A lot of people, when commenting on our facebook pictures, have mentioned that it looks like we’re having so much fun. Yes, of course we are. But please know that we’re also doing some very responsible tourist things. We’ve already reported about our trip to the Acropolis. As if that’s not impressive enough, the very next day we went on a private tour to a museum, a monastery, and Delphi.
Sarah booked a tour for us with the famous taxi driver George. From what we could gather, he’s a very reputable tour guide who drives you around in his Mercedez and offers a wealth of historical information. We were pretty excited to meet George and see what all the fuss is about. Sarah walked down from our hotel to meet him and said, “You must be George.” And he replied, “No, I’m Tony.” So now we’re wondering just who this George is. Does Sarah’s greeting compare to walking into a Wendy’s and assuming that the girl behind the counter is Wendy herself? Oh well. Tony won us over pretty quickly, despite the time he spread out a map across the dash to show us where we were headed. Eyes on the road, Tony. His knowledge of Greek history seems endless. If we were in the car, he was talking. Well, I guess I can’t know for sure because I kept falling asleep in the backseat. I worked really hard at each site to learn a lot and show that I am really interested in this stuff. I just get tired sometimes.
Early on in our drive Tony mentioned Alexander the Great. Alexander the Great is one of those guys whose name is familiar, but my knowledge of him is actually very vague. I asked Tony what time period Alexander was from, and he decided to take us to a museum built near a battlefield from Alexander’s conquest. We saw a lot of old stuff there.
We all loved our next stop – the monastery. Over 300 monks used to live there, but now it is inhabited by only three. This is the kind of place you just want to get locked in at night so you can really explore….so many nooks and crannies and stone walls and steps. The cathedral was ornate, and the landscape was so naturally still…a beautiful combination.
Delphi was the main reason for our tour. At some point, you know in history, this spot was believed to be the center of the world. People would travel here to consult the oracle as a way of communicating with Apollo. It takes quite awhile to walk through this area, and it’s built into the side of a mountain, so it was a strenuous walk at times. Some highlights – Sarah told me to do a yoga pose on a rock podium, so I tried to, but then was asked to step off of the very ancient piece of history. Woops. Sarah and I did some dancing on an ancient stage…pretty crowd pleasing. And we visited the museum on site where the three of us got a case of the giggles. I could feel the curators eyeing us, so we had to leave before we lost all control.
The near purse snatching: It was our first night in Athens. On our ride from the airport, the cab driver showed us which street to look down to see the Parthenon. What a moment of – Oh my gosh we’re actually here. He also told us that it was a 15 minute walk from our hotel. After checking in, we decided to take the walk.
Something else you need to know to fully understand this story – Sarah is pretty accustomed to carrying a large purse that is really more of a satchel. It’s a great bag, but she bought a snappy new little thing for our trip. It’s a great size to slide just the essentials into, or you can slide the whole purse into a satchel and it seems more like a wallet. It’s a great purse for our trip.
So we had walked all of two blocks from our hotel’s front door and were waiting at a light. Also near this light was some punk kid. He eyed Sarah’s purse, ran over, and grabbed a hold of it. Poor little dear. He didn’t know who he was messing with. Sarah is quick and maybe part cat. She snatched her purse right back. But that punk kid broke the strap. A little disappointing, but not like it could have been, I guess. Welcome to Athens, girls.
For those of you who think I don’t live enough in the realities of the world, we did check around a bit to see if purse snatching is something we need to look out for. Does not seem to be a common thing as far as we can tell. Little fella, if you had asked me for some money, I might have given it to you.

