So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Adieu.

We may as well throw in ciao and αντίο
 It is hard to believe I return to the States tomorrow. You would think by now I would be a pro at transitions (Lord knows I am an expert at packing all my belongings into that backpack). As excited as I am to be home, it is definitely a bittersweet feeling leaving Athens and mostly leaving this group and Europe.


This week has been a struggle between balancing final exams and final moments with the group. Monday was our Art History final and my apartment and Michael celebrated by going out to dinner. Our goal was the Number 2 restaurant in Athens with its terrace view of the Acropolis. Who knew it would be closed on Mondays! Don't worry- we ended up at THE Acropolis Cafe, a completely deserted restaurant with a very pushy waiter:" YOU," he says point at me "come play piano." Despite my protests I found myself playing what I remembered of Beauty and the Beast from my third-grade piano recital. Michelle was chosen next and we played a lovely rendition of Heart and Soul. Apparently we were expected to earn our dinner. We finally tried ouzo and had a delicious greek meal. 

Michelle about to start Heart and Soul

Tuesday was spent doing last minute shopping. In the evening we met as a group one last time (minus Kate and Garrett who are in Cairo and Charlie who was in Istanbul). We talked about our favorite memories and watched a wonderful slide show Mary put together. We then went out to dinner with some of the CYA staff. I admit I was getting a little teary... 




Wednesday was our Greek Literature exam which turned out to be about 200 times more difficult than anyone was expecting. We were expected to define 15 of 20 possible terms: most of us made up ridiculous answers and some even wrote in their own terms and defined them. Sorry Anne! No amount of studying could have prepared us for that impossibility. We needed a pick me up so Michelle, Shannon, Jess, and I got our last gyros. That night several of us watched A Christmas Story to get in the spirit and finally enjoy that we have no more homework! 




Today, Michelle and I went to Public- a coffee shop overlooking Syntagma Square and Parliament. It was quite the view (unfortunately I couldn't get a good shot of it). We packed up everything for the last time. Tonight was the CYA farewell party. What a blast! They played Christmas music and good dancing tunes. We got the dancing started and had the whole CSBSJU group dancing away to Party Rock and Waka Waka. It was so much fun! We all said goodbye to Jean and the girls, each other and to our CYA friends (I am proud to say no tears). 

Last night in Athens! 

Then it was final packing, showering, and resting. It will be a looooong flight home tomorrow!