Hello All. I just spent a wonderful and relaxing weekend on the Greek island of Santorini. It took 7 hours to get there. This long ferry ride was spent playing loads of cards and sleeping. There were six of us girls headed out, but also several others from our Pepperdine group traveling to Santorini. Our hotel was wonderful. It was simple but had balconies with beautiful views of the ocean. The black sand beach was only 5 minutes away and while the first day was rather windy, we made full use of the beach on day 2.
The trip embodied a peaceful vacation. We had no places to be and just enjoyed each others company. The breathtaking sunsets and views were unlike any other. This island had the typical white houses on the hills and it was so picturesque. We traveled to the different towns and beaches throughout the island. It is off season for the Greek isles so virtually nothing is open. The most inhabited part is the capital Fira where we spent the majority of our time. On Saturday, we went to the Volcano and hiked up to the top.
Back in Athens it has been a typical 'school' week. I have class for three hours in the morning and that is pretty much it. I have explored a lot of the city and am enjoying the weather immensely. I hope you all have a wonderful Easter. Opa!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Athens...it ain't so bad.
After getting to our hotel in Athens around midnight on Wednesday I was exhausted. We had a safe, late, and comfortable flight with a few creepy Greek men. Our hotel that we will be living in is literally right under the Acropolis. Pretty sweet. I am once again rooming with Elizabeth and we also have another roommate. The hotel is lovely, but a whole different experience than living in a house. We are all slowly adjusting to the change. On Thursday, we explored Mars Hill, the Acropolis, and the Plaka. Mars Hill was fun to climb up, but sad to hear that Paul probably didn't actually go up there. I loved the Acropolis. Not only did I write an essay on every structure in the Acropolis (HUM 111), but the Parthenon is possibly one of the most famous buildings throughout history. They are in the process of restoring it which was cool to see. I got lots of pictures of it so I will hopefully put them up soon.
The rest of the day we explored the Plaka which has tons of shops and restaurants. We also had our first REL 301 class. It is so much fun because we are learning to speak Greek among other things. We had to have the class because it is Carnival and Monday is a holiday so our professor wanted to take the day off with his family, since he is Greek. Carnival is crazy there are tons of people all dressed up and throwing confetti and streamers. Just a huge street party. They also hit people with these plastic bats.
Greek food is really really tasty. I had a Greek salad and it was excellent. Feta cheese, olive oil, green peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, and olives make the perfect combination. I also had a Gyro. Pretty delicious and cheap! It is a nice change, but I am definitely going to miss the food in London. Also, the gelato is a nice treat on these warm days. I have been wearing sandals, tank tops, skirts and it is just wonderful. The evenings get a little chilly but it is drastically different from the climate in London.
Yesterday we went to Delphi and toured/explored the ruins there. We also stopped by a Monastery. Greek Orthodox is an interesting religion, I am looking forward to learning about it in my religion class. Today, we went to an Anglican worship service, nothing like htb, but it was fun to hear things in English again. I hope everyone is doing well and I will write to you again soon. Opa!
The rest of the day we explored the Plaka which has tons of shops and restaurants. We also had our first REL 301 class. It is so much fun because we are learning to speak Greek among other things. We had to have the class because it is Carnival and Monday is a holiday so our professor wanted to take the day off with his family, since he is Greek. Carnival is crazy there are tons of people all dressed up and throwing confetti and streamers. Just a huge street party. They also hit people with these plastic bats.
Greek food is really really tasty. I had a Greek salad and it was excellent. Feta cheese, olive oil, green peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, and olives make the perfect combination. I also had a Gyro. Pretty delicious and cheap! It is a nice change, but I am definitely going to miss the food in London. Also, the gelato is a nice treat on these warm days. I have been wearing sandals, tank tops, skirts and it is just wonderful. The evenings get a little chilly but it is drastically different from the climate in London.
Yesterday we went to Delphi and toured/explored the ruins there. We also stopped by a Monastery. Greek Orthodox is an interesting religion, I am looking forward to learning about it in my religion class. Today, we went to an Anglican worship service, nothing like htb, but it was fun to hear things in English again. I hope everyone is doing well and I will write to you again soon. Opa!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Off to Greece
Finals are over and London time is over. Luckily for me, I will be back here in a month with my family, but sadly never in the same Pepperdine house again. This past week has been study central with everyone trying to fit their favorite things to do in London. On Sunday, we had our farewell banquet at this beautiful house and took millions of pictures. I am not going to lie, my face hurt after that day. We have been packing for what seems like forever and everyone is hoping they made it under that 50 lbs marker. We can only take one suitcase to Greece, so most of us are storing the other here and it is long gone by now. I want to thank you ahead of time for your prayers for the safety of my group. There are a little over forty of us traveling today. We are very excited, tired, and a little sad to leave London. I will write you once I am in Athens! Cheers.
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