So, Greece.
Awesome. A lot of fun, and oh yeah. A lot of old stuff. Perfect place for a History major. And, oh by the way, I finished my semester. How incredibly awesome is that. Everything is officially out of my hands. I am now solely focused on teaching, and you know what, I have never felt more relaxed. Praise God for that one.
So stories... the flight over to Athens was pretty fantastic. In fact, pretty much everything went off without a hitch. We get there and immediately are greeted by 70 degree weather. For those of you in the states, specifically Missouri, Illinois, Maryland, regions...sorry, but I am totally gloating on this one. It was incredible. I must admit finding our hostel and being able to walk and be at the foot of the Acropolis was pretty awesome. I mean we were literally five minutes away from all the major tourist attractions. And just to let everyone know, I love the major tourist attractions, especially when I all have to spend is four days in all of Greece. I have to recommend those sites to anyone because this is where democracy started. It was pretty cool. I kept trying to imagine what it was like when everything was not of the ancient nature, and it was just mind blowing. All six of my roommates were able to go, so we had a blast getting to see the ancient and modern world of Athena.
Did I mention the Acropolis? Um, talk about an experience! It overlooks the entire city and basically is a walled fortress, something that is pretty incredible to think about. And it was never taken by an invading force, including that of mighty Sparta (Which I hope to go visit soon). I put pictures on here to try and show you what it was like in this area, but I don't even think they do the buildings justice. And some of the ruins were pretty incredible too. I was able to visit most of the major sites in the city, but I know that I am going to have to go back and see the rest of the country. One of the days we literally walked 10 or 11 km in the rain. It was not fun, but an adventure at the same time. Literally burned so much energy, that
I fell asleep as soon as the head hit the pillow. We also were able to make it to an island, Agena, and were able to goof around on a beach for about an hour before we left for good.
The flights home were also extremely interesting as we were on time all the way up until Zurich. We literally get on the plane, and sit for an hour before we take off. What was supposed to take "6-8 minutes" (direct quote from the captain) ended up taking an hour. We were in line getting deicer sprayed over the wings and such. Now, for me, I am all for getting deicer sprayed on the windows and such to protect the flight, and I feel like God was doing just that, just looking out for everyone like always. Apparently two of my fellow passengers were not so forgiving. A fight nearly broke out in front of me, and all I could think about was... well, now we are here for another hour... (fight is exaggeration maybe, perhaps something less threatening... stern words were exchanged? ) It was resolved quickly, but I literally thought it was going to go to fists. Luckliy cooler heads prevailed and everyone decided to just enjoy the flight. (Both gentlemen also had a drink to help calm the nerves :D )
We finally roll in at 1:30 in the morning, and I can say that I wouldn't have had it any other way. I loved the city, but I found out that I really hate pollution and overcrowded areas. And Athens is packed. I think that if I were to visit again, that I would stay out away from the city for at least a week and go on day trips to the city. That would make more sense to me, but you live and learn, and I learned a lot! Athens was an incredible experience for sure.
I can't believe that it is finally December. I am really looking down the homestretch now. It is really exciting to get to see everyone again. I hope that you are all doing well, and that you had a wonderful time eating turkey. I know that the Greek food was not exactly the same, but it made a great Thanksgiving meal. :) Hopefuly though, some of that turkey will be made for Christmas, along with some cheesy potatoes, and Godfathers' Pizza? Disgusting? Yes, but I miss that really bad. I figure that my greasy pizza intake is low. I mean, I am craving that stuff so bad! I love you all dearly, and I thank you all for your continued support and prayers. I just want to let you know that God is totally rocking my life right now. And yesterday, I knew I was going to be taken care of. Just like I know that today, and tomorrow, that I am taken care of by something so much more greater than me. I know that my plan is being revealed to me and that I am going to just totally make a difference wherever God places me. And while here, I have come to even more the realization of how Jesus is my protector, and through him I am saved. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I can't wait to share it all with you. (don't worry mom, the beard is now gone) I miss you and I love you all, and I leave you with pictures from Greece.
