I officially leave Greece 3 weeks from today. Seems like I just got back from spring break, I can't believe it is already May 20th! 3 weeks is not enough time.. I think I will have to find some sort of device that allows my life to continue here but the acutal days to stop passing. I'm not ready for the stress of the states yet..
I have spent a lot of time with Greeks that have never been to the United States, and it is mindblowing how differently their lives operate on the subject of families. Although the parents here have a hard time letting their children leave the nest, they are completely supportive of their children in everything they do. They are respected as people, and are given absolute unconditional love. Although I know most parents love their children unconditionally in the states as well, they do not trust them to make their own decisions. I was talking to a friend who was telling me that he can't imagine families that fight and don't get along, and I told him I can't imagine families that don't fight and can always get along.
I, of course, see these attitudes only from the people I know, so things may not be as perfect as I think...
There are many things in Greece in which I do not agree with, however this respect and laidback manner families partake in truly outshines all the negatives with its' goodness. I hope that as an adult if I have children I can be like the Greek parents (however when they are ready to leave the nest I will let them, I am a strong believer in independence).
I do not really have anything else to say today, this topic of families has just been on my mind lately. It is a different kind of love that I found fascinating, I do not really have words for it. This weekend I hope to go to the beach 2 days since we do not have class on Monday, we will see if the weather agrees with that desire or not! Only one more paper to write until finals. It is kind of a relief! Now to make myself do it... we shall see.
5/20/2010
5/16/2010
And the Heat Persists...
On Thursday night, the anarchists set off a bomb in Athens in a government building. Friday afternoon, here in Thessaloniki, a bomb went off in the courthouse 10 minutes from my apartment, also due to the anarachists. Apparently the media got tip offs about both situations prior to the explosion, so only two people were hurt when it could have been MUCH more serious. Although I do not agree with blowing up buildings ot make a statement, I do respect that those in charge gave a warning in order to avoid deaths. They are just looking for the media to make their voices heard, which is the one part of the situation I can respect.
Obviously the situation here is getting much worse VERY fast. They are adding some type of additional fence on top of the original around the Aristotle campus. I assume this is to decrease the number of molotov cocktails that get thrown at the cops by the rioters (cops are not allowed on the aristotle university campus because a student was killed by the police there many years ago so it is used for a refuge. It is good to see that they are taking precautions, however it is interesting to see that it is deemed necessary.. Now that summer is approaching and the laws decreasing incomes and adding taxes will be making their impact, things are bound to get a little out of control. Well, more then they have been in the past that is. This situation has been going on since long before I arrived here, I just happen to be spending the semester here as it is accelerating. It is interesting to know both sides of the greek country.. I never would have given two shits about the situation if I wasn't living here, but now it is becoming part of everyday life.
Enough about that!
This weekend two of my friends as well as myself went home with our greek friend to her village in the mountains. It was beautiful! The weather was very unpleasant, however we managed to have a nice, relaxed weekend. Friday night we went to a taverna and hen saturday we went into the city and tried some amazing food :) Saturday night we just hung around again.. The weekend was all about relaxation, which was a nice change from my usual fast pace. Not going to lie though, it is very nice to be home again. Whenever I leave Thess I find myself missing it more then the previous time. My apartment isn't much, but it is home.
Some interesting things about Greece I've discovered:
-If you get caught by the ticket people on the bus without one and you are a college student of a good enough major they will not charge you the 36 euro (I've seen this happen)
-Here, you must carry your id on you at all times and if the cops ask you and you don't have it they can take you to the police station and make you prove who you are, however if you say you are a student they will generally let you go.
-Instead of taking the drivers test to get your license, greeks can pay 300 euro and will receive the license without taking the test (this will be the course of action for my greek friend mary because she is a horrid driver).
It is interesting how strict the government pretends to be but how BIASED they are... It is rather frustrating... I do not know how to react to it. It is not my country so it is not fair for me to judge, however I come from a country where we TRY to make everyone equal. Granted, we do not always do a good job of it, however something like this would NEVER happen in the united states. Also, no wonder some greeks are such poor drivers! As long as you have the 300 euro to pay anyone can get their license! No matter how long I'm here I do not think I will ever truly get the greek culture, it is so different from everything that I have ever experienced...
However I still love Greece unconditionally :) <3
I think by the time I have to go home I might be ready for it..I will obviously be very upset to leave a place that I have formed such a deep connection to as well as irreplaceable friendships, but I'm finally starting to get a LITTLE bit homesick
We will see.
Obviously the situation here is getting much worse VERY fast. They are adding some type of additional fence on top of the original around the Aristotle campus. I assume this is to decrease the number of molotov cocktails that get thrown at the cops by the rioters (cops are not allowed on the aristotle university campus because a student was killed by the police there many years ago so it is used for a refuge. It is good to see that they are taking precautions, however it is interesting to see that it is deemed necessary.. Now that summer is approaching and the laws decreasing incomes and adding taxes will be making their impact, things are bound to get a little out of control. Well, more then they have been in the past that is. This situation has been going on since long before I arrived here, I just happen to be spending the semester here as it is accelerating. It is interesting to know both sides of the greek country.. I never would have given two shits about the situation if I wasn't living here, but now it is becoming part of everyday life.