I thought, given the fact that I have been labeled the picky one when it comes to food, that it would be fitting for me to write a little section on the Greek cuisine I’ve encountered so far, and my initial thoughts. Let me first tell you my blogging location- It’s a harbor side café…..not really a shocker to anyone who knows the general Hania scene. Hania is actually a larger city in Crete, but “old town” is something straight from a movie. It has a huge Venetian influence which is so evident in the narrow stone streets (perfect for exploring and picture taking), quaint side shops, and a sea side harbor with fishermen, boats, and of course an abundance of café’s with the most incredible views, soft chairs and couches…..you could hang out at one of these cafes probably for the whole day just people watching. There is such a laid back feel here. No one hurries, no one rushes, it’s like someone hit a slow motion button…I love it. In fact on my first run here, I felt a little awkward, moving faster then anyone….almost going against the Hania style. Even though the location is geared towards accommodating the tourist, I have never felt like I’m in a tourist location- mostly because everyone here whether on vacation or not, is from a different country. Don’t get the wrong impression. I would still say Hania is the real deal- authentically Greek- Not lacking in the Greek language, the gorgeous Greek people :) and yes, the Greek food…..how’s that for a segway ?

Here are some things we’ve noticed. First, we’ve learned that the Greeks aren’t really big breakfast people. Their biggest meal is lunch and they usually wait to have dinner- usually not until 9 or 10. We’re not really big on following that tradition exactly. We do the breakfast thing. I’ve had a strawberry crepe two times already…..oh so good. The best thing though is the fact that people here are ok with having deserty things for breakfast. For instance, Susan’s breakfast the first day was fruit…with ice cream, and the second day, a waffle with chocolate, Nutella, and ice cream. Both items straight off the menu. Wow, my kind of place! You should also know that I am currently drinking coffee….Yep, you heard me right…..It’s called a Frappe. It’s a cold drink and yes it really does taste like coffee. Do I like it? Honestly? No, of course I don’t like it, it’s coffee for crying out loud…I can’t stand coffee….However, I’m making it my food challenge for the trip to have one a day. I really think I can learn to like it. (special note- I also wanted to try flossing my teeth everyday here too….last night my travel floss ran out…..oh well, what can you do J) Stay tuned for forced frappe drinking updates :).

Usually we forget about lunch- very un -Greek. I think we’re just been so distracted by how great our days are, that we just don’t think about it. Dinner has been a little random lately. Mostly peanut butter sandwiches for me, eggs for Jessica, fruit for all- The fruit here is really tasty, especially the peaches in my opinion. We visited the grocery store last night to pick up a few things….that experience was a little interesting. I have to admit I was a kind of grouchy- it was late, and I was really hungry and tired, a bad combination. Any other time, I think I really would have loved looking at all the unique, unreadable packaging, and just enjoying being apart of a normal everyday Greek experience…but this time my focus was on finding pancake mix……they don’t have that. And FYI you’re suppose to weigh your fruit before you get to the checkout…that was a very time consuming mistake. Luckily for me this sweet Greek guy noticed me very confused staring at the scale. Without saying a word he came to my rescue and hit all the buttons for me.
We have had a lot of Greek food. Most of the time I make Jessica order it first, and then I just try hers…she’s a pretty good sharer.

I had a Greek salad the other day…..really good. There’s no lettuce in it, which I think is different than in the states, and the feta which I purposely avoided, is placed on top of the salad in really big blocks. Feta is something I’ve always said I don’t like, but have never really given a fair shot…..maybe I’ll give it a chance here in Greece. I ate something called souvlakia (really just chicken) and tried some of Susan’s Moussaka and Jessica’s Yogurt and honey thing, which I think is really crème cheese ….not sure if I will be ordering any of those things myself, but I am trying stuff, so that should count for something. They do have multi grain cheerios….score.

Oh, and I forgot to tell you, on our first day here- we were looking for our studio, a supposedly easy task that turned into a three hour combination of both driving and walking. We asked directions from a lot of locals (when I say a lot I mean like 10 or so) who either stared at us blankly or attempted to give us directions in Greek using a lot of expressive hand gestures. Our favorite helpful local happened to be this cute older man who owns a little bodega- which I thought was a lot like a small gas station that also sold local food. When giving directions he spoke English (rough English) and then whipped out some paper and wrote things down in Greek. The three of us exchanged looks and tried to hide our smiles…it was kind of hilarious. Another man jumped in on the direction giving fun and the two of them choreographed a little routine that went like this- “first you go straight, and then to the right and then your gonna take another right…straight, right, and then another right- complete with hand motions and thick accents. They did their little routine at least three times. It worked and we were able to find Iason Studios at last.