So, Greece.
Awesome. A lot of fun, and oh yeah. A lot of old stuff. Perfect place for a History major. And, oh by the way, I finished my semester. How incredibly awesome is that. Everything is officially out of my hands. I am now solely focused on teaching, and you know what, I have never felt more relaxed. Praise God for that one.
So stories... the flight over to Athens was pretty fantastic. In fact, pretty much everything went off without a hitch. We get there and immediately are greeted by 70 degree weather. For those of you in the states, specifically Missouri, Illinois, Maryland, regions...sorry, but I am totally gloating on this one. It was incredible. I must admit finding our hostel and being able to walk and be at the foot of the Acropolis was pretty awesome. I mean we were literally five minutes away from all the major tourist attractions. And just to let everyone know, I love the major tourist attractions, especially when I all have to spend is four days in all of Greece. I have to recommend those sites to anyone because this is where democracy started. It was pretty cool. I kept trying to imagine what it was like when everything was not of the ancient nature, and it was just mind blowing. All six of my roommates were able to go, so we had a blast getting to see the ancient and modern world of Athena.
Did I mention the Acropolis? Um, talk about an experience! It overlooks the entire city and basically is a walled fortress, something that is pretty incredible to think about. And it was never taken by an invading force, including that of mighty Sparta (Which I hope to go visit soon). I put pictures on here to try and show you what it was like in this area, but I don't even think they do the buildings justice. And some of the ruins were pretty incredible too. I was able to visit most of the major sites in the city, but I know that I am going to have to go back and see the rest of the country. One of the days we literally walked 10 or 11 km in the rain. It was not fun, but an adventure at the same time. Literally burned so much energy, that I fell asleep as soon as the head hit the pillow. We also were able to make it to an island, Agena, and were able to goof around on a beach for about an hour before we left for good.
The flights home were also extremely interesting as we were on time all the way up until Zurich. We literally get on the plane, and sit for an hour before we take off. What was supposed to take "6-8 minutes" (direct quote from the captain) ended up taking an hour. We were in line getting deicer sprayed over the wings and such. Now, for me, I am all for getting deicer sprayed on the windows and such to protect the flight, and I feel like God was doing just that, just looking out for everyone like always. Apparently two of my fellow passengers were not so forgiving. A fight nearly broke out in front of me, and all I could think about was... well, now we are here for another hour... (fight is exaggeration maybe, perhaps something less threatening... stern words were exchanged? ) It was resolved quickly, but I literally thought it was going to go to fists. Luckliy cooler heads prevailed and everyone decided to just enjoy the flight. (Both gentlemen also had a drink to help calm the nerves :D )
We finally roll in at 1:30 in the morning, and I can say that I wouldn't have had it any other way. I loved the city, but I found out that I really hate pollution and overcrowded areas. And Athens is packed. I think that if I were to visit again, that I would stay out away from the city for at least a week and go on day trips to the city. That would make more sense to me, but you live and learn, and I learned a lot! Athens was an incredible experience for sure.
I can't believe that it is finally December. I am really looking down the homestretch now. It is really exciting to get to see everyone again. I hope that you are all doing well, and that you had a wonderful time eating turkey. I know that the Greek food was not exactly the same, but it made a great Thanksgiving meal. :) Hopefuly though, some of that turkey will be made for Christmas, along with some cheesy potatoes, and Godfathers' Pizza? Disgusting? Yes, but I miss that really bad. I figure that my greasy pizza intake is low. I mean, I am craving that stuff so bad! I love you all dearly, and I thank you all for your continued support and prayers. I just want to let you know that God is totally rocking my life right now. And yesterday, I knew I was going to be taken care of. Just like I know that today, and tomorrow, that I am taken care of by something so much more greater than me. I know that my plan is being revealed to me and that I am going to just totally make a difference wherever God places me. And while here, I have come to even more the realization of how Jesus is my protector, and through him I am saved. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I can't wait to share it all with you. (don't worry mom, the beard is now gone) I miss you and I love you all, and I leave you with pictures from Greece.
