Whenever I start to think about how our minds work, I always seem to imagine an organized and efficient system of spinning gears in my head. Which is funny, because if there were, in fact, gears in my head, they would most definitely need to be oiled.
Friday morning, I was on my way to the grocery store to pick up some fresh steaks, when I stumbled upon one of the greatest things I have found thus far in Athens: The Pangrati Farmers Market! It was around 3:30 in the afternoon and the market was approaching closing time, so as I walked through the street, admiring the rainbow or fruits and vegetables spread out across crates and tables, my ears were bombarded with the auctioneer-like shouting of discounted prices and playful vendors grabbing the attention of any and every passerby. For only 7 euros, I as able walk away from the market with a full bag of fresh green beans, a head of lettuce, two cucumbers, an overflowing container of cherry tomatoes, four peaches, and two bags of grapes. And to think, I was afraid of grocery shopping when I first arrived! Ha! A month into this endeavor, and I’ve already mastered the farmers...
What does it mean for an experience to be authentic?
When we travel to other countries, we tend to enter our foreign endeavors with romanticized ideas of the ‘authentic study-abroad experience.’
Nowadays, in America, we have lost the authenticity of European cafés as they existed in the the 19th and 20th centuries. I long for the ability to walk into a café, and in doing so, enter a reality of salon culture that’s been dead for over 60 years.
I’ve been really dragging my feet on writing this post because it’s meant reliving not only the amazing experiences I’ve had since landing here in Athens, but also the parts of it that have been very emotionally and mentally challenging.
Less than 5 days stand between me and this incredible journey on which I am about to embark.
Aokesdjfnaowjeskdlfj AP’LZ:SRFAEOJRkls,d;a
Yup. That was my face on the keyboard. It’s official. I’m getting scared…