In our state of exhaustion we were convinced we knew the way back on foot to our hostel…we did not. We ended up walking 20 minutes on this deserted road next to these huge cliffs and undeveloped land. Luckily we spotted a clothing store with this nice woman who called our hostel and Stavros came to pick us up! Then we took a little nap and got ready. We’re not drinking wine on the balcony getting ready to see the sunset at Oia, it’s supposed to be beautiful.

Last Day of Crete

In front of the Mirtos sunset: me, Sam, Anita, and Katie

Currently sitting in an internet café waiting for our ferry to Santorini from Crete. So excited to see Santorini, it’s supposed to be one of the most beautiful islands!
Last night was great too! We had dinner at this restaurant by the sea and we got to see the moonrise again. It was a full moon last night so it was just gorgeous watching it come up through the colors of the sunset over the water. While we ate dinner the US was playing in the World Cup so we watched a bit of that. Then we just hung around in our hotel room before going to bed.
This morning we went to two sites: Lato and Malia, and a little port town for lunch. The sites are all running together to me, at least on Crete. The majority of them are Minoan or very early Classical and honestly they just look like a bunch of rocks to me. But our professor is efficient and the scenery is beautiful so it’s not so bad. Plus we have mini bus rides between stops that I can close my eyes or listen to music to rest so I have more energy.
The town we had lunch in was very cute, right on the water. My roommates: Katie, Sam, Anita and Justine and the other group of girls we hang out with: Kate, Gillian, Ann Marie, and Nancy came with us. I like the dynamic of this class a lot more because I have my closest friends, my roommates, so we can hang out a lot. But we also come together as a big group pretty well, only one or two odd balls. So we can have a big group, us nine, or just us five.
We’re having a great time together, hopefully I’ll be able to write tomorrow!

New Girls in Mirtos!

These are my roommates and I at the top of one of the sites today: Anita, Justine, Sam, Katie and I.

The locals love us! Everyone stops us and asks us if we're staying at "the hotel" like there's only one, which I think there is haha. I'm sitting in this tiny internet cafe eating spanakopita in exchange for free internet haha. Last night was purely magical and what I think studying abroad is all about.

We ate dinner at this great pizza place right by the ocean, it was beautiful. We couldn't see the sunset but we saw the moonrise which was just as great. The whole time we were ate dinner these 5 little boys kept staring at us and playing in the sand right below us. All of the sudden we hear this adorably accented "What's your name?" and we look to see them all staring and laughing at us. We answer them and they say each of our names back to us in the most beautiful way, I wished everyone said my name like that. Then we got into a game of hide and seek and funny faces that 6 year old boys just love. One of the boys was named "Louis Louis" and was breakdancing for us in the sand!

Then we went into this cute shop to eat ice cream in the old fashion glass dishes and while we were there these Creten boys/men sent us raki shots! Then they asked us if we were going to the "rock and roll" concert later that night. Of course we had to go. It was at this pizza restaurant owned by this Italian women and the band was Italian. They looked like old hippes: tattoos, dreadlocks, dirty ripped clothes, but they were actually good! They played Skinner, Rolling Stones, lots of classic rock. The lead singer could actually sing while smoking a ciggarette, something I've never seen before.

While were sitting there this Dutch guy and his Creten friend by us wine and start talking to us, asking us where we're from and everything. They knew great English so that was fun to talk to them. Then one of the girls requested Sweet Home Alabama and they played it! We all started screaming, there were 9 of us, and ran up to dance in front of the stage on the promenade. This whole thing took place in an area of about 100 square feet. The crowd was LOVING it! Everyone in the village was there, old women and men, young babies, teenagers, everyone! We sit back down and we find out these 5 Creten boys send over a pitcher of margarittas for us! They come over and we talk to them about Crete and what they do here, etc.

Turns out one of them is cousins with the infamous "Louis Louis" so we kept playing with them the whole night. Then the Creten boys start dancing with us and whole town is just staring! All 9 of us girls, 5 Creten boys, and the younger boys laughing and dancing around, some even breaking glasses. It was incredible. I love the girls here, we're all pretty close and get along great. After we get tired my roommates and I: Katie, Anita, Justine, and Sam all pile into their room and talk for about an hour just about each other's lives, it was wonderful.

This morning we had breakfast and it was really good. The hotel owner kept bringing us stuff and if she asked how it was and we said good she would bring us three times as much! She got really confused when you would try and say no so we just kept accepting what she brought.

