Last Day of Class

Last day of class. 

We are getting notifications for turning back in our books, 

our items from the apartments...

where to leave our keys when we leave.

There are good-bye parties, and end of the semester celebrations.

We are thinking of how to get everything into our luggage,

and how to get to the airport at an ungodly hour of the morning.

Soon we will be heading back to real life, back to our life.

Back to where everyone speaks our language, eats our kind of food, 

and drive rather than walk.

What will I miss?

the guys across the street at the construction site,

our friends at the tavernas we have befriended,

the freedom of 'camping' at a restaurant table freely,

the cheapness of everything...

The sunshine.

I will miss my Orthodox prof, Despina,

a sweeter soul I have never known.

I will miss the church bells, 

especially from St. Spyridon church

Yes, it was the last day of class.

And, what have I learned?

I think I will save for another post.

10 days left!

Well, we are in the home stretch.

I have more photos to upload, but mostly focusing on squeezing out the last

bit of learning from my classes before finals.

Temperature Reading: Two weeks of classes left!

Well, the weather has changed somewhat, and we are finally getting some warmer temperatures. Amazingly, these concrete apartments stay remarkably cool despite the outdoor temperatures. I end up wearing more layers of clothing inside the apartment than I do outside! But the sunshine is glorious, as you can imagine.

Classes are starting to wind down, and the profs are gearing up for the end of the semester with finals and grades. None of the other students are anxious for the semester to end, but I am ready to leave this semester behind and get back home to real life. For them, going home means leaving the freedom of living abroad and heading back to dorm rooms and parental homes, but for me going home means getting back to the freedom that I enjoy in a home of my own creation. Very different, indeed.

In looking around our apartment, I am thinking about what we are going to do with all the stuff we have accumulated. Some of it will be given away, like the computer and the extra kitchen items we purchased. Some will have to be left behind and the rest somehow stuffed into our luggage. We already send home a box full of souvenirs and books, but we have another small pile growing that will need to be packed. I will also have to find a place for my school papers that I accumulated here...I'm gonna try to be ruthless in taking home only what is absolutely necessary (paper is heavy!). I'm thinking that I will be leaving some clothing here, especially some that I am really sick of wearing! I didn't bring a lot (only really a week's worth), and I have been wearing the same things over and over. Ugh!

I think Chuck and I are just plain ole worn out. Physically. We have walked so much these past months, since we have no wheels, of course. Miles a day, often - over to the Plaka, over to Syntagma, through the markets, up to Ciaos, over to the stadium, back up the stairs to the apartment. Many, many stairs... I was doing alright when it was cooler because I was wearing more supportive walking-type shoes, but once I started wearing my new Greek sandals, my feet and legs really started feeling it. Absolutely no cushion or support is not good on marble, stone, and concrete surfaces. I finally broke down and got something that I knew would save my feet:

yep, the old standby!

So, we just make it through 8 more days of classes, two final papers (one of which I have already written) and one final (killer) exam, and we are done. Very much looking forward to flying to the southern US to visit some dear friends for a few days prior to winging our way home. I am sure I will have more to say in retrospect as we get closer, but for now I am just trying to savor all I enjoy about Greece - the sunshine, the music, the food, and the beautiful people we have grown to love.

The Last Sunday in March

Just a few snaps and thoughts from our last Sunday in March.

It is still kinda cold, grey, and threatening rain. Everyone here is pretty darn tired of it!

We grabbed a sandwich by an old church on Ermou and watched the people go by. A great opportunity to think of the bigger things in life like tradition, life, and what is edifying.

We sought out a sweet (our favorite - kreme pie), and headed for a sweet little cafe just off the main thoroughfare. Just a couple of business down from where we were sitting, there was a traditional Greek men's club meeting in a cafe dressed in their traditional costumes - very cool!

After enjoying a light salad and a cappuccino, we set our sights for home, We gave to some of our favorite needy, visited our favorite bread ring vendor, and watched all the people strolling along Ermou. This part of Athens I will miss.

Oh, and when we arrived in Syntagma Square, there was a portable geodesic dome set up. Wow! It was the European Space Expo and spanned the Square. We popped in for a quick look - it was a free interactive information expo. Pretty well done, too.

On our way through the metro station, we noticed the time - was it that late, already?? Spring forward for the time change from daylight savings to standard time took place today... So, we strolled through the National Gardens, exploring a few paths we hadn't been on before, and finally made our way out near Zappion. Along the way, a feathered friend posed for me. How nice.

The European Space Expo

one of the needy near the fountain

a couple of the traditionally dressed men

awesome traditional costumes

y'know, sundials don't work very well with no sun

one of many Eurasian Magpies - they are beautiful when they fly and have very long tailfeathers

 

along Ermou - yep, they were good enough that we put some change in their case

Temperature Reading: Approaching Mid-Terms

we found a church that was not Orthodox in the neighborhood bordering the Plaka

As I face a walk-about project and oral presentation in Greek class, a paper in Philosophy, and exams in both Orthodox and Mythology class, I am feeling a little overwhelmed. Not to mention CYA decided to have our 'make-up' day this week to compensate for our having Clean Monday off. Seriously, right before mid-terms?

I'm not meaning to complain, but I am not used to carrying four classes in a term - I am older, y'know.

We are venturing further afield and considering monthly train/public transport passes. I seem to have more need to ride the train, which makes me a little uncomfortable. Not being from a downtown area, I am definitely more comfortable just getting in my car and driving where I want to go. The students from New York and other big cities have no problems hopping the train, tram, or bus (or even taxi) to get where they want to go. CYA expects the students to be flexible and adventurous. I guess I am not as flexible as those younger than myself. I am not sure why.

I knew this trip was going to be a challenge, and I have to say that I am glad we are at the half-way point. I think I understand now why Dr. Finitsis would have rather me go on the month-long J-Term Greece trip than stay for the semester. I am so glad I didn't do both! Doing both would have been challenging, in different ways, but the J-Term probably felt more like a month-long tour than actually living in Greece. Living here for a term is being treated as a tourist when we are really not (this is not a small thing, I'm afraid). We deal with the language barrier and cultural differences every day, trying to make things work. Add to that the pressure cooker that is taking university classes...

Challenges. New environments. Trying to adapt to the culture daily.

Thank G-d for coffee and the internet.
And Chuck. I thank G-d for Chuck- everyday.

On the Calendar

click to embiggen

Lessons Learned after 4 Weeks

on 'taverna row' right beside the Roman Agora

I just one one thing to say: I have never walked so much  in my life.

OK, I have more than one thing to say. But, we have walked so much that the bottoms of my feet are rather swollen and definitely sore.

love Kekkos!

Lessons learned to date:

I don't like wearing dirty clothes, and you have to plan a bit to have your things dry in time to wear them. I totally got 'caught' without clean clothes for our first field trip. Airing them out on the balcony had to suffice.

Long hair is definitely better for travel than a short, high-maintenance hair style. And scarves are a must, not just as an accessory. A scarf is a lifesaver in bitter wind!

Sundays are NOT a day of rest - truly, everyone goes out to see and be seen! Even if the stores/shops are not all open, everyone is out and about, walking around and socializing.

If you don't like tomatoes, remember to tell the server you don't want them in your food - it would seem that they like to pile them on everything, just because!

When stopping at a rest stop, make a quick bee-line to the restroom or else you will have to stand in a long line. Yuck.

Quit trying to fit in - you just won't. Just go with it. And, get used to being 'observed'...'observe' back! (they won't be offended, really!)

It would seem that the profs don't really expect you to read everything they assign. *shrug* Skimming works.

I am still trying to get a handle on the eating style here in Greece. Snacking seems to be the norm, possibly similar to France, and I am still not sure when 'meals' are taken. Mostly what I see are people eating a lot of appetizers.

Gelato and ice cream are mostly the same thing.
It just tastes better here.

Squares are the best for people watching, along with 'taverna row' that has a view of the Acropolis and the Roman Agora. They like 'tourists,' too.

At the weekly farmer's market only buy what you will eat within the next couple days - the food is so fresh and organic that it spoils quickly.

Chuck sez the most obvious lesson he has learned is not to put toilet paper in the toilet. (He really hates this!)

