So, we're here! It's been a whirlwind, and sometimes it doesn't feel real -that we're actually living in Europe! It's amazing and an incredible blessing to be here. So far our days have consisted of travel, moving in/getting settled, exploring the city, and starting classes.
The 16 hours of travelling passed by very quickly, and we were pumped to get to our residence hall! We are living in a small apartment with six girls total -with two per room, two bathrooms, a kitchen, and a two lovely balconies. That's something I love about Europe -that even though space may be tight, they still make room for fresh air, and well as green space through all the trees and shrubbery lining the apartments and streets. Another wonderful aspect of Grecian life is the two-hour siesta time they have during every day where businesses close and people rest. See, Maddie loves it.
Our adventure to downtown Athens on Saturday was filled with many historical sightings and beautiful views. We saw the Acropolis with the Parthenon standing tall from the 5th century B.C.. Eating our first gyro -or souvlaki as the Greeks call it- was incredibly delicious! I will be eating about 5,000 more this semester!
Hadrian's Arch (131 A.D.) stands at the entrance of an ancient temple of Zeus, the remnants of which are pictured below.
We also got to explore a portion of Athens that is majorly influenced by Greek people that moved to the mainland from the island of Cyclades. This Greek island is famous for the blue and white houses on a hill next to the sea. Because the Greeks missed their island, they constructed homes on a hill below the acropolis that resemble those of their home -the color and construction was absolutely breathtaking!
We got to wind up stone steps up towards one of the most incredible viewpoints of the city of Athens: Mars Hill.
I've only had one class so far -Diversity in Psychology-in which I am one of two American students. It is exciting and nerve-wracking to experience being the minority in at a university. Other classes I'm taking are Sociology, Spanish, and Greek -hopefully I'll be able to keep all the languages straight! I am thankful for the general warmth and openness that Greeks possess that makes adjusting much easier. I can only imagine with eager anticipation what adventures lie ahead for this semester.
To close, I am so very, very thankful for this experience. It's only been a few days, but I realize how amazingly blessed I am to be here. God is so good to me -I don't deserve it, but He loves me in such a darling way and has granted the desire of my heart to wander.
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