Long time no write! To everyone who was concerned about me and the riots going on…thanks but I assure you I am very safe! The riots are mostly downtown, and I live a ways away from the city-center…all of my activities aren’t down there, so it hasn’t really affected me. Well except there is no school and the dorm kids aren’t allowed to leave campus, leaving all the kids with cabin fever! Also, the Anatolia Christmas concert was cancelled (it was downtown) and so that will happen later the semester. Actually everything is kind of up in the airs…rumor has it that there will be another worker’s strike tomorrow…could thing I was planning on riding my bike…
Anyways, in other news I have a big announcement: despite strong dissuasion from grownups and friends, I decided on Sunday to buy myself one of the kittens at the Christmas Bazaar on campus! He was only 20 Euros and came with kitten food. I love the idea of having a kitten but also find it very frightening…I can’t believe I am responsible for a little life! Yesterday I came home from the gym and despite preparing my room for the kitten I forgot to put the toilet seat down. Kitty was only ½ wet, but I was so scared…if he had died I would have felt awful! He’s already well potty trained and the kids are having a name contest right now (I like Aris (local soccer team and Warrier God) but I also like Gatulis (which means little boy cat)) some of the kids also have some really stupid names…like “Barbie-nos” or “brent.” I spend lots of time thinking about him, or playing with him!!!
Other important news: I submitted Part I of my application to medical school! It took a lot of work and editing (thanks family!) but Im applying to two schools (Kirksville, Mo and Denver). Having so much down time here made me realize that I think being a doctor is what I want to do with my life (which is still huge for me to admit). If I don’t get in, I think I’ll do more volunteer or service stuff for another year, most likely within the United States.
And finally, on to winter break…I am leaving the 19th to go to Brussels!!! I had a huge debate with what to do with my self, and finally my friend Alexa came over and helped my find the cheapest ticket to Europe…which happened to be Brussels! AND even better is that my cousin Danny will be joining me on this adventure! We are going to go to Brussels, Amsterdam, down to Paris on Christmas, maybe Switzerland, then over to Milan. From there I’m meeting two friends from here and we are touring Italy (Milan, Venice, Rome, Naples and oh yeah, Pisa!)
Right now despite all the riots, the scratches I have from the new kitten, and lack of sleep, I am REALLY loving life!
~allie
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Theres a clown outside my office….
Ah, the joys of being in Greece. Like for example: waking up to find that your Sunday morning is over-run by millions of little 5 year olds excited about Christmas! This weekend Calvin and I on duty, and our director has a habit of not telling us when there are huge parties in the multi-purpose room in the dorm. Anyways as I gaze out of my office, I see two clowns (one with a polka-dotted hat), at least 30 small Christmas trees, and hear a dj blasting Christmas music.
Speaking of Christmas, I have never seen a town put up SO many Christmas decorations. Its like someone threw-up Christmas all over Thessaloniki. Practically EVERY store has Christmas decorations…to retaliate, I finally went to Kaballah Shabbat at temple (I’d been trying to go back since the first time but kept finding excuses not to go…). It was very lively, there were 50 American kids doing a “gap year” in between high school and college…they lived in Jerusalem, studying Torah and then visiting Jewish communities around the area. I thought that sounded pretty cool. I can’t imagine being 18 and living abroad for a year… I also talked with some members of the congregation, who are very nice, but I still feel a little…nervous around them. They keep asking me if I will be staying in Greece longer than a year…Im pretty sure they want to me stay here so I can have babies and make the Jewish community bigger (its shrinking). Its very interesting to think about a community surviving…I’ve never felt like part of my culture was going to die off…
And speaking of holidays, Thanksgiving here went well. I thought I might be homesick, but actually our Thanksgiving dinner was really fancy. Every year lots of faculty, alums and students come and we have a party. There was an art show and liquors and small truffles before dinner. It was a really fancy affair too…everyone had suits and ties and dressed on! Just think Turkey twice in one week (well one the country and one the food…)
So work this weekend has gone pretty well. I feel like I’ve finally relaxed into hanging out with the kids (I definitely felt timid at first). Last night we tried to play hide and go seek…it was me and two seventh graders. I kinda made two high schools play, and to retaliate they hid in a really good spot for an hour and I couldn’t find them…we had to stop playing because I couldn’t find them! I still have no idea where they were…
Well, back to working on my med school application in all this craziness….
~allie
Speaking of Christmas, I have never seen a town put up SO many Christmas decorations. Its like someone threw-up Christmas all over Thessaloniki. Practically EVERY store has Christmas decorations…to retaliate, I finally went to Kaballah Shabbat at temple (I’d been trying to go back since the first time but kept finding excuses not to go…). It was very lively, there were 50 American kids doing a “gap year” in between high school and college…they lived in Jerusalem, studying Torah and then visiting Jewish communities around the area. I thought that sounded pretty cool. I can’t imagine being 18 and living abroad for a year… I also talked with some members of the congregation, who are very nice, but I still feel a little…nervous around them. They keep asking me if I will be staying in Greece longer than a year…Im pretty sure they want to me stay here so I can have babies and make the Jewish community bigger (its shrinking). Its very interesting to think about a community surviving…I’ve never felt like part of my culture was going to die off…
And speaking of holidays, Thanksgiving here went well. I thought I might be homesick, but actually our Thanksgiving dinner was really fancy. Every year lots of faculty, alums and students come and we have a party. There was an art show and liquors and small truffles before dinner. It was a really fancy affair too…everyone had suits and ties and dressed on! Just think Turkey twice in one week (well one the country and one the food…)
So work this weekend has gone pretty well. I feel like I’ve finally relaxed into hanging out with the kids (I definitely felt timid at first). Last night we tried to play hide and go seek…it was me and two seventh graders. I kinda made two high schools play, and to retaliate they hid in a really good spot for an hour and I couldn’t find them…we had to stop playing because I couldn’t find them! I still have no idea where they were…
Well, back to working on my med school application in all this craziness….
~allie
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Turkey!
I LOVE Turkey...but not the Thanksgiving one (although thats okay too!)
Last weekend I took a 4-day trip to Istanbul (Constantinople)! Below is an outline of what I did and my thoughts!
Ok so first, I took a bus there with study abroad kids from Anatolia's college campus (ACT)...we got there and
-took a walking tour, visiting the Blue Mosque, Aya Sofia, and underground cisterns. All were architectural marvels and totally amazing to see! In the mosques we had to wear scarfs over our heads and remove shoes...
-had lunch with a friend, on the third floor of a cafe, with a beautiful view of the Blue Mosque.
-went to a hotel and had a lesson on "how to buy and look for the right carpet" (and not a piece of crap!)
-went to a Turkish bath....which is wear you lie on these huge stones that are warm and sit in a steam room...then you can pay to have someone give you a massage/wash your body. In old times, people in Turkey didn't own baths, and they all bathed together in community places. It was fun, but also interesting. I got a massage/scrub...it was very different from an American massage, and im not so sure i like someone else washing my body, although the bubbles were nice....
Saturday:
-We went to Topkaki palace, which was a palace of the sultans and very beautiful!
-Spent the afternoon at The Grand Bazaar! (the worlds oldest bazaar!)...and I also went to the spice bazaar...great time to buy Christmas gifts.
-In the evening we went to a twirling dirvishes concert...which is a show where you watch monks (well Muslim monks...Im not sure if thats what you call them), spin around in circles to music. They believe that this motion brings them represents and brings them closer to God and to love....