Don't plan on getting beauty products that are similar to those at home - just go with it. (you really don't have a choice, anyway)

People smoke here - a lot. Not usually manufactured cigarettes, though...they like to roll their own.

Don't expect all food servers or cashiers to be friendly...and that service comes at their time schedule, not yours. Just sit back and relax...they will get to you, especially if you make moves to leave!

Peddlers, panhandlers, beggars: young (often dirty) children making noise on a cheap guitar or accordion are only looking for money and are sent out by their parents (non-Greeks) - they are persistent and this makes for an awkward situation. Also, older men with lotto-type tickets, small gadgets for sale, and men from Jamaica selling string bracelets are also quite persistent. When choosing a taverna and place to sit, don't choose the table closest to the sidewalk...you will be harder to get to if you are further in, and you also have a greater chance of the server shooing those looking for a handout away. Also, never believe older Gypsy women trying to give you a 'free' rose - nothing is free and they will want one or two euros. (Note: I have witnessed Greek men getting quite snotty with these, threatening to take what the peddlers are trying to give, challenging them and basically calling their bluff - the peddlers want you to take what they hand you, so they can then ask for money - counting on your good graces. So, the peddlers/beggers stay away from Greek men and target Americans or other tourists who don't know their game...beware.)

When ordering food, most places serve large orders, so consider sharing dishes. We have been choosing a salad to share, and a couple of different dishes to try and share. The serving sizes here are quite generous, especially at non-touristy establishments.

Go to the same establishments or businesses repeatedly - when they recognize you, you will get friendlier service. When at the grocery store, go to the same cashier, if possible. When going to the farmer's market, go to the same seller.

"orange pie" - the best!

Eat the 'orange pie' - it is to die for. You can work off the pounds later. Oh, and order double cappuccino with medium sugar. You're welcome.

Pick a pharmacy and keep going to it (they are small but everywhere). They can help you with a lot of things - I'm sure that most of the things they offer are not on display.

That's another point: there is no such thing as 'browsing' here. When you enter a store, you immediately have a sales person at your side - and they don't leave your side until you tell them what you are looking for. Then, they still don't leave your side while they show you what fits what you want. Can I even explain how awkward this is? I probably would have spent far more money on stuff if I hadn't been rather chased away...

Don't take a taxi if you can help it. Walk or take public transportation.

Don't waste money on clothes dryers  - hang your clothes to dry in your apartment or on your balcony.

Copy paper, notebooks, and binders are a different standard size here than in the States. Don't bring them from home - buy them here.

No tipping. I know - just don't. The service staff get paid good wages here and thus don't have to make up for a lousy wage as in the States. Also, the server will not come and pester you for your order or while you are eating. If you need them, you must alert them. Don't worry - they are watching for your signal. And, you can 'camp' on your table as long as like. Really - it is how things are done here. Nice, huh?

Hair is a big thing here. Period. For men and women. The more the better for women - the neater and tighter the cut for men, the better. I don't have nearly enough hair.

Temperature Reading - Week 2

OK, just for the sake of journaling, here are some of the things on my mind as the second week in Athens, and the first week of classes, comes to a close:

my rather skimpy wardrobe for the semester

• The laundry facilities are great - those washers really spin, man!! Ha! No really, our US washers don't get out the water like these European ones.
  
• Printing here is an issue - in fact, I had a little bit of a melt-down considering how I was going to facilitate my style of study (typed notes from readings and printed req'd readings from online  Moodle for mark-ups). We went over to the computer lab to try to figure it out, but had no luck. We have even considered purchasing a printer for the apartment, but even that is a hurdle (find a store, speak to the employees to get help...gah!) I did talk to some of the other students about it and they are experiencing trouble, as well. They don't seem as concerned as I (as usual)...I just am planning on asking for more help from the IT guru and hope I can understand what I am supposed to do.
  
• Both Chuck and I are feeling a little under the weather; partly due to the damp weather and partly due to the heater blowing on us all night (and for me, probably some wheat sneaking into my diet). We are going to try to turn off the heat at night and see how that works. Waking up with a headache is not working for either of us.
  
• My classes are taught by exceptional professors, and I recommend them all. (The instructor creds and write up are from the CYA website.)

