Today was an awful day. I hate Athens, so I threw up on it. Let me start from the climax.
19:30
An innocent American girl walks in the back of the group heading to shop in a square. With her shades on, she tries to hide her face. Behind the opaque plastic, lie 2 droopy eyes with tears getting ready to rush down. She holds them back. People bustle around her. Her stomach is in knots. She feels her stomach rise through her throat and she stops in the middle of the square. Puke. Before she can make it to a nearby bathroom she pukes right smack dab in the middle of the square in front of everyone. Carly holds her hair. Everyone stares. Embarrassed beyond thought possible, she lets out her tears and is walked over to a bench. She is mortified. Across the square she eyes 2 boys looking at her laughing. The least of her worries. Within seconds, a group of pigeons swarm the fresh puddle of liquid and undigested chicken, and start eating the chicken. EATING IT. It was disgusting. But kind of funny because it was so extremely gross. The girl starts laughing. Her stomach feels a little better.
From the beginning…
9:00
Greek yogurt, as you have learned, is one of Rachel’s favorite foods for breakfast and for dessert. Unfortunately, Greek yogurt will turn on her and cause great grief and pain. (She doesn’t know that at this point, so she digs in.) Around lunchtime her stomach feels a little queasy, but nothing to be worried about (she assumes), so she eats chicken and pita. Yum. After lunch the group was allowed to have a 2 hour break because everyone was so worn out, and Rachel went to her room, threw up, then promptly went to sleep, and continued to sleep until the 2 hours was up.
19:30 happens.
20:30
A man walks up to the girls and asks if they are married and then offers them a cigarette. They ignore him. He persists and the girls leave. He follows them. They find a place to sit away from him. Another man stumbles up to the girls and is speaking to them in Greek asking for money. He is overtly drunk, and the girls yell at him to leave them alone. The man reaches over and touches Rachel on the arm and is about to touch her face when she brushes him off, yells at him, and raises her arm ready to smack him in the face. He stumbles off before she is able to do so. Carly suggests they go to a nearby café so they will be free from creeps. The girl orders apple juice. Within about 15 minutes the girl’s stomach turns upside down again, and she rushes to the bathroom. She throws up all of her apple juice.
21:30
After walking about 20 minutes back toward the hotel with Carolyn, while the rest of the group continued on to dinner, Rachel again has an unmistakable queasy urge to expel what’s left in her stomach all over the ground. She finds the nearest bathroom. There is nothing left. She still has that feeling, but her body cannot find anything left in her stomach to get rid of, so she continues to feel miserable and finds the energy to make it all the way back to the hotel. She makes it up to her room and tries to fall asleep, but her body is so uncomfortable that between crying and cringing she lies awake for an hour.
23:30
B-lining it to the bathroom, Rachel discovers that her body has found more food to get rid of, and boy does it want to get rid of it. 8 minutes later her body is finally done. With the food. She manages to feel a little bit better, drinks some water, and falls asleep.
25:30
Sleep doesn’t last for long. She can’t digest her water and her body doesn’t want it anymore, so it attempts to get rid of it as well. Success. 6 hours and a truly empty stomach later, Rachel finally manages to fall asleep, and stay asleep until the morning.
Friday, June 17
Greek yogurt with honey was an amazing way to start off the day. We then packed our bags, piled up in a bus, and laughed to My Big Fat Greek Wedding on our way to Athens.
I just bought a French newspaper from 1953 in Athens! There was this incredible thrift store that was literally COVERED in old trinkets and items that was 4 stories high. I met the owner, a man who was around 30, and I asked him how long it took him to collect all of these items. He told me that I would not believe him. Then he asked if I would believe him if he said it took him less than three years. I said no. To my surprise, that is how long it took him. My jaw dropped to the littered wooden floor and bumped a couple of tea sets along the way. LESS THAN THREE YEARS! Here are some pictures just to give you a glimpse of how CRAZY this place was:
Things I have learned from walking the streets of Athens:
-The men who butcher pigs are pigs themselves
-I know how to tell someone off in Greek if need be. That’s all I’m saying.