Then we left to go to two really challenging sites. We climbed up these mountains full of prickly bushes that oddly enough smelled like rosemarry. The views were fantastic! The ocean is just so gorgeous and is surrounded by this great atmosphere of landscape and plants. The Minoan civilizations we went to were Myrtos, Pyrgos, and Gournia.

We were back by noon today and ate lunch at the same place the band played at while being stared at by Louis Louis and his friends. We had delicious guacamole (I know, it's odd) and feta and salami sandwiches made with Foccacia. Then we headed down to the beach for a couple of hours to lay out and swim in the sea. It was a great afternoon! Now we're all catching up on our internet stuff and we'll go to dinner later. Tomorrow night we leave for Santorini!

Talk soon hopefully and will get my pictures up by the end of the weekend!

Mirtos Adventures

Greetings from Mirtos! It is unbelievably cool weather for Greece, I was actually chilly outside! It was a much needed break and we all feel refreshed.
Last night was a perfect night. We ate at the tavern next to the hotel and while we were eating the Creten dancers and musicians preformed while we ate. Right as we got our food they called us up on stage and we all formed this conga-line-esque movement and went right out the door through the bar and then back into the restaurant! We were all laughing hysterically at our attempt at dance moves from years ago. After dinner we were walking back from our rooms and saw kids playing hide and seek. One of the boys we had seen the whole time and he even served us our drinks at the bar, we’re assuming he’s the owner’s son. We played with him and his two friends for about 30 minutes before we were too tired. I felt so Greek!
This morning we had the same routine for breakfast and everything but we went to Archanes and Vathypetro. In Archanes we saw these tombs from the Minoan period and we climbed up this big mountain/hill where we saw a decomposing sheep on the way...very appetizing. We learned all about how the Minoans buried their dead (just threw them on top of each other in this stone tomb thing) and looked around.
Then we drove to Vathypetro to see a structure there. It was said to be a villa for wealthy Minoans who wanted to move out of the city but now they believe it’s an administration building of some kind. The view was beautiful! He gave us time to explore and take pictures which I really love because I feel like I’m discovering it on my own.
Then we went back into the town of Archanes, looked at the museum there and then had some free time for lunch. It was a very cute village without many tourists so that was nice. We had Greek salad at a café with horrible service (which is actually the trend) but the olive oil and bread were fantastic!
We had a long drive of about an hour and a half along the Isthmis and the coast to see an American Archeology center for a tour. The director was supposed to give us the tour but someone else had to fill in because he “made the discovery of a lifetime” and couldn’t leave. So cool. She was nice and showed us how they sift through the stuff they find and how they put pots and things back together. Everyone was very nice and our teachers were very impressed by the facilities.
Our drive to our new hotel was very beautiful. I mentioned before how I love the juxtaposition of Greece: the ancient ruins next to the modern city. I’ve found on Crete another example of this and that is the landscape. You are surrounded by beautifully blue and crystal clear water but then behind it you see rocky mountains and islands. The land behind the beach is dry and brown, everything looks prickly and even the trees look dry but they are standing next to this beautiful water. I love this feature of Greece and it never gets old to look at.
Our hotel is quaint but cute with mint green accent walls and all white balconies. There is no internet sadly but we’re hoping to find an internet café around somewhere. We’re only 5 minutes from the beach so we’ll go exploring and then hopefully find some great dinner. Love you all!

Day 2 Crete - Phaistos, Kommos, and Matala

Greetings once again from Zaros, Crete! The weather here is probably 20 degrees cooler than Athens and there’s a breeze! At night it’s actually chilly. It is a welcome change.

Yesterday afternoon some of us went on a walk and found this pond with a little café overlooking the water serving crepes. We sat by the pond at talked and then played on the mini playground there, that included a seesaw!

At night we had a CYA paid for dinner at this taverna next to our hotel, it was delicious! We had wine, raki (strong liquor), fried eggplant, tzatziki, fried cheese balls, greens, fava, pork, and octopus! The octopus wasn't like I had in Japan, it was cooked for one thing, like charbroiled and grilled. It wasn't bad tasting but I couldn't handle it after two bites because I kept staring at the little suction cup things on the tenticles and it really creeped me out. Our professor is really growing on me, he was so cool last night! He kept making us to raki shots with him and he posed for pictures with us. He has a great sense of humour. Of course Justine, Anita, Samantha and I were the last ones there and we even called over the bus driver and waiter over and they kept buying us wine.

