Day 15 (Monday, May 25):
Today was our return trip to Athens. In the morning, everyone had to say goodbye. It was kind of funny, really. I hadn't realized it, but most of the guys had all gone to high school together, and so already knew each other and were at least “sort of” friends, so it may have been a little more teary good bye for them, but apart from Paula and the profs, I don't particularly care for anyone in the group. Not that they are bad people, just 10 out of 12 are not people I respect or would care to ever hang around outside of the trip. Paula said she hates goodbyes, but I was thinking, “I don't really care... can I go yet??” I used to think it was insensitive, but now I've realized its just that I can work with people as colleagues, but that doesn't mean I have to be buddy-buddy with them. I pick my own friends based on their character. Just because I've spent 2 weeks with these people doesn't mean I have to like them any better.
Oh, and in the morning, I walked around town and saw a few odd/ unexpected things.
(1)A memorial garden with no flowers and the grass withered and uncared for.
(2)A street vendor fair at 7:30 am outside the school selling toilet paper and cleaning supplies from the backs of trucks.
(3)A beautiful church.
*Insert* I am not sure if I have mentioned it, but the breakfast at Hotel Varonos (in Delphi) was by FAR the best breakfast of any. Meats, 4 cheese, eggs, breads, croissants, jelly doughnuts, 4/5 kinds of fresh fruit, 6 juices, coffee, tea... it was great....
Off we went to Athens, a 3 hour bus ride, and once there I realized I was no longer enchanted, merely an observer. The city was the same, but it was no longer new and exciting – just Athens. I was hungry so I spoiled myself and stuffed my stomach with a pork gyros and chocolate sorbet gelato. The sorbet was so good – it was made without eggs or milk and was sooo rich, it was like cake batter, and ever so chocolatey!! After sitting in the sun and in Monastiraki square, its time for a rest. Only 2 more days till I go home!
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I didn't realize that for some people the trip ended on Monday! I guess it totally makes sense that like how everyone arrived in a staggered fashion, everyone would largely depart at various staggered times too.
ReplyDeleteI found your observation about the 10-12 (is that everyone else other than yourself and Paula? ;)) other classmates interesting--re: their character, and I think I know what you mean when you say that they're not particularly 'bad' people...it reminds me of my experience last night with Cody, Dillon, and Brian. Not "bad" guys, but I didn't really respect their moral quality and character and didn't feel like hanging out in the future would be good for my soul or a worthwhile use of my time.
They're fine for working with, but not hanging out with.
And I was just thinking that sometimes it's easy to get one impression of a person or people based upon casual interaction in a classroom setting, but if you all the sudden spend two weeks together...I'd imagine that in some cases people that may have made a positive impression prior to the trip, by the end have changed that positive impression (of their character, personality, etc.) into a negative impression. As I reread that paragraph it strikes me as an obvious thought. Well, I went to all the trouble of typing it, so I'm keeping it! :)
LOL. I love that you're honest with yourself and don't force yourself to feel sad just because the situation seems to require it--even though you're not sad to say "goodbye" to anyone but Paula. That clarity and ability/willingness to be truthful with yourself is one of the traits I love in you!
Reading your descriptions of food makes me SOOOOOO HUNGRY. I'm STARVING after reading about your sumptious breakfast in Delphi (which you didn't previously mention was so incredible). You're gonna die when you hear this, but I've lost more weight while you've been gone: something like 7 pounds, I think. I was shocked myself. Not eating enough I guess. :(
So it sounds like upon returning to Athens you see it as it is to people that live in it perhaps? Just another place to call home or live or work or whatever? Maybe having some good traits, but also having its fair share of negatives?
I can't wait for "home" to be "home" again when you come back. :) I've missed you a TON!!
Glad you have some quiet days in Athens. Is Paula still there with you? Or are you on your own for these last couple days just resting up and chilling out?
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I find it humorous that there were street vendors selling toilet paper and cleaning supplies. lol
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