You may be wondering why I haven't posted in ages. Or you may not.
I have---
To study for:
1 Final Exam in Art History
1 Final Exam in Contemporary Greece
Write:
7-10 pages on Politics in Greek Art
Visit:
2 Museums -Byzantine and the New Acropolis
Do:
Last minute shopping.
Pack:
All my crap.
In 48 hours.
Ready.
Set.
Go.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
7/1 Sorry
I'm so bad with posting. Internet hates me here.
I'm headed to Santorini for four days!! Don't expect anything til Monday. And yes, Santorini is where Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants was filmed.
Love you all and wish you all were here with me! <3
I'm headed to Santorini for four days!! Don't expect anything til Monday. And yes, Santorini is where Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants was filmed.
Love you all and wish you all were here with me! <3
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
6/30 Too much
Plaka can be so overwhelming at times. We wandered in today to get some last minute souvenirs. Of course, when I say we were getting souvenirs, I mean we were distracted by the jewelry stores. And by we, I mean some of the girls... I was perfectly happy just eating my gelatto. We were warmly welcomed into this one store... maybe a bit too warmly?
Walking in, we initially were just talking to the owner of the store. Lexi wanted to find a bracelet with an evil eye and a cross with white saphires set in. Immediately they promised they could custom make one for her. We just had to wait for the designer.
So we waited. And waited.
......
And waited.
......
No, no, just wait.
Meanwhile we were introduced to the owner's brother and his son. Let's call the owner's son "Uncle" Gah. Talk about awkward situations. He immediately set about asking for our ages. Going down the line... 20? 21? ....18? 18? Perfectttt~ What?! Liza and I were immediately pulled up from the rest of the group and we were seated next to the son. I was literally pulled by my arm even though I tried to push the uncle away. The son looked wicked embarassed. Sitting awkwardly there, I couldn't even say "hi". Not because I was shy, but because I had a mouth full of gelatto.
Uncle: "Talk to him. I'm sure he will like you"... "Jerry, you think she's cute right?"
Me: "..... *silence: ice cream in mouth*....."
Liza: *runs back to where she was sitting*
Me: *thinking "crap, you ditcher"*
Jerry (son): "Hi?"
Me: *thinking "wtf"* Hi....
Uncle: "Isn't she so cute?"
Me & Jerry: *both thinking: wtfffffff*
I learned more about the son from his uncle than from the son himself. He's a gymnast. 23. Likes to go to clubs. Has a porsche. Apparently that's all I needed to know? Eventually while we were waiting, I decided to at least make use of the situation. I found out important things about greek life....Best club in Athens? Akrotiri. In Greek spell it: AKPOTHPI and a cab can take you there. Jerry told me that it opened Thursday nights, and that he would be there. When I said we might go, he said we would see him there that Thursday. Too bad we're headed to Santorini. Don't get me wrong, Jerry was a cute kid. Maybe kid isn't the word. He's older than me. But... not my type.
Meanwhile, this uncle keeps going back and forth between the group of girls and where Jerry & I were sitting. He keeps pinching my cheek and going "Oh my goodness, you're so cute". What am I? Five years old? Sure I act like it around my friends... but he didn't know me.
He asked us to guess his age, at which time I made a dash towards the group of girls. Lexi guessed 62. To be polite, I guessed 42. Corey guessed 50? Liza refrained. He was 38. Damn we were off. Not only that, but we saw a picture of his wife? ... She's 21. The same age as Lexi. This is when we were all significantly creeped out. A man that looked 62 had a 21 year old wife? He tried to convince us this was normal in Greece. He was NOT 38. I wish I had taken a picture of him so I could prove it. When I looked up, I asked Jerry with my eyes if what his uncle was saying was true... He looked mildly embarassed and nodded yes. Jerry's uncle was dating someone younger than him... How weird would that be for you? If my uncle was dating a girl younger than me? I'd flip.
After waiting a while. And after being creeped out. We made a getaway saying we'd be back in 10 minutes. They had kept us there a good half hour just waiting for the designer. Making a dash we kept going... Liza got her antitragus pierced, I got another cartilage piercing (so now I have two in a row on my left ear), and Corey got her nose pierced. It was a day for spontaneity. It's my last piercing I swear. It was only 10 euros, I couldn't resist. They charged me $40 in the states. Plus, they didn't do it with a needle but with a gun? A click thing. Painless and quick. Could have gotten a tattoo too.... but let's save that for another trip, shall we?
While waiting for Corey and Liza to get their piercings... I started talking to a guy that owns a leather store right across from the piercing place. Interesting guy... About mid 20's, tall, Greek, and had glasses. I have a thing for guys in glasses. He was an East Asian Studies Major at his university. He stayed in Thailand for six months and has traveled to Vietnam and Cambodia. He just got back from Thailand two weeks ago. We talked for a while about traveling and languages. He said Vietnamese was a beautiful language. Brownie points. Plus brownie points for traveling to Southeast Asia. I was impressed.
I told him I would come back next week if I had money left for the purse I had been eyeing. He invited me back to talk to him even if I didn't want to buy the purse though. He said that he knew I would spend all my money in Santorini (and not on the purse) but he wanted to learn more about where I've traveled and my opinion of Greece before I left for the States. It was too bad I was dead tired and wanted to go home, or I would've stayed to talk for a bit longer. He was interesting. I want to pick his brain about Greek politics. I wonder if he knows anything about it.
Dead tired by the time we got back. That's the end.
Walking in, we initially were just talking to the owner of the store. Lexi wanted to find a bracelet with an evil eye and a cross with white saphires set in. Immediately they promised they could custom make one for her. We just had to wait for the designer.
So we waited. And waited.
......
And waited.
......
No, no, just wait.
Meanwhile we were introduced to the owner's brother and his son. Let's call the owner's son "Uncle" Gah. Talk about awkward situations. He immediately set about asking for our ages. Going down the line... 20? 21? ....18? 18? Perfectttt~ What?! Liza and I were immediately pulled up from the rest of the group and we were seated next to the son. I was literally pulled by my arm even though I tried to push the uncle away. The son looked wicked embarassed. Sitting awkwardly there, I couldn't even say "hi". Not because I was shy, but because I had a mouth full of gelatto.
Uncle: "Talk to him. I'm sure he will like you"... "Jerry, you think she's cute right?"
Me: "..... *silence: ice cream in mouth*....."
Liza: *runs back to where she was sitting*
Me: *thinking "crap, you ditcher"*
Jerry (son): "Hi?"
Me: *thinking "wtf"* Hi....
Uncle: "Isn't she so cute?"
Me & Jerry: *both thinking: wtfffffff*
I learned more about the son from his uncle than from the son himself. He's a gymnast. 23. Likes to go to clubs. Has a porsche. Apparently that's all I needed to know? Eventually while we were waiting, I decided to at least make use of the situation. I found out important things about greek life....Best club in Athens? Akrotiri. In Greek spell it: AKPOTHPI and a cab can take you there. Jerry told me that it opened Thursday nights, and that he would be there. When I said we might go, he said we would see him there that Thursday. Too bad we're headed to Santorini. Don't get me wrong, Jerry was a cute kid. Maybe kid isn't the word. He's older than me. But... not my type.
Meanwhile, this uncle keeps going back and forth between the group of girls and where Jerry & I were sitting. He keeps pinching my cheek and going "Oh my goodness, you're so cute". What am I? Five years old? Sure I act like it around my friends... but he didn't know me.
He asked us to guess his age, at which time I made a dash towards the group of girls. Lexi guessed 62. To be polite, I guessed 42. Corey guessed 50? Liza refrained. He was 38. Damn we were off. Not only that, but we saw a picture of his wife? ... She's 21. The same age as Lexi. This is when we were all significantly creeped out. A man that looked 62 had a 21 year old wife? He tried to convince us this was normal in Greece. He was NOT 38. I wish I had taken a picture of him so I could prove it. When I looked up, I asked Jerry with my eyes if what his uncle was saying was true... He looked mildly embarassed and nodded yes. Jerry's uncle was dating someone younger than him... How weird would that be for you? If my uncle was dating a girl younger than me? I'd flip.
After waiting a while. And after being creeped out. We made a getaway saying we'd be back in 10 minutes. They had kept us there a good half hour just waiting for the designer. Making a dash we kept going... Liza got her antitragus pierced, I got another cartilage piercing (so now I have two in a row on my left ear), and Corey got her nose pierced. It was a day for spontaneity. It's my last piercing I swear. It was only 10 euros, I couldn't resist. They charged me $40 in the states. Plus, they didn't do it with a needle but with a gun? A click thing. Painless and quick. Could have gotten a tattoo too.... but let's save that for another trip, shall we?
While waiting for Corey and Liza to get their piercings... I started talking to a guy that owns a leather store right across from the piercing place. Interesting guy... About mid 20's, tall, Greek, and had glasses. I have a thing for guys in glasses. He was an East Asian Studies Major at his university. He stayed in Thailand for six months and has traveled to Vietnam and Cambodia. He just got back from Thailand two weeks ago. We talked for a while about traveling and languages. He said Vietnamese was a beautiful language. Brownie points. Plus brownie points for traveling to Southeast Asia. I was impressed.
I told him I would come back next week if I had money left for the purse I had been eyeing. He invited me back to talk to him even if I didn't want to buy the purse though. He said that he knew I would spend all my money in Santorini (and not on the purse) but he wanted to learn more about where I've traveled and my opinion of Greece before I left for the States. It was too bad I was dead tired and wanted to go home, or I would've stayed to talk for a bit longer. He was interesting. I want to pick his brain about Greek politics. I wonder if he knows anything about it.
Dead tired by the time we got back. That's the end.
Monday, June 29, 2009
6/29 Soundtrack
of many mornings. I thought I would share with you, what I wake up to now.
The music in the background is from the man playing the accordian that I zoom up on towards the end of the video.
Love it? I do.
Class again. Presentations again. Passed in my takehome midterm. In class, I was able to identify some of the artifacts in the powerpoint because I had seen them in the Louvre. My personal favorite? The Venus de Milo. If you're close to me, you probably already know why I love her so much. If not, just ask me sometime if you're a friend.
I can now somewhat identify the time period in which a Greek piece was made (up to the Hellenistic period). I can definitely tell the difference between Hellenistic and Classical pieces. Maybe not practical knowledge, but definitely made me happy. Crazy the things you pick up in classes... If I could I'd spend my entire life learning. Is that a crazy thought? I think if I could, I'd like to be a professor and spend my entire life researching... Hm, I'm not sure that's a normal thought.
Spent most of the day after class reading Greek mythology. I rationalized that I was doing research for my paper... but really, those myths are just addicting. Plus, the fact that I'm reading about Greek myths in Greece? That's pretty cool to me.