This morning we had a great breakfast at the hotel of greek yogurt with honey and granola and fruit cocktail, fresh oranges from the trees, cheese, dessert bread, hardboiled eggs, and cereal. Our first site was Phaistos which I liked better than Knossos because we got to walk around and explore more and no one else was there. I really like Diamant because he gives us free time to explore and come up with our own ideas and then he'll call (whistle, actually) us all back together and explain things to us. We got a break and sat at a cafe overlooking the mountains and the Mesara Plain, the largest plain in Crete.

Our next site was Kommos which was overlooking a beautiful beach! There were coves and huge rocks and mountains and the water is just so beautifly clear and electric blue. We actually had our first nude beach sighting, it wasn't pleasant...The site was a little smaller and much harder to explore, you had to climb up steep cliffs and there was sand everywhere and even some streams. It was intense but the breeze off the ocean was incredible.

We then drove a little bit more to Matala which is this beach town that is famous for it's caves that were used by British soldiers in hiding during WWII. The beach was beautiful but we only had an our so my new roommates and I just sat at a cafe and ate caprese salad. We got ice cream and explored a little more and got back on the bus. The ride was an hour back to our hotel and we laid out by the pool for the rest of the afternoon.

After we showered we went back to the pond and the cafe we were at before and got crepes for a snack. Then we had a 30 minute lecture by the pool about the history of Crete. I really love Diamant because he makes everything interesting and laid back so you don't feel like you're doing work. We just have papers to write so you don't have to worry about missing answers or taking notes, you just soak up the knowledge. I work a lot better this way so I really like it. I'm really excited tonight because there is a German tour group coming through and they ordered traditional Creten dancers and music for tonight! We're heading to dinner soon and then back to the hotel to enjoy the show!

First Day in Crete!

Hello! My internet access will be spotty the next week so my blogs could come sporadically!
When we went to CYA to meet the bus we found out the other boy in our class arrived. And that he’s in his 50’s…it’s really awkward honestly. None of us know what to say to him and he always goes off on his own. We know he’s married but that’s about it. He asks the professor a lot of questions but won’t always be where we’re supposed to. It’s just so weird and I know our professor feel’s weird about being in charge of something his own age.
We left for the ferry from CYA at 7:00, got there at 7:15 and the ferry didn’t leave until 9:00…I’ve already noticed that our professor is very bad at estimating time. He has said things are two hours away and it’s only one hour and things like that. So we all decided to meet at the bar for a drink and we sat and talked before we took off. We watched a little of the World Cup game too, Greece was playing Argentina and lost.
We got an actual overnight room with four bunk beds; it was me, my roommate Justine, Nancy Thomas from UNC and Ann Marie Maly from University of Cincinnati. We had met them before and they’re really nice so it worked out well. The ferry ride wasn’t too bad except twice during the night we were all woken up by all the shaking, it had felt like we hit something! So naturally we didn’t sleep well and had to meet for breakfast at 6:30 am. These Greeks really know how to carbo load, we had two pieces of pound cake, two rolls, and one hardboiled egg. I ate it all because I knew I had to be cheap for lunch and I wasn’t hungry until 12 when we ate! This is going to be my strategy: eat as many carbs that the hotel offers for breakfast, grab one for lunch and just buy a cheap snack, and then eat a big dinner!
We went straight from the ferry to the bus for Knossos and got there a little bit before the opening time, 8:00. I’m glad we did because right at about 9:00 there were hundreds of people there! We were the first ones inside so got to see a lot of stuff without the crowds. It was cool but didn’t hold my attention too long. It was the first European city so a lot of the stuff is very archaic looking which I don’t find as pretty. But the frescoes they restored were very pretty.
There’s a big debate about the restoration at Knossos that apparently is very heated. The man who discovered Knossos, Arthur Evans, did tons of restoration in order to preserve some sense of what the city looked like. They’ve recently found out however that most of his ideas and explanations were wrong and things were restored incorrectly. I do think it’s important to have at least one city fully restored just as an example and for the rest of the sites you can use your imagination. On a sad note, Nancy fell and rolled her ankle while we were there. I feel really bad because it was our first real day of class!
After we were finished we went into Heraklion, the port on Crete and had lunch and walked around a bit. While we were sitting at lunch (I got Greek yogurt with honey and strawberries, bananas, and apples, yum!) we actually spotted a boy from our last class walking around so he joined us.Then we went into the museum to see some of the artifacts from the site we were at earlier. It was a small museum, luckily, we were all so tired.
We drove about an hour to our hotel in the small village of Zaros, it’s so cute! It actually is surrounded by mountains and has a bunch of great fresh water springs that a big bottling company uses. It ‘s a cute room and has a pool and there are so many pretty flowers everywhere! There are also orange trees scattered around outside. I’m rooming in a double with Lindsey from Princeton. She’s one of the first girls we met and she’s already been over to our apartment twice and she’s really nice.
Tonight we’re going to a tavern next to our hotel to have some authentic Creten food. I’m excited! I have a feeling there are going to be odd dishes like octopus involved…we’ll see.

