Prior to my arrival I wasn’t sure what to
expect. I had google imaged Greece before and have close friends who are Greek,
so I assumed what the culture and atmosphere might be like. However, google
images and merely asking my friends what to expect, does not nearly compare to
the overwhelming generosity of the people, in addition to the spirit and indescribable
vibrancy of the Mediterranean. Before I got to the institute I spent a day in
Athens with Jamie, Megan, Nathan, and Sophia. I’m glad I went there first
because it has allowed me to make comparisons between Crete and the capital.
Athens seemed to be compiled of functional noise; sort of where city structures
collide with development, in addition to rich culture. It was unlike any other
capital I’ve seen. (its also pretty clean!!!) Arriving in Crete we we’re
greeted by Dr.Vamvakas and the remaining group members. I was happy to see some
familiar faces and eager to meet new ones.
The other day Nana and I were discussing the
time here and how everything moves slow. While discussing this I realized that
it was not necessarily true because I feel as though Greek culture is fast
paced, but at the same time a slow dance. I think the time goes by slow here
because we’re all not on our phones. It made me realize how many seconds a day
I spend on my phone back in Boston, endless scrolling looking to fill my brain
up with meaningless fluff. While being here and not reliant on constant
gratification, validation, or affirmation from social media, I’ve been able to
LOOK UP and see what’s in front of me…as cliché as that sounds, its true. Maybe
if I had amazing wifi I would be in my room talking to friends and not learning
and practicing Greek with the ladies’ upstairs, Yota, or her daughters. By not
looking at my phone I’ve been able to reach out to my peers and inquire about
their lives, which has made the whole experience much more authentic. Its just
us here. And to enjoy our time, we have to make it enjoyable. last night some
of us stayed up later playing spoons on the courtyard whilst stuffing our faces
which chocolate cake that Anastasia brought to us.
I’ve also had the pleasure to get to know
Yota, her daughter, and her friend Sofia. When we went to the first beach
Fidrah and I took a walk and had a great conversation with very little
sophisticated exchange. That’s something I’ve also realized. That to have
meaningful conversations you don’t necessarily need big words or ideas, but
rather the intention to really know what the other is thinking. One of the
first night’s, Greek class had ended and everyone was sitting in the courtyard.
Being me, and seeing people sitting around with nothing to do, means that we
should all probably just be dancing. I ran into my room, got my speaker, pulled
people out of their chairs and we all got to steppin’ that I think was a great
decision because I was able to show the girls I wanted to get to know them, and
since I didn’t have the right tools to ask certain questions, I knew through
dancing they would be able to see my genuine desire to befriend them. Thus far
the experience has been unbelievably extraordinary and I can’t wait to see what’s
to come next. Ta Ta for now.
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