Back to Athens

I cannot believe 7 weeks are over and I am  back inAthens. The 30 hour journey really wasn't too bad, despite the developed sinus congestion which dragged me down. (6 hours from Maine to Newark, 3 hours in Newark, 7.5 hours flying to Brussels, 9 hour layover in Brussels, 3 hour flight to Athens, and about another hour to get my luggage and get home). Luckily the man at JetAirways didn't charge me for my HEAVY bag - it was 32 kg. or 70 lbs!!!!!!!

The summer was long but short at the same time. I saw many friends, travelled to Maryland, Virgina, Toronto, Michigan, and Maine. Though every day in July was visiting (having dinner with someone), Maine was completely relaxing spending most days on the beach!


First day back, I went the fruit/veggie market, went into the bank (only second time) to withdraw rent money (two months' worth), went the big grocery store with Miah, Dwain and baby Harper, met landlady at 7pm - paid August and September's rent, plus she agreed to pay my electric and water bills at their appropriate buildings - the bills were late.  I can usually pay for them at the post office but since they are overdue would have to go to their buildings - which I really didn't know where they were so Ana said she would take care of them for me.

It's nice to be back in the neighborhood where I know people, they say hello to me (in Greek), I know where to go to get things, etc., this makes the transition flow much smoother.
I am looking forward to, but anxious at the same time, of my next adventure in this journey called life. I am hoping that this slight career change will last for most, if not all, of this school year (2010-11).

People keep asking me, is Greece home?  Do you feel you are home?  How was it to come back here?  All great questions which I don't really know how to respond to.  Does it feel like home?  Well it is where all my belongings are, I am comfortable here, at this point I don't really know where else I should be.  What really is weird/odd - is the fact I am not working at ACS though I am here.  And this hasn't really hit me yet because not everyone is back yet.... Kate wouldn't be coming back..... and I feel like I am in limbo.  I don't really know what I feel, I am just going with the flow.

Marvelous Maine

I hadn't been in Maine since the summer of 2008; however, after unpacking our bags, walking around the cottage to see if anything had changed and going to Shaw's for a grocery run, it's like I had just been here. Even my father was noting that it didn't seem like a year ago (for him). This is where I pointed out because it is familiar. we know where everything is in the cottage and where the stores are. You don't need to acquaint yourself with how do you get to...? Or where can I find...? Or how do I say... " It's convenient and in English! No doubt traveling is exhausting but the comfort is refreshing to get to your destination and instantly relax!

I have consumed all my favorite Maine food - blueberry pie, blueberries - large and small, blueberry jam, Cape Cod potato chips and lobster!

The days routine is usually - get up around 7- go for a walk on the beach until 8. Have breakfast - read the newspaper, a book, or if we have Internet, check that. I enjoy doing this, exactly where I am sitting right now - on the small wicker couch in my bedroom overlooking the dunes, beach and ocean - an absolutely beautiful and peaceful view. 10:30ish - lather up with sunscreen, put on bikini and walk across the street tot the beach. Where I read more or go for another walk on the beach! Come back to cottage for lunch - go back down to the beach, repeat morning activities. Between 4-5, return to cottage - shower - check Internet - have a cocktail, play a game of Scrabble or Cribbage with Mom. Help make dinner, eat, read and got to bed.

Now the activities in the cottage o and on the beach will alter a little beginning tomorrow when my 7.5 year old nephew and 5.5 year old niece arrive...

But if life can get better than this, please let me know! But to me, life is fantastic and I wouldn't want it any other way.