What does that have to do with food? Went off on a little tangent just to let you know that this charming Greek man and his Bodega has been a nice little food source for us. # one because he’s so nice, finding time to draw us maps (labeled in Greek) and give us his opinions on where to visit in Crete, and his views on the recent struggles of the country, and #2 because his stuff is so cheap. Nothing like food at a gas station in the states. Our first purchase was a total of 2,40E and that was for quite a lot of things. What a deal.

A final thought about the food and drink here in Greece. It seems customary to give alcohol as a welcoming gift. Our first rental car (which starts by using a card p.s.) was given to us complete with a bottle of white wine in the driver’s cup holder, and when we arrived at our studio, sitting on our table was a tray with fruit, nuts, chocolate, and this glass tea cup filled with an unknown drink that was so strong I think I may have permanently burned my esophagus….I like it :)…..Opah!

Some things you should know if you’re planning to travel through Greece (which you definitely should be planning by now…):

1) Sit in a café everyday and have a frappe. I spotted frappes at nearly every café we passed early on, and I’m a sucker for getting sucked into a new culture, so my interest was peaked. My travel book says a frappe is just instant coffee served cold, but I don’t believe that for a second. That does not sound like a good idea to me. And a frappe tastes more like the strong bitterness of coffee perfectly juxtaposed with sugar crystals, mixed with the tears an angel has shed for joy and maybe some nectar from an enchanted flower. I didn’t try one until my 4th day here and am significantly heartbroken that I missed 3 days of this love affair.
2) If you go to a beach that is at least somewhat secluded, you’ll probably see some naked. I haven’t seen anything offensive, nor do I anticipate this, but I’ve definitely seen plenty of naked.
3) In most places, flushing toilet paper is a no no. Be sure to check for a sign in the restroom, or WC. Also be sure to exercise caution when adding your used toilet paper to the mound that is building up in the trashcan near the toilet. Also be sure to send out some good thoughts for whoever it is that empties that trashcan.
4) Greeks tend to have perfect coloring and striking features. You’ll want to prepare yourself for your first case of the smittens. Say you’re driving down the street, looking for your first accommodation on an island, and you stop at a café to ask for directions. You’ll need to work very hard to listen to the directions when gazing back at you is the most perfectly beautiful creature you’ve ever seen. And I don’t typically go for tall, dark, and handsome. Hmmmm…maybe I could go back…maybe he’s a regular there…
5) Women – if you are over 50 (and Greek) – you can dress as if you are 20, and somehow get away with it. You might notice a woman about to cross the street and think to yourself – Wow, crazy cool outfit. Look at those heels. – And then she turns around and you think – Way older than my mom. - And even though this woman somehow looks fantastic, you’re really glad your mom doesn’t dress this way. And then you might miss your mom a little. Hi Mom!!
6) Driving – oh my. If you have been nervous about our well being, stop reading here. Drivers here tend to be…something that means a combination of assertive and efficient and terrifying, but not at all rude. Picture a street that is lined with parked cars on both sides. The cars are mostly small and European. Some are parked in the direction that traffic is flowing in that lane, and some are facing the opposite direction. This will give you regular, but very brief freakouts that you are driving the wrong way down a one-way street. If this is in fact the case, a very large truck might beep at you as the driver shouts Greek out his window. Peal off to the right the first chance you get, and when you realize that you’ve turned onto yet another one-way, going the wrong way, take off your straw cowboy hat at Sarah’s request just in case the Greeks are saying to each other, “Watch out for that crazy lady in the cowboy hat. She’s crazy.”

Are the streets here one lane or two?? Who really knows? Does it really matter? Always keep a lookout to the left because the driver behind you might wish to be driving faster than a tourist, in which case the road is definitely now two lanes as he passes you on the left. This is both assertive and efficient, and never seems rude. And sometimes seems terrifying. And if there is also a scooter on the road (and there will be, because we’ve seen about a billion), it might squeeze between you and guy passing on the left. Everyone seems to function well in this system, so stay sharp. Get a good navigator in the passenger seat and remember that this is not your time to sight see. Gawking at a beautiful beach or mountain backdrop might mean that you take out the father and baby in a stroller who dart out between parked cars to cross the street right in front of you. Don’t worry, nothing happened. I’m sharp.