First Day of New Class

Here's a picture of my whole class last session in Delphi. This is the picture we printed on the card we gave to Nicola, our teacher.

Well yesterday at orientation we met a bunch of the girls in our class and most of the ones we met I really like. Registration was the same as last time but we met our teacher this time. He's interesting I can't really get a read on him. I know that he lives in Greece at least part of the year, has a son name Alexi but is no longer married or never was, he's from Indiana, and I don't think he's fluent in Greek. He seems sort of hardcore.

Our schedule is much more packed than last session which I'm worried about but I don't think the start times are as early which is good. He's strict on being on time, has told us not to dress like "trashy tourists", yelled at people for eating bakery items in class, and we have to do three papers. One is due the last day and the other two are due 45 days after we return home. I don't really understand that concept at all. He's funny but our three hour lecture this morning was pretty boring.

After orientation we went home and cooked some pasta for dinner before one girl from our new class, Lindsey from Princeton came over. Andrew, the boy who's working here this summer also came. It was really fun! We just hung out at our apartment and got to know each other. We attempted to go to our favorite bar but it was closed for the first time since we've been here haha.

This morning we had a 2 and a half hour lecture with a 20 minute break just about historical background. I was pretty bored and tired so it wasn't pleasant. Then we had lunch and went to Syntagma sqaure to pick up our ferry tickets from Crete to Santornini. We leave tonight at 7pm for the ferry ride to Crete which is over night. We stay there until Sunday night and then we're in Santorini until Tuesday night. I'm bringing my computer so I will still be in contact! I'm very excited but a little nervous about sleeping on the ferry, I'm hoping I'll be real tired so I can fall asleep right away. More tomorrow!

New Home!

This is a picture of us Friday night: myself, Dora, Heather, and Bette.

Well it was very sad saying goodbye to everyone! I was the last to leave Lyssipou 4 yesterday and it was very lonely. I made the usual 5 minute walk to my new place alone with my two suitcases and two purses alone in the heat...it was terrible. It took at least 15 minutes and my forearms were numb by the time I was done. But the new place is cute, I'll try and take pictures tonight!

My new roommate Justine, her old roommate Kate, and their friend who has an internship here Andrew and I all just hung out and talked for a couple of hours before dinner. We waited for the two Sams to get back from Cyprus before we went out to eat. Where we ended up eating was so cute! The man was very nice and spoke good English and gave us the "College Special" for 10 euros. It was so delicious and there was so much food! We had tzatziki, spring rolls, saganaki, meatballs and french fries, lamb, fried zuchinni balls, and melon. We were so full!

Then we just hung out before going to bed. Two of the girls, Sam and Kate from my last class had to leave here at 5am to catch their ferry to Paros where their next class is. So now we're all settled in here! It is Justine, Samantha, and Katie who go to Michigan, Anita who goes to UPenn and myself. I'm sharing a room with Katie and my bed is better this time and doesn't squeak!

This morning we slept in and went over to CYA to do laundry and get our new packets. Tonight at 5:30 we have orientation and we already have lecture at 6:30...I'm worried about that. We leave for Crete tomorrow for 5 days and then Santorini for 2, I'm so excited, they're both supposed to be beautiful. Unfortunately we're taking the overnight ferry to Crete so that should be interesting.

Have to go get ready, talk later!

Beach and Night with the Rubins

Hello! I didn't get a chance to write yesterday, it was pretty busy and by the end
I was just too tired. This is a picture of us Friday night, Dora, Sarah, myself and Heather at a bar we go to, Mao.

