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!!!!!