Friday was a day of jetlag. Despite falling into a coma at 11:30 Thursday night, I woke up on Friday to Susan’s voice, “Do you guys realize it’s 12:30?” Ah well, what can ya do? We stopped at the front desk to check on using the subway (one of Susan’s favorite things to do is ask the front desk for help…she has suggested doing this most times that we need help, even if we’re driving around in our car) and found the stop without much trouble. The subway seems very similar to that in NYC, which was helpful. One difference is that it is incredibly clean. Overall, a good experience. We walked to the Acropolis. Because of the previous night’s research, we were mostly sure of what it is, but spending a day there cleared some things up. Before entering the Acropolis, we climbed Areopagus Hill, where the Apostle Paul is said to have shared his faith with Athenians. I experienced a moment when my faith suddenly seemed different – this was a very real reminder that my faith is based on true things and that Paul hung out with people who were not of the same faith but were on a journey that he could become involved in. The buildings located on the Acropolis are just amazing. It’s really something to climb a set of marble steps and then find yourself surrounded by such familiar images living where they’ve lived for thousands of years. Our grogginess was brushed aside by the beauty of the buildings, the backdrop of the mountains, and the ocean breeze that seems to be ever-present. As our guidebook says, this is a site that does not disappoint.

Our next traipsing around was at the Plaka. This is the historic district near the Acropolis. It was our first experience with the Greece I had been picturing – narrow stone streets, cafes spilling their tables out onto the streets, live music, hosts of flowers lazing their way down brick walls. We noticed right away that cafes are eager for the business of tourists. Every café we passed meant a greeting and an invitation to stop in. We chose a gold mine. We sat right out on the brick street, interacted with the Greek staff, ate traditional Greek dishes (souvlaki and moussaka) and listened to live Greek music mingled with American dance hits that were lingering over from the shop across the street. This was our first experience with dining out…it seems that you can sit and sit and no one attempts to speed you through your meal. Pretty different from dining out in the US. My only complaint is that I didn’t hear “Alejandro.” Oh well.

We took one last walk through the grounds below the Parthenon to see its pillars lit up against the night sky and caught our train back to the hotel. Our excessively late start to the day had been redeemed by such good touristing.

First let me give a shout out to the Akron Canton airport- I love that place! Everyone is so friendly and helpful. Our flight to Atlanta was just fine despite what we originally thought, given the extra peppy flight attendant with the super high -pitched squeaky voice. Turns out we unfairly judged her in the beginning (we’re working on this). She was actually quite nice. Thank you for the extra peanuts Ashley, and props to Delta for still serving free snacks! Jessica, sporting her new straw cowboy hat (which is very practical and useful, and not at all funny) was my seat partner with Susan across the aisle. We sailed south like flying pros psyched to be one step closer to Athens and laughing over the comment made by Susan’s seat mate who told us to “watch out for the crazy cow girl.” We were on our way, jazzed, pumped, excited….. nothing could stop us now. Bring on the Greek salads and that island breeze! Woo hoo!……..What? What do you mean the flight’s been delayed? You mean we may not fly out today?? Talk about stealing our joy. Apparently there was an airport strike in Greece the same day we were suppose to fly there…what are the chances? Ok, so given the recent unrest in the country, I’d say the chances were “strong to quite strong”, but I really never thought it would affect the trip ….major bummer. I guess that bump to first class is also a no go huh? So if anyone is keeping track, that’s Hawaii 1 Greece 0.

The five-hour layover in Atlanta wasn’t really that bad. I talked to a lady from Cleveland who was originally from Greece and basically told us that our itinerary was great and that we were going to love her country …it was a definite upper. I also managed to walk almost the entire Atlanta airport mainly out of boredom, and also for the challenge-Yes, I still do things just to say I did them- did you not read the blog title? Finally it was boarding time. I was re -energized and so happy to be on the plane.

