I realized today that I am culturally misplaced. I am an American living in Athens, Greece, with a Moldovan roommate. We went to the market today-- a Russian market. AND-- the family that is renting the apartment next to my room is from Australia.

There are times that I don't know what language is being said around me, or what kind of food I am eating. Whatever it is though, I'm enjoying the company and the confusion of cultures.

This past week went by really fast-- going to my drawing class every day and coming back to the apartment to either do research or read the second book of the Hunger Games. I enjoy spending the evenings on my veranda looking out to the city, thinking about how different life is here compared to back home in Alpharetta. 

One of my drawings of an Ionic column capital

Even though we work much harder back home to make a living, the Greeks seem much more busy. The city is so alive. And its not just young adults, there are older people too, walking around and gossiping about people as they pass. There is a constant stream of motorcycles, foot traffic, and the metro is always packed. It's unbelievable to think the amount of people that live in this city. 

Anyways, today Nadia (my roommate) and I walked around the city-- wandering our way from Syntagma through Monistiraki and over to Omonia. I understand why people tell me to avoid those areas, although it is safe during the day. When we were on our way to Omonia, an old lady come up to me and Nadia and asked (in Greek) if we wanted to buy any marijuana. I understand now why Nadia ignored her and shoved her way through the crowd, with me trailing at her footsteps. 

It's not a scary area, but I know that a lot of crazies hang out there. So I will do my best to avoid that area.

Me in Omonia Square

The markets in Omonia-- fresh fruit, fish, nuts... anything you want

Haha the other thing that I noticed (from this picture) is that RIGHT across the street, there is a pet shop, where the animals are halfway in the street. There are pigeons EVERYWHERE... so I wouldn't suggest going to this market because something isn't right about the zoning situation there.

Tomorrow, Nadia and I are going to the beach! :) I'm not sure where she will take us, but she said that the water is very clear, so I am convinced we will have a great time. I will bring my camera and take pictures to post next time.

Random fact about Greece-- 80% of Greece is mountainous and it has half of the seismic activity of Europe.

Emily