It had been a long day and therefore I've decided to preface this particular blog entry with an apology: I'm supposed to be writing about wisdom but I am dog tired and ready to sleep until noon tomorrow (which I can't do...). So if this blog seems a little quirky or off the wall, I am sorry. At least it will be entertaining!
This, my friends, is what I'd like to call a landmark. It's really called the Acropolis (which I'm sure you've gathered by now) but it is a beacon of hope and order in this foreign country. The greatest experiential wisdom I've gained in my short time here was gained during the Death March (or, as Dr. Finitsis keeps insisting, "Athens at Night" walk). After long hours of traveling here our fearless leader decided to bring us on a walk around the Acropolis. I use the term "around" loosely; we weren't hugging the edges of the Acropolis. We were exploring the area around it. At the time it was nothing more than a simple tour. This walk and the things I learned during it have saved my butt a few times already. This experiential wisdom in particular is priceless.
During free time on our first full day here, Katie and I wanted to back up to the Acropolis. We were a little nervous because last time we were in that area (the night before) it had been night time. Things tend to look a little different in the day. Nevertheless, we pressed on. Our confidence was justified. Despite the daylight, everything looked familiar and with these many small landmarks we found our way.
Unfortunately our destination was closed. There was more pathway which meant more adventure. Besides, this pathway really did hug the Acropolis. Comforted by the ancient columns, we continued to walk, finding new places and viewpoints.
Now, I've been lost here a grand total of twice. Once yesterday and once today. Both times I kept thinking to myself "If only I could see the Acropolis". It my lighthouse on land! It proved useful in this times of panic but I also found myself making decisions based on where I had come from. I went down streets with wide sidewalks (usually a busier, less sketchy street), I found familiar streets from our Death March, I kept an eye open for those alleyways with fiery lamps and nice cafes, and I followed the sounds of dogs. If I were to tell you, our readers at home, how to get out of a tight spot in Athens I would tell you to do these things.
Stick to roads with wider sidewalks.
Dogs really like Americans. If you've lost your group, and the dog that was following you went with them, listen for dogs.
When you start to hear languages that aren't Greek, turn around and go back. Those are not happy places to be.
Have that one, giant landmark. The Acropolis is perfect because it sits on a hill and is even lit up in the night time. But also remember little things. Remember that hole-in-the-wall cafe where you ate that amazing sandwich (and the server spoke English!), remember that weird statue in the middle of the shopping center, remember that interesting wall of graffiti. It will help you in the end. Yes I've gotten lost twice in 4 days but I'm all the more confident that I can make my way back to familiar territory.
Use what you know in times where all else is lost. Even in a foreign country, make something feel like home and you'll always find your way back.
During free time on our first full day here, Katie and I wanted to back up to the Acropolis. We were a little nervous because last time we were in that area (the night before) it had been night time. Things tend to look a little different in the day. Nevertheless, we pressed on. Our confidence was justified. Despite the daylight, everything looked familiar and with these many small landmarks we found our way.
Unfortunately our destination was closed. There was more pathway which meant more adventure. Besides, this pathway really did hug the Acropolis. Comforted by the ancient columns, we continued to walk, finding new places and viewpoints.
Now, I've been lost here a grand total of twice. Once yesterday and once today. Both times I kept thinking to myself "If only I could see the Acropolis". It my lighthouse on land! It proved useful in this times of panic but I also found myself making decisions based on where I had come from. I went down streets with wide sidewalks (usually a busier, less sketchy street), I found familiar streets from our Death March, I kept an eye open for those alleyways with fiery lamps and nice cafes, and I followed the sounds of dogs. If I were to tell you, our readers at home, how to get out of a tight spot in Athens I would tell you to do these things.
Stick to roads with wider sidewalks.
Dogs really like Americans. If you've lost your group, and the dog that was following you went with them, listen for dogs.
When you start to hear languages that aren't Greek, turn around and go back. Those are not happy places to be.
Have that one, giant landmark. The Acropolis is perfect because it sits on a hill and is even lit up in the night time. But also remember little things. Remember that hole-in-the-wall cafe where you ate that amazing sandwich (and the server spoke English!), remember that weird statue in the middle of the shopping center, remember that interesting wall of graffiti. It will help you in the end. Yes I've gotten lost twice in 4 days but I'm all the more confident that I can make my way back to familiar territory.
Use what you know in times where all else is lost. Even in a foreign country, make something feel like home and you'll always find your way back.
The coffee I felt I earned after a long day of finding my way back. Getting lost was totally worth the end result if you ask me ;)
<3Christine
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