-We went out as a group for dinner, and then went to a hookah bar (which was so chill and nice, we had peach hookah!)
Sunday:
The others left, and I traveled on my own for two days! This was my first time ever traveling by myself, so it was fun/I was a little nervous. I spent all day walking around visiting sights I hadn't seen yet...a famous square, ped walk, Galata tower, a synagogue (that was bombed in 2003). Then around 4, I met the couple I was couch surfing with. They both spoke English (although Ferhat less so than Ekin)...there house was a little out of the city center, but they picked me up, cooked me dinner, and i had my own room! They were really lovely people and I cant get over how kind they were! I also met another couch surfer who was staying there...his name was Allen from England who was on his way to Africa!
Monday:
I went to visit Prince's islands, islands off the coast of Istanbul...they don't have any cars! Anyways, there are 4 of them accessible by ferry...I was trying to go to the one Lonely Planet recommends, but got of at the wrong time...something I didnt realize until I was trying to get back to the mainland and couldn't figure out while the ferry was so late! Oh well, it was beautiful anyways. Then I met a couple at the train station who had come to Anatolia last month, and we had dinner in a restaurant of the old Orient Express, which was a beautiful room! After that, I boarded my train, which made me feel lots like Harry Potter! It was a long train ride (14 hours...it was suppose to be 12)...but I had my own sleeping berth and slept most of the way.
I also spent lots of time while there reading about the history of Turkey and Greece and Istanbul, and just exploring everyday life. Its hard to write about all the amazing things...but this trip just really made me love travel!
Now Im back here...it was kinda sad to come back, just because vacation was so great. But tomorrow is Thanksgiving and we're having a dinner, so I guess to Turkeys in one week isn't so bad!
missing everyone!
love
allie
Last weekend I took a 4-day trip to Istanbul (Constantinople)! Below is an outline of what I did and my thoughts!
Ok so first, I took a bus there with study abroad kids from Anatolia's college campus (ACT)...we got there and
-took a walking tour, visiting the Blue Mosque, Aya Sofia, and underground cisterns. All were architectural marvels and totally amazing to see! In the mosques we had to wear scarfs over our heads and remove shoes...
-had lunch with a friend, on the third floor of a cafe, with a beautiful view of the Blue Mosque.
-went to a hotel and had a lesson on "how to buy and look for the right carpet" (and not a piece of crap!)
-went to a Turkish bath....which is wear you lie on these huge stones that are warm and sit in a steam room...then you can pay to have someone give you a massage/wash your body. In old times, people in Turkey didn't own baths, and they all bathed together in community places. It was fun, but also interesting. I got a massage/scrub...it was very different from an American massage, and im not so sure i like someone else washing my body, although the bubbles were nice....
Saturday:
-We went to Topkaki palace, which was a palace of the sultans and very beautiful!
-Spent the afternoon at The Grand Bazaar! (the worlds oldest bazaar!)...and I also went to the spice bazaar...great time to buy Christmas gifts.
-In the evening we went to a twirling dirvishes concert...which is a show where you watch monks (well Muslim monks...Im not sure if thats what you call them), spin around in circles to music. They believe that this motion brings them represents and brings them closer to God and to love....
-We went out as a group for dinner, and then went to a hookah bar (which was so chill and nice, we had peach hookah!)
Sunday:
The others left, and I traveled on my own for two days! This was my first time ever traveling by myself, so it was fun/I was a little nervous. I spent all day walking around visiting sights I hadn't seen yet...a famous square, ped walk, Galata tower, a synagogue (that was bombed in 2003). Then around 4, I met the couple I was couch surfing with. They both spoke English (although Ferhat less so than Ekin)...there house was a little out of the city center, but they picked me up, cooked me dinner, and i had my own room! They were really lovely people and I cant get over how kind they were! I also met another couch surfer who was staying there...his name was Allen from England who was on his way to Africa!
Monday:
I went to visit Prince's islands, islands off the coast of Istanbul...they don't have any cars! Anyways, there are 4 of them accessible by ferry...I was trying to go to the one Lonely Planet recommends, but got of at the wrong time...something I didnt realize until I was trying to get back to the mainland and couldn't figure out while the ferry was so late! Oh well, it was beautiful anyways. Then I met a couple at the train station who had come to Anatolia last month, and we had dinner in a restaurant of the old Orient Express, which was a beautiful room! After that, I boarded my train, which made me feel lots like Harry Potter! It was a long train ride (14 hours...it was suppose to be 12)...but I had my own sleeping berth and slept most of the way.
I also spent lots of time while there reading about the history of Turkey and Greece and Istanbul, and just exploring everyday life. Its hard to write about all the amazing things...but this trip just really made me love travel!
Now Im back here...it was kinda sad to come back, just because vacation was so great. But tomorrow is Thanksgiving and we're having a dinner, so I guess to Turkeys in one week isn't so bad!
missing everyone!
love
allie
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
meteora, swim alumni, and a life update!
I forgot I had a blog!!!
Life continues to be ever changing here. Two weekends ago I went to Meteora, which is an area with six monistaries on top of these huge cliffs...centuries ago monks were fleaing to live in caves in these rock formations when the Turks took over Greece and forced Islam as the major religion. Since then, the monks dragged rock to the top of these cliffs and formed beautiful churches....I can't explain how incredible they are (but I hope to attach pictures soon). If anyone comese to Greece, they should see Meteora...I think it should be one of the wonders of the world.
Last weekend was the Grinnell Swimming and Diving Alumni reunion. I was pretty bummed out that I was missing it...so at Calvin's idea we decided to recreate it....Greek style! We started by playing my old "conference mix" (complete with Brittany Spears, Avril Levine, and Spice Girls!), took pictures with my cap and goggles, and even went to the pool I swim at and took pictures there. Oh, and did I mention we drank a lot (in true swimmer haus style)...we ended up going to live music and staying out til 4 am...and Im still catching up on sleep as I worked the rest of the weekend.
In other news:
-I quit swimming with the swim team. They asked me to pay 43 Euro a month (which isn't all that bad) but I was only going twice a week and not really looking forward to it. I think I was swimming because it's what I've always done, and not because i was currently enjoying it. The practices were tedious and I didn't talk to a single person.... but they say when a door shuts a window opens... last night I went to wicked awesome power yoga class. and tonight i went to a gym nearby...i tried a dance class. which was funny because i can't really follow dance in English...and I looked like a FOOL trying to dance with Greek instructions. But maybe I could do a kick box class or something...Im not sure yet, I never thought of myself as one of those people who went to gym classes...I prefer pools and outdoor sports. I also might go to some waterpolo club practices....that would be cool.
-I FINALLY finished my residence permit and submitted it today. It was a bitch every bit of the way. I don't feel like explaining it but between going to the bank twice, the hospital three times, and all the other hoops i jumped through, im SO glad to have it done!
-Last night I went to my friend Amanda's house (she's an Intern at the American Farm School here) and we stayed up late and watched a chick flick. It was GREAT!
-And this has nothing to do with Greece but COURTNEY AND SEAN GOT ENGAGED!!! (my best friend from high school) I talked to them Sunday and Courtney asked me to be her maid of honor!!! im SO HONORED!!
