Weekends.

Last weekend was a bit too much weekend, if that's possible. Erin and I were out until the wee hours of dawn both nights and even though I managed to wake up before noon both days, I didn't exactly get the most out of the blissful two-day hiatus. So this weekend is a weekend for weekending. Which mostly means reading, and being outside. 

Last night we went out with some "old friends" -- of the I've Known You for Five Months variety -- and met some new ones. Communication isn't really a boundary any more, certainly not because I've become fluent in Modern Greek, but because most people our age speak some English. But when you're with a group of people half of whom are more comfortable speaking Greek, it creates a strange dynamic. At one point one of the Greek-speakers mentioned that they were being rude to speak Greek when not everyone could understand. I tend to disagree. Sure, it's not the thing most conducive to conversation, but I feel like the burden of language is on the visitors, not the natives. But, clearly, this way of thinking when flipped back into an American context is what leads to ignorant comments toward people for whom English is not native language. Who knows, the real answer is probably just not to be a dick. Ever. 

Speaking of Change We Can Believe In (I wasn't), check out the new President! Way to go, America! Here we watched the ceremony live at an event hosted by Democrats Abroad. It was surprisingly high-profile, with something like representatives from 22 foreign nations present. But the whole crowd went wild at the first glimpse of Obama. Sure, it would have been incredible to be in the United States for the day, but it was also wonderful to see the impact this election is having on the global community. There's a new found sense that progress at least stands a chance and that the world superpower is finally back in its right mind. In conclusion, if you haven't seen it yet, please check out Beyonce's performance at the first inaugural ball. 

Other thoughts... well, let's see. Read some children's literature. I'm teaching A Wrinkle in Time still and it is fantastic! I also just read the first Sherlock Holmes novel and will be re-reading To Kill a Mockingbird soon for a high school class. Sure, Lee's novel isn't exactly children's literature, but it does cater to a younger audience in its clarity and candor. I haven't exactly been able to pin down what makes children's lit. something special, but it has something to do with those two ideas -- clarity of speech, of ideas, and a straightforward use of language. Even in the science fiction realm of Wrinkle in Time, unusual ideas are presented with concise logic, namely that time is a material subject, which is explained like this:

 "Mrs Who took a portion of her white robe in her hands and held it tight.

        'You see,' Mrs Whatsit said, 'if a very small insect were to move from the section of skirt in Mrs Who's right hand to that in her left it would be quite a long walk for him if he had to walk straight across.'

         Swiftly Mrs Who brought her hands, still holding the skirt, together.

         'Now, you see,' Mrs Whatsit said, 'he would be there, without that long trip. That is how we travel."

Lovely. 

And, speaking of travel (I was), I've just recently booked my flights for spring break. Erin and I are going to Copenhagen and Stockholm during the first week and then I'm heading to Paris and Prague for some solo exploration. If you know anyone in any of these cities who would like to host an American girl or two, let me know. 

That's all for now, I hope all you New Englanders are keeping toasty and remembering to take your vitamins. 

Back in action.

First full week of post-break work behind me and I'm finally over the jet-lag that had me turning form side to side until three every morning. Work was slower that normal last week just because I had to reschedule for the new semester. I've started teaching A Wrinkle in Time with a precocious 7th grade class, and I'm really happy with how it's going so far, happier still that the first book I teach on my own is a good one. The kids are really into it, although the brief instances of romance ("romance") are unanimously found to be revolting. So it goes. 

What else? Not much, really. Everyone is in budget mode to save up for our various spring-break trips. My roommate and I (I've already written this, haven't I?) are hoping to fly from Athens to Copenhagen, then Stockholm for the first week and then she's heading to Italy while I jet off to Paris and train to Prague. Looking forward to it, especially the second week, getting a chance to travel on my own. Being stranded in a foreign country with all decisions up to you. Is there a word similar to "stranded" that lacks the negative connotation? That's what I'm after. 

But because of the cost of the spring trip, we're spending the next two months nestled in Athens, without any real travel, though the possibility of going to Turkey for a long weekend is still in my thoughts. So many places, in such close proximity! My head is going to explode. Though, as an experienced driver of long road trips from Maine to the Midwest, there is something to the American brand of travel. That something is probably road-side diners and local routes. Has anyone been to the new Miss Portland? 

I've been instructed to post some photos, though haven't really gotten a chance to take many around town my neighborhood yet, but here are some from earlier this year!

Darling roommate and I basking in the shadow of the Parthenon.

Early September dinner on our apartment's balcony. Delicious!

Rapture at my first Greek island trip.

Out of touch.

Oh my, my apologies for not writing in such a while. The end of last semester was hectic, lots of teachers passing off grading to the fellows, lots of substitute teaching, and even more preoccupation with my trip home. 

Home! It was unspeakably wonderful. That place where your shoulders drop and your lungs expand and even if you've been gone for a long time, the first time you wake up you know just where you are. And that you belong there. Let alone the food -- the food! Greece, for all its many charms, is as homogenous a country as I've ever been to and this sadly encompasses the culinary options as well. No Japanese, no Thai, too expensive Chinese, no Indian. No good. But I worked my way through all of these in the two weeks I was at home and in Brooklyn. Any huddled masses that come with their own cuisine are fine by me. My apologies on behalf of the Gaelic countries for our merely starchy contribution to the potluck. 

Christmas, as usual, was delightful. Strange how after many years of being on the "production end" (Katherine's phrase, not mine) of Christmas, you stop minding and start appreciating everything that goes into it a bit more. With young cousins who are Santa-believers, things like hiding the presents and making sure the cookies are gone in the morning become as fun as they were when you were a believer.

My few days in Brooklyn were lovely, if frigid. Went to Coney Island, imagined Alvy Singer's childhood home beneath the Cyclone. Took the free ferry (minus the cost of the necessary 3 dollar pint of beer) to Staten Island and wondered what went on there. Discussed the virtue of a hideous painting hung over a certain fireplace. Walked through Central Park as all feeling left my toes. Everything you'd want from a trip to New York. 

Now, being back I'm still getting into the swing of things. Rescheduling classes for the up-coming semester, starting a new position in the library one day a week, continuing to tutor my girl for the national Forensics tournament later this spring. I have to admit that I was less eager to return here than I was to come initially. The job can be lack luster, and with only six months left, I fear the language is beyond my grasp, but I'm trying to make the most of it. Travel will be the main compensation, and I've already begun planning a miraculously inexpensive trip for the two weeks the school closes in April. Can't wait!

Alright, this is enough for now. I will try to be more diligent with posting. 

Happy New Year!