All the names of places they mention, some of them no longer exist, but I know what the present day sites are known as. Many stories, you can find two-three depictions of in various sculptures, reliefs, and paintings. Heroes that are glorified in stories? I've met face to bronze face with them. Goddesses and gods? I've also met face to marble face with them. Sometimes I don't know if reading the myths remind me of the sculptures I've seen, or if the sculptures I've seen remind me of the myths I've just read about. I've been to so many museums that it seems like these myths are coming alive. They've permeated.
Connections keep my mind busy. Plus knowing the myths... It's as useful as knowing bible stories in the United States. Not completely necessary (excuse me, I'm Buddhist) but very handy when a politician, a movie, or a book alludes to them. Plus if there's a story to a piece, you can always remember it better, right? Reading myths is a great way to study. This is me rationalizing.
Does art reflect life? Or does life reflect art?
The music in the background is from the man playing the accordian that I zoom up on towards the end of the video.
Love it? I do.
Class again. Presentations again. Passed in my takehome midterm. In class, I was able to identify some of the artifacts in the powerpoint because I had seen them in the Louvre. My personal favorite? The Venus de Milo. If you're close to me, you probably already know why I love her so much. If not, just ask me sometime if you're a friend.
I can now somewhat identify the time period in which a Greek piece was made (up to the Hellenistic period). I can definitely tell the difference between Hellenistic and Classical pieces. Maybe not practical knowledge, but definitely made me happy. Crazy the things you pick up in classes... If I could I'd spend my entire life learning. Is that a crazy thought? I think if I could, I'd like to be a professor and spend my entire life researching... Hm, I'm not sure that's a normal thought.
Spent most of the day after class reading Greek mythology. I rationalized that I was doing research for my paper... but really, those myths are just addicting. Plus, the fact that I'm reading about Greek myths in Greece? That's pretty cool to me.
All the names of places they mention, some of them no longer exist, but I know what the present day sites are known as. Many stories, you can find two-three depictions of in various sculptures, reliefs, and paintings. Heroes that are glorified in stories? I've met face to bronze face with them. Goddesses and gods? I've also met face to marble face with them. Sometimes I don't know if reading the myths remind me of the sculptures I've seen, or if the sculptures I've seen remind me of the myths I've just read about. I've been to so many museums that it seems like these myths are coming alive. They've permeated.
Connections keep my mind busy. Plus knowing the myths... It's as useful as knowing bible stories in the United States. Not completely necessary (excuse me, I'm Buddhist) but very handy when a politician, a movie, or a book alludes to them. Plus if there's a story to a piece, you can always remember it better, right? Reading myths is a great way to study. This is me rationalizing.
Does art reflect life? Or does life reflect art?
Sunday, June 28, 2009
6/28 Tourists
would never travel more than 50 feet to get to a site. Which makes us different from tourists. We're students. And we were dragged. We did not go voluntarily. We would have rather gone to the beach... but I'm glad we were forced to go, or else we would have no idea what we would have missed.
It was the most gorgeous sites I've been to yet. I know I keep saying that, but this time it really is true. The Ramnous site holds not only the Temple of Nemesis, but also a huge citadel right by the sea with a view of the island Euboea? (sp?) Yet again, the citadel had the most gorgeous view. Starting to notice a pattern?
One word to describe it: Breathless.
Two reasons: It was breathtaking and because we had a ways to hike and I was out of breath at the end.
Good point to the day: Professor Leonard kept his lecture short! Woo~ We weren't in the hot boiling sun for that long. It was the one site I wished we could've stayed a little longer though, despite the heat. Other people were really excited to head to the beach, but I wouldn't have minded staying another half hour there. I mean we hiked all the way there, we might as well completely savor it, right? I felt rushed. I'll be back one day though. I hope. Knock on wood.
Yesterday night?
Went to Monastiraki Square again. Had a fun time. Got hit on by Greek guys that could speak French? Walked quickly away with Corey.
I feel like Greek guys think they can spit game, but they really can't. I always have a feeling of disgust when they approach me. I'm pretty sure it's because I always have a gut feeling that they really have no respect for women whatsoever. Maybe because they don't even bother to ask for my name and just ask where my apartment is? Maybe because they don't want a conversation? They blatantly stare and whistle. I'm talking about guys of all ages right now. From 20-50 years old. Ew. They really just don't care though.
Now don't get me wrong. I love meeting new people. But it's just the vibe is all wrong. Don't look at me like that... like... I don't have thoughts. As if I'm easy just because I'm American. Ugh, there I said it. I want to throw up now... But maybe it's guys at all clubs and bars. But really, is asking for my name too much work? And SMILE, don't smirk as if you know me. I'm so aggravated just thinking about it. Fyi, I'm not a self-declared feminist or anything. Just a girl. This is not a rant to all guys, or even just Greek guys. I'm sure there are nice Greek guys. This is a rant to guys that act like... all of the above details. I'm just meeting the wrong Greek guys, I guess.
Walked home because the taxi cab with the other girls were too full. Walking through Greece at night is quite nice once you get away from the hubbub of the bars. Generally most places in Plaka you have a view of the Acropolis lighted up at night. There's little food vendors out at night for the drunkards (I suppose UD's version of DP dough) and random Greek music playing everywhere as you pass the clubs and outdoor weddings. There's always a soft scent of flowers as well. I wonder if Greece always has fragant flowers all year round. Not going to lie though, I walked a little faster by those dark alleys. It's safe, but not that safe. Just like any other city.
It was the most gorgeous sites I've been to yet. I know I keep saying that, but this time it really is true. The Ramnous site holds not only the Temple of Nemesis, but also a huge citadel right by the sea with a view of the island Euboea? (sp?) Yet again, the citadel had the most gorgeous view. Starting to notice a pattern?
One word to describe it: Breathless.
Two reasons: It was breathtaking and because we had a ways to hike and I was out of breath at the end.
Good point to the day: Professor Leonard kept his lecture short! Woo~ We weren't in the hot boiling sun for that long. It was the one site I wished we could've stayed a little longer though, despite the heat. Other people were really excited to head to the beach, but I wouldn't have minded staying another half hour there. I mean we hiked all the way there, we might as well completely savor it, right? I felt rushed. I'll be back one day though. I hope. Knock on wood.
Yesterday night?
Went to Monastiraki Square again. Had a fun time. Got hit on by Greek guys that could speak French? Walked quickly away with Corey.
I feel like Greek guys think they can spit game, but they really can't. I always have a feeling of disgust when they approach me. I'm pretty sure it's because I always have a gut feeling that they really have no respect for women whatsoever. Maybe because they don't even bother to ask for my name and just ask where my apartment is? Maybe because they don't want a conversation? They blatantly stare and whistle. I'm talking about guys of all ages right now. From 20-50 years old. Ew. They really just don't care though.
Now don't get me wrong. I love meeting new people. But it's just the vibe is all wrong. Don't look at me like that... like... I don't have thoughts. As if I'm easy just because I'm American. Ugh, there I said it. I want to throw up now... But maybe it's guys at all clubs and bars. But really, is asking for my name too much work? And SMILE, don't smirk as if you know me. I'm so aggravated just thinking about it. Fyi, I'm not a self-declared feminist or anything. Just a girl. This is not a rant to all guys, or even just Greek guys. I'm sure there are nice Greek guys. This is a rant to guys that act like... all of the above details. I'm just meeting the wrong Greek guys, I guess.
Walked home because the taxi cab with the other girls were too full. Walking through Greece at night is quite nice once you get away from the hubbub of the bars. Generally most places in Plaka you have a view of the Acropolis lighted up at night. There's little food vendors out at night for the drunkards (I suppose UD's version of DP dough) and random Greek music playing everywhere as you pass the clubs and outdoor weddings. There's always a soft scent of flowers as well. I wonder if Greece always has fragant flowers all year round. Not going to lie though, I walked a little faster by those dark alleys. It's safe, but not that safe. Just like any other city.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
6/27 A Day in Ruins...
Now that I've gotten that joke out... Headed to Mycenae today and saw some pretty cool stuff; asian tourists who were wicked fobby, the corinthian canal where I want to go bungee jumping, stray kittens, a kid chasing bubbles around, a stranger taking a picture of us, and a million worry beads all in one tiny store.
Just kidding. I saw some epic scenery while I was at the Mycenae ruins. Remember what I said about how the Greeks MUST have put thought into the view? Of course you don't. Just know that the view always gets better as you're walking up. Which might be the reason why I hike: for the view that is. It's even better hiking here, than in New England though because there are no trees to block your view on the way up... I could do without the heat though.
We could see the ruins on the lower part of the citadel getting smaller as we walked up. The complete view consisted of the ruins laying just a few miles from a nearby town. It was a nice contrast. The new and the old side by side. Makes your head boggle to think of the time difference. Will people be picking apart our buildings 2,000 years from now? What happened to the people there? They just vanished. Every ancient civilization seems to have disappeared at it's peak. Makes me wonder what would happen if we ever reached our full potential... Are we close to reaching our limits? Some historians speculate that there must be a common end for all civilizations (ancient or not). Perhaps plague. Maybe natural disaster. But no one knows for sure what happened in the past...which gives us more to think about in terms of the future. Will the world end in fire or in ice?.... Anyone? Everyone should know that reference. If not, shame on you for sleeping through high school english class.
Best part today? Tholos' Tomb (sp?). Incredible. The stones used to build that place was absolutely ginormous. The lintel block that supports the doorway? Largest chunk of marble I have ever seen in my life. How the hell did they get that up there? And the beehive structure? Amazing.
Someone was on one hell of a power trip when he had that tomb designed. Stories have it that cyclops must've built the tomb. After seeing it, I totally believe it. Cyclops existed guys. I swear. Seeing Grace Circle A was also wicked cool after learning so much about it... but not as much fun to blog about it. Just know that supposedly the Mask of Agamemnon was found here. But Schliemann when he excavated the area might have just planted the mask there. So the mask at the National Archaeological Museum could be fake... but no one is allowed to inspect it, even though you would know immediately under a microscope. Want to bet a dollar on it Kumar?? You have no idea what I'm talking about.
Got lost in Nauplion.
Had the most delicious gelatto at a small place called Antique Gelatto that was run by real Italians. Caramel & Straciatelli. Orgasm. Completely made up for THE most horrible lunch I've ever had in my life. Don't ever eat at Goody's. It's the Greek's version of Burger King and McDonald's but worse. I love a hamburger as much as the next person, but that was not meat.
Ran up and down the theater steps at Epidaurus. Nearly died. My dad's going to kill me for posing with peace signs.
Then nearly fell out of my seat several times as I was trying to nap on the bus. Now I'm home. Oh, sweet home. Is it weird that I consider this place home only after two weeks?
