My Courses

"Modern Greek" (language)

"The Orthodox Church"
(this one I just switched; was originally taking Ancient Greek Mythology and Religion, which would have been great, but I'm more interested in Christian theology)

"The Monuments of Greece in their Historical & Archaeological Significance"

"Gender and Sexuality in Modern Greek Culture"

So, hopefully I will know much more about this place in a couple of months. After 5 days of Modern Greek class, I can at least pronounce any word you put in front of me. I don't know what most of them mean, but I feel sort of accomplished nonetheless.

In other news, tonight I will be taking my second Greek dance class. It was a lot of fun last week, and a great workout too.

FOOD

I have been here less than a week, but I already have several new favorite foods.

Tzatziki - can't begin a meal without it!

Chocolate Croissants - there are bakeries everywhere you look, and the pastries/bread are delicious and inexpensive. On Thursday morning, I asked a woman what I should eat for breakfast, and she insisted on the chocolate croissant. I didn't put up a fight. I might look like a pastry when I come home.

Gyros - I already have a favorite place. It's a short walk from our apartment, and has a great outdoor patio. They taste out-of-this-world, especially with a bottle of Mythos, the Greek-brewed beer.

Burgers - they don't come with buns here, but either zuchini or dill are mixed in with the meat... topped off with some lemon juice, they make my taste buds very happy.

More later... I might have to make "favorite foods" a running column as I discover new treats.

Grocery shopping is quite the experience when you don't have a clue what the labels say. I shop by pictures, which isn't always reliable. I did manage to get milk (cow picture), but others have not been so lucky, ending up with condensed milk or yogurt. My roommate bought a container with a picture of corn on the label, but - surprise! - chocolate pudding.

Pencils and Armored Vehicles

(written 1/24)

Today is our last day before classes begin. As it turns out, we can't just enjoy the scenery all semester - time to do a little work.

Three roommates and I ventured out to find school supplies today. As we got closer to the Parliament building, the numbers of policemen on the streets increased. Some areas were taped off - we were confused, but kept on our way.

...More police, now with shields; several armored buses. We continue on.

Awhile later when we were roaming, we heard booming voices coming from the main road, so we curiously went back to check it out. There were swarms of Greek student protestors. We couldn't read their signs and banners, so I asked a friendly officer nearby what was happening. All I understood was something about Public/Private Universities and a change that is happening soon. I remember hearing that in Greece, private institutions are not recognized. Anyway, the dense crowd of students went on for blocks - further than I could see. We stared in amazement, but were warned to keep back.

And then I bought notebooks.

Really, though, it made me think about American students. Tuition rises, and we stand by and let it happen. I was intrigued and inspired by this massive, unified group. At home we don't even demand our lunch money back (Gustavus students know what I mean). I mentioned this thought to a fellow CYA student, who seemed to think U.S. students weren't as apathetic as I imagine. She goes to USC - perhaps a different story.

And then I walked to the Acropolis.

Prepare for Departure...

(written on 1/23)

Motion sickness happens. I was just hoping it wouldn't happen before I got on the plane. On a bumpy "Super Shuttle" ride to the JFK airport in New York, I was hoping I would make it at least until the driver dropped me off at the curb. We approached terminal 7, where he would leave me, and I suddenly felt emotional - I was really leaving for Greece. The tears fell, and my lunch came up. It wasn't how I'd hoped my trip would start. I guess I'm just glad I left the country, where Super Shuttle can't find me for the clean-up fee.

Despite the rough start, my flights from NYC-Madrid and Madrid-Athens went smoothly. Dramamine prevented any further motion sickness and helped me sleep. Any anxieties I had about the trip melted away as the plane flew over Greece - the topography is spectacular! I was relieved when we touched down; the traveling part was over. I was greeted by a College Year in Athens staff member, who directed me to a cab that would take me to my apartment.

The apartment is small, but big enough to fit me and 4 other students. My roommates are very nice, and our first outing together was to a nearby restaurant. We ate tsatziki and fresh fish in an oil-dill sauce for appetizers. We stopped on our way home for a bottle of red wine. Unfortunately, it tasted as cheap as it cost. Sipping it on our balcony with my roommates was enjoyable, though.

Today has been spent getting class materials, checking in, etc. I'm hoping to do some exploring in a bit, but haven't quite figured out the bus system. It would help if I could read signs. I'm currently on the third floor of the CYA Academic Center, which has a perfect view of the Parthenon. Am I dreaming?