As the semester boils down I am more and more antsy to return home. When I embarked on this journay over a year ago (that is when i decided to come) I had no idea what would happen or how I would change. I had no idea, how much fun I would have and how many experiences I could cross of my to-do list.
My very close teacher Nikos (he is my ancient Greek teacher) has been telling me every class about how much I have changed and grown. How "Greek" I have become ... he just laughs when he compares the girl that he met in September. I am glad that my growth is visible, but it makes me nervous about how well I will fit back in at home. I will have to reacquint myself with people, we all have changed and grown ... it is what happens over a 9 month time period. Will my freinds and family think that my changes are for the best or worst ... ? Before I was always early, heaven forbid I was ontime, because someone else's watch could be fast and then I would be late (but not really?). I still show up early but it is for myself now ... like to use the internet ... otherwise I show up on time. I have even been late a couple of time!!!
My friends and I always joke about how our standards have significantly lowered since we arrived ... so true! Never would I shower or sleep in have the places I have ... but will that make things awkward when I get back and dont care about that stuff .. will it make other people uncomfortable?
OR, what about my church family? I have been surrounded by liberals for nearly 9 months, I have had the comfort of few conservatives ... I know that my views have relaxed. I am ok with that, will they be able to accept that?
I enjoy who I am. Quiet, fun, slightly more reserved than normal...
When I came here, i was coming to a lot of unknowns. It is funny because now I am going home to many unknowns. I remember it was hard when I came home for Christmas break last year, it was weird to see my family in a groove that didnt involve me in everyday life. It will be even more exaggerated now, I havent been home in nearly 9 months... what changes will have taken places? Changes that they didnt notice but will be a huge deal for me? Another unknown is Michael, we left never having been apart for more than a few weeks at a time, and have been forced into a long distance relationship .. how easy will it be for us to convert back to normal distance relationship? I welcome being able to see him - I miss him like a crazy - but at the same time ... it is almost scary.
Three weeks, so much time to absorb the last bits of Athens. Not to mention I am spending a few days in Rome. I am so excited. I have so many plans, so many things to do, people to see. I will finish this strong, the way that it is supposed to be. And then I will be welcomed home with open arms.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Check It Out
I entered a scholarship contest where you blog about your trips.
http://www.travelbigo.com/contents/16605-Spring-Break-on-Greek-Islands/preview
Keep your fingers crossed! :)
http://www.travelbigo.com/contents/16605-Spring-Break-on-Greek-Islands/preview
Keep your fingers crossed! :)
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Visiting the Poet Sandal Maker
The "cool" thing to do when you come to Athens is go to the Poet Sandal maker. I finally went to see him on Saturday afternoon. :D
It is a cool thing to do because he makes the shoes and then customizes them to your feet in the store.
(Shoes were hanging everwhere, from every surface!)
I walking in and looked at all the designs available. I choose Doric style, as you can see it is a piece of leaver that goes over my toes and then the arch. They are so comfortable ... one of the most confortable shoes I think I own!
It is a cool thing to do because he makes the shoes and then customizes them to your feet in the store.
(The shop window.)
(Shoes were hanging everwhere, from every surface!)
I walking in and looked at all the designs available. I choose Doric style, as you can see it is a piece of leaver that goes over my toes and then the arch. They are so comfortable ... one of the most confortable shoes I think I own!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Mount Hymettos Dig Site
Going to my Athens On Site teacher Stravros's archaeological site started off as just an extra credit project, but it turned into being out final and a written letter of reccommendation.
We (Maria, Liz, Stavros and I) met outside the Arcadian center at 10:00am for our hike up the mountian to his find. We took a short taxi ride to the base of the mountain and then began the ascent. It was a warm morning ... I wasnt sure if I was going to make it up ... and we were hiking on a partly shaded path.
After reaching a dead-end on the path, we took a small path through itchy and pokey plants we ended up in a largest of the Roman quarries...
You can tell that you are passing a quarry because you will see something that look like this ... Mt Hymettos is known for it blue-ish marble.
After resting in the shade of the quarry, we set out again on a path that Stavros had marked with red paint. It had even more itchy and pokey plants ... but we finally came to the "Dragon's Cave". It is called the Dragon's Cave because of the size of the giant rocks. It is a megalithic structure, built right onto the side of the mountain. It was so cool. Inside he had found a transportable alter.
(The view through the main doorway. )
We (Maria, Liz, Stavros and I) met outside the Arcadian center at 10:00am for our hike up the mountian to his find. We took a short taxi ride to the base of the mountain and then began the ascent. It was a warm morning ... I wasnt sure if I was going to make it up ... and we were hiking on a partly shaded path.
After reaching a dead-end on the path, we took a small path through itchy and pokey plants we ended up in a largest of the Roman quarries...
