They sell beer at the McDonalds. I'm never going home.

Okay, I wasn't so thrilled with the way that my last post ended. I'm sure it wasn't a fabulous closure for the rest of you, either. I guess I've never been really great at the "Dear Diary" style, but more so with lists and collections of random thoughts and situations. Those are what I live for to remember anyhow -- I can go back to my itinerary anytime -- and I'm scared I'm already forgetting the best parts! I really am having a brilliantly fabulous time, despite the awkward classes and schoolwork, I'm surprised at how much I've already seen and gotten to do. I'm exhausted at the end of each day, but in the best way possible.

• The people here are either "black or white" as far as disposition; there's no gray area. Either they're the friendliest person you've ever met, or they're the rudest. Luckily I've gone to great lengths to avoid the Meanies and only have had a few run-ins thus far...
  
• The old men here are simply DARLING. I've decided that I'm bringing one, if not several, home as my souvenirs (anyone know how to check one through customs?). I'm going to put them on my porch with a chess set and feed them frappes and Amstel all day. There's this place several of us have started to go to named "Themis's", and the man that runs it is far too adorable for words. He brings us plates and plates of free food and bottles of wine, all which is insanely good, and it ends up being 6-8 Euro depending on how many of us are there. We go to see him every chance we get, because we're all broke and hungry... and it's amazing.
• That's another thing - there's no such thing as a "quick dinner." The minimum time needed for eating dinner out is 2 hours, and that's on a good night. I love it, but sometimes it gets me in trouble when I have so much school work to get done!
• It's not just dinner here that's pretty lazy; everything is. I'm so used to being speedy, quick, efficient... here they're so relaxed and take their time to do everything. I don't think they know what procrastination or "working under pressure" is here. And frankly, I wouldn't mind getting used to it myself.
• Despite being here only a week, I really feel oddly comfortable and quite complacent here. I know my way around; and though the language barrier is frustrating, it's not impossible to communicate. The streets here are dirty and crowded, but I can navigate just as well as at home - thank the dear Lord for my decent sense of direction. The only thing that irritates me about it are the motorcyclists here... make that the drivers in general. I swear they speed up when they see you crossing the road. Pedestrians certainly -don't- have the right of way. And it's scary sometimes!
• They sell beer (and some liquor) everywhere. Even McDonalds. I even saw a girl on the bus drinking one. It was hilarious.
• Speaking of which, I'm dangerously in love with Mythos, the "light" beer here. As many of you know, I'm not a big drinker, especially not of beer. But I find myself craving it every night (it goes with everything) and I'm praying they'll have some back in the states when I get home! =)
  
• Nescafe tastes terrible; it's this instant coffee that tastes like dirt, but I find myself drinking it every morning. I can't wait for Turkey and the Turkish coffee... OH BOY!
• The food here is simply incredible; I haven't had a bad meal yet. Or a small on either. There are bakeries and sweet shoppes all over the place, and I've stopped every chance I get. Everything is so decadent and the bread here is the best I've ever had. And the fruits and veggies even taste different; bigger and much more flavorful. If I never come back, it's because of the food... and the little old Greek men.
• Side note = the Greek women are very concerned with how they looks, obviously. There are beauty shops on every corner, boasting the latest beauty products and how to get rid of the "unsightly." The irony is, though, that next to the boutiques selling the best anti-cellulite cream are the bakeries and sweet shoppes... who knew?!
• My flatmates are awesome, as are many of the girls here. I really am already dreading the day we're all going to leave, but I'm so glad we're all trying to make the most of our time together. It's also cool that we're all pretty independent and have gotten so used to our surroundings. It's not odd for one of us to go off by ourselves and explore -- the girl I'm sharing a room with does that quite frequently, but none of us mind... she always comes back with boxes of amazing pastries and cookies!
  
• Okay, so I'm eating 93749837 times a day. But we're walking. Briskly. EVERYWHERE. Now most of you know that I work out on a regular basis, but I've already seen muscles popping up that I didn't know I had. It's amazing!
• Many of the guys here reeeeally know how to dress. You American boys could take some notes. Some of it's a little -too- Euro for my taste (including the "Euro-mullet" and the "fo-hawk" with the really mismatched outfits), but other guys look so polished! In fact, it seems like the "Simon Cowel" wear is pretty popular: snugly fit designer jeans and black shirt. Yum.
• Greek girls... hate me. We'll leave it at that.
• It's amazing how people stare, and stare hard. I'm used to when you get caught staring, you quick turn away and pretend you weren't. Here, NOT SO MUCH. At first it was insanely uncomfortable, but I think I've learned to get over it. Sometimes, when the mood strikes, I find myself giving them something to stare at. For instance, splashing in puddles while "Singing in the Rain." Or pretending to be a mall power-walker.
  
• Speaking of which, the attention I do get is pretty negative. Again, the girls hate me, and some of these guys are CREEPY. My friend's and I have been hit on by a restaurant owner, a sheriff, and a doctor. I've gotten creative in giving out fake names and where I'm from, and I tell them that I'm only in town for the day. It takes forever for them to back off, even when you're obviously being really rude!
  
• I know I had more to report, but I forgot to write it down! Plus, I have to make my way to the market to stock up on good stuff, finish working on my project, and pack for the next excursion! I'll be gone until late Saturday, so I'll try to catch up when I get home. Oh yeah, and enjoy the next round of pictures!:
• Greece Lightning!

Also, I'm going to write out postcards on the long bus ride, so if you want one, email me your address before next week! Also, I got a Skype account; if you have one (or are interested in getting one, it's actually pretty great), then search for me using the email address: celia.goetowski@gmail.com

Okay, kiddos, I'm peacin' out for a bit. Thanks for all the Well Wishes (it really makes my day, you have no idea!), and I hope to have a lot to report soon!

-C