Delphi & Arachova

    Over the past few weeks I have come to the realization that studying abroad is a lot like your freshmen year of college. We live in the dorms with roommates that we have never met before, stress over finding our way to class, make new friends, miss our homes, experience new opportunities to mature, and make memories that will last a lifetime. The wonderful part of being able to experience all of those things twice is that the second time around we genuinely enjoy the process of adapting to change. I am not saying that the second time is easier, but it is a remarkable opportunity that few students are able to experience. 

    Now onto our trip to Delphi and the town of Arachova! Our group of international students boarded the bus to Delphi at 9am Saturday morning. The bus ride was around three hours and treated us to some beautiful views along the way. Although it was rainy and a little chilly, it was a wonderful adventure. We arrived at the museum and were led on a tour throughout the historic sites both inside and out. After a lot of information, pictures, and walking, we headed to a late lunch in Arachova. The restaurant was so cozy and served us a delicious three-course meal. After indulging in the numerous Greek dishes, we did some brief exploring of the town. The bus ride home was quiet as students slept off their afternoon feast. I'm so thankful I was able to see the historic sites at Delphi and the quaint town of Arachova.

I am looking forward to the rest of the excursions that we have planned and currently planning out my spring break! Tomorrow is the farmers market and Thursday we don't have classes. My roommates and I are planning on making a day out of exploring the Acropolis and the museum. 

I'll check in next Sunday!

Kisses,

Katie

Week One: Check!

After the first week of classes, a scavenger hunt, and finally tackling jet lag I am enjoying my lazy Sunday in Aghia Paraskevi. The week went by pretty fast and my classes are already in full swing (whether i'm ready or not.) Here are a few exciting parts of my week in Athens!

On Tuesday a group of students went out to eat where I ordered my first of many Greek Salads. It was fresh, colorful, and delicious. After dinner we headed next door for some Crepes.

On Wednesday I visited the school cafeteria and was pleasantly surprised. I ordered salmon, an eggplant dish, steamed veggies, and a Perrier. Not too shabby for a cafeteria! In my Art History class we had a surprise guest; one of the campus dogs. Although the dog was previously believed to be old, blind, and arthritic, he opened the classroom door on his own back legs and entered the class to smell around a bit. I was pretty impressed.

After eating a filling lunch, I headed home to do some laundry and catch up on my journaling. I felt pretty dang European drinking my sparkling water and sitting on my balcony. Oh and here is a shot of campus that I took while walking to class!

To show that I do more than just eat food and lounge around, here are a few other pictures from my week.

Tonight I get to Skype my Mom and Dad and then I will do some reading for my classes. It has been a long first week, but I think I am finally getting the hang of things. Hopefully I will be even less clueless by next Sunday. Oh, and one of my favorite parts of the week was getting to Skype with my boys, Caleb and Payton. Look how handsome they are!

Kisses,

Katie

I've Arrived!

Yaisas (hello) from Athens! I have only been in Greece for three days, but it has been nothing less than amazing. There is a large group of study abroad and international students at the American College of Greece this semester. Although we are all different, and even from different countries, I have already made many friendships with wonderful people.
On the night of our arrival we were welcomed with a traditional Greek dinner and a few tips to help us settle in. This is the view from my balcony in Aghia Paraskevi!

Friday was our orientation where we were welcomed to our beautiful campus. We received class schedules, a tour, and a few presentations. The Deree campus is breathtaking. On our tour of campus we visited their Starbucks, Olympic training facility, campus dogs, outdoor theatre and more. This is the soccer and track field at Deree. Amazing, right?

     Saturday was a tour of downtown Athens! We got to see the National Gardens, Plaka, the Olympic stadium, and the temple of Zeus. At the beginning of the tour we watched the changing of the guard at the Parliament building.

Plaka is the area surrounding the Acropolis which was really fun to walk through. The houses are beautiful and there are tons of stray cats like the one in this flower pot... look closely!

Today I got to sleep in because we didn't have any organized events. When I woke up, I made a yummy breakfast and ate on my balcony. My roommate convinced me to go hiking with a group of students and I am so glad that I went! It was a little cloudy here this morning, but a hike was the perfect way to spend my Sunday. 

Well, that's all for now! I finally figured out my mailing address, but I haven't been able to get stamps so don't be sad if you write me and it takes a while to respond. I miss and love my family and friends a lot, but I am so thankful for their support that has enabled my study abroad experience!

Katherine Fleming Apt #303

c/o Study Abroad Office

6 Gravias Street

153-42, Aghia Paraskevi

Athens, Greece