Sunday, May 31, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Day 17- Wed. May 27
Day 17 (Wednesday, May 27):
I am posting this blog entry because I have no more days – I see Abe today!! (Well, tomorrow, since technically today is still Monday).
Today's schdule:
4:30 am – leave Hotel Cecil
6:55 am – fly home !!
4:30 pm – land in Bozeman and embrace Abe!!!
5 pm Bozeman Time = 2 am Greek Time = Nicole eats and falls asleep!!
Hopefully there will be nothing else to add because my trip will be easy and smooth. I hope you all enjoyed my blog and my thoughts on the trip (i.e. I am being optimistic someone other than Abe ever read this). Once all the photos get up online, I will post a link and send out an email. Besos, Ciao, and I can't wait to see you all back in the States.
Love,
Nicole
I am posting this blog entry because I have no more days – I see Abe today!! (Well, tomorrow, since technically today is still Monday).
Today's schdule:
4:30 am – leave Hotel Cecil
6:55 am – fly home !!
4:30 pm – land in Bozeman and embrace Abe!!!
5 pm Bozeman Time = 2 am Greek Time = Nicole eats and falls asleep!!
Hopefully there will be nothing else to add because my trip will be easy and smooth. I hope you all enjoyed my blog and my thoughts on the trip (i.e. I am being optimistic someone other than Abe ever read this). Once all the photos get up online, I will post a link and send out an email. Besos, Ciao, and I can't wait to see you all back in the States.
Love,
Nicole
The “eventful” side of Sunday: Seeing poverty in the countryside, Immigrants in Greece, and beggars harrassing little girls
The “eventful” side of Sunday: Seeing poverty in the countryside, Immigrants in Greece, and beggars
This blog post is in response to a chat with Abe about how my day seemed “boring” or rather “uneventful.” That was just because yesterday (Sunday) I wrote mostly about the actual activities. Now, in the words of the immortal Abraham, will come the “Stuff of legends....” (or at least the more interesting and eventful parts). In short: On the bus ride from Delphi to Athens, I saw poverty stricken Indian workers scything wheat by hand. I also saw lots of literal shantytowns. All indian men were living together, and their wives and children in make believe houses. Tin sides, mismatched pieces of wood, low ceilings because the sides of the house were short, “houses” with posts but plastic or sheets for walls. From my observations, America is filled with people from all over the world. In Greece, it appears that the only people who have immigrated into the country are Indians (mostly males), and they do a lot of low level work, such as agriculture or hawking items on the street. Other “eventful” moments are yesterday were being harassed by an impertinent man, and having an interesting experience as Andy's wife was molested by a woman beggar trying to force balloons on us (and trade them for money, of course). Paula, Karen, the girls, Andy and I had all just gotten gyros for dinner and were sitting eating when this lady comes up and throws these two balloons on Karen. She is talking in Greek, but the jist is that she has a small daughter and is trying to sell the balloons. Karen made the mistake of not immediately returning the balloons, and listening first. When she tried to return them, at Andy's insistence, the woman refused to take them and kept getting more upset that we weren't paying her. Finally, once when Karen held out the balloons, a young boy came up and grabbed them! That got the lady pretty mad :) Anyway, after we kept ignoring her, she went away, but it was definitely akward. I found it ironic that the most we were molested by beggars and odd persons was when we had two little girls with us (they are 6 and 7). Finally, we were followed by a high (on drugs, that is) Pakistani man wanting money. He mumbled at us while we were eating gyros, then reappeared after we had gelato, mumbled for several minutes, then left. Luckily, I think the little girls are a little young to be too bothered by their scarring experiences, but I am sure it made Andy and Karen uncomfortable.
