Athens Oct 24-28

I went to Athens for a long weekend with one of the high school students. I had a great time, I really enjoyed his family, the weather and seeing the sites. I didn't get to see as many of the museums as I wanted to but it just gives me a great reason to go back. Plus his family made it clear that I am to return and stay longer.

I enjoyed going to the Acropolis and seeing the Parthenon. I wish I could have recalled more from my art history classes but I still enjoyed it. I was told to take a lot of photos and I did. I couldn't believe the view, it was surrounded by city everywhere, in all directions. Sunday was a family day. There was a baptism that I got to attend. It was not a full church service, it was at a small church and it was just the baptism. It was nice to meet more of the family. I really enjoyed seeing how everything was done and how they celebrated. Lots of colorful balloons and pink decorated items. Little gifts were handed out to all and a dessert snack thing. Afterwards there was a reception at the far end of town (lots of driving). It was in the back half of a restaurant with some live music. I enjoyed seeing my host mom and her parents dancing. I still need to learn some traditional dancing.

I even got to see 'The Mall', a very large mall in Athens and that is the name of it The Mall. On Monday we (Thano & I) went to see a movie there, Burn After Reading. I really enjoyed the movie, especially the part where one character mentioned he use to be a Greek Orthodox Priest, it made the line a lot funnier being in Greece.

I got to know the transportation system very well. Train there and back (Austria's train seats are more comfortable), the bus, metro line, and car. It felt like most of my time was in transit but I know it wasn't. Over all I loved it and am happy I got to go and spend time with a family, even for a weekend.