We've arrived!!

So as it turns out, SOMEHOW, I am able to get free wifi in my apartment! I don't think I'm SUPPOSED to  but I sure ain't complaining!

It's been a long traveling day. We landed in Athens at 9:20 AM (2:20 AM your time) and got our luggage (mine was the VERY last bag to arrive on the conveyor belt, of course) and took a 35 minute bus ride to our apartments. Oh, but wait, did I mention how HILLY Athens is? We're talking close to San Francisco in terms of hill severity. So, the bus dropped us off a few blocks from our apartment and we then proceeded to hike up hills with all our luggage (while trying to avoid getting run over because cars DO NOT stop for pedestrians). It was a bit crazy but the air felt so fresh and nice!

There are literally no rules in regards to parking here in Athens (or probably Greece in general). People pretty much just park their cars wherever and HOWEVER they please, even if it means blocking several people in or parking on a sidewalk. No joke.

Sami (my roommate here) and I got into our apartment, it's very cute! Little kitchen and bathroom, a small dining area and then our beds. We have our own balcony that has a gorgeous view of the coast and the mountains. It couldn't be more quaint. And I'm thrilled to have internet connection here (though I still haven't figured out why that is).

We had some time to unpack before meeting up with the group again for a 1:00 PM quick tour of Athens. Afterwards, Sami, me, and the other students did a little grocery shopping at a nearby market and got a little espresso. I found soy milk at the market! WOO! :) though the coffee shop man had never heard of soy milk when I asked if he had it. He didn't speak a word of english so it was interesting trying to order coffee when none of us really know any greek, but he was very kind.

It's odd to be in a country where I have ZERO comprehension of the native language, unlike in Martinique where I at least knew a fair amount of french. Tomorrow, after our orientation at the Athens Centre (where we will be taking our classes), we are going to have a few basic lessons in modern greek. I'm hoping I'll catch on quickly because it's a little intimidating not being able to read the street signs. Though, I must say, being in a sorority and having to learn the greek alphabet has so far been a plus, even though I still can't quite make out the words, at least I can recognize alpha, beta, delta, and so on.

That's all for now! We have a 7:00 dinner with the group at a local taverna. Tomorrow is actually a holiday, Epiphany, so everything will be closed. Sounds like a great chance to wander and get to know the streets a bit better.

Love and thinking of you all!