Ketchup...

More like catching up. (Also, in case you're wondering... Ketchup here is NOT good... yet more often than not you will be served french fries with your meal.)

I think this post is going to be a little combo-two-in-one-post. Last weekend, like I wrote before, we were SUPPOSED to go to Santorini... but because of strikes in the ferry lines... we weren't able to go. Even though we were all really disappointed we decided to make the most of the weekend and we ended up doing some great things!

Lycabettes Hill is the first adventure I'll write about. The hill is a quick walk from our apartments and It's the highest point in Athens. From the top there is a 360 degree view of the city and you can see the Acropolis, and beyond it to the sea. Last weekend, we decided to climb to the top for the sunset! We were even there to watch the Acropolis light up. There's also a restaurant up there, but it's pretty pricey so you're definitely paying for the view. Here are some of the pictures!

The Acropolis at night. I love the color of the sky in this one!

Nice and close to my face. haha Sorry my head's in the way of the Acropolis... but I had to prove somehow that I actually was up there!

As the sun sank below the horizon, the city really started to light up. It was a cool time to be up there because we saw the city in three types of light; daylight, sunset and night time.

The other cool thing we saw last weekend was the changing of the guards! We really stumbled upon it actually. On our way to get refunds from the travel agent for our ferry tickets from the weekend, we saw the guards clicking down the street towards the tomb of the unknown solider (that's what they guard all day.) The changing of the guards is definitely steeped in tradition.... at least I hope it wasn't a ritual that was made up last year... because it's really pretty ridiculous looking. It's definitely worth waiting around Parliament to see though, if you're ever in the city.

I also thought it was pretty great that we saw this changing of the guards the morning after all the major protests in Athens last week. The city really was back to "business as usual" and this was definitely a sign of that. Here are some pictures!

We made it Santorini this past weekend! We just got back last night... so I'll be blogging about that trip soon! Be sure to check back!

Ariel's Father.

Well... last weekend our plans to go to Santorini were foiled. There was a ferry workers strike so we had no transportation to the island. We made the best of it though, and had some fun adventures that were more local to Athens. One of which was a bus trip to Cape Sounion. Two hours on a bus out of Athens and we arrived at this beautiful scene. It wasn't too warm out, but the sun was beautiful... and check out that water! (side note: we're headed to Santorini in the morning! whaaawhoo!!)

This was what I could see looking down from where I sat to eat lunch. (We packed a little picnic to save money! :) )

Temple of Poseidon off in the distance.

The Temple of Poseidon. I have to admit... all the temples are starting to run together... but even if I can't keep them straight... they're pretty amazing!

First Day of School!

Well... the first day was a while ago now. I guess I should update you all on the classes I'm taking. I have a pretty light schedule, which is great in almost every way! I'm taking Greek Language (it's mandated by BCA) Advertising, and Writing for the Professions.

As many of you know, I was in Photojournalism and was really excited to take Photojournalism in GREECE of all places! Unfortunately, the camera that I own didn't have a couple of the key manual adjustments that were necessary for some of my assignments. I could have borrowed a camera from a friend, but was too nervous to carry someone else's expensive camera everywhere I went. Nothing to fear though! In picking up Writing for the Professions I still fulfill a requirement towards my degree at Messiah, and it leaves me with ANOTHER full day off each week. Right now I only have classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Pretty awesome!

As maybe only a few of you know. growing up on my street meant there were a few families that all waited together for the school bus every morning. Each year on the first day it was a tradition to take pictures out at the bus stop of our new school clothes, and most importantly, to take a picture of our shiny new first day of school shoes.

Lucky for me, my roommates indulged me and took a "shoe pic" and a first day of school picture! Our shoes maybe aren't brand new... but you get the idea!