Athena is all around the city of Athens, not only at the Parthenon, but on the coins, in the shops, and everywhere else that I go. It makes sense that Athena is the goddess of wisdom, because I am here to soak up as much of her as I can.
I have learned a lot about this city-- where the closest grocery store is, how to find my way back home from the Acropolis, the metro system, which places not to go to, etc. I am becoming very familiar with the city, although I don't think I could ever call it home. Athens is very dirty. There needs to be a year long rain to get all of the black soot off the sidewalks and concrete buildings. I can taste it in the air as I walk too.
I am still learning the language, but have a lot of key phrases down. I can easily order a freshly squeezed orange juice and ask where the bathroom is... I obviously have much more to figure out.
I continuously learn about the culture as well. The people here are much different, with more relaxed habits and more coffee breaks. The typical Greek will have their 1-2 pm Frappe on as strict of a time schedule as the German trains run. I experience new things about them daily...
Yesterday, before my drawing class, I decided to walk through Plaka. With a handful of strawberries, I munched on them as I passed the dozens of Americans asking the most touristy questions to Greeks. With the constant stream of tour buses, it's always the same questions, "where can I find a bathroom, a bakery, the Acropolis (clearly visible from where they are standing), etc. ??" I have seen more fanny packs and jean cargo shorts in Plaka, then any where else. But yesterday, I was in a pleasant mood and decided to help my fellow Americans. I answered their dumb questions and even gave them advice on places to eat. They were so amazed that I helped them out, and some reached in their bag to give me a tip. :) Whenever I am bored, I know exactly where I am going... I could get a huge kick out of this.
I have learned a lot about this city-- where the closest grocery store is, how to find my way back home from the Acropolis, the metro system, which places not to go to, etc. I am becoming very familiar with the city, although I don't think I could ever call it home. Athens is very dirty. There needs to be a year long rain to get all of the black soot off the sidewalks and concrete buildings. I can taste it in the air as I walk too.
I am still learning the language, but have a lot of key phrases down. I can easily order a freshly squeezed orange juice and ask where the bathroom is... I obviously have much more to figure out.
I continuously learn about the culture as well. The people here are much different, with more relaxed habits and more coffee breaks. The typical Greek will have their 1-2 pm Frappe on as strict of a time schedule as the German trains run. I experience new things about them daily...
Yesterday, before my drawing class, I decided to walk through Plaka. With a handful of strawberries, I munched on them as I passed the dozens of Americans asking the most touristy questions to Greeks. With the constant stream of tour buses, it's always the same questions, "where can I find a bathroom, a bakery, the Acropolis (clearly visible from where they are standing), etc. ??" I have seen more fanny packs and jean cargo shorts in Plaka, then any where else. But yesterday, I was in a pleasant mood and decided to help my fellow Americans. I answered their dumb questions and even gave them advice on places to eat. They were so amazed that I helped them out, and some reached in their bag to give me a tip. :) Whenever I am bored, I know exactly where I am going... I could get a huge kick out of this.
Yes, that is a confederate flag t-shirt...
That's all for now, I will blog later... 68 More Days Until Home!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment