You Look Greek...Greeky, Greeky!

Today we made our first trip into Athens to shop around the Plaka. Can I just say how much I love this city? It is beautiful and so chic. I almost feel like it is too good for me-- haha. Here I am, brown Wal-Mart skirt, plain sweater and some Chacos surrounded by these elegant women in expensive coats and boots that zip up to their knees. They sit at cafes, smoking their cigarettes-- I go to the walkby gyro stand so I can get mine for the low price of 3 euros. (Here, you pay for your table and the atmosphere too...) I am just going to say it. Greek guys are so handsome. There. You got me. I admit it. Their dark, slicked back hair; their olive complexion; the way they walk around confidently dressed in fashionable attire. Though their boldness comes off a little strange to an American girl, it is oddly refreshing.

I don't know why. I mean, in the states I feel invisible-- here, they look at me like I'm a Greek goddess. Speaking of me being a Greek goddess, this one rather nice looking store owner asked where I was from when I told him America (apo tin ameriki..impressed? haha) he replied with: "Ohhh..you look Greek. You're Greek. Greeky Greeky!" With each Greeky Greeky, he preceded to grab each cheek and pinch them like an old lady at a family reunion. He then leaned over and kissed each side of my face. (The greeting here. Hard to get used to.) Oh, another thing I found interesting. Every time someone would ask what state in America I was from-- when I replied Arkansas, their faces would light up and they would exclaim, "OHHHH...BILL CLINTON!" I would just nod my head and they were so excited, like me and Bill were tight buddies or something.

We went to church tonight and it was so moving. They have so many people that speak many different languages. Some were from Iran, some Egypt, some Russia, so many others. During communion, they each said a prayer in their language. One of our guys started in English and the others followed in their language. Being my mother's daughter (no offense, Mom), tears started to stream down my face. The Greek prayer giver concluded with, "We speak different languages. Our cultures are diverse. But we are unified." Isn't he so right? Paragould, Arkansas is not much for an introduction to different cultures and how they relate to God-- so naturally, I would find this very emotional. I wasn't the only one thank goodness. Lauren, who has become a good friend, was next to me and she was teary too.

Overall, this has been a great day. I love it here. All the people I live with are great and our home is fantastic. I kind of feel like I'm on MTV's "Real World" minus the drama and fighting. We all live together, eat together, sit in the big livingroom together. It's so neat. I love you all and miss you!