Rome-ing Athens: Finally! A lazy Sunday...

Goodmorning all!

Finally, today we have a lazy Sunday. Nothing on our agendas but homework for school tomorrow.

It doesn't feel like school at all- yet. I Hope it stays that way.

Friday, I went for a run with my roommate Hannah. We decided on the national garden route, which is very close to our neighborhood. We started out jogging on the trails and eventually found ourselves at the bird zoo- right in the park! Needless to say, we slowed our pace to check out the bright peacocks and canaries.

We spent the afternoon at the US Embassy- right down our street, getting the safety talk from the agents of the department of state. It was useful, they described a lot of the scams that some people might use here. For example, their most common one lately (besides pick-pocketing), is having a stranger who speaks excellent English come up and have a chat with you, get to know you and invite you out for a drink at a bar of their choice. They continue to engage in lively conversation with you until the check arrives and its 400 euros (the bartender is in on it too). Obviously, a beer doesn't cost that much. They eventually talk you into paying for both. No good.

Not that I would ever do that anyway (hello, stranger danger), Just thought it was interesting.

Friday evening, we went to the Dikemes (the college our program is through) President's home for a garden party and dinner. We drove through the city part of Athens, where we spotted an Applebees. Not that I will ever find a way to make it there, its nice to know they are eatin' good in the neighborhoods in Athens.... The president's home and yard were beautiful, and we all sat around on lawn chairs eating real gyros (yummm) and talking. I spent a lot of time talking with Taylor, Lauren, Katie and Kate, getting to know them all better.

Friday evening, we got our entire group to go to a bar down the street called Banana Moon.

All 30 of us turned the bar into a dance club. As if the Americans didn't stick out already....
It was awesome though, everyone danced, had one sip of Ouzo (the Greek anise-flavored, black licorice and water drink) and had a great time. Everyone is excited to be here together in Athens, and that was a great end to our first week.

Saturday, we spent the day at the Aegean Sea on a beach, swimming and soaking up the sun. The mountains and the blue water around us were just like you see it in the movies. Later that evening we hiked up to the Temple of Poseidon and read about the history behind it.

The sunset was hidden behind the clouds, but we got peeks of it sitting by the ruins. A perfect end to such a great day, and such a great week.

The entrance to the National gardens: