Deree Classes

So, as of Monday, classes have officially begun. We have a class with Dr. Kaplan on Monday and Wednesday morning, then we have our Greek survival class on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons, and then we have our credited classes at Deree everyday from 2:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. At first I was dreading this two hour class for five days a week, considering I know little to nothing about the topic of the class (Greek art), but I'm finding it very enjoyable. For starters, the professor is British, and I could listen to him ramble on in his accent about Greek art all day long. Also, the material is a lot more interesting than I thought it was going to be. I find myself taking pages of notes and not caring that my hand is cramping because I am actually fascinated by the information I'm soaking up. I can already see it making a difference. For instance, we had out first class yesterday and we learned about art in Athens before the classical period. Then today, while in a pottery museum in downtown Athens, I found myself looking at the art work in a whole different way...and by that I mean actually looking at it and not just glancing over it to see pretty pictures. This week in class is all lectures, but we should be starting to go on trips next week to explore some of the sites we are studying.

Our Greek survival class isn't for any credit, but it is incredibly helpful. We're learning the tools we need to function in Greek society while we are here. We started with the alphabet, which is kind of frustrating because I feel like a child again, but I can't deny that it interests me to the point of studying it. We will be also be learning some common phrases, manners, and other common decencies for conversation with others. Although, so far, all of the Greeks I've come in contact with have made it a point to do their best to understand me and help me find what I need to. Granted, that's usually because I'm buying something from them. The hardest thing I've had to deal with shopping wise is the breaking of euros. No business seems to want to break big bills, but that's all anyone gets from the ATM. We should just be grateful that we can pull euros out. I hope the changing politics and riots don't take that right from us.

That's really all that's been going on the last few days. Studying, cooking, enjoying ourselves, repeat. Even the hard work here doesn't seem so bad. I hope this honeymoon phase in Greece can last until the ten hour flight back home in July. I miss you all, and wish you were here.