This blog post is in response to a chat with Abe about how my day seemed “boring” or rather “uneventful.” That was just because yesterday (Sunday) I wrote mostly about the actual activities. Now, in the words of the immortal Abraham, will come the “Stuff of legends....” (or at least the more interesting and eventful parts). In short: On the bus ride from Delphi to Athens, I saw poverty stricken Indian workers scything wheat by hand. I also saw lots of literal shantytowns. All indian men were living together, and their wives and children in make believe houses. Tin sides, mismatched pieces of wood, low ceilings because the sides of the house were short, “houses” with posts but plastic or sheets for walls. From my observations, America is filled with people from all over the world. In Greece, it appears that the only people who have immigrated into the country are Indians (mostly males), and they do a lot of low level work, such as agriculture or hawking items on the street. Other “eventful” moments are yesterday were being harassed by an impertinent man, and having an interesting experience as Andy's wife was molested by a woman beggar trying to force balloons on us (and trade them for money, of course). Paula, Karen, the girls, Andy and I had all just gotten gyros for dinner and were sitting eating when this lady comes up and throws these two balloons on Karen. She is talking in Greek, but the jist is that she has a small daughter and is trying to sell the balloons. Karen made the mistake of not immediately returning the balloons, and listening first. When she tried to return them, at Andy's insistence, the woman refused to take them and kept getting more upset that we weren't paying her. Finally, once when Karen held out the balloons, a young boy came up and grabbed them! That got the lady pretty mad :) Anyway, after we kept ignoring her, she went away, but it was definitely akward. I found it ironic that the most we were molested by beggars and odd persons was when we had two little girls with us (they are 6 and 7). Finally, we were followed by a high (on drugs, that is) Pakistani man wanting money. He mumbled at us while we were eating gyros, then reappeared after we had gelato, mumbled for several minutes, then left. Luckily, I think the little girls are a little young to be too bothered by their scarring experiences, but I am sure it made Andy and Karen uncomfortable.
Economic Explanation for the lack of plaques at ancient sites
Economic Explanation for the lack of plaques at ancient sites:
One thing that has been really interesting, and slightly frustrating, is the lack of explanatory plaques at the ancient sites. In the States, we often have plaques with descriptions or explanations and such at historic places (even if we don't read them :). Here, there was only one site (Mystras) where we had such plaques. Everywhere else – Athenian acropolis, agora, temples, sparta, nafplio, delphi, mycenaea, corinth, etc. – had no plaques. One possible explanation for this is the tour guides. Tour guides here are everywhere and with almost all groups. So, having tour guides would negate the necessity of having plaques (since they are explaining things). Also, the tour guides would have an incentive to NOT promote plaques, because having informative plaques would make tour guides less necessary. Any other thoughts??
One thing that has been really interesting, and slightly frustrating, is the lack of explanatory plaques at the ancient sites. In the States, we often have plaques with descriptions or explanations and such at historic places (even if we don't read them :). Here, there was only one site (Mystras) where we had such plaques. Everywhere else – Athenian acropolis, agora, temples, sparta, nafplio, delphi, mycenaea, corinth, etc. – had no plaques. One possible explanation for this is the tour guides. Tour guides here are everywhere and with almost all groups. So, having tour guides would negate the necessity of having plaques (since they are explaining things). Also, the tour guides would have an incentive to NOT promote plaques, because having informative plaques would make tour guides less necessary. Any other thoughts??
Day 16- Tues. May 26
Day 16 (Tuesday, May 26):
Today, Paula and I just get to hang out in Athens. This is our last day in Athens, and I leave for home tomorrow at 6:55 am local (Athenian) time. Today, we just took it easy. It wasn't great last night as I was overcome with cramps in my stomach, and our room is outside one of the world's loudest karaoke bars, so we didn't get a whole lot of sleep. And Paula and I are so excited to go home, it was hard to sleep anyway!
We stayed in late, and then had breakfast with Andy and his wife and their kids. Andy left to take a shower, but Paula and I enjoyed chatting with his wife Karen, who is soooo nice. We learned that apparently before this trip, Andy was nervous about it because he wasn't sure about spending two weeks in such close quarters with students! Apparently we are a little intimidating :)
Then Paula and I went out shopping. It was so nice to not be in a hurry and to be able to look at whatever, and just wander and browse. I got a book for the plane ride home on Greek Mythology, a beautiful horse statue to decorate our home with and remember Greece by, a glass ring, a soda, and a special gift for Abe, which I cannot reveal here or it would ruin the surprise.