Friday night we all hung out in our apartment for a bit, walked around, then headed to my new apartment to hang out with those girls. We stayed there a while and then walked around to find food. We ended up staying there until almost 2 am haha.

Yesterday morning we attempted to go to Lake Vouliagmeni about an hour away but we ended up just going to a beach in the same town. We had to take an hour bus ride there and it was horrible. It was a regular city bus PACKED with people. We were standing the whole time practicaly touching the other people, I couldn't believe they let that many people on the bus. It was hot and smelly and I could not feel any air. I hadn't had that much to eat that morning and I was facing the window so I could see everything whoshing by. I felt very faint and lightheaded and somehow like I was going to get sick. After we got to our stop we ate lunch in the shade outside and I drank about 1 liter of water. I felt much better after that.

The beach was beautiful! They had a snack bar too so it was very clean and everything. There were quite a few people there and a lot of them were playing what seemed to be a form of pickle ball. You have a paddle that looks like a ping pong paddle but bigger and wooden and you hit a tennis ball back and forth but there's no net. They were playing it everywhere and we almost got hit a couple of times. They even had a lifeguard there so that was nice. Again, the water was crystal clear and wasn't even that salty!

When we got back I was alone in the apartment for the first time! Heather and Kelly had already left and Dora and Heather were exploring. Bette was with her parents. It was so strange but actually nice since I've barely had any time alone since being here haha.

When Bette came back she invited me to her parents hotel, The Intercontinental. It was beautiful! It was so strange again seeing the American tourist side of Greece, I didn't even feel like I was in Athens while we were there. We went to the club lounge and had appetizers and looked at the great view of the Acropolis. Then we explored the hotel a little before we went for dinner.

We ate at this great little taverna in Plaka and the food was delicious! It was mostly outside but sat inside but there was no doors so it was like we were outside. We sat next to two Orthodox Priests which was really cool. I don't know how they can wear those long black robes and hats when it's this hot! Bette and I ordered the best Greek food for her parents to try: tsatsiki, saganaki, fried zuchinni balls, chicken slouvaki, meatballs, stuffed zuchinnis, mousakka, and greek yogurt with honey and walnuts for dessert. It was so great and I know they really enjoyed it.

Then we took a taxi and they dropped me off before heading back to the hotel. It was so strange saying goodbye to Bette because I've been with her every minute since May 22 at 5:00 pm...I'll miss her but we have facebook and stuff. She's staying in Athens until Monday morning and then they are going to Crete and Santorini before heading home. I will be in Crete when she is with my new class so we're hoping to meet up! After she gets home she is going to Massachucetts to intern on a whale-watching boat!

Heather's flight was at 4:00 yesterday so we wanted to spend some time together before she left. We sat at a cafe and ordered ice cream, then moved on to another one and got crepes. It was strange seeing her go, now it's just Dora and I! We're just going to walk around today and I'll move into my new apartment tonight!

Love and miss you all and happy father's day!

Last Day in Lyssipou 4 :(

I added a picture of me in front of our apartment, today is our last day in Lyssipou 4! So sad.

Last night we decided to go to McDonald's instead of cook haha and it was actually very good! The burger was sweeter but the fries were amazing, I think they are cooked in olive oil. Also their medium Diet Coke is our small...After dinner we walked around for a bit and on our way home we saw a demonstration in the streets! It was so cool. It was completely peaceful, but there were thousands of Greeks, young and old, marching with banners and singing. I totally understand why they do it, it truly is their greatest right and they hold it very dearly. I felt like I was part of it even though I was just standing on the streets. The passion was in the air, they are trying! Even though I don't see a solution...Also the metro has been on strike for 2 days and will probably still be on strike until Tuesday, we'll see how that goes.

This morning was our final and I think I did well! It only took me 40 minutes so then we went back and packed up. I packed one bag with everything I'll need until tomorrow afternoon when I move into my new apartment. Then we had a farewell lunch at CYA which they catered in and it was very special. Our teachers stood up and gave little speeches about how they felt about us, it was very touching! I'm feeling weird because I'm done in a way but I still have another class. It was sad saying goodbye to people today and two of my roommates leave tomorrow so that will be sad. But we could meet again!