-Men will make kissing noises and whistle at you. Don’t turn around or look.
-Don’t walk through a meat market if you are just in a group of girls. Especially if you are in a group of AMERICAN girls. And if you are American yourself.
-If you are in a Greek restaurant and you get the chance to dance, dance.
-Dont' make eye contact with gypsies
-Stray dogs are everywhere on the streets, especially at the acropolis (we saw a dog carrying a dead cat through the Parthenon. I wish I took a picture but I couldn't fast enough)
The Acropolis and Parthenon were AWESOME! Again, having seen pictures all my life made it all the more special seeing them in person. They're huge.
Greek yogurt with honey was an amazing way to end the day.
I just bought a French newspaper from 1953 in Athens! There was this incredible thrift store that was literally COVERED in old trinkets and items that was 4 stories high. I met the owner, a man who was around 30, and I asked him how long it took him to collect all of these items. He told me that I would not believe him. Then he asked if I would believe him if he said it took him less than three years. I said no. To my surprise, that is how long it took him. My jaw dropped to the littered wooden floor and bumped a couple of tea sets along the way. LESS THAN THREE YEARS! Here are some pictures just to give you a glimpse of how CRAZY this place was:
Things I have learned from walking the streets of Athens:
-The men who butcher pigs are pigs themselves
-I know how to tell someone off in Greek if need be. That’s all I’m saying.
-Men will make kissing noises and whistle at you. Don’t turn around or look.
-Don’t walk through a meat market if you are just in a group of girls. Especially if you are in a group of AMERICAN girls. And if you are American yourself.
-If you are in a Greek restaurant and you get the chance to dance, dance.
-Dont' make eye contact with gypsies
-Stray dogs are everywhere on the streets, especially at the acropolis (we saw a dog carrying a dead cat through the Parthenon. I wish I took a picture but I couldn't fast enough)
The Acropolis and Parthenon were AWESOME! Again, having seen pictures all my life made it all the more special seeing them in person. They're huge.
Greek yogurt with honey was an amazing way to end the day.
Thursday, June 16
This morning we were able to sleep in a little bit, which means 9, and our breakfast was amazing! I had Greek yogurt with honey, and I've never had anything SOOO good! Definitely my favorite breakfast here so far. Their coffee is really good too (Dad, we need to look into getting a European coffee maker).
Things I have learned from walking around Delphi:
-there are kittens and cats EVERYWHERE! They literally litter the streets (excuse my poor pun)(and awful alliteration).
-I have recently declared that flies are the most annoying bug. You cannot escape them here
-Greek food is AWESOME! So far what I have eaten includes moussaka, dolmades, gyros and gemista- my favorite being gyros
-Greek guys in general aren't as attractive as Italian guys (sorry!) But here is another scenario:
The same innocent American girl that has been aforementioned several times, this time accompanied by a couple of other girls, was walking casually down the winding road in the mountanous city of Delphi. With full stomachs and newly purchased jewelry and gifts for friends and family (try to contain your excitement) they made their way back in the direction of the quaint hotel. Much to their surprise, a young man (very attractive) standing casually in a doorway (posing OBVIOUSLY for the American girls) gave the girls a charming smile and a flirty "hello". Giggles. After that flattering encounter as the girls continued their stroll down the street, a car stuffed with about 8 roughly 20 year olds (in a truck that would usually fit about 4 by the way) hooted and hollered as they passed and then overtly attempted (emphasis on the word attempted) to peel out in their old truck. Definitely was not impressive in any way. Despite their failed maneuver, the girls were flattered once again, and once again reminded that they turn heads and stop traffic.
Just down the road there is the Museum of Delphi. We took a tour of its museum about Delphi’s history and learned SO much about the ancient world and about what the Greeks contributed. Inscripted in one of the temples were two things to live by- Know thyself and Nothing in excess. There were statues everywhere and we then toured the ruins just outside.
Things I have learned from walking around Delphi:
-there are kittens and cats EVERYWHERE! They literally litter the streets (excuse my poor pun)(and awful alliteration).
