Day 4: laid back day

Today, we did not do much. In the morning, we went on a walking tour of our city. We got to see the Church of 100 doors and some other major sites in town. Then, I had class from 1-5. Creative writing is fun. We read and do exercises. I haven't shared my work yet, but I hope to soon. We are suppose to be writing out of class and typing up our in class work, but I seriously have had no time. After class, we went to a gyro restaurant. It was seriously delicious. They serve most of the gyros with fries here, which I think is kind of funny. After dinner, everyone else had photography, so us(very few of us) went back to the apartment and hung out. We had a very laid back night people got home. We uploaded pictures and talked to people from home. A few of us took a short walk and then we went to bed. It was good to get a full nights sleep. Let me just tell you though, there are some amazing photographers here. I thought the class was going to be for beginners, but everyone here has a lot of experience. They are seriously so good. So, hopefully I will get some amazing pictures of myself by these photographers to share with everyone.

until next time

Day 3: first day of classes

I slept really good finally, but I woke up early for some reason. Luckily, the air conditioner works really well. As soon as everyone got up, we went to the restaurant by the school to get waffles. It was pretty much the best waffle I have ever had. It had ice cream on it. SO GOOD. After, we stopped by the grocery store then went back to our apartment. We had a group meeting at 11 and then it was time for me to go to class. I am taking Art and Cycladic Culture(ACC) and Creative Writing. Most people are taking photography. I am soo glad I decided not to because most of the girls in the class are actual photography majors and have really awesome cameras. I would have struggled and looked like a complete amateur. Classes are usually 2 or so hours. ACC is a bit mind boggling. Alex, the teacher, is brilliant so sometimes I have a hard time keeping up with what he is saying. The class is basically to talk about the history of the islands and things of that natures. Creative writing is pretty cool. We read examples of different types of writing and then we do writing exercises where we are given prompts. I had forgotten how much I love to write, so I am really excited for this class. After class, we went home and got ready for a fun night. A bus took us to this restaurant on the beach on he other side of the inlet. It was seriously the scariest bus ride ever. We winded through the hills on tiny little roads. I thought we were going to tip over. The restaurant was so cool. We had appetizers provided by our program and then Cassandra and I shared farfalle pasta with pesto sauce. It was delicious. After dinner, they showed us some traditional Greek dances. It got pretty crazy. They even brought out dishes for us to smash. So basically, we ran around holding hands and smashing plates for a solid hour. Greeks sure do know how to have a good time. Our program also provided dessert, which was ice cream and a homemade brownie. The bus then took us back to the apartments. We decided to go hang out at Saloon D'or again. We hung out with a tour group from Canada and Australia. It was interesting to hear their take on Americans. Yet again, another amazing day.

until next time

Day 2: Paros

The first night, I had the worst nights sleep I have ever had. The room was sooo hot and the bed was squeaky and uncomfortable. Finally, I could not sleep any longer so we got up at 5 and took very cold showers and packed. We had to leave at 5:45 for the ferry. The charter bus was paid for by the program which was nice. We wound around the city for about 20 minutes before getting the the port. I was under the impression we were going to be on a tiny boat to the island, but no we were basically on a cruise ship. The ferry ride was long and boring. We were all tired and so excited to get there that we were all a bit antsy. After 4 and a half long hours we arrived in Paros. Let's just say its amaaaazing here. The ocean is so blue and clear and the weather is perfect. Its hot and sunny but there is always a breeze and it is definitely not as humid as Kentucky or South Carolina. When we got to the port, we walked to our apartment, which by the way is maybe 30 seconds walk to the beach. Our apartment is a typical white-washed, blue trim, Greek building. We each have our own room with a bed, desk, kitchenette, bathroom, closet, and balcony. We were all so excited to be there so the first thing we did was get our swimsuits on and go to the beach. The sand on our beach is a bit rocky and the water is colder than expected but I think I can manage. We then had lunch and then cleaned up for orientation. Alex, one of our teachers, took us around the town and showed us everything we needed to know. Then we had orientation at the school which consisted of going over the schedule and what not. Then we had a nice dinner provided by the school by the water front. It was another family type meal and the food was awesome. After, we went to Saloon D'or and hung out on large comfy couches they have every where. They were playing American music and no one else was there so we decided to dance a bit. After we walked home and hung out on the rooftop before going to bed. On a side note, the house cat slept in my bed with me. I went to go to be and he was just hanging out on the bed so I let him sleep there. He curled up in the crook of my knees like Lexie does. It was great and all, but now my room stinks and I am thinking he might have peed somewhere. yuck. Overall, it was a solid first day on the island and I cannot wait for many more to come.

interesting facts:
-we get our rooms cleaned every day. It is awesome. Not only do they make the beds with brand new sheets each day, but they mop and scrub and even organize. It makes me feel pampered.
-you cannot flush toilet paper down the toilet. You have to put it in the garbage can. GROSS I know.
-Greek food pretty much exceeds every expectation I had. Not only is the food great, but all of the restaurants have a great atmosphere.
-I can't speak Greek to save my life. But its all good because most people speak English here.
-A donkey lives right outside my window.