Four hours later…..
Somebody kill me, I want to die. This is the longest flight of my life. How is it possible that you are sleeping? It can’t just be that stupid neck pillow….How can you sleep sitting up? …..My legs are sooooo jumpy. I know, maybe I’ll just try to lay my head forward on this teeny tiny tray table…..Do you think I can fit on the floor here? Three movies later pretty sure I’m the only one awake on this entire plane.

Ok, so the flight wasn’t the best, but that was quickly forgotten because we were in Athens! Yea! Now about that metro- closed too huh? Why is everyone messing with my plans, and also my good mood??!! I guess I’ll just stand in the longest line in the history of lines to wait for this taxi that will probably over charge me. Ugh.

I can read all of your minds now- “She has quite the nerve, to complain when she is clearly so lucky to be able to travel for five weeks in such an amazing country. She should be ashamed of herself.” I hear ya loud and clear, and believe me, I am trying to keep the complaining to a minimum, and I do realize the awesome opportunity I’ve been given, but seriously, you have to admit, that things weren’t going the best, and I haven’t even told you about the attempted purse snatch yet. In fact, let’s save that for later- I’m bumming myself out just reliving all of this J. (How dramatic am I?)

Now nobody panic, the day wasn’t a total bust. We ended up with a very nice taxi driver who I accidentally over tipped (Euros and dollars are not the same Lantz), and who kindly offered to help us out in the city if needed- (his offer all thanks to my extra large tip I’m sure). Our hotel Centrotel , despite being in a bit of a dodgy area, was so nice. The bathtub had jets, we each got a super swanky bathrobe, and the ceiling even had star lights! We went on a nice early evening stroll through the city to get a view of the Acropolis and to check out our surroundings. We returned to the hotel, promptly looked up the differences between the Acropolis and the Parthenon (You weren’t sure either-oh good that makes me feel better), and had a balcony dinner of delicious salad and peaches.

All in all I’d give the day about a 6, but never fear, we’ve had some really terrific days since this first day of fiascos, and all have been rated much higher.

Incase you’re not sure who is actually on this trip, I’ve posted pictures. These pictures are from our day at the Acropolis, and actually show us inside part of the Acropolis- or at least that’s what we keep telling ourselves. It was pretty funny watching the reaction of some of the nearby tourists as we probably broke some rules by scaling up and into the small little opening.

The first picture is Susan (Jessica and I plan on turning her into a complete adventureist before this trip is over.
Next is Jessica a traveling veteran and co writer of this blog.
And then there’s me, Sarah (incase you weren’t sure who was writing this post J)

Whew, Ok, all the info you could possibly hope to know about our trip across the Atlantic and our first day in a little country called Greece. As a special bonus for anyone who actually read to the end of this ridiculously long winded post, I will grant you the greatest honor of titling this blog entry- aren’t you lucky? Send your suggestions. Best title wins. J

Do you ever find yourself on a really great drive, or maybe not even a great drive, but just one in which your thoughts have clearly taken you far from the road in front of you? You arrive at your destination and wonder, “how in the world did I make it here?” “I don’t recall driving at all.” As I sit on my balcony in Athens, Greece, I’m having a similar thought. Looking at my view, one would think I was in China- or at least that’s what Jessica has said. Each individual boxed balcony has it’s own collection of randomness. CD’s hung from string twirl and sparkle while the greatest breeze blows the hanging laundry and tattered sheets. An array of satellite dishes and antennas cover the rooftops, while soft lights flicker on an off, silhouetting the people inside. The sounds are that of any typical city, Air conditioners kick on and off, trucks shift gears, and the couple on the balcony across the way talks softly, quickly reminding me that I am far from home.

How did I get here? How is it that I am able to describe the final sweet moments of a city being put to bed, and not just any city, but one of the oldest most historic cities in the world?
I guess the short answer would be, a few months of intense planning and one reeeeeeeeally long plane ride across the Atlantic.