Paula and I wandered all over: through the flea market, into many shops, and just had a good time saying “no” to all the persistent shopkeepers. He he, they are persistent, “Oh, just come in, come try something,” and the ever cheesy and inexplicably popular, “something pretty for the pretty lady.” Paula and I just roll our eyes.
For lunch, it was crepes. Its really, really neat to see them made. They use a little wooden stick with a mini-rolling pin on it to roll out the crepe batter on the large round skillet. Then they add whatever you want: all kinds of vegetables, cheese, meats, or nutella and sweets – anything! Then they fold in in half 3 times, and it becomes a GIANT sandwich type thing. Like a french burrito. I think a gyro is like a Greek taco (or burrito, I can't decide which one its more like). Then, thinking we were done, I finally found the perfect pair of sunglasses that I have been looking for. Its so sunny here that my dark brown ones aren't cutting it. So I found a very stylish pair of pitch black wraparounds that are “ooo-la-la.” I am quite pleased. And I also found a fanny pack for horse stuff. Yeah its cheesey, but it works great! (And you can never find them in the States).
And then there was a funny interlude of how I tried to go to a Greek bank to get different denominations of bills so it would be easier to pay the cab driver at 4:30 in the morning tomorrow. So I tried to enter the bank. You have to buzz in – twice. (There is a glass chamber in the middle where they examine if you look like a bank robber or not before letting you in). Then, after figuring that out and gaining entry to the inner sanctum, I was told they were already closed at 2:30 (it was 3pm), and I should go elsewhere. I just wanted to ask why they let me in if they were closed? Oh well.
Now, after a nap, I was hungry for dinner, but I didn't want to go spend any money. So instead I went down to the breakfast room and helped myself to some yogurt and honey. I'm not sure it was entirely kosher, but... I will be missing breakfast tomorrow. Now its time to pack and then for an early bedtime since I leave so very, very early. I have thoroughly enjoyed my trip, but it is time to go home. Andy asked me if I was ready to go home and I said yes. Before, I used to love traveling by myself and exploring places and I would travel by myself just fine. I went all over the US. But now, its not as fun to be by myself and see all these things alone because I really want to share it with Abe. So, of course, I think that is a perfect reason to do more traveling (and I am sure Abe will agree).
Today, Paula and I just get to hang out in Athens. This is our last day in Athens, and I leave for home tomorrow at 6:55 am local (Athenian) time. Today, we just took it easy. It wasn't great last night as I was overcome with cramps in my stomach, and our room is outside one of the world's loudest karaoke bars, so we didn't get a whole lot of sleep. And Paula and I are so excited to go home, it was hard to sleep anyway!
We stayed in late, and then had breakfast with Andy and his wife and their kids. Andy left to take a shower, but Paula and I enjoyed chatting with his wife Karen, who is soooo nice. We learned that apparently before this trip, Andy was nervous about it because he wasn't sure about spending two weeks in such close quarters with students! Apparently we are a little intimidating :)
Then Paula and I went out shopping. It was so nice to not be in a hurry and to be able to look at whatever, and just wander and browse. I got a book for the plane ride home on Greek Mythology, a beautiful horse statue to decorate our home with and remember Greece by, a glass ring, a soda, and a special gift for Abe, which I cannot reveal here or it would ruin the surprise.
Paula and I wandered all over: through the flea market, into many shops, and just had a good time saying “no” to all the persistent shopkeepers. He he, they are persistent, “Oh, just come in, come try something,” and the ever cheesy and inexplicably popular, “something pretty for the pretty lady.” Paula and I just roll our eyes.
