Last day of the first week here (of school). Crazy! I fell like this week, especially the beginning of the week, was going so slow. Kinda homesick and a little just…uncomfortable. Maybe a little culture shock? I’m not sure. But things are getting a little more familiar and comfortable now, so time will probably go by faster. I mean, it’s already the first weekend and we’re going to Spetses! Taxi picks us up between 6:30 and 6:40 am. Ferry at 8:30.
In class, just went to the Athens Center’s courtyard to deal with the heat. Now quite as hot today. Cooled down a lot in the evening. Anyhow, we worked with colored pencil today. I enjoyed it. Probably the piece I’m most proud of so far.
After class, went to pharmacy with Alora to get motion sickness medicine. Then we went to the First Cemetery portion that’s across the street from our apartment. Some little sidedoor was open, so we went in that way. Couldn’t get out that way and had to wander around to find the actual exist. Kinda comical, but kinda difficult. We went to work on our big, nice drawing that’s due Monday. I feel pretty good about mine.
After that, we left at 4 to go souvenir shopping in Syntagma Square. Got lots of stuff for others and for myself.
My debit card wouldn’t work at a couple of ATMs, and I started to flip out a bit. Bought an international calling card to call Old National to make sure they didn’t shut my card off (and yes I let them know I was going to Greece before I left). Then I tried a bank ATM and it worked. I was so stressed over that and was trying to fight back tears a couple of times. But it all worked out.
So then we were heading back to the Athens Centre for Spring Term students’ art show at 7. A few minutes late, but in Greek time that meant we were a little early.
A very traumatic day. Stray dogs everywhere; it’s so sad. They just want love and a home. Greece won’t have shelters, kill them, or spay or neuter them. They do vaccinate them and put a collar on to let people know when those vaccinations were given.
Anyhow, this one dog took a liking to us. It all started when I was sitting waiting on the others to finish shopping. It licked my knee and then Alora gave it a couple little pets/scratches. So then he followed us and wanted to “protect” us. Greeks drive like madmen. So dangerous. We were crossing a very very busy road and got stuck on the little median between lanes. That damn dog was getting out in front of the cars barking and “chasing” them away. We were all pretty much traumatized from this. The dog almost got hit TONS of times. I think I probably screamed a couple times. In between roaring traffinc and this dog keeps getting infront of cars. I was sure I was going to see that sweet dog get hit and have its blood all over me. I about cried tons of times over that. It just breaks my heart.
The dog managed to not get hit and we had to cross two major, very busy roads after that. It was horrible. He was limping, but I don’t know if he had that little foot injury before the car stuff.
So he walked all the way back pretty much, but was getting tired and lagging behind. He eventually wasn’t with us anymore. It made me so sad. I wish I could take that dog home with me and adopt it. I am still upset over that experience. I just really hate seeing all these stray cats and dogs.
So, we went to that art show. Other students are not very good. I feel good compared to them. Shhh..
After each of the five students went throught reading through their entire book projects, we went back to the apartment. Showered and went to eat out same place as yesterday with Brooke, Amelia, and Alora. Meghan and Danielle went to the Lollipop in Syntagma. I think they said it was a karaoke bar.
We at tziziki, “Refreshing” feta spicy dip, and a Mediterranean Salad. So good. Of course we were given a free shot at the end… raki with honey. Ate outside. Forced shots down.
Haven’t been online for over a day and it’s about killing me. Won’t be able to until Sunday night… that’s if the internet downstairs even works. Didn’t at all today.
Back to traumatic day..i’d only gotten four hours of sleep the night before because of taking a long nap. Stayed up until 4 a.m. journaling, typing it up, and doing laundry. At least I was productive. Haha.
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