Just kidding. I saw some epic scenery while I was at the Mycenae ruins. Remember what I said about how the Greeks MUST have put thought into the view? Of course you don't. Just know that the view always gets better as you're walking up. Which might be the reason why I hike: for the view that is. It's even better hiking here, than in New England though because there are no trees to block your view on the way up... I could do without the heat though.
We could see the ruins on the lower part of the citadel getting smaller as we walked up. The complete view consisted of the ruins laying just a few miles from a nearby town. It was a nice contrast. The new and the old side by side. Makes your head boggle to think of the time difference. Will people be picking apart our buildings 2,000 years from now? What happened to the people there? They just vanished. Every ancient civilization seems to have disappeared at it's peak. Makes me wonder what would happen if we ever reached our full potential... Are we close to reaching our limits? Some historians speculate that there must be a common end for all civilizations (ancient or not). Perhaps plague. Maybe natural disaster. But no one knows for sure what happened in the past...which gives us more to think about in terms of the future. Will the world end in fire or in ice?.... Anyone? Everyone should know that reference. If not, shame on you for sleeping through high school english class.
Best part today? Tholos' Tomb (sp?). Incredible. The stones used to build that place was absolutely ginormous. The lintel block that supports the doorway? Largest chunk of marble I have ever seen in my life. How the hell did they get that up there? And the beehive structure? Amazing.
Someone was on one hell of a power trip when he had that tomb designed. Stories have it that cyclops must've built the tomb. After seeing it, I totally believe it. Cyclops existed guys. I swear. Seeing Grace Circle A was also wicked cool after learning so much about it... but not as much fun to blog about it. Just know that supposedly the Mask of Agamemnon was found here. But Schliemann when he excavated the area might have just planted the mask there. So the mask at the National Archaeological Museum could be fake... but no one is allowed to inspect it, even though you would know immediately under a microscope. Want to bet a dollar on it Kumar?? You have no idea what I'm talking about.
Got lost in Nauplion.
Had the most delicious gelatto at a small place called Antique Gelatto that was run by real Italians. Caramel & Straciatelli. Orgasm. Completely made up for THE most horrible lunch I've ever had in my life. Don't ever eat at Goody's. It's the Greek's version of Burger King and McDonald's but worse. I love a hamburger as much as the next person, but that was not meat.
Ran up and down the theater steps at Epidaurus. Nearly died. My dad's going to kill me for posing with peace signs.
Then nearly fell out of my seat several times as I was trying to nap on the bus. Now I'm home. Oh, sweet home. Is it weird that I consider this place home only after two weeks?
Friday, June 26, 2009
6/26 Hookaholic
So yesterday night we decided to have a chill hookah night and head to Monastiraki Square. If you ever head to Athens, you can find most of the younger generation here at the bars. I tried warm shots for the first time... have you ever had a shot that was supposed to be warm? It's weird. I was so shocked when I took the first one. I soon found out that it was warm raki with honey in it. It's like drinking honey... combine that with a hookah buzz; I felt like a hummingbird.
Woke up late the next day. Ran to class, and found out our trip was canceled (YAY!). So we decided to make time to head to the farmers' market by Vernava Square... The farmers' market here is like nothing I've ever been to. It was absolutely packed and crazy. There were little vendors lined up on either sides of the veryyyyy long street.
The farmers' market went up and down two hills -- and I'm not talking about Westford hills. I'm talking about San Francisco hills. Everyone and everything seemed like a hum at first. There were a medley of colors and a discordant chorus of shouts. Every farmer was yelling out their prices and attempting to switch back and forth between Greek and English. And it was all SOO good.
Gah. I love fresh fruit so much! I got a kilo of strawberries, another kilo of apricots, and a honey dew melon... all for under five euros. Unbeatable. I couldn't stop smiling. I think my dad would have been ten times more ecstatic. He's the gardener/wannabe farmer in my family... you could always count on him to drag me & my brothers to a botanical garden, out to our garden on Sundays at 7 AM, and to every farmers' market imaginable.
And fireworks are going off right in front of me as I'm typing this on the balcony. It's 11:09 PM, say what?!... They stopped. I'm telling you, this balcony is my favorite spot in all of Greece. Oh wow, the moon is orange right now over the yellow and orange city lights. It's close to setting...Perfect.
Anyways I got off track. The key difference between farmers' markets at home and here, is that there are MOUNTAINS of olives in a lot of stands. By the way, I hate olives. Olives define Greece. It is in soaps, shampoos, saldas, and oils. It is the goddess Athena's present to the city. It is THE product of Athens... and I hate it. It's really too bad. Maybe my taste buds will change in 6-7 years and I'll grow to love it? Maybe I'll have to be pregnant to like it? We'll see. For now, it's up there with bitter melon in terms of yuckiness. Don't think I'm a picky eater though... I eat almost everything (and I could never be anorexic because I love food too much.) But meh.... Olives. Meh.
I also went into Plaka with Corey & Liza. If you ever get the chance... there's a small cafe that specializes in chocolate drinks. I ordered a Chilled Flavored Chocolate (Orange). It was like drinking a chocolate cloud. Seriously. It wasn't a milkshake but it wasn't chocolate milk. It was delicious. It's a bit pricey though... but not many tourists know about it. It's in one of the open hallways that connect the streets. It's sort of tucked away between a million clothing stores. We only knew about it from our Greek advisor/tourguide at the Athens Center. I'll get the name for you later. A must visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Woke up late the next day. Ran to class, and found out our trip was canceled (YAY!). So we decided to make time to head to the farmers' market by Vernava Square... The farmers' market here is like nothing I've ever been to. It was absolutely packed and crazy. There were little vendors lined up on either sides of the veryyyyy long street.
The farmers' market went up and down two hills -- and I'm not talking about Westford hills. I'm talking about San Francisco hills. Everyone and everything seemed like a hum at first. There were a medley of colors and a discordant chorus of shouts. Every farmer was yelling out their prices and attempting to switch back and forth between Greek and English. And it was all SOO good.
Gah. I love fresh fruit so much! I got a kilo of strawberries, another kilo of apricots, and a honey dew melon... all for under five euros. Unbeatable. I couldn't stop smiling. I think my dad would have been ten times more ecstatic. He's the gardener/wannabe farmer in my family... you could always count on him to drag me & my brothers to a botanical garden, out to our garden on Sundays at 7 AM, and to every farmers' market imaginable.
And fireworks are going off right in front of me as I'm typing this on the balcony. It's 11:09 PM, say what?!... They stopped. I'm telling you, this balcony is my favorite spot in all of Greece. Oh wow, the moon is orange right now over the yellow and orange city lights. It's close to setting...Perfect.
Anyways I got off track. The key difference between farmers' markets at home and here, is that there are MOUNTAINS of olives in a lot of stands. By the way, I hate olives. Olives define Greece. It is in soaps, shampoos, saldas, and oils. It is the goddess Athena's present to the city. It is THE product of Athens... and I hate it. It's really too bad. Maybe my taste buds will change in 6-7 years and I'll grow to love it? Maybe I'll have to be pregnant to like it? We'll see. For now, it's up there with bitter melon in terms of yuckiness. Don't think I'm a picky eater though... I eat almost everything (and I could never be anorexic because I love food too much.) But meh.... Olives. Meh.
I also went into Plaka with Corey & Liza. If you ever get the chance... there's a small cafe that specializes in chocolate drinks. I ordered a Chilled Flavored Chocolate (Orange). It was like drinking a chocolate cloud. Seriously. It wasn't a milkshake but it wasn't chocolate milk. It was delicious. It's a bit pricey though... but not many tourists know about it. It's in one of the open hallways that connect the streets. It's sort of tucked away between a million clothing stores. We only knew about it from our Greek advisor/tourguide at the Athens Center. I'll get the name for you later. A must visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
6/25 Midterm
Kill me. Just kidding.
I think everyone likes to complain about midterms and finals, but I never think they're really that bad. They're just a review of everything we just learned... It's much harder to do the homework where you have to teach yourself new things. Plus, our midterm was a takehome.
Watch as I have to eat my words and Professor Leonard grades them wicked hard. Blah. Story of my life.
Didn't get much done today. Class was so-so. Went over identification of certain famous pieces. Presented our sections of the chapters in the book... I think I might've put the class to sleep. I always feel like everything is important... plus I have a pretty decent memory when it comes to history, so I manage to include every detail. No one likes details unless its about sex, love, or ... rock and roll? The mention of drugs also manages to captivates the class. It's a good thing Greek history is filled with all of the above.
Which brings me to my thoughts about Pericles (aka Perikles depending on the history book). I was doing some research on him yesterday and found out about his scandal with "Aspasia". There are many rumors that float around about her... she was a courtesan? From a wealthy family? A harlot --isn't that a courtesan? In any case, apparently she was one of the most intelligent and wittiest women of her time. Anyways, Pericles started a relationship with her after his first marriage... but the real shocking part wasn't the divorce or the rumors about Aspasia... it was the fact that he treated her as an equal (shocking for those times...chauvinistic pigs).
I think I have a historical girl crush on Aspasia. Though, I think the reason why I liked this little tidbit of history was because.... I think every woman wants just that. A man to love and truly respect her. When I read this part in the book, I imagined Pericles and Aspasia having conversations over dinner about politics or philosophy. Or maybe reading together and sharing bits of the book that they were reading to each other... Or could you imagine them watching the Parthenon being erected and discussing the psychological impact on Athenians? Ahaha..
Cheesy thoughts, I know. But really. It's true. You can even take out the love part for some. A woman just wants a man that can respect her for her thoughts. Now, I'm not saying any woman knows what she wants. In fact 90% of the time, I'd say we never know what we want (keep that on the down low). But I'm sure we could agree on this one fact: a man that loves and respects you for your intelligence? Damn. That's something. Even for this time period.
I think everyone likes to complain about midterms and finals, but I never think they're really that bad. They're just a review of everything we just learned... It's much harder to do the homework where you have to teach yourself new things. Plus, our midterm was a takehome.
Watch as I have to eat my words and Professor Leonard grades them wicked hard. Blah. Story of my life.
Didn't get much done today. Class was so-so. Went over identification of certain famous pieces. Presented our sections of the chapters in the book... I think I might've put the class to sleep. I always feel like everything is important... plus I have a pretty decent memory when it comes to history, so I manage to include every detail. No one likes details unless its about sex, love, or ... rock and roll? The mention of drugs also manages to captivates the class. It's a good thing Greek history is filled with all of the above.