For lunch, it was crepes. Its really, really neat to see them made. They use a little wooden stick with a mini-rolling pin on it to roll out the crepe batter on the large round skillet. Then they add whatever you want: all kinds of vegetables, cheese, meats, or nutella and sweets – anything! Then they fold in in half 3 times, and it becomes a GIANT sandwich type thing. Like a french burrito. I think a gyro is like a Greek taco (or burrito, I can't decide which one its more like). Then, thinking we were done, I finally found the perfect pair of sunglasses that I have been looking for. Its so sunny here that my dark brown ones aren't cutting it. So I found a very stylish pair of pitch black wraparounds that are “ooo-la-la.” I am quite pleased. And I also found a fanny pack for horse stuff. Yeah its cheesey, but it works great! (And you can never find them in the States).
And then there was a funny interlude of how I tried to go to a Greek bank to get different denominations of bills so it would be easier to pay the cab driver at 4:30 in the morning tomorrow. So I tried to enter the bank. You have to buzz in – twice. (There is a glass chamber in the middle where they examine if you look like a bank robber or not before letting you in). Then, after figuring that out and gaining entry to the inner sanctum, I was told they were already closed at 2:30 (it was 3pm), and I should go elsewhere. I just wanted to ask why they let me in if they were closed? Oh well.
Now, after a nap, I was hungry for dinner, but I didn't want to go spend any money. So instead I went down to the breakfast room and helped myself to some yogurt and honey. I'm not sure it was entirely kosher, but... I will be missing breakfast tomorrow. Now its time to pack and then for an early bedtime since I leave so very, very early. I have thoroughly enjoyed my trip, but it is time to go home. Andy asked me if I was ready to go home and I said yes. Before, I used to love traveling by myself and exploring places and I would travel by myself just fine. I went all over the US. But now, its not as fun to be by myself and see all these things alone because I really want to share it with Abe. So, of course, I think that is a perfect reason to do more traveling (and I am sure Abe will agree).
Monday, May 25, 2009
Differences Between Americans and Greeks
Differences Between Americans and Greeks:
After two weeks of observation, here are some of my thoughts on the differences between Greeks and Americans. Now I know this isn't all inclusive, or representative of EVERYONE, (I do use a lot of generalizations), but here it is (as a warning, it is a little long :).
Clothing: One of the main ways to tell Americans and Greeks apart is by their clothing. Americans like to wear jean shorts and t-shirts. Europeans / Greeks NEVER wear the baggy style American T-shirts. Sneakers are different too. American sneakers have a kind of rise and heel, and laces. European sneaks are sleek with no heel, and Velcro ties are popular, as are small laces. Everyone also all wears very tight clothing. Fitted jeans (tapered to the feet), tight tops; very different from the American style flared jeans and loose fitting T-shirts. Belts are also very popular over here, and shirts always end at the waist – none of this American wife beaters down over-your-hips for girls look. Black fitted jeans are also popular, as are leggings, either to the ground or to the calves. Sometimes the girls wear a loose fitting linen type shirt over either their pants (with a belt, of course!) For shoes, there are sleek tennis shoes, but almost no one anyone wears those. Men wear leather flats, and women wear gladiator style sandals, ballet flats, or heels. Bright colors (think bright yellow and pink) are popular, and so is metallic. Also, you can ALWAYS tell an American because they are the ONLY ones who ever wear flip flops. Dead give away.
hair/ makeup: Americans like to straighten their hair – no one does that over here. They just wear it the way it is. Also, Americans tend to wear a lot more makeup than the Greeks. Thats not to say Greeks don't wear makeup. They definitely do, and always seem to be “made up,” they just don't tend to go for the super dark eyes during-the-day look as much. For accessories, sunglasses are a key item over here. It seems everyone has a very stylish pair they wear everywhere. Both wraparound and aviator are hot styles. As are white glasses. Only Americans seem to sport the cheesy 1950s style plastic Ray Bean knockoffs.
Mannerisms: Americans walk like Americans. I don't know how else to say it.
