Yai So!!!!

Hello from Greece.

Thus far it has been everything I could have ever dreamed of and more. There are 137 kids in my program from schools all over the country including other wes kids, Pomona, UPenn, Vassar, Union, USC, Duke, Williams, Bates, CU, IU, Scripps, Emory, Notre Dame, Etc. There is not one part of the country that seems to be better represented than another which is a nice change of pace from the ny/boston scene at Wes.

Yesterday was filled with orientation-type lectures. Many included conversation about the economic strife happening here. They mentioned that it is an exciting time to be in Greece because of this and that we may experience protests, strikes, riots, etc. However, they will always contact us on our cell phones with safety updates (just like at Wes) and will warn us what areas to avoid, which are unsafe, and when to stay where we are. Athens seems somewhat empty right now because a lot of people (despite the economic problems) are on holiday at the shore or on the islands. By mid-September they should all have returned and the city will apparently feel much more overcrowded and urban.

The people here are amazing and incredibly warm and friendly. My Greek is horrible, I know few phrases, but everyone is pleased when you at least make an attempt. The streets are dirty, as expected, and air conditioners constantly drip on you as you walk through the streets, but in the background there are hills covered in white buildings and there rarely is a cloud in the sky.

My roommates are absolutely wonderful. Melanie is from Pomona, Kate is from Scripps (no, they did not know each other before coming here) and Paige, my room roommate, is from Montana and goes to Pacific Lutheran near Seattle.

The food has been by far the most wonderful part. I caved and had some gluten because I simply had to try the spanakopita that everyone was raving about. The meatballs, the chicken, the feta cheese prepared several different ways, the tomatoes, and even the coffee, is all incredible. More food updates to come. Today I am going to get my first Frappe, which is the staple to greek life and the key to their work ethic apparently. It is a very strong coffee made with nesquick and frothy milk. I am very excited.