You can tell that you are passing a quarry because you will see something that look like this ... Mt Hymettos is known for it blue-ish marble.
After resting in the shade of the quarry, we set out again on a path that Stavros had marked with red paint. It had even more itchy and pokey plants ... but we finally came to the "Dragon's Cave". It is called the Dragon's Cave because of the size of the giant rocks. It is a megalithic structure, built right onto the side of the mountain. It was so cool. Inside he had found a transportable alter.
(The roof of the structure with the peak of Hymettos in the background ... sorry, I just noticed it is sideways.)
(The view through the main doorway. )
Stavros is not sure exactly when the structure was built. There are two theories ... the first is that it is pre-historic from when tribes used to live on the Mountain. The second (and the one that Stavros believes) is that it is from 480-460 BC when Persian were enslaved by the Greeks and put to work in the quarries for Perikles projects.
Stavros also found two more, but they are only remains. After WWII, during the revolution the Communists hid on Hymettos. The Britts bombed it and the two building were probably destroyed then, he thinks this because he found metal shards that are remains of a bomb.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Santorini
Santorini ... it is the first image that most think of when we hear the about Greece. The white cycladic houses with blue shutters and doors. The white churches with the blue domes and primary color stained glass windows. While there IS so much more to Greece Santorini does have a great amount of beauty to inspire.
Emily and I embarked on our adventure friday morning ... and after the nearly 8 hour ferry ride we finally arrived to Santorini. After hearing some unsettline news from our beloved roommates (who were staying in Athens) we were whisked off by our unhospitable pension owner to Kateralos, a small town about a half hours walk from the main town Fira. (Although when we booked the pension we were under the impression that it was on 10 minutes walk.) Although our pension WAS ONLY 20 euro a night (10 euro a person -- cheap for anyways especially Santorini) we were disappointed with the room. The bathroom was grimey and the shower didnt drain right ... the floor was always wet. It was a serve yourself pension to say the least.
The first night we decided to test the public transportation to see if we would need to rent a car. So we headed over to Oia to watch the famous sunset. The town was very pretty and picturesque - the sunset was disappointing the clouds blocked everything. We caught the last bus back to Fira and ate dinner. Then started the long journey back to the pension... but we hadnt actually walked into Fira from the main road so we walked out of Fira on the wrong road. We were completely lost in the middle of no where along a highway, in the pitch dark. It was terrifying. All we could think about were the terrible stories we had read in Cosmo about girls being abducted, raped and killed in this situation. Needless to say we fueled our own terror. Finally we got home ... took our disgusting shower - the kind where you feel like you need to take another one because you took a shower.
Saurday we had planned on getting up early but that didnt happen. We caught the bus to Kamari to go and see ancient Thira. We arrive to find out that the only way up was to walk up and our book told us it was a 5 hour round trip hike ... so we decided to take the different route. A local guy told us about a church that was about half way up the mountain, behind the church was a cave that had a nartural spring. He said that it would be fun and easy - but really who should trust the Greek when they say "easy". we climbed up the gravel path to the church, it took about 45 minutes but it was just after noon and the sun was hot and the air humid. We were the only ones on the path (and the side of the mountain), Emily said "its so hot, lets just take off our shirts" so we did. It was great, the breeze on out backs. We finally made it to the cave, it was so cool and the water was so refreshing. We gathered some water in Emily's water bottle and then headed across the mountain to Ancient Thira. We arrive to ancient Thira hot and sweaty (after redressing) we entered and took in the amazing sight. The town was amazing and the view beyonf words. We looked over the cliff side onto the black shore.
We only hiked for like 3 hours but we were exhuasted, we hadnt planned on doing that much hiking and hadnt brought too much water (half liter each). We spent the rest of the day recovering in our beds. Later for dinner we had the most delicious Chicken soup ... really it was beyond words.
Sunday, we rested on the beach. We lotioned up and layed out. But we still were burned. the back of my legs are a nice pink (trust me the 8 hours on the ferry back was no fun). And then went to explore more around Fira.
Monday out ferry was leaving in the early afternoon. We packed up our stuff and then explored the country side a little. It had rained in the morning but within a half hour of stopping the sun was out and if I hadnt known it rained I would have never guessed.
Emily and I embarked on our adventure friday morning ... and after the nearly 8 hour ferry ride we finally arrived to Santorini. After hearing some unsettline news from our beloved roommates (who were staying in Athens) we were whisked off by our unhospitable pension owner to Kateralos, a small town about a half hours walk from the main town Fira. (Although when we booked the pension we were under the impression that it was on 10 minutes walk.) Although our pension WAS ONLY 20 euro a night (10 euro a person -- cheap for anyways especially Santorini) we were disappointed with the room. The bathroom was grimey and the shower didnt drain right ... the floor was always wet. It was a serve yourself pension to say the least.