Last Day of Class

Last day today! Weird feelings going on. A lot of people are going home Saturday or soon so I sort of feel like I'm going to as well. Then I remember I have another month! I'm so excited for this next class but am a little nervous about moving and meeting the other girls in our class (16 girls...ALL girls). I miss certain things about home like ice water, large public bathrooms, people not trying to run me over everytime I try and cross the street, diet coke, stray dogs, etc. And obviously all of you! But I absolutely LOVE athens. And all of Greece, really. And I'm very excited to see more of it like Crete and Santorini. So it's like bittersweet. I will miss my apartment and my roommates a lot but my next ones are great too! It's closer to CYA and has a better bathroom. And I already know the girls I will be living with. They are both Sams and Justine from Michigan and Kate from Indiana. I think we will have a lot of fun together!

Today we met at the Agora and I did my presentation on the Roman influence on the Agora, it went well. We talked more about that and then walked to Hadrian's library. It was huge! Hadrian was this Roman Emperor that had two great loves: 1) Athens and 2) Himself. He basically thought he was this huge deal and even declared himself an eponymous hero. He built some beautiful buildings like the library, the city gates, and my favorite monument here in Athens, Temple of the Olympian Zeus. That's what I'm standing in front of in the picture, it is absolutely beautiful! And huge.

We ate lunch, went to siesta for an hour and then we had a review session for our final exam. I know about everything and I don't think it will be too bad. I'm going to stay in and study tonight though. We're cooking our last Lyssipou 4 dinner tonight :( but it will be fun. Our final tomorrow is at 10-1130 and then we have a going away taverna lunch CYA is treating us to. Then I move into my new room! Saturday we're going to a lake about an hour away with beautiful beaches and springs that are supposedly healing.

Miss you all! It got up to 95 today and 100 yesterday...feels like Texas weather!

Living the Life

Hello!
Yesterday was a busy day, I didn't have much time to write! Yesterday we went into Piraeus, a port about 20 minutes away by metro. We did some walking around and stopped at the museum for a bit. We then went to the ruins of the Wall of Athens and sat under the shade of a highway. When we were through we did some shopping and sat at a cafe and our lunches. Kelly's parents still had their hotel so we took advantage of their pool again, it was so nice.

At 6, it was still 90 degrees, we went to the theatre of Dionysus on the south slope of the Acropolis and read through the ancient comedy, Lysistrata. It was so cool! It was pretty hot but it was so amazing reading this piece of art in the original place it was designed for. I'm not a huge theatre fan but it was very entertaining and fun to do, our class really bonded over it. I loved sitting there and imagining the people who sat where I was sitting. They lived so long ago in such a different world but they were really just like me. They had fears, hopes, dreams, they had people they loved and people they were hurt by. If I just closed my eyes and felt the sun on my skin and felt the hot breeze I felt like I could really see them...or it was heatstroke...

We took Nicola (our professor) out to dinner at a taverna as a thank you for her being such an amazing teacher. I can tell she really loves us! She ordered for us and everything was so delicious. Tsatsiki, feta cheese, Greek salad, fava spread, french fries with chicken and cheese filled beef, and watermelon for dessert. And of course, all the wine we wanted. We made her a card with a picture she took of all of us at Delphi and we all signed it with messages. She was so touched! I could tell she really loves teaching us and she said we were her best group :)

People started to leave little by little until it was myself, Bette, Anita, both Sams, Justine, and Nicola. We asked her more about her life (found out her Egyptian husband left her when she was a month pregnant with their second child, rude!)and we asked her some questions about the class and people at CYA. It was really great talking to your teacher like a friend, I could tell she really enjoyed herself. After she left us girls stuck around for another half hour before going back to their apartment and then going out.

This morning we went to the National Archeological Museum (the bane of my existance) and then to the Numismatic museum that is Henrich Schliemann's house (the guy who discovered Myceanae and the mask of Agamemmnon). It was so beautiful and huge! He had pretty gaudy taste if you ask me but I guess when you're a millionaire you get a little gaudy.

We did a little more walking around then went back to lunch and then had a siesta. I went to CYA to do laundry and somehow the detergent didn't release so I had to start it again. In the meantime I worked on my presentation for tomorrow on the Agora during the Roman period. I can't believe we're done Friday! It's so crazy. I'm going to miss so many people and my little Lyssipou 4 apartment :(

I decided not to go to Istanbul and Cairo. It was a tough decision but I prayed about it and I'm sure I made the right decision. It had a lot to do with money unfortunately, I just don't think it's responsible to spend over a thousand dollars in a week. But I'm ok with it. Thanks for your support!

Just to give you an idea of my life here, it is currently 6:02 pm and 91 degrees...