Attitudes: The Greeks don't seem to care too much for Americans. Actually they seem to dislike them, which is interesting considering 25% of their GDP is from tourism. Also, they don't seem to care about their history. Along these lines, our tour guide said that there have been so many different invaders throughout Greece's history, the people are very mixed: Greek, Roman, African, Persian, Turkish... But because of current turbulence in world politics and relations, they are afraid of discovering Turkish roots, for example. To me, that signals a lot of interesting, perverse, and unexpected incentives for acceptance of people and protection of the Greek history and sites.
supermarkets: ummm, they don't really exist over here. There are small markets in the cities where you can buy bread, and stalls in the flea market to buy meat and nuts, but mostly its just very small stores with a few necessities. Its crazy, I feel so spoiled now to go to Safeway and buy tons of peanut butter, and have a million items all at my disposal. That does not exist here. Even in the smaller towns, its just very small, local grocer shops.
Toilets: Personally, one of my favorite differences. In America, toilets have lids, seats, levers, and the toilet paper is next to the toilet. Well, in Greece, there are no lids (or it might be like our hotel, where it is attached, at an angle!), no seats, and no levers. And toilet paper is attached to all kinds of things. I never thought I would enjoy so much the American invention of a toilet-paper-roll-holder with a stopper on the end so it doesn't fly off.
Internet: in America, its SO EASY to get online. You have it at home, its at the public library (I must say, I sorely miss all the libraries, I never thought I would), its free at coffee shops, its everywhere. Here, it may exist, but it is expensive to use. Now, mind you, I am a traveler, not a resident, but even so, you still cannot just go to a coffee shop and use wi-fi. Its a little infuriating when you are trying to do something, but its always an adventure!
credit cards: In America, you use your card for everything, even small $1 purchases. In Greece, there are 3% ofter 5% surcharges for using cards applied to businesses. As a result, many businesses, even hotels and restaurants, are “cash only.” Its very different to see everyone just using cash – everywhere and for everything. Definitely not like the Visa commercial! He he.
Cars: Cars here are SMALL!!!!!!!! About half of the people just ride around on little mopeds or motorbikes. And drivers are totally crazy, too. They do NOT, I repeat, do NOT stop for pedestrians. The cars themselves are very small. For perspective, a normal sized Honda now appears large. Yep, I said large. The streets are so tiny too that all these little cars have side mirrors. So when they park, they fold the mirrors against the side of the car so they don't get ripped off! I think its a great idea, and want it on my car. (When I eventually get one :) In America, I have only ever recently (i.e. this last year) seen foldable side mirrors on very large trucks. And here in Greece, even older cars had it, so it seems its been around for a while.
Buildings: In Greece, there are some beautiful older buildings (aside from the Acropolis and the Parthenon... but they are almost all in complete disrepair. And the newer buildings remind me of prisons, or soviet style compounds. They are literally cement compounds – just blocks. I find it quite intriguing as well, that they seem to build from the top down. When we were driving through the countryside, and would see buildings, they would be finished on the top floor, and people would be living in the apartments up there, but the first and second floors would be totally unfinished and just bare cement, without even walls! While I am not quite sure I yearn for suburbia just yet, I certainly miss the pride and the care that Americans tend to take in their housing and the diversity of buildings you find in older cities.
Pride/ Care for their country: While I used to complain about litter bugs in America, its nothing compared to here. I have been really quite stunned at how little Athenians seem to value their country and their cities, especially Athens. Everything is a trash receptacle. There are cigarette buts in between wooded slats, chip bags stuffed in holes at ancient sites; it just doesn't cease to amaze me why it doesn't bother people more, and why the don't change. I guess it just really bothers me to constantly feel dirty. Montana's trash problem is nothing compared to here. And even in Seattle – a very large city – after large festivals they always clean up and the city is usually, on the whole, clean.
Siestas: Every day, all the shops close up in the afternoon and then reopen at night. Ah, time for my daily nap. Its too hot to work. And speaking of work, in America, you would be hard pressed to find a shopkeeper or worker too busy on their cell phone long to help a customer, here, its quite common.
Forward Men and the Battle of the Sexes: The men here are quite persistent, and you must just SAY NO, many times! They are very forward, and do not like to take no. Even if you tell them you are married, they will still ask, “But I want to see you again.” Age differences also don't discourage them and 50/60 year old men will hit on 20 something women. Another interesting note is that you see a lot more girls hanging with girls, and guys with guys than you do in America, and most couples appear to be foreigners, whereas in America there will often be mixed sex groups hanging out, and couples are very normal to see.