Which brings me to my thoughts about Pericles (aka Perikles depending on the history book). I was doing some research on him yesterday and found out about his scandal with "Aspasia". There are many rumors that float around about her... she was a courtesan? From a wealthy family? A harlot --isn't that a courtesan? In any case, apparently she was one of the most intelligent and wittiest women of her time. Anyways, Pericles started a relationship with her after his first marriage... but the real shocking part wasn't the divorce or the rumors about Aspasia... it was the fact that he treated her as an equal (shocking for those times...chauvinistic pigs).
I think I have a historical girl crush on Aspasia. Though, I think the reason why I liked this little tidbit of history was because.... I think every woman wants just that. A man to love and truly respect her. When I read this part in the book, I imagined Pericles and Aspasia having conversations over dinner about politics or philosophy. Or maybe reading together and sharing bits of the book that they were reading to each other... Or could you imagine them watching the Parthenon being erected and discussing the psychological impact on Athenians? Ahaha..
Cheesy thoughts, I know. But really. It's true. You can even take out the love part for some. A woman just wants a man that can respect her for her thoughts. Now, I'm not saying any woman knows what she wants. In fact 90% of the time, I'd say we never know what we want (keep that on the down low). But I'm sure we could agree on this one fact: a man that loves and respects you for your intelligence? Damn. That's something. Even for this time period.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
6/24 Mornings
in Greece never cease to surprise me.
I just woke up to an accordian playing outside of my apartment...
I walked out onto my balcony to see what was going on... and find a man playing the accordian down on the street. I looked down to watch him and he looked up to find me staring. He said "good morning to me in Greek", smiled, and kept playing. I then looked up to a beautiful view of Athens. It gives me a different feeling every time. It's classic out.
A wonderful way to wake up I must say...Accordian music as the soundtrack to my morning? I'm definitely not complaining.
Kalimera everyone.
--------------
So I went back to the cute cafe that has a view of the Acropolis. Its called the "Center of Hellenic Tradition". Terrible name. But it's located on 59 Metropoleos St. in Plaka, if you guys ever have the chance to visit Greece.
It has some wicked awesome prints that are only five euros a piece. Greek prints, english prints, french prints, german prints, canadian prints, you name it. Vintage prints of ads that range everything from alcohol and cigarettes to flower shops to the olympics.
I bought three prints for my room next year. =) Haha I splurged a bit too much today on those prints. I also bought another necklace with a key on it. I think I'm obsessed with keys and lockets...
There were clouds today. Clouds. That never happens in Greece. Since I've been here, it hasn't rained once. It was so bizarre. Needless to say the sky was breathtaking at sunset. Looking out at Athens, with the Greek flag flying in the foreground on top of the school, and the sunset in the background... I wanted to find a word that captured the moment.... Found none and moved on with my thoughts. I think I like sunsets better than sunrises...but sometimes I enjoy sunrises more because I have a craving for tea or coffee.... Bitter and sweet.
Oh.. happened to also find this with Emily & Henry:
I just woke up to an accordian playing outside of my apartment...
I walked out onto my balcony to see what was going on... and find a man playing the accordian down on the street. I looked down to watch him and he looked up to find me staring. He said "good morning to me in Greek", smiled, and kept playing. I then looked up to a beautiful view of Athens. It gives me a different feeling every time. It's classic out.
A wonderful way to wake up I must say...Accordian music as the soundtrack to my morning? I'm definitely not complaining.
Kalimera everyone.
--------------
So I went back to the cute cafe that has a view of the Acropolis. Its called the "Center of Hellenic Tradition". Terrible name. But it's located on 59 Metropoleos St. in Plaka, if you guys ever have the chance to visit Greece.
It has some wicked awesome prints that are only five euros a piece. Greek prints, english prints, french prints, german prints, canadian prints, you name it. Vintage prints of ads that range everything from alcohol and cigarettes to flower shops to the olympics.
I bought three prints for my room next year. =) Haha I splurged a bit too much today on those prints. I also bought another necklace with a key on it. I think I'm obsessed with keys and lockets...
There were clouds today. Clouds. That never happens in Greece. Since I've been here, it hasn't rained once. It was so bizarre. Needless to say the sky was breathtaking at sunset. Looking out at Athens, with the Greek flag flying in the foreground on top of the school, and the sunset in the background... I wanted to find a word that captured the moment.... Found none and moved on with my thoughts. I think I like sunsets better than sunrises...but sometimes I enjoy sunrises more because I have a craving for tea or coffee.... Bitter and sweet.
Oh.. happened to also find this with Emily & Henry:
6/23 Greek dancing
is very interesting if it's folk dancing. Otherwise you never see them dance. Usually when we go to clubs, there are just sketchy guys there that just stand at the bar and watch the Americans dance-- because Americans are the only one that dance. Why do they just stand at the bar? To talk behind out backs or offer us drinks. Gah, they are not smooth at all. I'm sorry Chris darling, but I don't think I can bring you back a Greek guy. I just can't allow you to date a guy that can't dance.
Anyways, folk dancing involved a variety of costumes. Each time they come out there's a new costume. The women dance in layers and layers of clothing and dresses. My mind kept straying and piecing together the pattern for some of the dresses. I think I want to make one of the outer layer pieces I saw. I haven't sewn in ages though. (Wish me luck) As for the men's wardrobe, there is a variety of choices as well... some of them involving skirts. The performance was distinctly Greek. It was held outside at night with a live band and singer. The male dancers had the craziest moves. It seemed that there was always one or two men that "lead" not only the women but the other men as well in the dance.
Some of the moves were pretty impressive. I don't know how they can dance in those costumes though. Not only that, but they smiling the whole time. They either really love their job or they had vaseline on their teeth =P.
Visited Hadrion's arch, the Roman Agora, and strolled through Plaka today. I happened to rediscover the little cafe I saw the first day. It's the cutest thing with a view of the Acropolis. It has a million prints of old posters, one that I'm dying to get for my room. I'll have a post about it later on today.
Anyways, folk dancing involved a variety of costumes. Each time they come out there's a new costume. The women dance in layers and layers of clothing and dresses. My mind kept straying and piecing together the pattern for some of the dresses. I think I want to make one of the outer layer pieces I saw. I haven't sewn in ages though. (Wish me luck) As for the men's wardrobe, there is a variety of choices as well... some of them involving skirts. The performance was distinctly Greek. It was held outside at night with a live band and singer. The male dancers had the craziest moves. It seemed that there was always one or two men that "lead" not only the women but the other men as well in the dance.
Some of the moves were pretty impressive. I don't know how they can dance in those costumes though. Not only that, but they smiling the whole time. They either really love their job or they had vaseline on their teeth =P.
Visited Hadrion's arch, the Roman Agora, and strolled through Plaka today. I happened to rediscover the little cafe I saw the first day. It's the cutest thing with a view of the Acropolis. It has a million prints of old posters, one that I'm dying to get for my room. I'll have a post about it later on today.
Monday, June 22, 2009
6/22 Observing
the dynamics of a group is very interesting to me. I always wonder if I'm really seeing people for who they are... especially on such a short trip and in such a different setting. Are they the same people they are at UD? Are they the same with their friends at home? Their reactions to clubbing and going out at night... are they real? Or are they responding to their own expectations about what a studyabroad should be about? Maybe their enthusiasm stems from their ideas of how they should be acting. Or maybe they really are that excited.
And everyone loves to complain. But do people complain more in a group or less in a group? You complain to connect. But do you complain less so as to not come off as a negative nancy? Debbie Downers, Johnny Raincoat, what have you. OR do you complain more because other people are complaining too? Do we complain about Professor Leonard because we actually dislike him? Maybe it was just one person that perpetuated a dislike and we clung onto a "bonding"/"mutual" feeling.
Do you know a person more after living with them --because they let their guard down? Or less about a person because you don't have a broader view of them? Or maybe they act differently around you because they know they always have to be around you. People could be completely different towards strangers.
Do you judge a person based on how they act towards you? Or how they act towards someone they just met? Or how they act towards those above them? Or how they act towards those they consider below them?
Should you judge a person if they don't try to assimilate to a culture? If they don't blend in? If they try to avoid the stereotype of a loud american... could you accuse them of being ashamed of being American? There's nothing wrong with being American.... but UD study abroad, for two hours during my orientation, lectured me on the consequences of fulfilling an American stereotype. Maybe the loud, rude Americans are simply proud of being Americans. Should we reward them for their pride? Or judge them for their arrogance? Don't we like standing out? If we try to blend in, don't we lose our identity? But if we don't, we lose it anyway because we're just another American.
I'm babbling. There is no sense to this post. Maybe I should've warned you a few paragraphs ago.
And everyone loves to complain. But do people complain more in a group or less in a group? You complain to connect. But do you complain less so as to not come off as a negative nancy? Debbie Downers, Johnny Raincoat, what have you. OR do you complain more because other people are complaining too? Do we complain about Professor Leonard because we actually dislike him? Maybe it was just one person that perpetuated a dislike and we clung onto a "bonding"/"mutual" feeling.
Do you know a person more after living with them --because they let their guard down? Or less about a person because you don't have a broader view of them? Or maybe they act differently around you because they know they always have to be around you. People could be completely different towards strangers.
Do you judge a person based on how they act towards you? Or how they act towards someone they just met? Or how they act towards those above them? Or how they act towards those they consider below them?
Should you judge a person if they don't try to assimilate to a culture? If they don't blend in? If they try to avoid the stereotype of a loud american... could you accuse them of being ashamed of being American? There's nothing wrong with being American.... but UD study abroad, for two hours during my orientation, lectured me on the consequences of fulfilling an American stereotype. Maybe the loud, rude Americans are simply proud of being Americans. Should we reward them for their pride? Or judge them for their arrogance? Don't we like standing out? If we try to blend in, don't we lose our identity? But if we don't, we lose it anyway because we're just another American.
I'm babbling. There is no sense to this post. Maybe I should've warned you a few paragraphs ago.
6/21 Relaxing
is very difficult on this study abroad. I feel like I have no time to breathe or absorb anything. This was the first day we actually got to sleep in (and it wasn't really sleeping in, because we got up at 6 AM to get off the boat and came back to crash). Those moments when I stop to stare don't seem long enough. I want to spend a day people watching, but we barely have enough time for lunch as it is. Rush, rush, rush. Can you rush an experience? Or would you rather experience a rush? A rushing experience? I just lost my train of thought. Whatever.
"Whatever"... I hate that word.
The lady at the bakery knows my favorite flavor of "paghoto" now --lemon sorbet--, which makes me happy. I love becoming a regular at a place... maybe because I worked at a convenient store so long? Regulars are always welcomed. I like that.
There is no order to this post if you haven't figured it out.
Taxis are Mercedes.
So are trucks.
Our 12-5 PM is there 5-9 PM.
If a guy tells you he'll call tomorrow afternoon, he could be calling you at 8 PM.