The first night we decided to test the public transportation to see if we would need to rent a car. So we headed over to Oia to watch the famous sunset. The town was very pretty and picturesque - the sunset was disappointing the clouds blocked everything. We caught the last bus back to Fira and ate dinner. Then started the long journey back to the pension... but we hadnt actually walked into Fira from the main road so we walked out of Fira on the wrong road. We were completely lost in the middle of no where along a highway, in the pitch dark. It was terrifying. All we could think about were the terrible stories we had read in Cosmo about girls being abducted, raped and killed in this situation. Needless to say we fueled our own terror. Finally we got home ... took our disgusting shower - the kind where you feel like you need to take another one because you took a shower.
Saurday we had planned on getting up early but that didnt happen. We caught the bus to Kamari to go and see ancient Thira. We arrive to find out that the only way up was to walk up and our book told us it was a 5 hour round trip hike ... so we decided to take the different route. A local guy told us about a church that was about half way up the mountain, behind the church was a cave that had a nartural spring. He said that it would be fun and easy - but really who should trust the Greek when they say "easy". we climbed up the gravel path to the church, it took about 45 minutes but it was just after noon and the sun was hot and the air humid. We were the only ones on the path (and the side of the mountain), Emily said "its so hot, lets just take off our shirts" so we did. It was great, the breeze on out backs. We finally made it to the cave, it was so cool and the water was so refreshing. We gathered some water in Emily's water bottle and then headed across the mountain to Ancient Thira. We arrive to ancient Thira hot and sweaty (after redressing) we entered and took in the amazing sight. The town was amazing and the view beyonf words. We looked over the cliff side onto the black shore.
We only hiked for like 3 hours but we were exhuasted, we hadnt planned on doing that much hiking and hadnt brought too much water (half liter each). We spent the rest of the day recovering in our beds. Later for dinner we had the most delicious Chicken soup ... really it was beyond words.
Sunday, we rested on the beach. We lotioned up and layed out. But we still were burned. the back of my legs are a nice pink (trust me the 8 hours on the ferry back was no fun). And then went to explore more around Fira.
Monday out ferry was leaving in the early afternoon. We packed up our stuff and then explored the country side a little. It had rained in the morning but within a half hour of stopping the sun was out and if I hadnt known it rained I would have never guessed.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Parliament Visit
As we were sitting outside the Parliament building we were nearly "marched" over by the gaurds. Eleni (our teacher) jumped out of the way last minute.
We took a small tour through the galleries of the building. Then we went to a smaller version of where Parliament meets. Paul, Emily and I sat in the communist section ... which I thought fitting since Paul and I are "members" of the party. (Paul is a member of the Italian Communist Party and I am of the Greek Party.)
This was a picture in the gallery. I loved the Turkish - Bristish clothing ... it was from the Turkish occupation.
We took a small tour through the galleries of the building. Then we went to a smaller version of where Parliament meets. Paul, Emily and I sat in the communist section ... which I thought fitting since Paul and I are "members" of the party. (Paul is a member of the Italian Communist Party and I am of the Greek Party.)
This was a picture in the gallery. I loved the Turkish - Bristish clothing ... it was from the Turkish occupation.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Panathenaikos Championship Game
For the Greek Championship Game, Panatheniakos needed one point to win and had two games left to win - they the victory was in hand without doubt. Theo, Danis, Emily, Suzy Ben and I went to the game together.
As we entered the stadium, is sounded like we were entering a war zone. Fireworks, flares, smoke bombs were going off like crazy, the Greeks were celebrating the emmient victory.
The game started off great withing the first couple minuntes, Panathenaikos scored a goal. The crowd went wild - the team songs played the chants flowed back and forth across the stadium. The fireworks and flares were lite and thown into the field. A thick haze covered the field, so much that we didnt even realize at first that they started playing again.
Panatheniakos scored a second goal just before the end of the first half. Second half nothing happened on the field ... but throughout the entire second half security began to surround the field waiting for the end of the game. At the end - the crowd rushed the field - security close behind. The congregated on the field and celebrated.
Emily, Suzy and I bought knock-off jerseys. Go Panathenaikos!
As we entered the stadium, is sounded like we were entering a war zone. Fireworks, flares, smoke bombs were going off like crazy, the Greeks were celebrating the emmient victory.
The game started off great withing the first couple minuntes, Panathenaikos scored a goal. The crowd went wild - the team songs played the chants flowed back and forth across the stadium. The fireworks and flares were lite and thown into the field. A thick haze covered the field, so much that we didnt even realize at first that they started playing again.
Panatheniakos scored a second goal just before the end of the first half. Second half nothing happened on the field ... but throughout the entire second half security began to surround the field waiting for the end of the game. At the end - the crowd rushed the field - security close behind. The congregated on the field and celebrated.
Emily, Suzy and I bought knock-off jerseys. Go Panathenaikos!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
