Cramming the Last Bit of Fun into the Semester

I had to resist making a super depressing title like "the beginning of the end" or "don't cry because it's over- smile because it happened." I wanted to, but instead of focusing on all the sad things and counting all the lasts, I have decided to focus on the highlights from the last week.

Monday we got back to Athens and didn't have class until later. We had literature with Anne in the CYA lunch room. Since we were reading the Bacchae, we had our last class with wine and snacks. I can honestly say I have never had wine while in class before... It was a very strange feeling.

After Jean's class on Tuesday, the History group went to the Acropolis and several of us tagged along. Finally, in our second to last week we made it up to see the Parthenon in all its glory (once you get past all the scaffolding). It is quite magnificent.

A little bit windy

Wednesday was less exciting and filled with homework. On Thursday, Michelle and I finally went up to the park around the Marble Stadium by CYA. If I liked running, it really would be a beautiful place to go. A lovely view of the Acropolis and St. George.

View of the Acropolis and the Stadium

St. George

 Speaking of St. George-  that night a group of us made the hike up to it to watch the sunset. Boy was it worth it! Seeing the sun go down behind the Parthenon and the city light up was breathtaking (as was the hike up.. but that's mostly because I am out of shape). Up high where I could see the sea and the surrounding mountains, I found myself finally feeling some of that love I felt for Rome for Athens. It's a shame it came at the very end.

I think I will miss Athens more than I realize

Friday was our last trip to the market. We stocked up on pomegranates and sesame seed covered peanuts. Michelle, Jess, Drew and I then went to Plaka for last minute gifts. Wow those shop owners were chatty! One lady talked to us for probably 20 minutes about everything from celebrity gossip to the economic issues: "I hope you are clever like Jennifer Lopez..." It was a strange conversation indeed

I will miss the market quite a bit

This weekend has been full of studying and journaling, but yesterday we took a break to go to the Boy Scout Christmas Bazaar.  It was a very strange feeling listening to Christmas music while standing under a fully loaded orange tree.

I needed a break from my journaling

It was quite warm outside for a holiday bazaar

Wearing black and scarves... we planned it

That night we finally had a toga party, as all real college kids should- especially those living in Greece. It was a blast, a little annoying to make up the bed again...

Toga! 

The next five days will be filled with stress and studying and saying goodbyes. Hopefully it wont go by too fast!