If he says he'll call tomorrow night, it's totally alright if he calls at 11-3 AM.
I can now probably give you a tour of the Archaeological Museum even though I need to stop and think about how to spell archaeological.
Greek words are wicked long. They rival German words. By the time you sound out the 7th syllable, you forget what the first syllable was.
Ouzo is the drink in Athens.
Raki is the drink in Crete.
Rejecting a drink in Crete is considered rude.
Tzaziki is the shit.
Gyros are pronounced "Yee-Rows"
Euros are pronounced "Ev-rows"
I love Greek food. I'll dedicate a post just for that.
I decided to write my 7-10 page research paper on political propaganda in art. I don't know where to start. I need to start my summary for my Contemporary Greece class but I fall asleep every two pages. So for every two pages I read (about 10 minutes) then factor in another 20 minutes of napping, then waking up and trying again.... I need to allot about 3.75 hours to finish 15 pages of reading.
The end. I'm tired.
"Whatever"... I hate that word.
The lady at the bakery knows my favorite flavor of "paghoto" now --lemon sorbet--, which makes me happy. I love becoming a regular at a place... maybe because I worked at a convenient store so long? Regulars are always welcomed. I like that.
There is no order to this post if you haven't figured it out.
Taxis are Mercedes.
So are trucks.
Our 12-5 PM is there 5-9 PM.
If a guy tells you he'll call tomorrow afternoon, he could be calling you at 8 PM.
If he says he'll call tomorrow night, it's totally alright if he calls at 11-3 AM.
I can now probably give you a tour of the Archaeological Museum even though I need to stop and think about how to spell archaeological.
Greek words are wicked long. They rival German words. By the time you sound out the 7th syllable, you forget what the first syllable was.
Ouzo is the drink in Athens.
Raki is the drink in Crete.
Rejecting a drink in Crete is considered rude.
Tzaziki is the shit.
Gyros are pronounced "Yee-Rows"
Euros are pronounced "Ev-rows"
I love Greek food. I'll dedicate a post just for that.
I decided to write my 7-10 page research paper on political propaganda in art. I don't know where to start. I need to start my summary for my Contemporary Greece class but I fall asleep every two pages. So for every two pages I read (about 10 minutes) then factor in another 20 minutes of napping, then waking up and trying again.... I need to allot about 3.75 hours to finish 15 pages of reading.
The end. I'm tired.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
6/20 Crete Day 2
Visited the site of Gournia and Malia. It was devastatingly hot outside, but there was a cool breeze. All the sites were by the sea (everything is by the sea in Crete). At one point I was standing on top of the ruins at Gournia, with the ruins underneath and to the right, mountains to the left, and the mediterranean sea in front of me. It was a breathtaking image. I must've stood there for at least five minutes in silence. Everything back home seemed so far away. Memories from home seemed to be the furthest thing from my mind. It was as if I didn't have any thoughts until that moment. (Don't pay attention to my ramblings.) I have a feeling that I'm not the first to be struck into silence by the view though.
Their sites are always on a hilltop or a mountain top. I know there are practical reasons for a construction on a hill.... but I'd like to think part of the reason had to do with beauty. If the architecture of their buildings is any indication, I would bank on "yes", everything had to do with beauty. Everything was aesthetically pleasing to the eyes and mind. The Greeks were masters at that. A bit superficial, but very artful and majestic.
Amnissos beach was hot hot hot. Fell asleep there, woke up uncomfortably sweaty, jumped into the water, repeat. A nice way to end the trip. Not amazing, but not bad either.
Their sites are always on a hilltop or a mountain top. I know there are practical reasons for a construction on a hill.... but I'd like to think part of the reason had to do with beauty. If the architecture of their buildings is any indication, I would bank on "yes", everything had to do with beauty. Everything was aesthetically pleasing to the eyes and mind. The Greeks were masters at that. A bit superficial, but very artful and majestic.
Amnissos beach was hot hot hot. Fell asleep there, woke up uncomfortably sweaty, jumped into the water, repeat. A nice way to end the trip. Not amazing, but not bad either.
6/19 Crete Day 1
Thursday:
Minoan Special - mixed drink. Lovely. Sleeping on the cruise ship = not so lovely. I felt like I was in a coffin the entire time. When the lights went out it was pitch black. Plus, I had the weirdest dreams concerning Greek gods that night (and if you've ever heard a greek myth, you know exactly how screwed up my dream must've been). *Please see the section about Knossos Palace later for an example of one greek myth*
Friday:
Woke up bright and early at 5 AM in a pitch black room (very very difficult). Got breakfast at a hotel at around 7 AM where we learned that Greek grandma's are more agressive than New Jersey drivers during rush hour. They literally pushed their way in front and elbowed some of us. One of us simply said "Sig-no-my" or "Excuse me" in Greek and stepped in front of me and stayed there. It's apparently an unspoken rule that old ladies can do that... but how many do you let through before you put your foot down? And how do you ignore an old lady that reminds you of your grandmother? And how can you be respectful to your elders if they're so goddamn rude? There was at least 30 of them and they all had their way... we waited in line for a good extra 40 minutes. We went from being 2nd in line to about 15th in line in a matter of minutes.
After checking in we headed right over to Knossos Palace, which was actually pretty cool. We had just finished the section on Minoan/Mycenaen palaces so we were able to recognize everything. The Minoans built their palaces in very complex ways so as to confuse a guest into thinking the palace was a lot grander than it actually was. There were always a series of twists and turns, going in and out of lighted areas, and dozens of doors, before a guest actually was able to make his way to the central courtyard. Because these palaces were so complicated... the story of the Minotaur and the labyrinth was created. Now most people know the story with Theseus defeating the Minotaur (who is a Greek hero that I liked way better than Hercules). But most people don't know the story about how the Minotaur was born.... I won't bog you down with the details. Short version? The queen had sex with a white bull because she fell in lust with it. Oh, the Greeks.
Then we played hide and seek at the Tylisos ruins. Wicked fun. =) Best site yet.
Finally we were given time to get to the beach (which was beautiful). The waves were large enough for us to swim with when it broke on us and it wasn't that crowded... which is why we might have spotted a couple having sex...
On the way back from the beach though we got onto the bus and forgot to get off on our stop (all ten of us). So getting to the beach took 40 minutes, and getting back took 1.2 hours. It was a funny time, although I'm sure some people were a little pissed off and upset. But time you enjoyed wasting was not wasted.
Sitting at the very back of the bus, I was seperated from the rest of my group so I talked to the people who were at the bus stop with us. When one girl said she was from France, I might've freaked out a little bit because I was so happy =) For everyone that has seen "L'auberge Espagnol"... the girl was studying abroad in Greece as part of the program "Erasmus"!! Hahaha, I was so excited. We went off in French for a while when I suddenly realized her friends were all Greek and couldn't understand a word of what we were saying. So sadly, we switched back to English/the broken bits of Greek I knew. She said my French accent was good (she looked a little surprised). Yayyyy! French 205 paid off? When I told her I wasn't from France but that I would be studying a semester abroad in Lyon (hopefully) she gave me her email and number. Apparently she lives about 20 minutes from Lyon and said I should contact her if I needed anything and wanted to hang out when I got there. She was a sweetheart. And her name was wicked cool: Mailys pronounced "My - Leece".
We wandered around the area, had dinner, then played Kings in the boys hotel room. But we were in a new city, so by the time we went out, we had to wander around for a long while before we found a club. We ended up at "Club Vogue" which I swear must've been a gay bar. Jesse (a guy) was offered a drink by three different guys. But it's so hard to tell!! The number one question on everyone's mind on this trip: are they gay or european? Just listen to 0:31 and on.
Steph is the ballsiest girl on our studyabroad trip (seriously she has more balls than the three guys combined). She met one of the only group of straight guys at the club. They bought her, Mary, and me drinks and I was offered someone's cigarette. 3 glasses of wine, 2 tequila shots, and a glass of something later I was pretty tipsy. Shots were 3 Euros each. I only bought one shot for myself, but I didn't think it was worth it to stay there with my money running so low... so I decided to go back with Giff and Mary but the moment we crossed the street, Mary spotted another bar called... Codebar? I can't remember. She literally dragged us into it. The three of us bought one shot each (so I had maybe a euro left on me) which was followed by another two shots of tequila that the bartender gave to us on the house, and a beer that other people at the bar bought for all three of us. Conclusion: Greeks love drunk Americans. The only Americans in a wicked quiet bar... we danced to American music and went crazy. I'm sure the Greeks had a fun time watching us. Tried to get home and got lost following Giff. Ended up finding our way somehow, it was a miracle though. Finally collapsed at like 4-5 AM (I'm not sure) and woke up at 8 AM the next day. Bad decisions. The end.
Girls on Harry B1, I hope you enjoyed that story. *Dies* I did miss you all that night and wished you had been there. You guys would've loved it.
Minoan Special - mixed drink. Lovely. Sleeping on the cruise ship = not so lovely. I felt like I was in a coffin the entire time. When the lights went out it was pitch black. Plus, I had the weirdest dreams concerning Greek gods that night (and if you've ever heard a greek myth, you know exactly how screwed up my dream must've been). *Please see the section about Knossos Palace later for an example of one greek myth*
Friday:
Woke up bright and early at 5 AM in a pitch black room (very very difficult). Got breakfast at a hotel at around 7 AM where we learned that Greek grandma's are more agressive than New Jersey drivers during rush hour. They literally pushed their way in front and elbowed some of us. One of us simply said "Sig-no-my" or "Excuse me" in Greek and stepped in front of me and stayed there. It's apparently an unspoken rule that old ladies can do that... but how many do you let through before you put your foot down? And how do you ignore an old lady that reminds you of your grandmother? And how can you be respectful to your elders if they're so goddamn rude? There was at least 30 of them and they all had their way... we waited in line for a good extra 40 minutes. We went from being 2nd in line to about 15th in line in a matter of minutes.
After checking in we headed right over to Knossos Palace, which was actually pretty cool. We had just finished the section on Minoan/Mycenaen palaces so we were able to recognize everything. The Minoans built their palaces in very complex ways so as to confuse a guest into thinking the palace was a lot grander than it actually was. There were always a series of twists and turns, going in and out of lighted areas, and dozens of doors, before a guest actually was able to make his way to the central courtyard. Because these palaces were so complicated... the story of the Minotaur and the labyrinth was created. Now most people know the story with Theseus defeating the Minotaur (who is a Greek hero that I liked way better than Hercules). But most people don't know the story about how the Minotaur was born.... I won't bog you down with the details. Short version? The queen had sex with a white bull because she fell in lust with it. Oh, the Greeks.
Then we played hide and seek at the Tylisos ruins. Wicked fun. =) Best site yet.