Enough about that!
This weekend two of my friends as well as myself went home with our greek friend to her village in the mountains. It was beautiful! The weather was very unpleasant, however we managed to have a nice, relaxed weekend. Friday night we went to a taverna and hen saturday we went into the city and tried some amazing food :) Saturday night we just hung around again.. The weekend was all about relaxation, which was a nice change from my usual fast pace. Not going to lie though, it is very nice to be home again. Whenever I leave Thess I find myself missing it more then the previous time. My apartment isn't much, but it is home.
Some interesting things about Greece I've discovered:
-If you get caught by the ticket people on the bus without one and you are a college student of a good enough major they will not charge you the 36 euro (I've seen this happen)
-Here, you must carry your id on you at all times and if the cops ask you and you don't have it they can take you to the police station and make you prove who you are, however if you say you are a student they will generally let you go.
-Instead of taking the drivers test to get your license, greeks can pay 300 euro and will receive the license without taking the test (this will be the course of action for my greek friend mary because she is a horrid driver).
It is interesting how strict the government pretends to be but how BIASED they are... It is rather frustrating... I do not know how to react to it. It is not my country so it is not fair for me to judge, however I come from a country where we TRY to make everyone equal. Granted, we do not always do a good job of it, however something like this would NEVER happen in the united states. Also, no wonder some greeks are such poor drivers! As long as you have the 300 euro to pay anyone can get their license! No matter how long I'm here I do not think I will ever truly get the greek culture, it is so different from everything that I have ever experienced...
However I still love Greece unconditionally :) <3
I think by the time I have to go home I might be ready for it..I will obviously be very upset to leave a place that I have formed such a deep connection to as well as irreplaceable friendships, but I'm finally starting to get a LITTLE bit homesick
We will see.
5/11/2010
Let's Start A Riot
A lot had happened since my last blog. I attended my friend John's album release for his band Funky Monkey. Awesome show! There is no doubt about their fame, I can't wait to see the band take off. He is such an amazing individual, he deserves the fame and will get the credit he deserves.
Recently there have been a number of riots in Greece (the 5th and 6th of May) pertaining to the income cuts and taxes that the government is implementing upon the country. The country is on the verge of bankruptcy, and in order to get bailed out by the EU the had to find a way to show Germany that they have some stability. What is happening is quite the opposite.. Tuesday there were peaceful protests in Thess and Athens. Many of the public sectors were on strike (which is nothing out of the ordinary) and we assumed Wednesday would be the same. Not exactly.. I generally head to school at 1 45 pm to catch the 2 pm bus. My friend sent me a text and informed me that the riots were encompassing the entireity of Egnatia( the main street we go to get on the buses) and were blocking off all the buses. Accompanied with Molotov Cocktails, rioters flee to Aristotle College because the polics are not allowed on campus. Needless to say Artistotle College was closed that day to ensure the safety of the students. Riots marched along the streets, smashing store and fast food windows along the way. There were fires, and the cops used tear gas to control the riots.
In Athens it was far worse. Compared to the 20,000 rioters in Thess, there were 100,000 in Athens. Accompanied also with their Molotov Cocktails, several buildings were lit on fire, and 3 people ended up dying in a bank, one of which who was pregnant. Because of the deaths, the riots were called off for the rest of the day, however they could flare up at any point. They are called on short notice and go about without order. Although many of the rioters were taken back by the deaths caused, I don't think they will remain silent for long. Not until Greece gets bailed out that is. I don't think that violence is the proper way to handle the situation, however I do understand their anger. The government sucks. The deaths and the riots have shaken Germany some, so we will see how they respond. Greece is not feeling the weight of their economy yet, but they will soon. And then all hell will break loose. There was an Anarchist meeting about a mile from my apartment on Thuesday. According to the study abroad program in my university at home, I live in a Danger Zone.
Although most people would be a little worried about living only a quarter mile away from a main rioting outlet, I am not. I live in residental area, and even though they are targeting American facilities, I do not feel theatened. All the Greeks that I have met appreciate us coming to understand their culture, and are more then welcoming. It is very interesting to be thrown in the mix of everything. If I were in America, I would have cared less about the subject, however it surrounds me. Everyday. It is fascinating as well as eye-opening.
Last weekend I went to the beach! Never have I seen such clear water! They don't make it like that in the States! It's mid to high 80's here everyday so it is becoming increasingly difficult to convince myself to go to school... I basically only go because I have so many tests, papers, and presentations due within the next few weeks.. Bleh! Luckily, I do not have an exam the day before I leave or I would have been screwed.. I would have been packed 0%!! I leave a month from yesterday. No thaaannkkks! Let us just rewind the clock back a few months and call it good, ok? Thanks!