DAY 1: getting there

It was a long, tiring journey, but I am finally here in Greece. My journey started at 6:30 Sunday morning, when I got up to get ready to go. My first flight left from Charleston at 8:45 am. Surprise surprise, I actually got into Atlanta 45 minutes early. My next flight was from Atlanta to JFK. This flight was probably the most annoying flight I have ever been on. The high school boy sitting next to me would not stop talking to me while I was trying to sleep, the kids in front of me wouldn’t sit still, and the couple in front of them would not stop making out. Good thing the flight was only and hour and 45 minutes. As soon as I got there, I had to go across the entire airport to get to my gate. I then met up with a bunch of people from my program. There were about 8 people from my program on the flight. We sat on the airplane at the gate for an hour and 39 minutes because of some sort of paperwork issue. This made us all very anxious to start the journey. Finally we were up in the air. The flight wasn't too bad. I slept and watched movies until the flight was over. I was in disbelief flying into Greece. Flying over, the water was so blue and the city was very jam packed. When we got there, we got our luggage and cash and then found a taxi driver waiting for us. Here, there taxis are Mercedes and BMWs. The taxi ride was about 25 minutes. The taxi driver took us to Hotel Fivos, a quaint hostel in the city. I shared a room with one other girl, Cassandra. Our room was pretty big compared to others who had tiny rooms. We also had a small bathroom, which I'm learning is the norm here in Greece. They don't have elevators here, so it was interesting trying to get all of our luggage up 4 flights of stairs. Let's just say I'm glad I packed as light as I did. After we got settled and cleaned up, a few of us wandered around our neighborhood and then headed up to the acropolis. The acropolis is on the top of a very large hill, so we definitely got our exercise for the day. Athens is a lot different than I thought it was going to be. It is sooo crowded and very dirty. We heard that 90% of the population in Greece lives in Athens. I believe it because it is jammed to the brim.

The stairs we had to climb to get to our room.

The acropolis

Tazhiki

After the tour of the acropolis, we went to lunch. We all just got little meals because it was pretty late in the afternoon. I got tazhiki and it was delicious. Definitely the best I have ever had. After lunch we went back to the hostel and took a much needed nap and then a shower. After we got ready, we went to dinner and met up with everyone from the other hostel. We had the best dinner at the cutest Greek restaurant. We had 14 different Greek dishes brought out to each table family style. They were so good. It was such a good way to try all the traditional Greek food. I really like moussaka, it is like a meat pie. After dinner, we walked around Athens and then went back to the hostel. We got to bed around midnight.

until next time

nervous, excited, anxious

I am overflowing with emotions right now. Tomorrow morning, I start my adventure. My plane for Greece leaves at 8:45 am. I am in disbelief that it is actually happening. I have been talking about it and preparing for awhile now, but it always seemed so far away. I am nervous that I packed the right stuff and that I am prepared for every situation. I am trying to tell myself that it will all be fine and to just go with the flow. I am so thankful for this opportunity that I have been given. I would not have been able to go without all of the support that I have received. I especially owe a thank you to my parents who always are supportive of my crazy ideas and for helping me throughout this entire process. I am excited to start this amazing journey and hopefully I can share it with everyone through my blog. If you would like to write me a letter my address is:

P.O. Box 11, Paroikia, Paros
Cyclades, 84400, Greece

until next time (IN GREECE!)

one very proud girlfriend

I have been somewhat dreading writing this post, because I have been fine thus far, and I am afraid that this might make me break down. But, it must be done.

Yesterday, Jake left for Officer Candidate School for the United States Marine Corps. Basically, it is a 10 week course for those who want to be an officer in the USMC. It is mentally, physically, and emotionally trying, but if you get through, you can then commission as an officer. If you want to find out more information, go here. Jake has been preparing for about a year now. He studied, worked out constantly, and researched. It is pretty much going to be the hardest thing he will ever have to endure in his life. Don't believe me? Watch this. But, he is completely prepared and wants it more than anything.

For the first 4 weeks, he can only communicate through letters. (yes, I plan on writing him everyday) After that, he can call when he is on liberty. People keep asking me if I am sad and if I am going to be alright. Yes, of course I am sad. But, I am also happy. It is sad that I cannot be with him for 10 weeks and cannot talk to him, but I am so happy for him. This is something he wants and has worked hard for, so why shouldn't I be happy for him? And yes, I am going to be alright. It would be selfish of me to sit around and be sad and complain. This isn't about me, it is about Jake and his love for his country and the sacrifice he is making to be a Marine Officer. I really don't think I could be any more proud of him.

Jake's "last dinner" at Tony Romas

Love You!

If you would like his address to send him encouraging letters, let me know! He needs all the support he can get.

Until next time

packages

After an 8 hour drive, I have arrived in Charleston to spend time with my family before I head off to Greece. When I got here last night, I had lots of fun things waiting for me.

First, I had a package from California!

Em sent me lots of goodies from all over California! Thanks em! But could you fill me in on what an olallieberry is? I haven't tried the jam yet but it looks great!

Then I got to open these

It seriously felt like Christmas! I bought these fabulous Merrells for Greece. They are like heaven on my feet! I cannot wait to walk all over Greece in these!

The last package was
THIS! My awesome(not really) new international phone. This phone won't be getting much use since it is $1.99 a minute. So if you want to talk while I am gone, I suggest sending me your skype information.

The next few days will be spent packing, which will be a huge struggle considering I can't go anywhere without packing my whole life, and getting the last few things I need! I cannot believe I will actually be in Greece in 3 day

until next time!