Finally we were given time to get to the beach (which was beautiful). The waves were large enough for us to swim with when it broke on us and it wasn't that crowded... which is why we might have spotted a couple having sex...
On the way back from the beach though we got onto the bus and forgot to get off on our stop (all ten of us). So getting to the beach took 40 minutes, and getting back took 1.2 hours. It was a funny time, although I'm sure some people were a little pissed off and upset. But time you enjoyed wasting was not wasted.
Sitting at the very back of the bus, I was seperated from the rest of my group so I talked to the people who were at the bus stop with us. When one girl said she was from France, I might've freaked out a little bit because I was so happy =) For everyone that has seen "L'auberge Espagnol"... the girl was studying abroad in Greece as part of the program "Erasmus"!! Hahaha, I was so excited. We went off in French for a while when I suddenly realized her friends were all Greek and couldn't understand a word of what we were saying. So sadly, we switched back to English/the broken bits of Greek I knew. She said my French accent was good (she looked a little surprised). Yayyyy! French 205 paid off? When I told her I wasn't from France but that I would be studying a semester abroad in Lyon (hopefully) she gave me her email and number. Apparently she lives about 20 minutes from Lyon and said I should contact her if I needed anything and wanted to hang out when I got there. She was a sweetheart. And her name was wicked cool: Mailys pronounced "My - Leece".
We wandered around the area, had dinner, then played Kings in the boys hotel room. But we were in a new city, so by the time we went out, we had to wander around for a long while before we found a club. We ended up at "Club Vogue" which I swear must've been a gay bar. Jesse (a guy) was offered a drink by three different guys. But it's so hard to tell!! The number one question on everyone's mind on this trip: are they gay or european? Just listen to 0:31 and on.
Steph is the ballsiest girl on our studyabroad trip (seriously she has more balls than the three guys combined). She met one of the only group of straight guys at the club. They bought her, Mary, and me drinks and I was offered someone's cigarette. 3 glasses of wine, 2 tequila shots, and a glass of something later I was pretty tipsy. Shots were 3 Euros each. I only bought one shot for myself, but I didn't think it was worth it to stay there with my money running so low... so I decided to go back with Giff and Mary but the moment we crossed the street, Mary spotted another bar called... Codebar? I can't remember. She literally dragged us into it. The three of us bought one shot each (so I had maybe a euro left on me) which was followed by another two shots of tequila that the bartender gave to us on the house, and a beer that other people at the bar bought for all three of us. Conclusion: Greeks love drunk Americans. The only Americans in a wicked quiet bar... we danced to American music and went crazy. I'm sure the Greeks had a fun time watching us. Tried to get home and got lost following Giff. Ended up finding our way somehow, it was a miracle though. Finally collapsed at like 4-5 AM (I'm not sure) and woke up at 8 AM the next day. Bad decisions. The end.
Girls on Harry B1, I hope you enjoyed that story. *Dies* I did miss you all that night and wished you had been there. You guys would've loved it.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
6/18 Cold showers
are heavenly. I can't survive without them. My roommate thinks I'm crazy. We headed to the Kerameikos (sp?) cemetary. Dipylon gates were less than extraordinary... however the Spartan graves were pretty awesome. =) Why were there Spartans in Athens? Long story for another post.
My mind is being flooded with Greek Mythology... I don't know if I can keep them all straight. They're addicting. All of them are mini soap-operas. I can easily see how the Greeks survived without TV, Internet or college drama. Best part? I learned that the human mind has grown to accept only a 12-13 story plotlines; which explains why so many myths are so similar. It's a new theory that explains why so many legends, folktales, and myths adapt and evolve so similarly even though they are oceans or mountains apart. After all, our brains are all structured the same way in the important ways.
This theory also explains why some people dislike indie films (le film d'art et d'essai)... generally these movies are trying to deviate away from the plotlines our mind will accept as "good" endings. Our mind reject anything that is foreign in structure. Even though we complain about cliched endings, we wouldn't like something that is too unpredictable. So much for spontaneity. Interesting, right? I would write more about it, but I'm missing out on Greek life. Ciao for now.
P.s. I'm headed to Crete this weekend (on the boat in one hour and five minutes). I'm pumped.
My mind is being flooded with Greek Mythology... I don't know if I can keep them all straight. They're addicting. All of them are mini soap-operas. I can easily see how the Greeks survived without TV, Internet or college drama. Best part? I learned that the human mind has grown to accept only a 12-13 story plotlines; which explains why so many myths are so similar. It's a new theory that explains why so many legends, folktales, and myths adapt and evolve so similarly even though they are oceans or mountains apart. After all, our brains are all structured the same way in the important ways.
This theory also explains why some people dislike indie films (le film d'art et d'essai)... generally these movies are trying to deviate away from the plotlines our mind will accept as "good" endings. Our mind reject anything that is foreign in structure. Even though we complain about cliched endings, we wouldn't like something that is too unpredictable. So much for spontaneity. Interesting, right? I would write more about it, but I'm missing out on Greek life. Ciao for now.
P.s. I'm headed to Crete this weekend (on the boat in one hour and five minutes). I'm pumped.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
6/17 Thoughts...
My balcony is the perfect spot to just think here. City lights make me pensive. I like sitting at night on the edge with my laptop. I just hope I don't try to think while I'm drunk because I'll fall right off of my favorite spot.
There's a constant breeze and better internet speed out there. I really do wish I could share the view with you and not just through pictures.
Coming to Greece I was running away from a variety of emotions... maybe even from a broken heart. (yes Rob, this is the post I was going to write ages ago)
But let me say that a broken heart can result from many things. Sometimes it's not just from the end of a relationship and sometimes it's more than just one thing. People can have broken hearts from countless things...the most common: failed dreams, the end of a relationship, missed opportunities, rejection, death... or things as little as the ending of a book, an argument, a broken plate, a lost necklace, just one word, a look of disappointment, memories alone, or even a song. It's all in degree of heartache. For me it was an accumulationg of events this past semester...
A failed relationship...
Not seeing the next four years of my brothers growing up...
The missed opportunity to visit a dying relative during easter weekend...
One of my closest cousins leaving for college...
Ignoring people because I had no explanation...
Hindsight...
Drunk text messages...
Knowing that some people will disappear...
The silence...
The morning afters where I asked myself "Did I really just do that?" and
Waning friendships...
I ask myself a lot of questions... Should I have called my family more? Should I have spent more time with my brothers? What advice could I give them? Would it have been better to have not listened to my mum and go to Houston to visit my aunt? Should I not be going to Greece and stay home? Am I missing out? Did we run out of things to talk about? Did I lose their respect? Were things complicated? Is it distance? Why didn't he call? Did I not try hard enough? Should I not have said that? And of course: what the hell am I doing?
But...I'm not sure I'm actually sad. I'm just thinking about What If's, and if you spend all your life doing that you'll never go forward. Plus I'm happy about all that has happened to me. I've changed so much... but people are dynamic. They have to change. If we were static it'd be a pretty boring place. For a little while I almost thought I had lost a bit of my optimisim... but Greece has been and will continue to be good to me. =) I have so much to experience and so much to see and so much to feel.
Thank you to the ones that have been there this semester through everything. The ones at home, the ones at school, and the strangers that stopped to smell the roses.
There's a constant breeze and better internet speed out there. I really do wish I could share the view with you and not just through pictures.
Coming to Greece I was running away from a variety of emotions... maybe even from a broken heart. (yes Rob, this is the post I was going to write ages ago)
But let me say that a broken heart can result from many things. Sometimes it's not just from the end of a relationship and sometimes it's more than just one thing. People can have broken hearts from countless things...the most common: failed dreams, the end of a relationship, missed opportunities, rejection, death... or things as little as the ending of a book, an argument, a broken plate, a lost necklace, just one word, a look of disappointment, memories alone, or even a song. It's all in degree of heartache. For me it was an accumulationg of events this past semester...
A failed relationship...
Not seeing the next four years of my brothers growing up...
The missed opportunity to visit a dying relative during easter weekend...
One of my closest cousins leaving for college...
Ignoring people because I had no explanation...
Hindsight...
Drunk text messages...
Knowing that some people will disappear...
The silence...
The morning afters where I asked myself "Did I really just do that?" and
Waning friendships...
I ask myself a lot of questions... Should I have called my family more? Should I have spent more time with my brothers? What advice could I give them? Would it have been better to have not listened to my mum and go to Houston to visit my aunt? Should I not be going to Greece and stay home? Am I missing out? Did we run out of things to talk about? Did I lose their respect? Were things complicated? Is it distance? Why didn't he call? Did I not try hard enough? Should I not have said that? And of course: what the hell am I doing?
But...I'm not sure I'm actually sad. I'm just thinking about What If's, and if you spend all your life doing that you'll never go forward. Plus I'm happy about all that has happened to me. I've changed so much... but people are dynamic. They have to change. If we were static it'd be a pretty boring place. For a little while I almost thought I had lost a bit of my optimisim... but Greece has been and will continue to be good to me. =) I have so much to experience and so much to see and so much to feel.
Thank you to the ones that have been there this semester through everything. The ones at home, the ones at school, and the strangers that stopped to smell the roses.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
6/16 Gr. akros, akron,[1] edge, extremity + polis, city, pl. acropoleis
The Acropolis was a bit overwhelming and underwhelming at the same time. It was beautiful, no doubt. It had THE most amazing view of Athens (yes, better than my apartment's view, surprise surprise).
It's crazy to think that there's so much history there. The Parthenon alone has gone through so much. It has taken on the role of a treasury, a mosque, a christian church, and an ammunition storage area. o_O... That's quite a range of uses for one building.
10,000 people visit the Acropolis a day. That's 3,640,000 people a year. And to imagine the historical figures that must've walked the same area we did? Wicked crazy. Lord Byron apparently scratched his initials into the gateway to the Acropolis. He also fell in love with two teenage girls (sisters) in Greece, which might have explained why so much of his poetry have Greek mythology references. Did I mention he's my favorite poet? I was excited. I also found out the Iranian President went to visit and took a picture there. Persians on the Acropolis again? Is that a Greek nightmare? Greek history kill me now.
The Erectheon, the Temple of Dionysus, and countless other sites are being restored right now. There was so much material to absorb. It was nice that the Professor served as our "expert" tour guide. Apparently another tour guide was telling other tourists the wrong date and he just laughed. I don't know if he went to correct the facts the other tour guide was spewing out.
But... wow did he drag on. He knows his stuff but was it really necessary to make us sit in the sun for 30-40 minutes to learn about the Theater of Dionysus. We could have easily done that in the shade, thankyouverymuch.
