The Last Greek Days

Tuesday

I was sleeping on a cloud that was being guided by unicorns and the harmonious lullabies of angels. And the Connor rapped on the door and woke me up. It was 9:30 and we had to return the rented car by noon. Cris's parents were out exploring Nafplio, so Cris joined us for breakfast. We made a tentative schedule. On the way up to Athens we stop by Epidaurus, see the one ancient theater that is still being used today then drive up, drop the car off, and explore Athens. Traffic was more congested than we had thought and deemed it necessary to skip Epidaurus. Gotta leave some places unseen for the next visit, right? We drop off the car with no problems, we meet the man at the drop-off zone at the airport. Then take the downtown bus. We find a hostel to stay the night, drop our bags off and we head to the Acropolis museum as its peak heat time. The museum was underwhelming for what it is and where it's located. They had pottery, sculptures, marble frescos, and others but I was expecting more out of the Athens Acropolis museum. They had a basement section which showed a large layout of several different houses all close together and that was interesting to see. Aside from that I wouldn't recommend entering the museum. Then we started to walk to the Acropolis. We went the back route which was through people's sidewalk and back alleys. There were so many cats. On the sidewalk, on the steps, in potted plants, everywhere. Bizzare. We reach the Acropolis Gates and as expected it's busy. Not packed but busy, we walk around them, attempting not to slip on the polished granite flooring they have (so many people have walked this path that the floor as been polished by it). Take pictures of the area, I slapped a column when no guards where looking, then walked back down.

Our next stop was to find some merch to purchase. Athens has just the place, a really long alley with tourist shops on the left and right side. But it was all absolute junk. Cellphone accessories store, commonly seen tshirt stores, a dime a dozen statue stores, one or two cannabis stores, military clothing stores, etc. etc. and this went on for almost 5 blocks of the same stores on repeat. Mind boggling how all of them are able to stay in business year round with all the trifle garbage they sell. Though on the plus side I did find a store that was selling a pretty cool looking Zippo lighter and bought it to add to my collection. Once we headed back to the hostel to drop our day bags and Zippo lighter, we went in search for a place to relax and drink for the night. A corner store was offering a ½Lt. of wine for €3 and that's where we stayed. The Women's FIFA semifinals were going on, USA vs. UK and after the Greeks finished watching some University basketball game I acquired the controller and flipped to the right channel. Good way to enjoy the last night in Greece, with soccer on the TV and a glass of wine in hand. Game ended at midnight with a 1-2 victory for USA. Hopefully I'll be able to watch the final in Jordan somewhere. After that we went straight to bed.

Wednesday

Hostels are weird. Actually more like I'm not used to them yet, not uncomfortable just not used to them. First time we entered the Athens hostel room it was just the two of us with 3 empty bunkbeds. When we returned that night 2 of the bunkbeds were taken, thought I entered the wrong room for a second. In the morning I come to realize our 4 new bunkmates were all female, hostel lifestyle I guess. Anyway Connor and I depart around 10, grab breakfast on the way and catch the bus to the airport.

Overview

My favorite book series is Percy Jackson, a series with the Greek Gods being in everyday life. In 10th grade a few friends and I made plans for the summer to take a cruise ship and explore the Greek islands, it didn't take off. I took a Western mythology class in 11th grade and an Eastern mythology class in 12th grade. My favorite classic computer game is Age of Mythology. Needless to say wanting to visit Greece and explore its rich history has been the longest and only true desire I've ever had. When an opportunity to visit it and later travel all around it with a friend of mine, I was not letting that chance escape. I am forever grateful to those who gave me the support to achieve this dream. The three weeks of the survey study were amazing. I learned some aspects of what it is to be an archeologist and when we weren't actively working our professor took us to legendary sites and gave us personal tours knowing he might get in trouble. The last week in Greece was and will be the best week I've had as of yet. We made an impromptu plan two days before and winged it the rest of the week. I had saved up upwards of a $1000 thinking that would cover me for the three months abroad, oh how wrong I was haha. Living in hostels was an experience in itself. I am thankful for being here, I am thankful for my friend who went everywhere I went, and I am most thankful to my mother who has supported me when she started to read me children mythology stories in Los Llanos. I love you.