School and Athens by Night

The past couple days have been heinous! Starting classes has been a little bit daunting, due to the fact it's hard for me to force myself to believe this isn't just a vacation, I actually have to learn here, too. However, everyone at DEREE (The American College of Greece), has been so, so kind and helpful. They are all assuring me that I need anything, just to ask. That's Greek hospitality for you!

As fun as school has been (ha), my favorite part of my time here so far has been exploring the city. Yesterday, once everyone was finished with classes, we ventured downtown to Monastiraki the past couple days and explored the Plaka and the surrounding area. I can't believe how beautiful it is here! It's been torture looking up at the Acropolis every day and not going up there. I'm hoping to be able to go up there very, very soon though and preferably on a nice day!

I'm starting to learn the tricks of the trade of living around Athens. If someone walks up to you with roses, puts one in your hand and says, 'for you, free,' they really don't mean it. They will stare at you with a rose in your hand and rub their belly and speak Greek until you give them money or run away. All of the stray dogs are the city's dogs. An NGO puts collars on them and everyone takes care of them. I was petting a particularly happy one that I recognized the other day and a man near me pointed to the dog and say he was famous. So adorable! I'm also proud to say I have the metro system down!

Monastiraki and the Acropolis by night.

Here are some ancient ruins right under the Acropolis. 

Monastiraki again... I can't stop.

Scaling art pieces in the plateía to get a better view of the Acropolis!

Open markets here are wonderful! Oranges are delicious and cheap.

Moussaka! Been waiting to try this one for a while... It's delicious and very, very filling! Greeks know how to eat and drink. 

Greek restaurants here are so much fun! The music is lively and the people give you free drinks and dessert in an effort to get you to come back again. That means shots and Greek yoghurt all around! Tomorrow I'm gearing up for school, Ancient Greek History, History of Cyprus and the Near East, and Modern Middle Eastern History. So far my classes have had no more than 10 people, which I really like, as opposed to the larger lecture classes that I'm used to.

Yesterday I decided to pick up Modern Greek Language I, so... Kaliníhta, goodnight!

Wandering Athens

I know I haven't been here long, but I'm starting to think that the Greeks are probably the kindest, most hospitable group of people I have ever met on my travels. For example, as soon as I dragged my luggage up the marble steps of my new apartment building, I was bull rushed and scooped up into the arms of Tassos, the AIFS representative who is personally taking care of myself and six other girls who I have fallen in love with in the past three days. It's funny how delving into an experience like this can turn an hour long friendship into one that makes you feel like you've known them for ages. It's also funny that even though I am definitely, inarguably, and without a doubt in Greece right now, I still can't believe it!

While I was walking around downtown Athens during what our Greek friends commented was much like a 'cool summer day; yesterday, I couldn't help but drool over all the sights that this amazing city has to offer!

These are the labyrinth maze of houses that cling to the mountainside below the Acropolis, known as the Plaka. 

We weaved through a tiny path, dotted with sun bleached patio furniture, potted plants, and blue shutters, gazing up at the ancient ruins above and completely envious of the people who are lucky enough to live there!

A famous sign guiding the way to the ruins.

The Athenian skyline.

I'm not sure which ruins these are, but they are even more gigantic looking in real life!

I am starting to love the Greek way of life. I can get down with siesta time, also known as mesimeri, a nap or quiet time between 2pm to 5pm, especially when the norm on weekends is to go out at 12 and come home at 5am or earlier, like we did last night. The night life here is indescribable and the streets are just as alive at 5am as they are at 1am! 

Some clubs pump dubstep, others Greek music that I can't understand a lick of, but can certainly dance to, especially when it has a unique modern-Mediterranean and almost Middle Eastern beat. 

Needless to say, Sunday is a day of rest and most of the shops are closed. For some Greeks this might traditionally mean a day of worship, but to me it will definitely be a journey to find some good hangover food (sorry, Mom) and wander the streets of Athens a little more.