We were not happy:
The place where we burned for a while:
The entire time I had this song running through my head...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a61yB0bhU48
I have ionic and doric columns all mixed up in my head and I know way too much about the Parthenon. I could tell you about it all but you could also ready it in a travel guide. Or check wikipedia.
For some reason I enjoyed the temple of Aphaia a lot more. There weren't as many people and it felt more Greek than the Parthenon. Even though the Parthenon represents Greece (just as the Eiffel Tower represents Paris and the Statue of Liberty represents the US).... it wasn't as real to me. When we went to eat at a tabepva (taverna) the waiter asked if we had visited the Acropolis... when we said "yes" he said "it's just a pile of rocks". I think we died laughing when he left, only out of bitterness for being sunburnt because of the Professor's last lecture.
Afterwards we wandered through the streets and looked through the stores. Kerston, there are so many butterfly images. It made me think of you =).
For Kerston:
It's crazy to think that there's so much history there. The Parthenon alone has gone through so much. It has taken on the role of a treasury, a mosque, a christian church, and an ammunition storage area. o_O... That's quite a range of uses for one building.
10,000 people visit the Acropolis a day. That's 3,640,000 people a year. And to imagine the historical figures that must've walked the same area we did? Wicked crazy. Lord Byron apparently scratched his initials into the gateway to the Acropolis. He also fell in love with two teenage girls (sisters) in Greece, which might have explained why so much of his poetry have Greek mythology references. Did I mention he's my favorite poet? I was excited. I also found out the Iranian President went to visit and took a picture there. Persians on the Acropolis again? Is that a Greek nightmare? Greek history kill me now.
The Erectheon, the Temple of Dionysus, and countless other sites are being restored right now. There was so much material to absorb. It was nice that the Professor served as our "expert" tour guide. Apparently another tour guide was telling other tourists the wrong date and he just laughed. I don't know if he went to correct the facts the other tour guide was spewing out.
But... wow did he drag on. He knows his stuff but was it really necessary to make us sit in the sun for 30-40 minutes to learn about the Theater of Dionysus. We could have easily done that in the shade, thankyouverymuch.
We were not happy:
The place where we burned for a while:
The entire time I had this song running through my head...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a61yB0bhU48
I have ionic and doric columns all mixed up in my head and I know way too much about the Parthenon. I could tell you about it all but you could also ready it in a travel guide. Or check wikipedia.
For some reason I enjoyed the temple of Aphaia a lot more. There weren't as many people and it felt more Greek than the Parthenon. Even though the Parthenon represents Greece (just as the Eiffel Tower represents Paris and the Statue of Liberty represents the US).... it wasn't as real to me. When we went to eat at a tabepva (taverna) the waiter asked if we had visited the Acropolis... when we said "yes" he said "it's just a pile of rocks". I think we died laughing when he left, only out of bitterness for being sunburnt because of the Professor's last lecture.
Afterwards we wandered through the streets and looked through the stores. Kerston, there are so many butterfly images. It made me think of you =).
For Kerston:
Monday, June 15, 2009
6/15 Home is where the heart is...
Or 33 Stilponous Street. We're on the fourth floor (which means we're on the 5th floor) and have a beautiful view of Athens. It's a fairly safe neighborhood with a school across the street.
We settled in pretty well. There's two desks, two beds, a small kitchen and a dining room table where we play JUST played spoons. It got pretty intense.
There's a supermarket down the road and Vernava square two streets down with a dozen cafe's and restaurants. The best gyro place happens to be at the corner of the square (under a white awning next to a green one). I have no idea what it's called. Gyro's for 1.90 euros and a drink for another euro, which in Greece is the best deal you can find.
For dinner my roommate and I had pasta and wine. We're wicked cute.
By the way, cooking in Greece is really difficult because
1. Butter is not common(we looked everywhere). Though olive oil is healthier for you.
2. Everything is in greek and in cartons. We can't tell the difference between tomato sauce and tomato soup.
3. We're always afraid of short circuiting everything. You have to unplug the microwave to use the oven, and vice versa. Turn off the AC to use the hot water. Etc.
4. Supermarkets close on Sundays which we learned the hard way.
The other down parts about our apartment?
1. The elevator fits three people if you cram.
2. ^It's already broken once.
3. The stairwell is a death trap because it's windy and made of marble... try walking up that drunk.
4. The floors are wicked dirty/dusty. After walking around for maybe ten minutes in my apartment, my feet are blackkkk. Ew. Not fun. Yay, feet:
HAHAHA, TMI? =P
But I love it. It's quaint. =) It's exactly what I would want if I lived in the city. It makes me feel very... alive to live here in an apartment in Greece. It's very surreal. There's always so much nervous energy here. It's not like NYC where there's always something going on or like Boston which I know so well. It's not like Paris where everything feels European and elegant... it's distinctly Greek, foreign to me. It's ancient which does not connote "old" in my mind. "Ancient" has a different feel to it, n'est-ce pas?
We settled in pretty well. There's two desks, two beds, a small kitchen and a dining room table where we play JUST played spoons. It got pretty intense.
There's a supermarket down the road and Vernava square two streets down with a dozen cafe's and restaurants. The best gyro place happens to be at the corner of the square (under a white awning next to a green one). I have no idea what it's called. Gyro's for 1.90 euros and a drink for another euro, which in Greece is the best deal you can find.
For dinner my roommate and I had pasta and wine. We're wicked cute.
By the way, cooking in Greece is really difficult because
1. Butter is not common(we looked everywhere). Though olive oil is healthier for you.
2. Everything is in greek and in cartons. We can't tell the difference between tomato sauce and tomato soup.
3. We're always afraid of short circuiting everything. You have to unplug the microwave to use the oven, and vice versa. Turn off the AC to use the hot water. Etc.
4. Supermarkets close on Sundays which we learned the hard way.
The other down parts about our apartment?
1. The elevator fits three people if you cram.
2. ^It's already broken once.
3. The stairwell is a death trap because it's windy and made of marble... try walking up that drunk.
4. The floors are wicked dirty/dusty. After walking around for maybe ten minutes in my apartment, my feet are blackkkk. Ew. Not fun. Yay, feet:
HAHAHA, TMI? =P
But I love it. It's quaint. =) It's exactly what I would want if I lived in the city. It makes me feel very... alive to live here in an apartment in Greece. It's very surreal. There's always so much nervous energy here. It's not like NYC where there's always something going on or like Boston which I know so well. It's not like Paris where everything feels European and elegant... it's distinctly Greek, foreign to me. It's ancient which does not connote "old" in my mind. "Ancient" has a different feel to it, n'est-ce pas?
Sunday, June 14, 2009
6/14 Sunday
was absolutely gorgeous. I spent the day on a Greek island. How crazy does that sound? It finally hit me that I'm in Greece. I swam in the Mediterranean... woah.
The island of Aegina is about an hour and a half from Athens by ferry. It's the equivalent of what the Cape or Martha's Vineyard is for Bostonians. To get away for the weekend or even the day... Parfait. It's gorgeous on the island. Where as Athens is all pastels of yellow and orange, Aegina had some pastels of blues, greens, and even pinks. It's a very simple lifestyle there. The weather was perfect; hot but breezy.
We headed to the temple of Aphaia, a goddess only celebrated on the island. Apparently the goddess Artemis made Aphaia into a goddess after Aphaia jumped off of a cliff into fishing nets to avoid the unwanted attention of a man (and of course preserve her virginity). Artemis, so impressed by her actions, whisked her away and made her a goddess. Anyone who follows Artemis, the virgin goddess, must keep their virginity though... if they fail to preserve it, Artemis will kill them. Would you give up sex to become immortal? Crazy times. The greeks were crazy horny.
In front of the temple:
Okay, now for the most interesting part of my day. We met one of the last master artists of pottery today. We trekked (and by that I mean we took a coach bus with AC) to his workshop. He was absolutely brilliant.
Arom, you would appreciate this. He literally centered the clay within seconds and made a vase in front of us under five minutes. It took him maybe three minutes. To explain: the first time I even attempted to take a stab at the pottery wheel... I struggled for a good few hours. To make all of us in AP art feel worse, I'm pretty sure he centered the vase while sitting on the side of the wheel. He wasn't even bending directly over it. WTF.
He is responsible for the entire process of his art. He digs up the dirt, filters it, turns it into clay, makes all of the pieces of pottery on the wheel, fires it in an outdoor kiln, and then paints/glazes it. During the first process when he digs up the rocks and dirt for the clay, he finds fossils and small bones from ages ago. He joked that he sifts through so much fossil now, it's funny to think that one day he'll be a fossil too. Absolutely amazing. Apparently the workshop was handed down by his grandfather... but he has no one to continue the tradition. What a lost... We all fell in love with him. He was so happy with his life... kind of made me wish I had stuck with art. But to each his own path, right?
He made his own clay (see left hand corner of picture):
The finished product:
I bought a teacup from his shop. I couldn't resist. Rob, you better have tea with me when I get back. I can't wait to use it. It's very homey?... it wasn't his most elaborate teacup nor the most beautiful one. But... I fell in love with it. It's very rustic I suppose would be the word... maybe crude almost... I want more teacups. I think one day I'm going to go back and just buy his shop out and only use plates and cups from there. Uh, one day when I'm rich? Hahahaha. Right.
Isn't he great?! I have an old man crush.
After the pottery workshop, we spent the rest of the day exploring the island and spending a lot of time on the beach (and by the beach, I do not mean tanning...I was in the water for most of the time). The water was clear, a soft green, and perfect. Your perfect image of what the Mediterranean would be like, was what I saw today. The salty sting in your eyes, the cool water that wasn't cold, and the fresh warm breeze that rippled the water every so often... I was happy. Coming out of the water and soaking up the sun did a number on my skin. My grandmother is going to kill me. Tan is ugly according to her standards... greatttt. I never burn though *peace sign*. I think it finally hit me that I was in Greece when I got out of the water, stretched out on the towel, licked my lips...and tasted salt. Maybe it hit me because taste involves two senses. Rather than just seeing and hearing Greece, I could taste and smell it. It made the memory that much stronger. I left Aegina with a satisfying sense of tiredness and beach hair. <3
The island of Aegina is about an hour and a half from Athens by ferry. It's the equivalent of what the Cape or Martha's Vineyard is for Bostonians. To get away for the weekend or even the day... Parfait. It's gorgeous on the island. Where as Athens is all pastels of yellow and orange, Aegina had some pastels of blues, greens, and even pinks. It's a very simple lifestyle there. The weather was perfect; hot but breezy.