Dr. Iosif teaches The Orthodox Church

Dr. Iosif received a B.A. in History and Archaeology and an M.A. in Ancient History from the University of Crete, a Ph.D. from University College London and conducted her post-doc at the University of Thessaly. Among her academic publications are the following books: Early Christian Attitudes to War, Violence and Military Service, (Gorgias Press, 2013), Apocryphal Acts of Paul and Thecla, (Katarti, co-authored with M. Triantafyllou, 2008) and The Byzantine Empire, (OTEK, 2008), and articles: ‘“Early Christian Aloofness and Participation in the Pagan World”, in Cults, Creeds and Identities, (Peeters, 2013), and “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Illness as Demon Possession in the World of the First Christian Ascetics and Monks”, (Mental Health, Religion and Culture, Routledge Journals, 2011). She also teaches for the University of Crete.

Dr. Mylonaki teaches Greek Philosophy

Dr. Evgenia Mylonaki studied philosophy and history of science at the University of Athens, and received her PhD in philosophy from the University of Pittsburgh (2010). Her doctoral dissertation, which is entitled "From Conflict to Unity: Motivation and Practical Reason", is an attempt to recast in contemporary terms the Platonic argument for the division of the soul in the Republic. Currently she holds a three year post-doctoral fellowship funded by the Greek State and the EU and her post-doctoral research project is on "Moral Perception and Practical Knowledge". She also teaches at the program "Plato's Academy" of the University of Athens. Her main research interests lie within the fields of ethics, politics, theory of action in ancient and contemporary philosophy. She is currently working on the nature of representations of life and practice, on practical reason in ethics and politics, on film and philosophy and on neo-Aristotelianism in business ethics.

Anna Steward teaches
Ancient Greek Mythology & Religion

Ms. Stewart received a Department Citation for Distinction in Classical Languages while an undergraduate at the University of California (Berkeley). She received her M.A. in Classical Archaeology at the same institution, writing on the iconography connected with Demetrios Poliorketes. She has excavated at Nemea and Corinth, as well as in Israel as an Area Supervisor at Tel Dor, and she has worked in the Archives Department of the Athenian Agora Excavations. Her dissertation topic is "The Function and Meaning of Idols in Early Greek Cults."

Dr. Triantafillidou 'suffers' us poor
Americans teaching Modern Greek -
she is amazing!

Dr. Triantafillidou (B.A., Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 1987; M.A., University of Houston, 1991; Ed.D. in Second Language Education/Applied Linguistics, University of Houston, 1996) has taught French, ESL, and Modern Greek as a foreign language in Denmark and in Houston (1987-1997), where she established a Modern Greek language program at the University of Houston. Upon her return to Greece in 1997, she joined CYA and has worked in a European Union-funded program coordinated by the University of Athens, which aims to enhance the education and integration of foreign students in the Greek school system. She has also worked for the Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (2000-2004) as a special advisor concerned with the educational and cultural interests of Greeks living abroad. Her research focuses on language assessment and materials development. She has published extensively in her field and recently co-authored a book entitled Levels of Proficiency in Greek as Second Language, published by the University of Athens (2003).

Yeah, the profs are pretty amazing! As are the administrative staff of CYA - I have nothing but good things to say about how we are treated. Also, the food is very, very good. I am so thankful that we decided to partake of the meal plan; we have one meal we don't have to think about every weekday. It is a lifesaver!

snap of Chuck's area, and this awesome book he is reading in his spare time -
he is the power-guru inside our apartment!

 

this is one idea that I am taking home - oil and vinegar!
really love this on salads instead of heavy dressing

trying to keep my class work straight...

• The homework load of these classes will be less than at home, but with all of Athens (and beyond) as an immersion classroom, who needs homework?
  
• We are very glad we were able to move closer to campus - it is nice not having to traverse a couple of really busy streets to get to class.
  
• We cannot wait for nicer weather - it has been rather cold and rainy. The good part is that the sun peaks through now and again, giving us a glimpse of what is to come. The bluest skies you've ever seen are not in Seattle...they are in Greece!

The view out our window - when the weather is nicer, we will be sitting on the balcony.
The construction is for the new art museum - fascinating to watch!