Yassas from the land of Aristotle, the Acropolis, and hairy men in capri pants. If you are allergic to feta cheese, please stop reading as an allergic reaction will ensue. As most of you know, I am spending 10 months in Thessaloniki, Greece as an International Teaching Fellow at a boarding school. I arrived in Thessaloniki late Sunday evening after a 20-hour commute from the ATL via London and Athens. I have my own apartment in one of the dormitories furnished with a desk, a fridge, my own WC sans hot water, and bunk beds. Although my quarters lack air condish and I am puzzled as to how to maximize the usefulness of bunk beds without a roommate, the living situation is more than adequate. It certainly beats living in a closet for a year (Kay Lane) or trekking upstairs to take a shower (Greenwood Estate). So it goes.
I awoke on Monday on the bottom bunk at 3:45 AM. The 8 hour time difference is having a blast with my sleeping schedule and attentiveness during meetings. After reading and writing a bit, the sun finally showed its face around 6:30. I approached the large window in my room, excited to catch my first glimpse of Greece...Jackpot! My room overlooks the soccer field with a beautiful mountain range in the background. If I pan right, I can see the Aegean Sea and have a view of Mount Olympus when the sky is clear. Not too shabby. I will post pictures at some point.
The students are not on campus yet. This week has been full of meetings with the school staff and a bit of exploring the city; the school is actually located 10 km or so from downtown Thessaloniki and 4 km from Thermi, a quaint, historic town. Things are a bit slow, so it has allowed me some time to diddle around the surrounding areas on foot. I have come to a few conclusions:
A. Pedestrians never, ever, ever, ever, ever have the right of way. Greek drivers seem to be on an intense quest to run over as many pedestrians as possible in their tiny, gas-wise, hatchback, glorifed roller skate-looking automobiles. But don't worry Mom, most of the roads lack sidewalks. Picture a real-life game of Frogger any time I leave campus on foot; "game over" means broken bones in this version.
2. Greek fashion designers must have lost a very serious bet.
III. Kiosks are the backbone of the Greek economy. I have no idea how any other businesses stay afloat.
D. Gyro (with feta) - so good. Cucumber tomato salad with feta - so very good. Bread with feta - so good. Feta covered in olive oil - oh so good. Feta on top of feta with a side of feta - so very good. I am considering bathing in feta. Feta good.
That's all for now. The new students arrive on Sunday and the returning students come Monday. All of the people that I've met are great and helpful. Life here is great: the food, the fancy ladies, the simplicity. I'll try to post updates once every week or so. Stay in touch. Wherever and whoever you may be, keep it real. I love you.
Jacques
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