Zachary the Greek

Kalimera. That's what Zach the Greek says every morning.

There are many differences between the Zachary Pearson that people know in the States, and the one here in Greece. Not necessarily completely different personalities, but more expansions of certain characteristics.

Here are a few distinguishes that I have noted...

1)Adventerous

This is not to say that Stateside Zach is not an adventurous fellow, because he certainly is, but Zachary the Greek, now that guy is adventurous! I see this trip as a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel across the world and experience a foreign country for almost an entire month. Therefore, I am trying to pack as much fun and adventure into every minute. This leads to hiking and climbing less than certified mountains of loose marble rocks, in order to get a better view of the land and take a picture.

It leads to jumping into the cold Aegean Sea when the wind is blowing 40 miles per hour, just because it's an experience others may never had and even though it's winter, I didn't want to come all this way and say I didn't do it.

2) Bold

Those that know me Stateside know that I am bold already, and very outgoing, but here in Greece, I boldly go after authentic cultural experiences with locals. What does this look like? Testing my Greek by telling a stunning waitress that she is beautiful at a cafe.

Instead of standing in line and buying our tickets from the box office, having a conversation with a Greek man about America and after using all the flattering phrasing from the miniature Greek dictionary in my head and three separate instances of "greeting kisses,"he is able to buy our tickets for us, for cheaper than we planned.

3) Upbeat/Positive/Encouraging

Although back in the States, I will often make a point to give the lady friends in my life compliments, I find myself on the daily shelling out compliments to ladies both inside and outside our group. Being upbeat and positive has honestly come easy in Greece, because how can I not be overjoyed to be here?! I have been blessed with such an amazing opportunity that few can say they'll shared, and I intend to spend my time here smiling.

All in all, Zachary the Greek is the expanded persona of everything Zach the American wishes he could be. Back in the States I find myself being much more calculated and controlled, sometimes stuck in similar regiments. Here in Greece, time is of the essence because after graduation this spring, chances are I won't be back anytime soon. Therefore, I have a license to be adventurous, bold, and simply go "all out," because out here, I have nothing to lose, but only lifelong memories to gain. Soon I will have to tell Greece what I said on the island of Symi, "Now you Symi, now you don't."

~Z