After my last post full of mishaps and crab-related injuries, I think it’s only fair that I relay some of the far more exciting and positive aspects of my experiences here as of late. One of the best things about studying abroad is not only that I have the chance to make Athens my home for an extended amount of time, but like most everyone else in my program, I can travel on weekends and see other areas of the country as well. The weekend before last I went with a few friends of mine to Rhodes, a fairly large Greek island close by, and it was absolutely beautiful. Nearly half of the island consisted of a large medieval, complete with a dungeon, moat, and what I can only assume were antiquated cannonballs strewn across the grass. We walked through the castle and the “Old Town” for hours, finding what seemed to be hundreds of small modern shops that are filled to the brim during tourist season according to the locals. Before leaving for the town we decided to wander through what once was the moat, and proceeded to get lost for an hour unable to find the way back but instead coming across multiple entryways to cliff-like drops in a second moat. It seems the Greeks were extensively effective in keeping invaders out. Once we backtracked and returned to town, we ordered lunch at an outdoor creperie-and the food was divine. So much so we returned 3 more times during our two day stay on the island, and were given free dessert waffles as a result-Greek hospitality at it’s finest.
This past weekend was Carnival, the series of celebrations before Lent. With most of the Country identifying as Greek Orthodox, it seemed as if the entire population was out to celebrate. There were costumes of all kinds, from clowns and the Flinstones to the more surprising gothic-angsty teen getup. And of course many masks. After Carnival was clean Monday, which is also a great celebration here. The Greek Orthodox traditionally clan out their fridges and get rid of meat, swearing off of it until Easter and instead eating seafood, which could be smelled from every nearby restaurant just by standing on the street. Near the acropolis kids fly elaborate kites on top of Philopoppou hill, and everyone is given the day off. It was an incredible sight, and one of many amazing experiences thus far.