Graffiti, Feral Animals And Smokers: Everywhere here.
After being here, everything in America just seems so BIG. And Montana seems so pristine. And everything is comparatively so easy to access and so inexpensive. If I want something, its relatively so easy to just get, and so close by. Its amazing. The one contrast to that would be the pharmacies. I don't know if they have subsidized medicine here or what, but I am suspicious they do, because Paula got sick and needed medicine and we were able to go to a pharmacy and get what would have been a prescription only antibiotic in the States for about 5 euro. Anyway, those are some thoughts that occurred to me. Anyone else have comments, thoughts?
After two weeks of observation, here are some of my thoughts on the differences between Greeks and Americans. Now I know this isn't all inclusive, or representative of EVERYONE, (I do use a lot of generalizations), but here it is (as a warning, it is a little long :).
Clothing: One of the main ways to tell Americans and Greeks apart is by their clothing. Americans like to wear jean shorts and t-shirts. Europeans / Greeks NEVER wear the baggy style American T-shirts. Sneakers are different too. American sneakers have a kind of rise and heel, and laces. European sneaks are sleek with no heel, and Velcro ties are popular, as are small laces. Everyone also all wears very tight clothing. Fitted jeans (tapered to the feet), tight tops; very different from the American style flared jeans and loose fitting T-shirts. Belts are also very popular over here, and shirts always end at the waist – none of this American wife beaters down over-your-hips for girls look. Black fitted jeans are also popular, as are leggings, either to the ground or to the calves. Sometimes the girls wear a loose fitting linen type shirt over either their pants (with a belt, of course!) For shoes, there are sleek tennis shoes, but almost no one anyone wears those. Men wear leather flats, and women wear gladiator style sandals, ballet flats, or heels. Bright colors (think bright yellow and pink) are popular, and so is metallic. Also, you can ALWAYS tell an American because they are the ONLY ones who ever wear flip flops. Dead give away.
hair/ makeup: Americans like to straighten their hair – no one does that over here. They just wear it the way it is. Also, Americans tend to wear a lot more makeup than the Greeks. Thats not to say Greeks don't wear makeup. They definitely do, and always seem to be “made up,” they just don't tend to go for the super dark eyes during-the-day look as much. For accessories, sunglasses are a key item over here. It seems everyone has a very stylish pair they wear everywhere. Both wraparound and aviator are hot styles. As are white glasses. Only Americans seem to sport the cheesy 1950s style plastic Ray Bean knockoffs.
Mannerisms: Americans walk like Americans. I don't know how else to say it.
Attitudes: The Greeks don't seem to care too much for Americans. Actually they seem to dislike them, which is interesting considering 25% of their GDP is from tourism. Also, they don't seem to care about their history. Along these lines, our tour guide said that there have been so many different invaders throughout Greece's history, the people are very mixed: Greek, Roman, African, Persian, Turkish... But because of current turbulence in world politics and relations, they are afraid of discovering Turkish roots, for example. To me, that signals a lot of interesting, perverse, and unexpected incentives for acceptance of people and protection of the Greek history and sites.
supermarkets: ummm, they don't really exist over here. There are small markets in the cities where you can buy bread, and stalls in the flea market to buy meat and nuts, but mostly its just very small stores with a few necessities. Its crazy, I feel so spoiled now to go to Safeway and buy tons of peanut butter, and have a million items all at my disposal. That does not exist here. Even in the smaller towns, its just very small, local grocer shops.
Toilets: Personally, one of my favorite differences. In America, toilets have lids, seats, levers, and the toilet paper is next to the toilet. Well, in Greece, there are no lids (or it might be like our hotel, where it is attached, at an angle!), no seats, and no levers. And toilet paper is attached to all kinds of things. I never thought I would enjoy so much the American invention of a toilet-paper-roll-holder with a stopper on the end so it doesn't fly off.