We headed to the temple of Aphaia, a goddess only celebrated on the island. Apparently the goddess Artemis made Aphaia into a goddess after Aphaia jumped off of a cliff into fishing nets to avoid the unwanted attention of a man (and of course preserve her virginity). Artemis, so impressed by her actions, whisked her away and made her a goddess. Anyone who follows Artemis, the virgin goddess, must keep their virginity though... if they fail to preserve it, Artemis will kill them. Would you give up sex to become immortal? Crazy times. The greeks were crazy horny.
In front of the temple:
Okay, now for the most interesting part of my day. We met one of the last master artists of pottery today. We trekked (and by that I mean we took a coach bus with AC) to his workshop. He was absolutely brilliant.
Arom, you would appreciate this. He literally centered the clay within seconds and made a vase in front of us under five minutes. It took him maybe three minutes. To explain: the first time I even attempted to take a stab at the pottery wheel... I struggled for a good few hours. To make all of us in AP art feel worse, I'm pretty sure he centered the vase while sitting on the side of the wheel. He wasn't even bending directly over it. WTF.
He is responsible for the entire process of his art. He digs up the dirt, filters it, turns it into clay, makes all of the pieces of pottery on the wheel, fires it in an outdoor kiln, and then paints/glazes it. During the first process when he digs up the rocks and dirt for the clay, he finds fossils and small bones from ages ago. He joked that he sifts through so much fossil now, it's funny to think that one day he'll be a fossil too. Absolutely amazing. Apparently the workshop was handed down by his grandfather... but he has no one to continue the tradition. What a lost... We all fell in love with him. He was so happy with his life... kind of made me wish I had stuck with art. But to each his own path, right?
He made his own clay (see left hand corner of picture):
The finished product:
I bought a teacup from his shop. I couldn't resist. Rob, you better have tea with me when I get back. I can't wait to use it. It's very homey?... it wasn't his most elaborate teacup nor the most beautiful one. But... I fell in love with it. It's very rustic I suppose would be the word... maybe crude almost... I want more teacups. I think one day I'm going to go back and just buy his shop out and only use plates and cups from there. Uh, one day when I'm rich? Hahahaha. Right.
Isn't he great?! I have an old man crush.
After the pottery workshop, we spent the rest of the day exploring the island and spending a lot of time on the beach (and by the beach, I do not mean tanning...I was in the water for most of the time). The water was clear, a soft green, and perfect. Your perfect image of what the Mediterranean would be like, was what I saw today. The salty sting in your eyes, the cool water that wasn't cold, and the fresh warm breeze that rippled the water every so often... I was happy. Coming out of the water and soaking up the sun did a number on my skin. My grandmother is going to kill me. Tan is ugly according to her standards... greatttt. I never burn though *peace sign*. I think it finally hit me that I was in Greece when I got out of the water, stretched out on the towel, licked my lips...and tasted salt. Maybe it hit me because taste involves two senses. Rather than just seeing and hearing Greece, I could taste and smell it. It made the memory that much stronger. I left Aegina with a satisfying sense of tiredness and beach hair. <3
Saturday, June 13, 2009
6/13 I still have no time for a great post.. my apologies
The kids in the schoolyard across the street had a recital of sorts last night. They were adorable. They were all dressed up in white dresses and white suits. The girls danced around with hoolahoops (sp?) and then paired up with the boys later. After the recital, the parents got up and joined their kids. They broke from routine and just went crazy. The kids were jumping around everywhere and dads were twirling their daughters around to the music. The mayhem was unbelievable. May I remind you that this was night time. It was around 9-11 PM. To think this all took place on a basketball court. Can you even remember the last time you danced with your parents? Maybe the last wedding you went to? Maybe it was a Batmitzvah? Did we ever have parties with our parents like that when we were little? It made me smile.
A little clip of the party that is always on the other side of the street and right outside my balcony....
It seems that all of the kids that you never seem to see in the daytime, come out at night. It's too hot during the afternoon, their naps are from 2:30-5:30 PM, so they come out to play from around 7-11 PM. If I was out with my friends that late at night, my parents would have killed me in middle school, let alone in elementary school. It's a very close community here and all the grown ups look after the kids together. I don't know which kid belongs to which parent. They seem to all mesh together with the parents yelling at all the kids together.
I had Greek class yesterday. After learning the alphabet, I can read Greek now; albeit I have no idea what I'm reading. I feel like I'm in first grade again. This is the first time I'm in a country where I do not understand the language at all and no one understands me. At least in Italy I could get by with French. I love Greek though. It reminds me of Spanish because I have to roll my R's... but it's more staccato? Perhaps?... I'll have a better description when I have a better feel for the language. Quick Fact: Museum = Place of the Muses. And it's not Athens, it's Athena.
My art history class scares the crap out of me. Apparently everyone that's taken the class before has gotten anywhere from a C to a D. Great. One midterm, a final, and a ten page research paper. Kill me now. How am I supposed to focus in Greece?
It's not exactly like France or Italy... but it has its own quality about it. I can't say I feel a sense of nostalgia or romance... But it's definitely beautiful. Peaceful amid the chaos.
A little clip of the party that is always on the other side of the street and right outside my balcony....
It seems that all of the kids that you never seem to see in the daytime, come out at night. It's too hot during the afternoon, their naps are from 2:30-5:30 PM, so they come out to play from around 7-11 PM. If I was out with my friends that late at night, my parents would have killed me in middle school, let alone in elementary school. It's a very close community here and all the grown ups look after the kids together. I don't know which kid belongs to which parent. They seem to all mesh together with the parents yelling at all the kids together.
I had Greek class yesterday. After learning the alphabet, I can read Greek now; albeit I have no idea what I'm reading. I feel like I'm in first grade again. This is the first time I'm in a country where I do not understand the language at all and no one understands me. At least in Italy I could get by with French. I love Greek though. It reminds me of Spanish because I have to roll my R's... but it's more staccato? Perhaps?... I'll have a better description when I have a better feel for the language. Quick Fact: Museum = Place of the Muses. And it's not Athens, it's Athena.
My art history class scares the crap out of me. Apparently everyone that's taken the class before has gotten anywhere from a C to a D. Great. One midterm, a final, and a ten page research paper. Kill me now. How am I supposed to focus in Greece?
It's not exactly like France or Italy... but it has its own quality about it. I can't say I feel a sense of nostalgia or romance... But it's definitely beautiful. Peaceful amid the chaos.
Friday, June 12, 2009
6/10 --> 6/12 Day 1,2, & 3
Sorry for the delay. The internet here is definitely slower than dial up and more splotchy than Jackson Pollock. I'm sorry if I don't respond to facebook messages or emails. I'm keeping this blog mainly for myself to remember everything that happened... so I apologize if the posts are highly disorganized and random. There will be tangents, distorted recollections, and reflections that make no sense. Please excuse my ADD.
So a quick summary of what's happened so far:
-JFK airport is great for people watching but terrible for lunch. $15.15 for eight pieces of sushi?!
-If a stranger next to you on the plane offers you candy... you accept. Especially if he reminds you of your grandfather, where's khaki cargo pants, a red and green plaid shirt, and is headed to Cairo, Egypt. Plus, it was Dove Chocolate.
-The heat in Athens is ridiculous. You cannot avoid tanning.
-No toilet paper in the toilets.
-Greeks love their siestas. Nap time is 2:30-5:30 PM. There is a law prohibiting people from being too loud during these hours, as well as anytime after 11 PM on weekdays. I adore naps.
-Going out from 12 AM to 5 AM your first night is a great idea. Especially if you have to wake up at 8 AM the next morning and are incredibly jet lagged.
-Shots of tequila being poured by a hot bartender makes for a pretty good night.
-Wine is mad cheap.
-I woke up to "La Vie en Rose" being played in the morning with at least a hundred kids playing in the school across the street.
-Sorry to burst your bubbles ladies, but Greek guys are "mehhhh". Greek ladies on the other hand are GORGEOUS.
-Blonde is in.
-No one speaks French (Yes, I tried)
-Almost every restaurant is outdoors. And they're called tavernas. The food is excellent but it's also hard to find something I wouldn't eat. There's always fresh fruit for dessert.
-Walking outside, every building is a shade of orange or yellow pastels. The buildings seemed to be a washed out color. The streets are narrow, windy, and there are as many hills as there are in San Francisco...Everyone drives a manual. Death.
Yann Zervos is the director of the Athens Center. Just his facial expressions alone could make you fall in love with Greece. He was enraptured by his own memories as he spoke about the life and energy that seems to "come from the ground". I suppose that so much history in one area would make anyone's imagination fly. But he's been here his entire life... if he could speak about Greece with that much enthusiasm... he's either an amazing liar or he really is still captivated by his own city. I want to fall in love with Greece too.
That's all for now. Sorry that I started out with such a shoddy post. I do miss you all, but not really. I promise the next post will be better.
<3Tc
So a quick summary of what's happened so far:
-JFK airport is great for people watching but terrible for lunch. $15.15 for eight pieces of sushi?!
-If a stranger next to you on the plane offers you candy... you accept. Especially if he reminds you of your grandfather, where's khaki cargo pants, a red and green plaid shirt, and is headed to Cairo, Egypt. Plus, it was Dove Chocolate.
-The heat in Athens is ridiculous. You cannot avoid tanning.
-No toilet paper in the toilets.
-Greeks love their siestas. Nap time is 2:30-5:30 PM. There is a law prohibiting people from being too loud during these hours, as well as anytime after 11 PM on weekdays. I adore naps.
-Going out from 12 AM to 5 AM your first night is a great idea. Especially if you have to wake up at 8 AM the next morning and are incredibly jet lagged.
-Shots of tequila being poured by a hot bartender makes for a pretty good night.
-Wine is mad cheap.
-I woke up to "La Vie en Rose" being played in the morning with at least a hundred kids playing in the school across the street.
-Sorry to burst your bubbles ladies, but Greek guys are "mehhhh". Greek ladies on the other hand are GORGEOUS.
-Blonde is in.
-No one speaks French (Yes, I tried)
-Almost every restaurant is outdoors. And they're called tavernas. The food is excellent but it's also hard to find something I wouldn't eat. There's always fresh fruit for dessert.
-Walking outside, every building is a shade of orange or yellow pastels. The buildings seemed to be a washed out color. The streets are narrow, windy, and there are as many hills as there are in San Francisco...Everyone drives a manual. Death.
Yann Zervos is the director of the Athens Center. Just his facial expressions alone could make you fall in love with Greece. He was enraptured by his own memories as he spoke about the life and energy that seems to "come from the ground". I suppose that so much history in one area would make anyone's imagination fly. But he's been here his entire life... if he could speak about Greece with that much enthusiasm... he's either an amazing liar or he really is still captivated by his own city. I want to fall in love with Greece too.
That's all for now. Sorry that I started out with such a shoddy post. I do miss you all, but not really. I promise the next post will be better.
<3Tc
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