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