A Day of Reflection

It has been more than a week since I arrived here in Athens. So much about my life has already changed, I'm serious. I used to get so many headaches at home for a variety of reasons, I'm sure, but I haven't had a single one since I got here. I'm eating better, drinking more water, walking more (a lot more) and being generally healthier. I am already more comfortable in my own skin and today, I got plenty of time to contemplate what my transition to life back home will be like. For example, we had dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe Athens where the food is cooked like US cuisine. It was a lot greasier than the other meals I have eaten in more than a week and my tummy was automatically upset with me, as if I was abusing it after treating it so well for a week. 


Today was a lot of about reflection and considering the ways in which this trip is going to effect my life back home. Not just eating habits and exercise but also philosophically and how it will influence my relationships with new people. My school campus at PLU has a very strong international influence with students from all over the world, and not just a handful to fulfill certain statistics, but a reasonable chunk of the student body is from somewhere outside of the US. This is my first trip where I am not just here for vacation, so I am challenged every day in some way, and its not just a relaxing holiday in the Mediterranean. 

Lady-Nana-Momma Dog

We spent a number of hours today hanging out on the beach reading books, journaling, playing with a random dog that found us (her name is Lady-Nana-Momma Dog) and making conversation. This has been the first day in a week that we have had no academic classes or assignment/trips to do, just time to ourselves in whatever manner we chose. We watched the sunset on the beach and silently listened to the waves crash on the sand. Moments like these, with people like these are what proves how beautiful life is. I think for this reason, not for shopping, for museums or ruins, or even the incredibly interesting class (wink) I am taking, but for moments like these, this trip has touched me and will change the course of my future. 

Today, I decided that I would like to do an entire semester abroad. I love this J-Term class and it has me aching for a longer trip, even though I'm not even done with this one! As the sun set today, I wondered what else I would experience and how I could possibly love this trip any more than I do now. I would like to work with the Wang Center at some point to encourage other PLU students to study away for at least a J-Term. I am starting to think a well rounded student /citizen of the 21st century is one who is accepting and tolerant and both of these qualities are amplified in this sort of "Real-World"-Goes-International-Situation. 

PS....Yesterday's blog assignment was to spice up our stories with a little bit of fiction. I was sick and miserable and my feet did hurt, but I did NOT hurt my ankle in any way. Special Effects Makeup ALL THE WAY!!

-Lauren