All for now I think!
missing home but truely enjoying myself here,
Allie
Life continues to be ever changing here. Two weekends ago I went to Meteora, which is an area with six monistaries on top of these huge cliffs...centuries ago monks were fleaing to live in caves in these rock formations when the Turks took over Greece and forced Islam as the major religion. Since then, the monks dragged rock to the top of these cliffs and formed beautiful churches....I can't explain how incredible they are (but I hope to attach pictures soon). If anyone comese to Greece, they should see Meteora...I think it should be one of the wonders of the world.
Last weekend was the Grinnell Swimming and Diving Alumni reunion. I was pretty bummed out that I was missing it...so at Calvin's idea we decided to recreate it....Greek style! We started by playing my old "conference mix" (complete with Brittany Spears, Avril Levine, and Spice Girls!), took pictures with my cap and goggles, and even went to the pool I swim at and took pictures there. Oh, and did I mention we drank a lot (in true swimmer haus style)...we ended up going to live music and staying out til 4 am...and Im still catching up on sleep as I worked the rest of the weekend.
In other news:
-I quit swimming with the swim team. They asked me to pay 43 Euro a month (which isn't all that bad) but I was only going twice a week and not really looking forward to it. I think I was swimming because it's what I've always done, and not because i was currently enjoying it. The practices were tedious and I didn't talk to a single person.... but they say when a door shuts a window opens... last night I went to wicked awesome power yoga class. and tonight i went to a gym nearby...i tried a dance class. which was funny because i can't really follow dance in English...and I looked like a FOOL trying to dance with Greek instructions. But maybe I could do a kick box class or something...Im not sure yet, I never thought of myself as one of those people who went to gym classes...I prefer pools and outdoor sports. I also might go to some waterpolo club practices....that would be cool.
-I FINALLY finished my residence permit and submitted it today. It was a bitch every bit of the way. I don't feel like explaining it but between going to the bank twice, the hospital three times, and all the other hoops i jumped through, im SO glad to have it done!
-Last night I went to my friend Amanda's house (she's an Intern at the American Farm School here) and we stayed up late and watched a chick flick. It was GREAT!
-And this has nothing to do with Greece but COURTNEY AND SEAN GOT ENGAGED!!! (my best friend from high school) I talked to them Sunday and Courtney asked me to be her maid of honor!!! im SO HONORED!!
All for now I think!
missing home but truely enjoying myself here,
Allie
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Athens and Ohi Day
Happy Ohi Day!!!
Ohi (Greek for NO) Day is when Greeks celebrate saying no to Italians during WWII when the Italians tried to invade the country. Every year there is a big parade in Thessaloníki...which I went to today. It was very different from US parades...no floats! and no flying tweety birds!! There were lots of flags, and LOTS of military and armed forces in the parade. At the end helicopters and planes flew overhead. All the forces made me think about war and how sad it is (I watched too much World CNN this weekend), but I can see how supporting troops and having a military is something to be proud of...especially for Greece.
Anyways, more important to me than the parade was the fact that we got a four day weekend!!! Two of the girls from the American Farm School in Thessaloníki and I went to Athens for the weekend. It was AWESOME! My favorites sites were the Acropolis (or course!!), but also the Temple of Zeus (which has 15 columns 30 feet high still standing). We also went to other archaeological cites, through the markets, ate gryos and pastries, went to the port, went to museums... The weather was beautiful and I loved just staring up at the Parthenon from wherever I was in the city. We also got to stay at our own apartment that the farm school had, so we could relax in the evenings and watch TV. I really enjoyed Athens as a city, and also just having time away from life here. The company was great too, and Amanda and I got along really well.
So now Im back here! I had time to catch my breath, and examine my jobs situations. I talked with my director today about some of my frustrations, and he agreed that it would be better to not do so many things and say no to the "man eaters" at this school who ask you to work and work and work for them. I think learning to set boundaries is a really good skill that I need practice with....
all for now!
~allie
Ohi (Greek for NO) Day is when Greeks celebrate saying no to Italians during WWII when the Italians tried to invade the country. Every year there is a big parade in Thessaloníki...which I went to today. It was very different from US parades...no floats! and no flying tweety birds!! There were lots of flags, and LOTS of military and armed forces in the parade. At the end helicopters and planes flew overhead. All the forces made me think about war and how sad it is (I watched too much World CNN this weekend), but I can see how supporting troops and having a military is something to be proud of...especially for Greece.
Anyways, more important to me than the parade was the fact that we got a four day weekend!!! Two of the girls from the American Farm School in Thessaloníki and I went to Athens for the weekend. It was AWESOME! My favorites sites were the Acropolis (or course!!), but also the Temple of Zeus (which has 15 columns 30 feet high still standing). We also went to other archaeological cites, through the markets, ate gryos and pastries, went to the port, went to museums... The weather was beautiful and I loved just staring up at the Parthenon from wherever I was in the city. We also got to stay at our own apartment that the farm school had, so we could relax in the evenings and watch TV. I really enjoyed Athens as a city, and also just having time away from life here. The company was great too, and Amanda and I got along really well.
So now Im back here! I had time to catch my breath, and examine my jobs situations. I talked with my director today about some of my frustrations, and he agreed that it would be better to not do so many things and say no to the "man eaters" at this school who ask you to work and work and work for them. I think learning to set boundaries is a really good skill that I need practice with....
all for now!
~allie
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Happy Strike Day!!!
Today was National Strike Day...
basically everything shuts down. People have the option of striking....about 10-30% of the staff here didn't show to school, so kids were dismissed at noon. There were talks of public transit not working...I guess they decided to shut it down at 9 pm...I was so thankful because I got to go to swimming and yoga! As I was out in town the streets were oddly empty- this is the type of city I love. My favorite time to explore is Saturday morning, because you can actually see the road and sidewalks (there are fewer cars and people).
In other news, our director Teresa knows everything about everyone. I've been feeling kinda homesick for friends and family, and today during yoga I started to cry (it felt so good). When I got back to school I went to talk to Georgia, a Grinnell alum three years older than me, and felt a lot better. I didn't want to go talk to her because I figured then everyone would know how I was feeling. Sure enough the moment I walked in to Teresa's office, she gave me a hug and asked how i've been lately...that i seemed down. Did they really talk about me so soon? Or did Teresa know because I hugged the cleaning lady? News here travels so fast....its like being back in middle school....now i know why words like drama are Greek!
Oh, and did I mention that I was EATEN ALIVE! by kids substituting? It was last period on a Friday, and they were horrible. There was never a silent moment. There were airplanes, paper wads, and lots of "Miss can I go to the bathroom." Instead of getting upset, i decided to laugh... Im substituting again Thur and Fri...hopefully it will go better.
And it also occurred to me today I have a lot to look forward to:
-Im going to Athens with two friends this weekend (if we can still get tickets....ugh!)
-Tomorrow Im going to a ballet!
-We have a Halloween party next Friday with pumpkin and bobbing for apples!
-Next weekend Im going to Meteora...monasteries in Greece on top of huge, beautiful rock formations!
All for now I think,
lots of love,
allie
basically everything shuts down. People have the option of striking....about 10-30% of the staff here didn't show to school, so kids were dismissed at noon. There were talks of public transit not working...I guess they decided to shut it down at 9 pm...I was so thankful because I got to go to swimming and yoga! As I was out in town the streets were oddly empty- this is the type of city I love. My favorite time to explore is Saturday morning, because you can actually see the road and sidewalks (there are fewer cars and people).
