Wow, it's been 10 days since I last blogged.  Time sure flies when you're learning new things and trying to get with the flow of a new city.  So far this trip has been good, but it's certainly not been without paying attention the cultural differences.  The Greek people are wonderful!  They are kind and friendly.  Of course with my face, I can fit into just about any culture except asian and africa.  It's a delight to have a woman approach me, asking a question in Greek.  I'm not used to being without transportation so I have to learn how to use their metro system and their buses.

My flight coming from Atlanta to Rome was really good  I was surprised that I was actually comfortable in the cheap seats.  In fact, I purposely selected the seats in the very back of the plane in hopes of being able to get some extra space.  As it turned out, I had a window seat and no one next to me.  The 5 hour layover in Rome was tiresome but it went by quickly.  The airport in Rome was a great place to people watch!  I heard people speaking Italian (of course), French, Greek and a few fellow english speakers.  I sure do envy people who can pick up second languages without a problem.  That's one gift I'd love to have.

Once we arrived in Athens, I went to the luggage carousel and got both my bags.  With two large bags and a carry on for my lap top, I dragged all my stuff out to the curb wondered how on earth was I going to find Steve, my ride and landlord while I'm here.  I walked around a bit outside, then saw this young gentlemen coming towards me.  I asked if he was Steve and voila! I found him.  Well, actually he spotted me but I gave him a  pretty good description (look for someone your mother's age, in a grey sweat suit, looking like their lost.  That will be me!)  It worked all right and I have truly been blessed by this 27 yr old young man. By the time we made it to the apartment, I was practically delirious.  I unpacked a few things and then decided I needed to get in bed.  About 1 am I awoke and was freezing!!  I put on layers of clothing and didn't get warmed until I got under the nice thick quilt.

I purposely came a week before I would be needed to give me time to adjust to a 7 hour time change.  SO very glad I came early and Steve had already stocked the kitchen with a few food staples because I knew I wouldn't be going out in the first 4 days. So my first night was definitely an interesting night, which I expected.  I am so glad I purchased a 110 converter because my phone needed charging and that was after I had used my external battery pack.  I was up until 4 a.m., dozed off a few times but finally got myself to the bed for a good night sleep.  The funny part was the Greek tv channels.  Steve told me most of the tv stations were in english but I could only find one and it was a bad horror flick.  Those who know me know I will not watch a horror movie, gives me bad dreams.  So as I was unpacking some, I let the tv run in the back ground with the volume down.

I think anytime we step out of our comfort zones, we learn a lot about ourselves.  Such as I don't like tom cats screeching in the middle of the night; they sound awfully much the same as a baby crying sometimes  The very first night I heard a guy on the street walking his dog and the dog wouldn't shut up  Now I love cats and dogs, but I don't want to hear them when it's bed time.  I went in to the office Friday for a few hours.  Everyone who works at HM are wonderful. I'm looking forward to getting to know them. There are people from all different parts of the world working in there and it's fun to be around them!  I hadn't thought about church on Sunday so ended up hanging out at the apartment and reading.  There are two churches I was told to try and I will need to learn how to use the metro to get to some.

One morning a couple days ago I work up at 5:45.  I was just awake and pondering whether I would get up or turn over and try to go back to sleep.  All of the sudden my iPhone was face timing into me and it was my parents who live in Nevada.  They were getting ready to go to bed and I was getting ready to get up soon enough.  My parents have made it a priority to learn how to Skype and use face time do they can stay in touch with me.  I  had an hour conversations with them.  At first my screen was dark, then I turned the light on and they could see me.  I know by the time this is over, I'll be really good at messaging.

Yesterday I asked Steve (my landlord) if he would show me how to get to the metro.  I felt so much safer walking around with someone than I would trying to find it myself.  The Greeks are so friendly, all I have to do is ask and they smile and tell me.  But I hadn't worked up my nerve to go exploring.  It's funny, but my biggest concern is getting lost.  A friend suggested writing down the address and taking it with me.  If I get lost I can always get a taxi.  Now that's a brilliant idea!  I've been going out exploring a little bit more each time.  My big test will be to take the metro to one of the other stations and come back home. I'm trying really hard to notice landmarks and pay attention to where I am.  Steve took me to the metro last night and showed me where to buy a ticket and where it went.  He's actually a really good teacher!

I finally got my phone on the international plan thru Verizon, which happens to be $10/day.  Yikes!  The ministry has a cache load of used burner phones and they are going to give me one for making calls in Greece.

Thank you everyone who has downloaded WhatsApp, which offers free wifi talk, text and photo features. It just gets so expensive using Verizon.

Until my next adventure….
M