2/22/12: One Month to Go

Last week, I had the second of two state-side information meetings regarding the study abroad program I'll be attending. I got a lot more information about the things I need and the places I'll be going. On that second list include such highlights as:
  • The Akropolis
  • The National Archeological Museum
  • The Agora
  • The Theatre of Dionysos and Asklepieion
  • The Library of Hadrian
  • The Byzantine Museum
  • Thermopylai
And there's a lot more stuff we'll be seeing and doing while out there. A typical day consists of a morning trip in Athens, to a museum or historical site, followed by an hour long Greek Language class and an hour long Greek Civilization class. We get quite a few long weekends, as well, to do some independent exploration (as well as mundane things like laundry and grocery shopping), and approximately one longer day trip per week as well. Additionally, we'll have three big overnight trips: one to the Argolid, one to Delphi and Olympia, and one to northern Greece, primarily Thessaloniki. The whole course setup is very interactive and site-based, which will give me a much more diverse and interesting perspective on both ancient and modern Greek culture. I'm very excited.

I'm also a little nervous now, though. The political situation in Greece is still tense, though I hope that, by the time I arrive, economic decisions will be made and the elections will happen in early April, after which things should (*fingers crossed*) die down. I've also heard some reports of harassment of women, particularly foreigners. Nothing too serious, just catcalls and the like. I don't expect this to be a problem, but I've been fortunate enough to either avoid it or be oblivious to in here in the States, with only one or two exceptions. Still, it's something that would make me uncomfortable, so I hope to avoid it if at all possible. And then there's my tiny concern about clothing expectations in Greece. I tend to dress like a tomboy. Jeans or long shorts, unisex t-shirts, hoodies, hair pulled back, no make-up. It's just how I'm comfortable. But there are situations in Greece where I expect that won't be considered appropriate, so I'm trying to prepare by getting a couple dresses and skirts before I leave. But it's a pain, and I hope those situations are few and far between. I'll just have to wait and see, and be as prepared as I can.

Anyway, enough rambling for now. I'll be updating more regularly as the departure date gets closer, and will begin daily or every other day posts once I get to Athens.

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1/19/12: The Preparations Begin

My departure date to Athens is a little over two months away, yet it feels like I'm already making the preparations necessary for the trip there. My first informational meeting took place a few days ago, and I've already picked the people I'll be sharing an apartment with for three months. I'm starting to learn some Greek, although I'm still fairly hopeful that there will be people there will also know at least a little English, so I won't be too hopelessly lost. Still, I've found that the most successful way for me to learn a language is to be immersed in it, so I expect I'll pick it up quickly once I get to Greece.

I haven't got much to say yet. At this point, it's all paperwork, info meetings, buying necessary supplies, and figuring what I'm going to do with all my belongings at college while I'm away. I'm also busy with this quarter's classes and workload, so not too much time to think about it. But time passes quickly while I'm caught up in my day-to-day life, and March 21st will be here before I realize it. I cannot wait.

But, for now, I continue my studies in the States, prepare for my journey, and dream about the adventures to come.

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