In other news, our director Teresa knows everything about everyone. I've been feeling kinda homesick for friends and family, and today during yoga I started to cry (it felt so good). When I got back to school I went to talk to Georgia, a Grinnell alum three years older than me, and felt a lot better. I didn't want to go talk to her because I figured then everyone would know how I was feeling. Sure enough the moment I walked in to Teresa's office, she gave me a hug and asked how i've been lately...that i seemed down. Did they really talk about me so soon? Or did Teresa know because I hugged the cleaning lady? News here travels so fast....its like being back in middle school....now i know why words like drama are Greek!
Oh, and did I mention that I was EATEN ALIVE! by kids substituting? It was last period on a Friday, and they were horrible. There was never a silent moment. There were airplanes, paper wads, and lots of "Miss can I go to the bathroom." Instead of getting upset, i decided to laugh... Im substituting again Thur and Fri...hopefully it will go better.
And it also occurred to me today I have a lot to look forward to:
-Im going to Athens with two friends this weekend (if we can still get tickets....ugh!)
-Tomorrow Im going to a ballet!
-We have a Halloween party next Friday with pumpkin and bobbing for apples!
-Next weekend Im going to Meteora...monasteries in Greece on top of huge, beautiful rock formations!
All for now I think,
lots of love,
allie
Monday, October 13, 2008
more specifics about my job!
Grandma and others have been asking more about my job, so I thought I would write and tell:
-My main job is working with the kids who live in the boarding department of Anatolia School. Most of them are here on scholarship and could not afford to be at this school if it wasn't for that scholarship. They work hard to keep up their grades, and study pretty hard! (Some of them panics lots about their grades too!). There are also other kids who go to Pinewood International School...most of them are from Bulgaria, Serbia and one from Germany. They, like me, don't know Greek and we communicate in English.
My job has its ups and downs. This weekend one of the girls (who is a black belt in karate) taught us a karate class...we giggled lots! I also taught a yoga class, and NINE! girls came. Sunday afternoon, I had a pen war (where each person holds a pen and tries to write on another) with a student...also very amusing. The hard part of the job is trying to be strict: kids here never go to bed on time, and last week one of the kids broke his door, and ten minutes later set off the fire alarm. Working with these students is teaching me not to be a perfectionist, and that you never know what will happen with children!
Other than my main duty I am: teaching an SAT class (I teach vocabulary and math), helping with a forensics club and pottery club, writing a grant for the President of the college, and substitute teaching (my first class in on Wednesday morning!)
Also, coming up I will be taking a weekend road trip with a bunch of Grinnell Alums (me Calvin, Kate Diedrick, Ionnis) and hopefully going to Turkey next weekend. I'm also looking forward to Halloween...we get to carve pumpkins!!
I know it living in Greece sounds exotic, but Im realizing that life is life wherever you live. People have the same challenges and same emotions! Im still trying to find myself, relax into disorder, and find a group of friends (my social network is...somewhat nonexistent!)
love
allie
-My main job is working with the kids who live in the boarding department of Anatolia School. Most of them are here on scholarship and could not afford to be at this school if it wasn't for that scholarship. They work hard to keep up their grades, and study pretty hard! (Some of them panics lots about their grades too!). There are also other kids who go to Pinewood International School...most of them are from Bulgaria, Serbia and one from Germany. They, like me, don't know Greek and we communicate in English.
My job has its ups and downs. This weekend one of the girls (who is a black belt in karate) taught us a karate class...we giggled lots! I also taught a yoga class, and NINE! girls came. Sunday afternoon, I had a pen war (where each person holds a pen and tries to write on another) with a student...also very amusing. The hard part of the job is trying to be strict: kids here never go to bed on time, and last week one of the kids broke his door, and ten minutes later set off the fire alarm. Working with these students is teaching me not to be a perfectionist, and that you never know what will happen with children!
Other than my main duty I am: teaching an SAT class (I teach vocabulary and math), helping with a forensics club and pottery club, writing a grant for the President of the college, and substitute teaching (my first class in on Wednesday morning!)
Also, coming up I will be taking a weekend road trip with a bunch of Grinnell Alums (me Calvin, Kate Diedrick, Ionnis) and hopefully going to Turkey next weekend. I'm also looking forward to Halloween...we get to carve pumpkins!!
I know it living in Greece sounds exotic, but Im realizing that life is life wherever you live. People have the same challenges and same emotions! Im still trying to find myself, relax into disorder, and find a group of friends (my social network is...somewhat nonexistent!)
love
allie
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
a week full of stuff!!
So sorry to keep adoring blog readers waiting (just kidding!).
Im not sure why I havent updated my blog except that I've been either too busy, too homesick, or the Internet wasn't working!!!! The last two days we havent had Internet, and while it seems easy to just not worry about it, its really hard to try and keep in contact with people.
Anyways, things are ever so slowly picking up...some highlights from the last work week:
-Yesterday I played soccer for the FIRST TIME EVER! It was really fun, and I'm pretty sure all the young boys found it amusing whenever I ducked from the ball. And I scored a point (did I mention the goalie was lying down!)
-Calvin and I are in charge of multiply programs: from volunteers doing big brother/sister stuff to SAT prep. These are slowly taking off, and its weird to be "in charge."
-Last Thursday we had a dorm dance party. It was really weird and felt just like middle school (in fact some of the songs were the same...TITANIC!) The boys and girls formed there own circles, and I entertained them by crossing in between.
-I'm teaching two yoga classes a week to some of the dorm girls. Its going well, although they get tired easily. The biggest stressor is that Teresa (our adviser) never gives me the keys to the gym...I hate having to hunt her down!
-Last Friday Calvin and I went to see Filip's basketball game. We waited a good hour before seeing him go in for three minutes...man I dont know how mom and dad ever sat through all my games and swim meets! All the same, Filip was really glad we were there (I could tell by the huge grin on his face).
And in other news:
-I found the Jewish Synagogue! Its kinda hidden and they ID you at the door, but last Friday night I went to Kabalah Shabbat. I met lots of people but especially two couples (Shirley and Jacob, Miriam and Joseph). They assured me that if i needed ANYTHING I should call, and that even though its a big city in a new country, I now have friends in the Jewish community. Im so thankful to be a Jew! I think Ill go back next week.
- Starting to plan trips...I think Im going to go to Turkey in the end of October...then Athens and another weekend trip in November.
-Swimming is going much better...the kids are starting to talk to me, and Im more in shape which helps.
-Oh and on October 22 Im going the National Ballet!!!
all for now,
love
allie
Im not sure why I havent updated my blog except that I've been either too busy, too homesick, or the Internet wasn't working!!!! The last two days we havent had Internet, and while it seems easy to just not worry about it, its really hard to try and keep in contact with people.
Anyways, things are ever so slowly picking up...some highlights from the last work week:
-Yesterday I played soccer for the FIRST TIME EVER! It was really fun, and I'm pretty sure all the young boys found it amusing whenever I ducked from the ball. And I scored a point (did I mention the goalie was lying down!)
-Calvin and I are in charge of multiply programs: from volunteers doing big brother/sister stuff to SAT prep. These are slowly taking off, and its weird to be "in charge."
-Last Thursday we had a dorm dance party. It was really weird and felt just like middle school (in fact some of the songs were the same...TITANIC!) The boys and girls formed there own circles, and I entertained them by crossing in between.
-I'm teaching two yoga classes a week to some of the dorm girls. Its going well, although they get tired easily. The biggest stressor is that Teresa (our adviser) never gives me the keys to the gym...I hate having to hunt her down!
-Last Friday Calvin and I went to see Filip's basketball game. We waited a good hour before seeing him go in for three minutes...man I dont know how mom and dad ever sat through all my games and swim meets! All the same, Filip was really glad we were there (I could tell by the huge grin on his face).
And in other news:
-I found the Jewish Synagogue! Its kinda hidden and they ID you at the door, but last Friday night I went to Kabalah Shabbat. I met lots of people but especially two couples (Shirley and Jacob, Miriam and Joseph). They assured me that if i needed ANYTHING I should call, and that even though its a big city in a new country, I now have friends in the Jewish community. Im so thankful to be a Jew! I think Ill go back next week.
- Starting to plan trips...I think Im going to go to Turkey in the end of October...then Athens and another weekend trip in November.
-Swimming is going much better...the kids are starting to talk to me, and Im more in shape which helps.
-Oh and on October 22 Im going the National Ballet!!!
all for now,
love
allie
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
a typical day...
Some people have asked what a typical day is like for me. I guess today was a typical day...but really there is no such thing. Partly because of my scheduele (I work Monday days, Thursday nights, every sixth Friday, every third weekend)...but here are some regular things I do:
-Classes started this week! I love school (even though after graduating I was sick of it)! Im taking Greek and Art Appreciation...and am excited for both. In Greek we are learning the alphabet (alpha, beta, gamma, delta!) and while the lessons are super easy they are supplemented by the fact that everything around me is Greek, and I would really love to know whats going on all the time. And I 've never taken any art history or appreciation before, so im excited for that too. Especially since I think people spend too much money on shitty art when there are real social problems (hunger, disease) in the world...
-I go to yoga classes on tuesday morning and friday. They are in English and i really enjoy them. There are some native Americans (haha not like Indians but people from the US) in the class. One is named Melissa, shes from Texas (my parents age) and she gave me the email address of some interns from Dartmouth who we are meeting up with this friday. Im not going to lie-Im kinda desperate for friends right now. I hope they are cool!
-I walk lots of places in the city. Today on my way to swimming I saw two chicken legs (literally the nails, feet and upper part) in the street. What a weird place. I also get stared at constantly. Reasons why: I dont wear make up, I sometimes where tshirts, I don't blow dry my hair after swim practice...today it was raining, and I was so excited to wear my rain boots (they are SO cute- orange with red apples). It became extremely obvious as soon as I walked outside that no one here wears rain boots. I guess they like wet feet. I think Im just going to deal with being a social outcast...I dont have enough patience to become fashionable.
Sidenote: Greeks are so...open? (not sure if thats the right word). Besides the blatant stares, people just come up and talk to me. I am often embarrassed that I have no idea what theyre saying. And today when I was sitting and waiting for the bus i absent minded-ly left my orange peel there. When the bus came this lady started pointing and yelling about how i needed to throw it away...I almost missed the bus. But then of course there are strangers who will give you free rides back from the beach and by you expensive dinners (see earlier post)...
-Most importantly, I'm practicing to relax and be organized in a totally disorganized society. After a quarter life crisis I asked my parents for advice and they helped me to realize how to live without the constant need to be doing homework or busy (thanks again dad). So Im practicing how to read for pleasure, not worry about time, and organize my life in a non compulsive way!
All for now. It's raining out and I love listening to the rain on my balcony while I type!
love
allie
-Classes started this week! I love school (even though after graduating I was sick of it)! Im taking Greek and Art Appreciation...and am excited for both. In Greek we are learning the alphabet (alpha, beta, gamma, delta!) and while the lessons are super easy they are supplemented by the fact that everything around me is Greek, and I would really love to know whats going on all the time. And I 've never taken any art history or appreciation before, so im excited for that too. Especially since I think people spend too much money on shitty art when there are real social problems (hunger, disease) in the world...
-I go to yoga classes on tuesday morning and friday. They are in English and i really enjoy them. There are some native Americans (haha not like Indians but people from the US) in the class. One is named Melissa, shes from Texas (my parents age) and she gave me the email address of some interns from Dartmouth who we are meeting up with this friday. Im not going to lie-Im kinda desperate for friends right now. I hope they are cool!
-I walk lots of places in the city. Today on my way to swimming I saw two chicken legs (literally the nails, feet and upper part) in the street. What a weird place. I also get stared at constantly. Reasons why: I dont wear make up, I sometimes where tshirts, I don't blow dry my hair after swim practice...today it was raining, and I was so excited to wear my rain boots (they are SO cute- orange with red apples). It became extremely obvious as soon as I walked outside that no one here wears rain boots. I guess they like wet feet. I think Im just going to deal with being a social outcast...I dont have enough patience to become fashionable.
Sidenote: Greeks are so...open? (not sure if thats the right word). Besides the blatant stares, people just come up and talk to me. I am often embarrassed that I have no idea what theyre saying. And today when I was sitting and waiting for the bus i absent minded-ly left my orange peel there. When the bus came this lady started pointing and yelling about how i needed to throw it away...I almost missed the bus. But then of course there are strangers who will give you free rides back from the beach and by you expensive dinners (see earlier post)...
-Most importantly, I'm practicing to relax and be organized in a totally disorganized society. After a quarter life crisis I asked my parents for advice and they helped me to realize how to live without the constant need to be doing homework or busy (thanks again dad). So Im practicing how to read for pleasure, not worry about time, and organize my life in a non compulsive way!
All for now. It's raining out and I love listening to the rain on my balcony while I type!
love
allie
Dear Zeus
Dear Zeus,
If I were you, I would not pick Mt. Olympus as my home. I know clouds are nice, but how can you see the world you rule through all those thick clouds?
love,
Allie
Thats what I would write to Zeus. Calvin and I chaperoned the senior high school's annual trip to Mt. Olympus. Even though two weeks earlier we were sweating on the beach, this weekend was extremely cold! We left campus Saturday, and hiked up about 2-3 hours to the refuge. It was raining as soon as we got off the bus, and that rain turned to snow by the time we reached the refuge. The clouds were so thick we couldn't see beyond the mountain we were climbing, but it was still SO beautiful! There were pines and other trees and the smell of fresh air and the sound of rain or snow falling. The refuge was incredible small, two dining hall rooms and then rooms with beds. It was super awkward hanging out in the dining hall, no one really spoke to us...but at least calvin and i both brought books! The next day we hiked to the top of the 2nd highest peak (I guess the highest is only 6 m higher but is more dangerous...there are parts where there is nothing on either side of you!). Right near the top the wind picked up and it was SUPER cold. Oh and climbing up there were parts that were nearly vertical (and I was in tennis shoes...forgot my climbing boots at home (i dont have any climbing boots!)). Sunday was fun, I bonded with Calvin and Phil (the English director who is a Grinnell alum). Apparently if you climb to the top the school gives you a medal...I wonder if I get one!? Oh, and at the refuge there was a dog..I have no idea how he got there...I think it was Zeus in animal form! Anyways, the dog hiked with us to the top of the peak...he was my new best friend!
Even though the climb was easy, my legs are terrible soar. Monday and yesterday when i got up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night i could barely stand. and i wince everytime i go down stairs!
~allie
If I were you, I would not pick Mt. Olympus as my home. I know clouds are nice, but how can you see the world you rule through all those thick clouds?
love,
Allie
Thats what I would write to Zeus. Calvin and I chaperoned the senior high school's annual trip to Mt. Olympus. Even though two weeks earlier we were sweating on the beach, this weekend was extremely cold! We left campus Saturday, and hiked up about 2-3 hours to the refuge. It was raining as soon as we got off the bus, and that rain turned to snow by the time we reached the refuge. The clouds were so thick we couldn't see beyond the mountain we were climbing, but it was still SO beautiful! There were pines and other trees and the smell of fresh air and the sound of rain or snow falling. The refuge was incredible small, two dining hall rooms and then rooms with beds. It was super awkward hanging out in the dining hall, no one really spoke to us...but at least calvin and i both brought books! The next day we hiked to the top of the 2nd highest peak (I guess the highest is only 6 m higher but is more dangerous...there are parts where there is nothing on either side of you!). Right near the top the wind picked up and it was SUPER cold. Oh and climbing up there were parts that were nearly vertical (and I was in tennis shoes...forgot my climbing boots at home (i dont have any climbing boots!)). Sunday was fun, I bonded with Calvin and Phil (the English director who is a Grinnell alum). Apparently if you climb to the top the school gives you a medal...I wonder if I get one!? Oh, and at the refuge there was a dog..I have no idea how he got there...I think it was Zeus in animal form! Anyways, the dog hiked with us to the top of the peak...he was my new best friend!
Even though the climb was easy, my legs are terrible soar. Monday and yesterday when i got up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night i could barely stand. and i wince everytime i go down stairs!
~allie
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
food and chaos!
Im (trying) to accept two things: Greek food is fabulous, Greek life is chaotic.
The first one is so easy! So i know its only been a week, but i LOVE the dining hall food. They have fresh fruits and veggies everyday, and it isn't only fresh but perfectly ripe. I cant believe its september and im eating peaches, nectarines, cucumbers, tomatoes, kiwi! I usually just have bread and cheese with the produce, but the stuff they cook isnt that bad. AND they cook all the hot meals in Olive Oil (not vegtable oil!).
Eating out is even better (although not free by any means!). Ive had some meet, but i LOVE cooked eggpant. AND desserts are AMAZING (Thessaloniki is known for its desserts!). There are special dessert shops all over, and as you pass by little gold and silver wrappers smile up at you. I hadn't tried these chocolates until one of the office ladies gave me one, but theyre RICH and delicious! There are also Turkish desserts with pastry flakes, but soaked in honey (REAL honey!). And I have a piece of cake waiting upstairs for me right now.
Luckily, portion sizes here are much smaller!
Onto the more difficult part of Greek life: CHAOS!
Im not going to lie, but today i was SUPER frustrated trying to get to yoga and back. It took an HOUR each way. I'm sure living in Kansas and Iowa doesn't help my frustration, but today I walked the bus route and it was faster than the bus. But then on my way back from swimming there were two 58 buses in a row. AND when you get to a bus stop, you never know when a bus is coming...its about 15 minutes..usually. But they are totally irregular. And while Im on the traffic soap box people here park wherever they want (double parking, on the sidewalk). Sometimes its hard to cross the street because cars are parked too close next to each other.
Swim practice is sorta like the traffic. I was moved to the 6-8 group (instead of 4-6) which has some older kids that arent as fast as the first group, then some younger kids. The older kids end up swimming around the younger ones...and it is total mayhem. Add in the weather today. I was doing backstroke and saw a bolt of lightening above me...but no one else seemed to notice. And to the left of the pool it was sunny and beautiful, to the right there was a huge storm! There was also the most beautiful rainbow... I could see almost the whole arch everytime I breathed.
Oh and the church's bells started ringing but it wasn't the top of the hour...what is that!?
The choas is a perfectionist's nightmare. But I guess its fun to fall in love with, too!
Kali Mera (good morning) (Im working on my greek)
Allie
The first one is so easy! So i know its only been a week, but i LOVE the dining hall food. They have fresh fruits and veggies everyday, and it isn't only fresh but perfectly ripe. I cant believe its september and im eating peaches, nectarines, cucumbers, tomatoes, kiwi! I usually just have bread and cheese with the produce, but the stuff they cook isnt that bad. AND they cook all the hot meals in Olive Oil (not vegtable oil!).
Eating out is even better (although not free by any means!). Ive had some meet, but i LOVE cooked eggpant. AND desserts are AMAZING (Thessaloniki is known for its desserts!). There are special dessert shops all over, and as you pass by little gold and silver wrappers smile up at you. I hadn't tried these chocolates until one of the office ladies gave me one, but theyre RICH and delicious! There are also Turkish desserts with pastry flakes, but soaked in honey (REAL honey!). And I have a piece of cake waiting upstairs for me right now.
Luckily, portion sizes here are much smaller!
Onto the more difficult part of Greek life: CHAOS!
Im not going to lie, but today i was SUPER frustrated trying to get to yoga and back. It took an HOUR each way. I'm sure living in Kansas and Iowa doesn't help my frustration, but today I walked the bus route and it was faster than the bus. But then on my way back from swimming there were two 58 buses in a row. AND when you get to a bus stop, you never know when a bus is coming...its about 15 minutes..usually. But they are totally irregular. And while Im on the traffic soap box people here park wherever they want (double parking, on the sidewalk). Sometimes its hard to cross the street because cars are parked too close next to each other.
Swim practice is sorta like the traffic. I was moved to the 6-8 group (instead of 4-6) which has some older kids that arent as fast as the first group, then some younger kids. The older kids end up swimming around the younger ones...and it is total mayhem. Add in the weather today. I was doing backstroke and saw a bolt of lightening above me...but no one else seemed to notice. And to the left of the pool it was sunny and beautiful, to the right there was a huge storm! There was also the most beautiful rainbow... I could see almost the whole arch everytime I breathed.
Oh and the church's bells started ringing but it wasn't the top of the hour...what is that!?
The choas is a perfectionist's nightmare. But I guess its fun to fall in love with, too!
Kali Mera (good morning) (Im working on my greek)
Allie
Monday, September 15, 2008
The weekend (mis)adventures of Alexandra!
My name Alexandra is Greek, and I thought it meant "protector of mankind." However someone the other day told me that Alexander actually means defending mankind, which in his time meant pushing away or rejecting outside men. As such, Alexandra can also mean "man rejector..." hmmm....
My weekend events:
-I decided not to travel this weekend and just stay put, continue to acculturate and get to know my home!
-Friday night and Sat I went out for a bit with my new friend Ioanna. She's really nice and Im glad Im making new friends, but she also talks about herself constantly (in fluent English)...I wonder if its normal to be that egocentric or its just her...
-I babysat for a three year old Mary this weekend...shes adorable. We played with bubbles and swung...she's fluent in English and has a British accent! I love it!
-On Sunday I went to Saloniki's International Trade Fair- it was really fun seeing things from all over the world...I got a harry potter watch for 5 euros...and I got a free chair massage!
-It has been SO HOT here! Part of acculturating is getting used to NO air conditioning (some places have small ACs but there is no internal system). Yesterday after the fair the entire back of my shirt was soaked in sweat... Anyways, yesterday, for the first time since I got here, it was cloudy and even cool. THANK GOD!
-I ate a date and a pomegranate I picked from the trees on campus! YUM!
-On Friday I found an English taught Yoga class...its kinda pricey but its really good yoga...I think Ill use my babysitting money to pay for it!
This morning I woke kids up at 7 to make sure they were awake and getting ready for school! I enjoyed it...kinda like being mother hen!
All for now! And thanks to everyone Ive been talking/writing to so I dont get homesick!
Allie
My weekend events:
-I decided not to travel this weekend and just stay put, continue to acculturate and get to know my home!
-Friday night and Sat I went out for a bit with my new friend Ioanna. She's really nice and Im glad Im making new friends, but she also talks about herself constantly (in fluent English)...I wonder if its normal to be that egocentric or its just her...
-I babysat for a three year old Mary this weekend...shes adorable. We played with bubbles and swung...she's fluent in English and has a British accent! I love it!
-On Sunday I went to Saloniki's International Trade Fair- it was really fun seeing things from all over the world...I got a harry potter watch for 5 euros...and I got a free chair massage!
-It has been SO HOT here! Part of acculturating is getting used to NO air conditioning (some places have small ACs but there is no internal system). Yesterday after the fair the entire back of my shirt was soaked in sweat... Anyways, yesterday, for the first time since I got here, it was cloudy and even cool. THANK GOD!
-I ate a date and a pomegranate I picked from the trees on campus! YUM!
-On Friday I found an English taught Yoga class...its kinda pricey but its really good yoga...I think Ill use my babysitting money to pay for it!
This morning I woke kids up at 7 to make sure they were awake and getting ready for school! I enjoyed it...kinda like being mother hen!
All for now! And thanks to everyone Ive been talking/writing to so I dont get homesick!
Allie
Friday, September 12, 2008
quick story....
I have a fear of setting off alarms, ever since I set off the fire alarm freshman year during finals week trying to make popcorn. I just rolled in at 1 am, ready to do battle with the alarm. I know the code, I have my loop of 50+ keys. But it doesnt matter, I set it off anyways (i swear its broken, its not me). An earth shattering sound prevails. After typing in the code yet again, it stops, and I go in to call another councilor. Little did I know that while I was using the phone he was reactivating the alarm. So when I went back out I set it off again.
Two blood curdling alarms. One night. I set them both off.
Man its off to a good year!
ps- everything else today was great....yoga (in English), swimming, reading, going out...
I have a fear of setting off alarms, ever since I set off the fire alarm freshman year during finals week trying to make popcorn. I just rolled in at 1 am, ready to do battle with the alarm. I know the code, I have my loop of 50+ keys. But it doesnt matter, I set it off anyways (i swear its broken, its not me). An earth shattering sound prevails. After typing in the code yet again, it stops, and I go in to call another councilor. Little did I know that while I was using the phone he was reactivating the alarm. So when I went back out I set it off again.
Two blood curdling alarms. One night. I set them both off.
Man its off to a good year!
ps- everything else today was great....yoga (in English), swimming, reading, going out...
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
A Random Update!
So still settling in here....I think there are moments when I absolutely LOVE being here, and moments when I feel like this is the wrong decision (mostly when Im overwhelmed!). Random stories:
-This past weekend Calvin and I went to the peninsulas right outside Thessaloníki and camped on the beach. It was really hot and I can't imagine what it would be like in the real summer. Anyways, it was relaxing and fun to climb rocks and swim and such. AND we got a ride back to the city with a new friend we made. We even stopped on the way back in and he bought us dinner (it was $45 worth of food!). Greeks are super generous like that!
-A couple of days ago I heard some screaming outside (it kinda freaked me out!). I learned that there is a mentally disabled center right above us on the hill, so sometimes people there are just extra noisy...
-I tried to go to a meditation and yoga class last night. Looking back it was kinda funny....they were both entirely in Greek. I felt the opposite of relaxed...I felt like an outsider! Plus the yoga club had a dress code of all white, and I was definitely wearing colors. And it wasn't yoga as much as dancy/pretend yoga....so in conclusion, I found a studio that teaches Yoga in English and am hoping to go there soon.
-Finally! Work...I found out my schedule: I work Mondays (waking kids up, helping with lunch, and from 3-11pm), Thursday evenings, every 6th Friday, every 3rd weekend. This work includes helping kids with homework, playing, making sure their rooms are clean and that they go to sleep and wake up...Then Im also helping with SAT stuff for an hour a week, clubs an hour a week and maybe some additional English lessons. So in conclusion, I have LOTS of down time, and am excited to fill it, but nervous that I will be bored! Im going to take Greek classes and perhaps art classes, swim, do yoga, and travel!
Well all for now....Im going to go read the rules and regulations of the boarding school!
Allie
-This past weekend Calvin and I went to the peninsulas right outside Thessaloníki and camped on the beach. It was really hot and I can't imagine what it would be like in the real summer. Anyways, it was relaxing and fun to climb rocks and swim and such. AND we got a ride back to the city with a new friend we made. We even stopped on the way back in and he bought us dinner (it was $45 worth of food!). Greeks are super generous like that!
-A couple of days ago I heard some screaming outside (it kinda freaked me out!). I learned that there is a mentally disabled center right above us on the hill, so sometimes people there are just extra noisy...
-I tried to go to a meditation and yoga class last night. Looking back it was kinda funny....they were both entirely in Greek. I felt the opposite of relaxed...I felt like an outsider! Plus the yoga club had a dress code of all white, and I was definitely wearing colors. And it wasn't yoga as much as dancy/pretend yoga....so in conclusion, I found a studio that teaches Yoga in English and am hoping to go there soon.
-Finally! Work...I found out my schedule: I work Mondays (waking kids up, helping with lunch, and from 3-11pm), Thursday evenings, every 6th Friday, every 3rd weekend. This work includes helping kids with homework, playing, making sure their rooms are clean and that they go to sleep and wake up...Then Im also helping with SAT stuff for an hour a week, clubs an hour a week and maybe some additional English lessons. So in conclusion, I have LOTS of down time, and am excited to fill it, but nervous that I will be bored! Im going to take Greek classes and perhaps art classes, swim, do yoga, and travel!
Well all for now....Im going to go read the rules and regulations of the boarding school!
Allie
Friday, September 5, 2008
ranting and loving
I CANNOT believe the misfortunes Ive had with shoes....or in understanding shoes (and dress) in Greece. First, let me tragically say that my flip flop broke the second day here!!! And it has been mayhem and pain ever since. I didn't bring a second pair of flip flops, and the cute dress shoes are cutting up my heals like crazy. So Im left to wear my rain boots or my sneakers. Mind you, wearing sneakers makes me a social outcast. Women here, no matter what there size, always look amazing. They are always dressed up, and look like theyre going somewhere important. Its fun to try to pretend like I fit, but we all know I can't wait to go home and throw on an ol' tshirt and shorts. What I don't understand is how people look comfortable in jeans and a black shirt on a HOT day like today. I was literally sweating buckets...
Anyways, back to the shoes. You would think that buying flip flops would be easy seeing how there are shoe stores and athletic stores everywhere downtown. FALSE. I must have gone to a thousand stores without finding a single flip flop. Well, actually the few flip flops I found were 50 EUROS (75 DOLLARS). And even worse, every other shoe I saw was painfully made out of wood, a high heel, or hurt the already numb and peeling part of my ankle. Apparently eurpean women not only always look cute, but they do so walking in the most unbearable shoes. Or maybe they just don't walk at all...they don't seem to eat either (maybe they just smoke and drink coffee) So what did I do? I found some shoes in a PHARMACY that are pretend cute but actually feel somewhat comfortable. somewhat.
Anyways, Im done ranting. Heres what I DO LOVE about my new life:
-Watching the sunset over the Sea
-Swim practice with Greeks
-The olive, fig, and almond trees on campus
-My balcony
-Walking around downtown, feeling overwhelmed at it all, then hiding back in my room in the city
-Open air markets
Tonight Calvin and I went out for dinner (we had gyros)! We both dressed up, so an American might think we were on a date. But we were in fact just trying to both assimilate, order some good food off Greek menus, and enjoy the fact that we are two Grinnellians who never hung out together at school and now are each other's closet connection to home. For the weekend, we are traveling to Halkididah.....
Love,
allie
Anyways, back to the shoes. You would think that buying flip flops would be easy seeing how there are shoe stores and athletic stores everywhere downtown. FALSE. I must have gone to a thousand stores without finding a single flip flop. Well, actually the few flip flops I found were 50 EUROS (75 DOLLARS). And even worse, every other shoe I saw was painfully made out of wood, a high heel, or hurt the already numb and peeling part of my ankle. Apparently eurpean women not only always look cute, but they do so walking in the most unbearable shoes. Or maybe they just don't walk at all...they don't seem to eat either (maybe they just smoke and drink coffee) So what did I do? I found some shoes in a PHARMACY that are pretend cute but actually feel somewhat comfortable. somewhat.
Anyways, Im done ranting. Heres what I DO LOVE about my new life:
-Watching the sunset over the Sea
-Swim practice with Greeks
-The olive, fig, and almond trees on campus
-My balcony
-Walking around downtown, feeling overwhelmed at it all, then hiding back in my room in the city
-Open air markets
Tonight Calvin and I went out for dinner (we had gyros)! We both dressed up, so an American might think we were on a date. But we were in fact just trying to both assimilate, order some good food off Greek menus, and enjoy the fact that we are two Grinnellians who never hung out together at school and now are each other's closet connection to home. For the weekend, we are traveling to Halkididah.....
Love,
allie
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
still acculturizing...
This is what Ive summoned from the last couple of days: to get anything done you have to have social connections. You want to join a swim team? You ask around until people make phone calls for you, hopefully gets a hold of someone, and then you're in. If no one picks up the call is made, then whoever is helping you tells me to comeback tommorrow. In this way, its impossible to really get anything done and you spend time doing the same thing everyday without actually getting anything done. It sounds kinda funny on email, and im sure it will be once i could figure out a swim team and pool, or if I have my internet...
anyways, other than that complaint, everyone is really nice...I think everyone has the intentions of helping out, and I do love exploring the city. I think tomorrow Im going to do a walking tour that was in my guide book, and I might make kate (one of the past interns) travel with me this weekend (becuase I have no responsibilities...)
Also, I think it's important to remember that the kids havent even come yet, and im guessing that will be my favorite part of the job! Anyways, there is nothing I can do right now except relax and not worry about it. But Im kinda (really) an uptight American.
Oh and I keep seeing lots of cats and want to pet them, but i will try not to get fleas Amanda
love
allie
anyways, other than that complaint, everyone is really nice...I think everyone has the intentions of helping out, and I do love exploring the city. I think tomorrow Im going to do a walking tour that was in my guide book, and I might make kate (one of the past interns) travel with me this weekend (becuase I have no responsibilities...)
Also, I think it's important to remember that the kids havent even come yet, and im guessing that will be my favorite part of the job! Anyways, there is nothing I can do right now except relax and not worry about it. But Im kinda (really) an uptight American.
Oh and I keep seeing lots of cats and want to pet them, but i will try not to get fleas Amanda
love
allie
Monday, September 1, 2008
I love the feeling of getting to a new place/country. EVERYTHING, I mean every interaction is in some way amusing...
-Most conversations I just sit and smile and nod. Then I start translating things into Spanish. Then I remember that that won't help, so I sit and smile some more!
-I passed by THREE bike shops today...except they were all mo-ped shops...everyone seems to have a bike, but I have no idea where they got them
-There are lots of stray cats, some stray dogs...I think I'll make some friends...apparently neutering and spaying animals doesn't exist in this country
Oh and today's "failures":
-I walked around town trying to find the synagogue on the map, I thought it would be cool to see. I went to the exact spot on the map, but definitely couldn't find it...hmm...doesn't matter though, I loved just walking around the city
-I found a restaurant that had English on the menu and offered vegetarian gyros...I thought that would be a sure way to not eat meat...WRONG! The ladies serving me spoke no English, an no matter how many times I tried to say no meat, there was definitely a huge pile of meat when I got my plate. I decided that it would be more inhumane to let the meat go to waste, so I ate some...it was disgusting, greasy, fatty, and even a little delicious. I think I'll stick to cheese and hummus though.
So I got here yesterday morning, managed to stay up till 6 pm, before crashing for 13 hours. When I woke up this morning I went for a jog and did some yoga, walked around school meeting people and learning about Anatolia, went grocery shopping with Dr. Holland, the school's director and Grinnell tie, then explored. This week is pretty chill- the kids don't come until the ninth. Oh, and my dorm room is small but beautiful. It's on the third floor and I can see the sea from my balcony! And if none of the kids move in next door, then I will have my own yoga/guest room (the director, Teresa, might make this possible!)
Anyways, Im getting ready for bed, even though its only 3 Kansas/Grinnell time (8 hour difference!)
adio,
Alexandra Stephanie Kossoy (did you know Alexandra and Stephanie are both Greek!)
-Most conversations I just sit and smile and nod. Then I start translating things into Spanish. Then I remember that that won't help, so I sit and smile some more!
-I passed by THREE bike shops today...except they were all mo-ped shops...everyone seems to have a bike, but I have no idea where they got them
-There are lots of stray cats, some stray dogs...I think I'll make some friends...apparently neutering and spaying animals doesn't exist in this country
Oh and today's "failures":
-I walked around town trying to find the synagogue on the map, I thought it would be cool to see. I went to the exact spot on the map, but definitely couldn't find it...hmm...doesn't matter though, I loved just walking around the city
-I found a restaurant that had English on the menu and offered vegetarian gyros...I thought that would be a sure way to not eat meat...WRONG! The ladies serving me spoke no English, an no matter how many times I tried to say no meat, there was definitely a huge pile of meat when I got my plate. I decided that it would be more inhumane to let the meat go to waste, so I ate some...it was disgusting, greasy, fatty, and even a little delicious. I think I'll stick to cheese and hummus though.
So I got here yesterday morning, managed to stay up till 6 pm, before crashing for 13 hours. When I woke up this morning I went for a jog and did some yoga, walked around school meeting people and learning about Anatolia, went grocery shopping with Dr. Holland, the school's director and Grinnell tie, then explored. This week is pretty chill- the kids don't come until the ninth. Oh, and my dorm room is small but beautiful. It's on the third floor and I can see the sea from my balcony! And if none of the kids move in next door, then I will have my own yoga/guest room (the director, Teresa, might make this possible!)
Anyways, Im getting ready for bed, even though its only 3 Kansas/Grinnell time (8 hour difference!)
adio,
Alexandra Stephanie Kossoy (did you know Alexandra and Stephanie are both Greek!)
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