-I have recently declared that flies are the most annoying bug. You cannot escape them here
-Greek food is AWESOME! So far what I have eaten includes moussaka, dolmades, gyros and gemista- my favorite being gyros
-Greek guys in general aren't as attractive as Italian guys (sorry!) But here is another scenario:
The same innocent American girl that has been aforementioned several times, this time accompanied by a couple of other girls, was walking casually down the winding road in the mountanous city of Delphi. With full stomachs and newly purchased jewelry and gifts for friends and family (try to contain your excitement) they made their way back in the direction of the quaint hotel. Much to their surprise, a young man (very attractive) standing casually in a doorway (posing OBVIOUSLY for the American girls) gave the girls a charming smile and a flirty "hello". Giggles. After that flattering encounter as the girls continued their stroll down the street, a car stuffed with about 8 roughly 20 year olds (in a truck that would usually fit about 4 by the way) hooted and hollered as they passed and then overtly attempted (emphasis on the word attempted) to peel out in their old truck. Definitely was not impressive in any way. Despite their failed maneuver, the girls were flattered once again, and once again reminded that they turn heads and stop traffic.
Just down the road there is the Museum of Delphi. We took a tour of its museum about Delphi’s history and learned SO much about the ancient world and about what the Greeks contributed. Inscripted in one of the temples were two things to live by- Know thyself and Nothing in excess. There were statues everywhere and we then toured the ruins just outside.
Wednesday, June 15
Bon voyage Italia, yasu Greece.
(Yes, that is 4 different languages in the same sentence using only 5 words. I am proud.)
3 hours of sleep. Waking up at 4 am. 3 hour bus ride. 2 hour wait in the airport. 2 hour plane ride. GREECE HERE I COME!!!! I have been learning Greek words on the plane ride. So far this is what I know (excuse my spelling Christian):
Efkaristoh- thank you
Parakaloh- please
Ne- yes
Ohi- no
Then thelo- no thank you
Signome- excuse me
I have been practicing on the flight attendants and I have to say that I am picking it up pretty quickly! The food on the plane was delicious and if the plane food is this good I can’t wait for the real food when we get there.
3 hour bus ride to Delphi…..
We watched the Lizzie Mcguire Movie!!! (Don’t judge). The whole time we were in Rome we girls wanted to live out the Lizzie Mcguire Movie, and since that didn’t happen, we needed to watch it and continue to live vicariously through Hilary Duff’s imaginary foreign love affair. Whenever they used Italian in the movie I could understand them! Though basic, it was neat to be able to know what they were talking about.
THE VIEW FROM OUR HOTEL IS AMAZING!!! I cannot describe it. Therefore I will rely on pictures to take place of my words.
On our drive to Delphi along the side of the mountains, we could see a rainbow that descended into the valley in between peaks. Jaw dropping. I wish I had a chance to get a picture of it but I didn't. David did though, and maybe he will post it sometime.
Upon arrival we unpacked our belongings and went to eat at a restaurant down the road. I had lamb with vegetables. SOOOOOOOOO GOOD. Erin ordered rooster and I tried some of that as well! It was delicious! Experiencing the food from different cultures is one of my favorite things, so be looking forward to more stories of interesting cuisine! This is the view from the restaurant:
(Yes, that is 4 different languages in the same sentence using only 5 words. I am proud.)
3 hours of sleep. Waking up at 4 am. 3 hour bus ride. 2 hour wait in the airport. 2 hour plane ride. GREECE HERE I COME!!!! I have been learning Greek words on the plane ride. So far this is what I know (excuse my spelling Christian):
Efkaristoh- thank you
Parakaloh- please
Ne- yes
Ohi- no
Then thelo- no thank you
Signome- excuse me
I have been practicing on the flight attendants and I have to say that I am picking it up pretty quickly! The food on the plane was delicious and if the plane food is this good I can’t wait for the real food when we get there.
3 hour bus ride to Delphi…..
We watched the Lizzie Mcguire Movie!!! (Don’t judge). The whole time we were in Rome we girls wanted to live out the Lizzie Mcguire Movie, and since that didn’t happen, we needed to watch it and continue to live vicariously through Hilary Duff’s imaginary foreign love affair. Whenever they used Italian in the movie I could understand them! Though basic, it was neat to be able to know what they were talking about.
THE VIEW FROM OUR HOTEL IS AMAZING!!! I cannot describe it. Therefore I will rely on pictures to take place of my words.
On our drive to Delphi along the side of the mountains, we could see a rainbow that descended into the valley in between peaks. Jaw dropping. I wish I had a chance to get a picture of it but I didn't. David did though, and maybe he will post it sometime.
Upon arrival we unpacked our belongings and went to eat at a restaurant down the road. I had lamb with vegetables. SOOOOOOOOO GOOD. Erin ordered rooster and I tried some of that as well! It was delicious! Experiencing the food from different cultures is one of my favorite things, so be looking forward to more stories of interesting cuisine! This is the view from the restaurant:
Tuesday, June 14
The amount of stairs we climbed today would add up to around a THOUSAND. Yep, that’s a lot of stairs. And yep, I walked every one. Today we took a day trip to Cinque Terra, which is on the west coast of Italy. There are many little towns near each other and we hiked along the side of a mountain for about 3 kilometers from one of the beautiful towns to another. Even though it wasn't that long of a distance, we hiked up and down the most difficult trail that was available. The view was impeccable.
And SO worth the climb. I am proud to tell my soccer coaches that I was able to work out on this trip, and boy was that a work out. Best day so far. We hit up the beach after for a couple hours and soaked up the hot Italian sun. Oh yeah, and did I mention that most of the men wear speedos? Unfortunately I have gotten used to it.
And SO worth the climb. I am proud to tell my soccer coaches that I was able to work out on this trip, and boy was that a work out. Best day so far. We hit up the beach after for a couple hours and soaked up the hot Italian sun. Oh yeah, and did I mention that most of the men wear speedos? Unfortunately I have gotten used to it.
Monday, June 13
It's officially been a week since I last saw the United States.
Back to Roma!
I finally stepped foot in the Colloseum! After learning about and studying it in Latin for the past 3 years, I finally got to see it in person and walk where the Romans walked.
I have seen the Roman Forum innumerable amounts of times in my Latin textbooks and online, and being able to walk in it and see the ruins and THE ARCH OF TITUS (which is my favorite thing that I have been looking forward to this whole trip) was ah-mazing. Lots of walking. But worth it.
We walked to the Capital building of Rome as well as the Trevi Fountain!!!! Let me paint another scenario for you:
A young innocent American girl (me again!) finds herself eye-to-eye with an ancient fountain of love. Hundreds scurry past her. Men, women, children, families, even a really REALLY cute Italian boy....beside the point. She walks down the steps to the edge of the water. Mist sprays across her face. It feels nice on that hot day in Rome. Clasping a one euro coin from her purse pocket, she takes her stance by the edge of the fountain and turns her back to it. A friend takes her place with her camera. On 'three' after making her wish, Rachel throws the coin over her RIGHT shoulder (very very wrong) and hears the click of the camera followed by the clinking of a coin. She missed. A couple stood by watched the whole event occur and quickly told her (in the best half-english, half-who knows what) that she needed to throw the coin from her right hand over her LEFT shoulder. She picked up her failed coin and had a second chance! This time she closed her eyes, made her wish yet again, and let go of the coin mid-air, only to hear a splash this time. It worked. And she hopes that her wish will come true.
Following that experience, we all walked to the Pantheon, which is the oldest standing church in the world (I believe). THEN we went to the Spanish Steps. Massimo told us that this is where young boys and girls hang out and meet each other. Sounds like my place. Madeline and I posted up on one of the bottom steps to scope out the boys. Let me tell you, this is the place where all the cute Italian boys come. And let me tell you, we got many many looks and stares. Mission accomplished. Massimo didn't hesitate to come over to us and talk to us. Our conversation went somewhat as follows:
"Stop trying to get the Italian boys!"