Sunday night was my good friend Samanthas 21st birthday. I bought her a cake and after dinner myself as well as my other good friend Chelsea presented her and Alex's (the best bartender ever) cakes to them at Silver Dollar. They let me go in the back of the bar! I totally work there now :) They just don't know it!! After samatha consumed a decent amount of alcohol, we went with some new acquaintainces to a hip hop club. Terrifying! We were the only white people in the club... Ir was a little intimidating considering the majority of the people in the bar were the men that sell the purses and the sunglasses on the street illegally. I suppose that is a little discriminating to assume, however it was more their manner in how they treated us and looked at us that made me so uncomfortable... Needless to say I hid behind my friends the whole time!
This weekend I am going home with my friend Tina to her hometown of Kastoria! They are having their house cleaned for our stay, and I'm very excited. Next week: presentation monday, paper tuesday, and paper thursday, then tattoo on thursday. At least it ends well right? Then off to Halkidiki and back in time for Panos and Spayks show and writing another huge paper! Too much to do in too little time!!!!!
Recently there have been a number of riots in Greece (the 5th and 6th of May) pertaining to the income cuts and taxes that the government is implementing upon the country. The country is on the verge of bankruptcy, and in order to get bailed out by the EU the had to find a way to show Germany that they have some stability. What is happening is quite the opposite.. Tuesday there were peaceful protests in Thess and Athens. Many of the public sectors were on strike (which is nothing out of the ordinary) and we assumed Wednesday would be the same. Not exactly.. I generally head to school at 1 45 pm to catch the 2 pm bus. My friend sent me a text and informed me that the riots were encompassing the entireity of Egnatia( the main street we go to get on the buses) and were blocking off all the buses. Accompanied with Molotov Cocktails, rioters flee to Aristotle College because the polics are not allowed on campus. Needless to say Artistotle College was closed that day to ensure the safety of the students. Riots marched along the streets, smashing store and fast food windows along the way. There were fires, and the cops used tear gas to control the riots.
In Athens it was far worse. Compared to the 20,000 rioters in Thess, there were 100,000 in Athens. Accompanied also with their Molotov Cocktails, several buildings were lit on fire, and 3 people ended up dying in a bank, one of which who was pregnant. Because of the deaths, the riots were called off for the rest of the day, however they could flare up at any point. They are called on short notice and go about without order. Although many of the rioters were taken back by the deaths caused, I don't think they will remain silent for long. Not until Greece gets bailed out that is. I don't think that violence is the proper way to handle the situation, however I do understand their anger. The government sucks. The deaths and the riots have shaken Germany some, so we will see how they respond. Greece is not feeling the weight of their economy yet, but they will soon. And then all hell will break loose. There was an Anarchist meeting about a mile from my apartment on Thuesday. According to the study abroad program in my university at home, I live in a Danger Zone.
Although most people would be a little worried about living only a quarter mile away from a main rioting outlet, I am not. I live in residental area, and even though they are targeting American facilities, I do not feel theatened. All the Greeks that I have met appreciate us coming to understand their culture, and are more then welcoming. It is very interesting to be thrown in the mix of everything. If I were in America, I would have cared less about the subject, however it surrounds me. Everyday. It is fascinating as well as eye-opening.
Last weekend I went to the beach! Never have I seen such clear water! They don't make it like that in the States! It's mid to high 80's here everyday so it is becoming increasingly difficult to convince myself to go to school... I basically only go because I have so many tests, papers, and presentations due within the next few weeks.. Bleh! Luckily, I do not have an exam the day before I leave or I would have been screwed.. I would have been packed 0%!! I leave a month from yesterday. No thaaannkkks! Let us just rewind the clock back a few months and call it good, ok? Thanks!
Sunday night was my good friend Samanthas 21st birthday. I bought her a cake and after dinner myself as well as my other good friend Chelsea presented her and Alex's (the best bartender ever) cakes to them at Silver Dollar. They let me go in the back of the bar! I totally work there now :) They just don't know it!! After samatha consumed a decent amount of alcohol, we went with some new acquaintainces to a hip hop club. Terrifying! We were the only white people in the club... Ir was a little intimidating considering the majority of the people in the bar were the men that sell the purses and the sunglasses on the street illegally. I suppose that is a little discriminating to assume, however it was more their manner in how they treated us and looked at us that made me so uncomfortable... Needless to say I hid behind my friends the whole time!
This weekend I am going home with my friend Tina to her hometown of Kastoria! They are having their house cleaned for our stay, and I'm very excited. Next week: presentation monday, paper tuesday, and paper thursday, then tattoo on thursday. At least it ends well right? Then off to Halkidiki and back in time for Panos and Spayks show and writing another huge paper! Too much to do in too little time!!!!!
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