Back to Reality

We just got back to the Artemis not long ago from our weekend holiday. Sorry Mom and Dad but I have decided to move to an island post-graduation. I hope that's okay. Haha. Though that will most likely not be the case, I hope to return someday for a longer visit.

On Saturday, we headed to the beach. It was not as sunny as we would have liked, but it was warm enough most of the time to wear a bathing suit with maybe a light jacket occasionally. The two boys decided to climb the mountain next to the water while the girls relaxed on the sand. Because it is a tourism off-season, we had the beach pretty much to ourselves except for a few joggers. Ashley was the only one that braved the icy water all the way-- about mid-thigh is all I could manage. I loved this afternoon. I listened to Ashley's Ipod while dancing down the beach. I listened to "It's a Pretty Good Day"-- this upbeat song that seemed to fit my mood perfectly. You know those moments when you feel like you're in a movie? That was mine. I was wearing my brightly-colored sun dress, spinning around by the water-- and the world was right.

We tried to experience as much of the town life as we could in one weekend-- we tried out different cafes and restaurants, all of which turned out to be amazing choices. My favorite cafe was called "Deals." It was this chic, dimly lit cafe with leather chairs and couches. Large groups of families and friends were all around. The typical loud Greek conversation filled the restaurant and laughing filled the air as much as the cigarette smoke. Can I just say how much I love the Greek way of life? First of all, I love that conversation is of utmost importance. In America, we sit at a restaurant, scarf down our food and leave almost immediately. In Greece, you pay for your table because they expect you to use it-- and they leave you alone for as long as you wish to stay. Second, they have spunk. Though it has taken some getting used to, I now look at that little old lady that pushed her way through the crowd with appreciation. Feeble old people do not exist here. On the bus, this old man behind me kept pushing me when I couldn't go anywhere-- where usually this frustrates me, I couldn't help but smile to myself. I mean, how many older people in America try to pick a fight with a college student? Adding to their spunk is the fact that they never back down from a heated debate, even if the talk is just for the sake of being heated. To the American ear it sounds like arguing, but they are simply enjoying the art of conversation. I find this fascinating. Considering talking to most people (especially of the male species) in America results in a simple, "Yeah" or "No, not really," I love that they can get into deep, meaningful discussions with perfect strangers. There have been so many instances that I have wished I could speak Greek fluently so I could jump right in.

The ferry on the way back was quite a trip. It was rocking back and forth like a storm-tossed ship. You could see the water through the window and then suddenly it would completely disappear-- your stomach would flop and then the water would reappear. We finally made it to dry land. Before we got off, this little old lady smiled at Lauren and handed her a rose made out of a napkin. It was the sweetest thing I have ever seen! The Greek people have such a heart for lost college students. And we have "lost" written all over our foreheads.

Tomorrow we are leaving early, early in the morning to go to northern Greece for 4 days, 3 nights. I won't be able to blog for a while. I can't believe how fast this semester is flying! When we get back from northern Greece, we go to class for a week and then we leave for Israel. Can you believe it?! Wow. This has been such a wonderful semester and this weekend just added whipped cream and a cherry to the top of it! :-)

I love you all!