"But, Massimo, we're just sitting here! (giggles)"
"They are dirty pigs and you are just a number to them. You should try to be more than just a number. I am going to make you wear nun costumes tomorrow if you don't stop"
"But papa! (we are all his little girls) they are the ones looking at us!"
"No! Forbidden! Go sit with the others!"
Hahaha, Massimo was very protective over us, and though more was conversed, that was the gist of the banter. I will miss him very much.
Back to Roma!
I finally stepped foot in the Colloseum! After learning about and studying it in Latin for the past 3 years, I finally got to see it in person and walk where the Romans walked.
I have seen the Roman Forum innumerable amounts of times in my Latin textbooks and online, and being able to walk in it and see the ruins and THE ARCH OF TITUS (which is my favorite thing that I have been looking forward to this whole trip) was ah-mazing. Lots of walking. But worth it.
We walked to the Capital building of Rome as well as the Trevi Fountain!!!! Let me paint another scenario for you:
A young innocent American girl (me again!) finds herself eye-to-eye with an ancient fountain of love. Hundreds scurry past her. Men, women, children, families, even a really REALLY cute Italian boy....beside the point. She walks down the steps to the edge of the water. Mist sprays across her face. It feels nice on that hot day in Rome. Clasping a one euro coin from her purse pocket, she takes her stance by the edge of the fountain and turns her back to it. A friend takes her place with her camera. On 'three' after making her wish, Rachel throws the coin over her RIGHT shoulder (very very wrong) and hears the click of the camera followed by the clinking of a coin. She missed. A couple stood by watched the whole event occur and quickly told her (in the best half-english, half-who knows what) that she needed to throw the coin from her right hand over her LEFT shoulder. She picked up her failed coin and had a second chance! This time she closed her eyes, made her wish yet again, and let go of the coin mid-air, only to hear a splash this time. It worked. And she hopes that her wish will come true.
Following that experience, we all walked to the Pantheon, which is the oldest standing church in the world (I believe). THEN we went to the Spanish Steps. Massimo told us that this is where young boys and girls hang out and meet each other. Sounds like my place. Madeline and I posted up on one of the bottom steps to scope out the boys. Let me tell you, this is the place where all the cute Italian boys come. And let me tell you, we got many many looks and stares. Mission accomplished. Massimo didn't hesitate to come over to us and talk to us. Our conversation went somewhat as follows:
"Stop trying to get the Italian boys!"
"But, Massimo, we're just sitting here! (giggles)"
"They are dirty pigs and you are just a number to them. You should try to be more than just a number. I am going to make you wear nun costumes tomorrow if you don't stop"
"But papa! (we are all his little girls) they are the ones looking at us!"
"No! Forbidden! Go sit with the others!"
Hahaha, Massimo was very protective over us, and though more was conversed, that was the gist of the banter. I will miss him very much.
Sunday, June 12
This morning we packed all of our stuff and put it in a taxi to take it all to our new hotel. Our original reservations got mixed up somehow so we had to change hotels. After our belongings left, we made our way to Del Duomo AGAIN. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen all I ever wanted to see of the Del Duomo, so instead of taking pictures of the building again like everyone else, I sat down on the ground and practiced taking pictures of bicyclists using a panning technique.
When we came together again we skedaddled off to a world-famous gelato shop called Grom. Apparently it is imported to New York and because it is so expensive to import, it is the most expensive gelato per ounce in the United States. We were able to watch the workers make the gelato and we got to try some afterwards. It was delicious.
We then began a long walk to an uliveto, which is an olive grove, and ate the best olive oil on bread and different meats. It was delicious!
When we came together again we skedaddled off to a world-famous gelato shop called Grom. Apparently it is imported to New York and because it is so expensive to import, it is the most expensive gelato per ounce in the United States. We were able to watch the workers make the gelato and we got to try some afterwards. It was delicious.
We then began a long walk to an uliveto, which is an olive grove, and ate the best olive oil on bread and different meats. It was delicious!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)