A Brief Brief

Since returning from the Turkey/Bulgaria excursion, relative normalcy has ensued. The winter appears to be winding down, and a few beautiful days have appeared amidst a period of dreary and rainy weeks. On these beautiful days, I've taken some long jogs through areas surrounding campus; the runs have renewed my appreciation for life. As I sprint away from rabid, stray dogs and narrowly dodge the speeding vehicles of careless motorists, I realize that every instant on this earth is precious.

Life at AFS has been somewhat routine with one glaring exception. I assumed the strike movements that are sweeping public institutions in Greece would stay away from a private school, however yesterday proved me wrong: more than half of the AFS teachers chose not to work yesterday. Apparently there was a nationwide movement among educators, and most Greek schools shut down. Most places this simply means a day off for students and staff. At AFS, the only school in Greece where all students are boarders, it means 250 frisky con artists (a.k.a. students) with nothing to do and limited supervision. To add to the conundrum (yep, I just used the word conundrum), the dean of students is on vacation this week. Initially I intended to join the strikers by neglecting my daily duties; I love days off in the middle of the week. However I soon realized I was one of a handful of "adults" on campus and had to assume some supervisory duties. As with most movements in Greece, the strike accomplished nothing. At AFS, the only effects of the strike were a few more hickeys, a few more wrestling matches, and a few more cigarette butts on the ground. (Sidenote: I witness several foot chases and spontaneous wrestling matches per day - very entertaining).

In closing, I apologize for the financial struggles in my adopted home that are wreaking havoc on the world. If I could help out in some way, I would.