For a more meaningful answer you’d have to go back two years, back to a time where life wasn’t really the best, where life seemed stress filled, tiring, overwhelming, and not really much fun. It was during that time that a few friends got together to plan a trip to one of the most beautiful places in the world….you might have heard me mention it before….Hawaii. The trip wasn’t necessarily meant to be life changing, and I guess I dramatize it when I say that, but somehow it was. It was refreshing, and renewing, and all those cliché things that people say when something is just so incredibly fantastic. The Hawaii trip sparked an interest in not just going through the motions of life, but really living it up so to speak. That initial trip made me realize my love for traveling, the beauty of sharing adventures with friends, and the importance of really resting. Needless to say after that trip I was hooked, and soon began thinking about the next trip. A few options were thrown out on the table, but in the end Greece took the prize.

Already Greece has turned out to be quite different than our Hawaii trip (it is a little unfair to have to compete with the trip that has been called, “the one with all the upgrades.”) Things haven’t gone 100% great these last 30 hours, (in our future post, look forward to hearing about a strike, an attempted purse snatch, and a near bachelorette viewing disaster), but there have been things we’ve thoroughly enjoyed and so much more to look forward to.

Jessica and I, along with part time traveling companion Susan, can’t wait to share all of our amazing experiences…and maybe a few not so good ones…with you. We will give our best shot at writing a blog that is factual (at least mostly), witty, informative, and inspiring. We feel like it’s such a gift to be traveling through a new part of God’s creation and would love for you to catch glimpses of our journey as you check in with our blog.

Not sure why I'm choosing to blog right now at 12:30 on a school night....especially when all I thought about today was how tired and cranky I was from getting to bed too late..... Could be because I'm sick of grading projects, avoiding deciding what to wear to work tomorrow, and just too tired to walk up my steps and actually get ready for bed.....or maybe it's because of the stressful day I had and the need to reflect on the good stuff at school, to counter some of the negative stuff. Either way, this will most likely be random, and just for me...so feel free to tune out now.

1. I have an awesome schedule this year, with only one class to teach after lunch, and planning during the school day
2. I have nice small classes...my biggest class being 21
3. My classes are all really unique...and full of characters.....at times they make me insane, but other times they can be so great.
4. I've learned to like yogurt again which goes great with my grapenut lunches
5. Ali and I have mastered volleyball game days at the middle school....we are officially veteran coaches, and can successfully put up the referee stand without killing ourselves...and have finally figured out the dumb score board. The gym teachers sprung for new floor tape, so I no longer have to tape the lines for the game using athletic tape...it's a beautiful thing
6. With the exception of three, all my students have turned in their safety contracts....just a shade under a decade...let the crazy fun experimenting begin
7. My students still fall for the "backroom shocker story"....that just never gets old
8. I have a plant in my room that will be 2 years old soon....it's a resilient thing- I also cleaned my fishtank after three years...it looks great....however all my fish but one died...oh well, less cleaning for me.
9. I helped to write a 2 year technology grant- I was given a new laptop and ipod touch....which I still haven't opened...but seems really cool
10. I have so far, only managed to jam the copier once this year
11 We are now aloud to chew gum at work....I need to add my gum expense to my budget :)- I'm in love with Orbit Sweet Mint and Maui Melon
12. Second homebase is only 3 minutes long...and the kids must be silent....love it
13. I'm aloud to wear an Alliance t-shirt to work every Friday
14. School Counselor Kim always brings fun snacks on Fridays


To share:

- I was doing a lab demo the other day with water, oil and alka-seltzer tablets. We were talking about density a bit, and I mentioned how the oil and water wouldn't mix because the oil is less dense. The kids wanted me to prove it..."shake it up" they said. So I tipped the bottle upside down to prove that I was correct, only to find that the 2 liter bottle containing the oil and water had NO LID.....That sure was fun to clean up....but it was also fun to laugh with my kids about it.

- We were in the computer lab working on scientist projects. I walked passed Parrish who was playing a basketball game on the computer instead of doing his project...I said, "what are you doing?" he responded, "well, I'm trying to get this ball into this hoop"....Not exactly what I meant Parrish......:) Get back to work- You probably had to be there, but we both sort of laughed about it....good kid




So that's all for now- I think I'll try to write down more of the crazy happenings with the kids at AMS this year...these 8th graders can sure be hilarious....who knows maybe some day when they force me to quit teaching because I've been driven insane, I can write a book about the funny moments. Until then I'll just blog.