Internet: in America, its SO EASY to get online. You have it at home, its at the public library (I must say, I sorely miss all the libraries, I never thought I would), its free at coffee shops, its everywhere. Here, it may exist, but it is expensive to use. Now, mind you, I am a traveler, not a resident, but even so, you still cannot just go to a coffee shop and use wi-fi. Its a little infuriating when you are trying to do something, but its always an adventure!
credit cards: In America, you use your card for everything, even small $1 purchases. In Greece, there are 3% ofter 5% surcharges for using cards applied to businesses. As a result, many businesses, even hotels and restaurants, are “cash only.” Its very different to see everyone just using cash – everywhere and for everything. Definitely not like the Visa commercial! He he.
Cars: Cars here are SMALL!!!!!!!! About half of the people just ride around on little mopeds or motorbikes. And drivers are totally crazy, too. They do NOT, I repeat, do NOT stop for pedestrians. The cars themselves are very small. For perspective, a normal sized Honda now appears large. Yep, I said large. The streets are so tiny too that all these little cars have side mirrors. So when they park, they fold the mirrors against the side of the car so they don't get ripped off! I think its a great idea, and want it on my car. (When I eventually get one :) In America, I have only ever recently (i.e. this last year) seen foldable side mirrors on very large trucks. And here in Greece, even older cars had it, so it seems its been around for a while.
Buildings: In Greece, there are some beautiful older buildings (aside from the Acropolis and the Parthenon... but they are almost all in complete disrepair. And the newer buildings remind me of prisons, or soviet style compounds. They are literally cement compounds – just blocks. I find it quite intriguing as well, that they seem to build from the top down. When we were driving through the countryside, and would see buildings, they would be finished on the top floor, and people would be living in the apartments up there, but the first and second floors would be totally unfinished and just bare cement, without even walls! While I am not quite sure I yearn for suburbia just yet, I certainly miss the pride and the care that Americans tend to take in their housing and the diversity of buildings you find in older cities.
Pride/ Care for their country: While I used to complain about litter bugs in America, its nothing compared to here. I have been really quite stunned at how little Athenians seem to value their country and their cities, especially Athens. Everything is a trash receptacle. There are cigarette buts in between wooded slats, chip bags stuffed in holes at ancient sites; it just doesn't cease to amaze me why it doesn't bother people more, and why the don't change. I guess it just really bothers me to constantly feel dirty. Montana's trash problem is nothing compared to here. And even in Seattle – a very large city – after large festivals they always clean up and the city is usually, on the whole, clean.
Siestas: Every day, all the shops close up in the afternoon and then reopen at night. Ah, time for my daily nap. Its too hot to work. And speaking of work, in America, you would be hard pressed to find a shopkeeper or worker too busy on their cell phone long to help a customer, here, its quite common.
Forward Men and the Battle of the Sexes: The men here are quite persistent, and you must just SAY NO, many times! They are very forward, and do not like to take no. Even if you tell them you are married, they will still ask, “But I want to see you again.” Age differences also don't discourage them and 50/60 year old men will hit on 20 something women. Another interesting note is that you see a lot more girls hanging with girls, and guys with guys than you do in America, and most couples appear to be foreigners, whereas in America there will often be mixed sex groups hanging out, and couples are very normal to see.
Graffiti, Feral Animals And Smokers: Everywhere here.
After being here, everything in America just seems so BIG. And Montana seems so pristine. And everything is comparatively so easy to access and so inexpensive. If I want something, its relatively so easy to just get, and so close by. Its amazing. The one contrast to that would be the pharmacies. I don't know if they have subsidized medicine here or what, but I am suspicious they do, because Paula got sick and needed medicine and we were able to go to a pharmacy and get what would have been a prescription only antibiotic in the States for about 5 euro. Anyway, those are some thoughts that occurred to me. Anyone else have comments, thoughts?
More Gelato
Yum, so Paula and Andy and his family and I all went out to gelato -- Oh my goodness, I can't possibly fit any more in my stomach. It is soo good! So very very many calories today... but worth it. Geez Abe, you've lost 7 pounds and I've gained it -- what happened to the poverty diet I was supposed to be on?
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