Fun in the Sky, Trouble in Amsterdam, and Elation in Athens

As I sit here at 7:40am writing from my room in Athens eating my healthy breakfast acquired last evening I reflect upon how I got here.

The last time I woke up in a bed was in scenic Parkland, Washington. Yet this morning I will be watching the sun rise from the much more scenic Athens, Greece. How'd I get here?

We boarded our plane at 12:45pm Seattle time, and the adventure that ensued was just that, an adventure. Having a seat in the back of the plane, I was surrounded by a fun group of fellow Lutes who like myself, felt as though we were the "cool kids" in the back of the bus. Therefore, it was our responsibility to make sure we had much more fun than everyone else on the plane.

SUCCESS.

While aboard our plane, I successfully ate more than than ANY other passenger with an estimated, 4-5 bags of cookies, 12-14 bags of pretzels, a sandwich, our dinner meal, and an apple. My colleagues and I threw a 4 hour standing room only party in the back of the plane (while the plane lights were turned out of course) where I was scolded by a flight attendant. In the 4 hours following this event we were in Amsterdam

Amsterdam was all bad. It started and ended poorly for me. Starting with passing border patrol. After passing my passport inspection I asked the guard if I could get my passport stamped with the country stamp. He asked, "What stamp?" and I hesitantly answered "Denmark's." At this response both he and the guard next to him looked up, smiled, and asked me what country I was in.

Me-"Ummmm, Denmark right? No, Netherlands? Denmark."

Him- "Where are you right now?"

Me-"Amsterdam."

After being laughed at by border patrol, and Prof. Finitsis being told that his students need to learn where Amsterdam is, I sought to put out the fire by purchasing something touristy. I landed on a sweet beanie, perfect for snowboarding, that said "Amsterdam" on it. Yet as I sat on our connecting flight to Athens, The fuzzy ball on top of the beanie popped off, which consequently led to my 10 euro beanie turning into a much thicker than necessary headband...

I think a personal vacation to Amsterdam is now out of the question.

Finally we touched down in Greece! OPA!!!!!

After getting all settled in our rooms, we went out to Greek fast food. Translation, little hole in the wall gyro shop. After INHALING mine, we were ready for what Finitsis affectionally deemed the "Death March." What ensued was a scenic journey through the streets of Athens where I stopped taking pictures of all the monuments and ancient architecture because it was everywhere. Cobblestone and marble paved the streets as we walked in the moon shadow of the Acropolis and many, many ancient temples. What was notable to me personally was the level of security around the Greek Parliment, which had 3-4 BUSES full of police officers surrounding it, and NUMEROUS guards surrounding the walls. This is undoubtedly a country in political turmoil.

I'll leave you with my favorite pic of the night. This shows an example of the architecture we see ALL around us, and how monumental it is.

Well it's 9:20 now, time to talk through the quiet streets of Athens and explore. Be jealous. Kalimera!