The last two weeks have flown by so quickly that I have not really had a moment to sit down and think about how to explain what has been happening. I know that I am one of the fortunate few who have this amazing oppurtunity and so to reveal a bit about current happenings on this side of the world here it goes...
This past week Bachelor's students have been arriving and began classes on Monday. As simple as that sounds let me first explain the circumstances. This past year Aliki Perrotis, the wife of the founder of the college, donated 5 million dollars so that the college could build a much needed residence hall. After a few snags during construction (such as finding remains of the wall constructed by Alexander the Great around the 5th century- no biggie) the contractor had the date for the building to be built and fully functional by the 22nd of August. So by the 25th college housing (my boss and I) moved 48 students into their freshly painted brand hew home which is nicer than any residence hall I've ever seen or imagined... they have balconies overlooking the bay next to Thessaloniki! The downside is that this brand new building does not have blinds or curtains, hot water, wifi-for another 2 weeks at least, electricity NOT from a generator (which burns 1 tank of diesel every day), washers or dryers, and DOES have a whole crew of construction workers climbing atop the building beginning early every morning and staying until late in the night.
We have 30-40 more students arriving this weekend. I'm sure between the old students and new students and the construction workers (all of us from different countries) will have a splendid time communicating what must be done... it's gonna be a party (I've limited my use of sarcasm since this doesn't translate well but my use of it here will hopefully be understood). To reveal a bit about Greek construction and contractor standards let me tell you that in our beautiful 3 story residence hall complete with terrace over looking the Aegean Sea and a 200 person ampitheater door knobs have fallen off, paint is chipping off the walls, doors were installed incorrectly and will not lock, and water is leaking from a ceiling. The building isn't even complete yet and it has problems!!! Once it is complete without construction garbage in front of it I will post pictures... the architect really did a beautiful job.
At night we've begun our typical schedule. Dinner is at 8 pm and after around 9 or 10 begins gym time. Gym time can go late into the night and even into the morning hours. Futbol (like olive oil) is so distinctly prevelent in every action that futbol rules actually effect volleyball. Two nights ago as 12 of us played a fun and friendly game a guy kicked the ball over the net perfectly and got a point. As everyone else shrugged and brushed off this well scored action I stood in amazement with my jaw hanging open wondering how on earth that was allowed- even in a friendly pickup game. Last night as I sat next to another American (Matt) here from Montana we both watched more students playing and every 3rd hit of the ball was with their feet or heads. A different guy from the last actually managed to do a full flip to kick this ball and landed squarely on his back so that he could use his feet instead of his hands. I don't understand this infiltration of 'futbol' but it definetly makes a volleyball game more entertraining
...so the theme to these past couple weeks has been confusion. At least once I day I say out loud "I am so confused." This has really just become a typical part of my day and I think I've become pretty flexible. Basic amenities are nice but I've learned how to accept a lot and move past language barriers. Smiling is like the universal bandaid... if there is a problem simply smile and say "I need help." That has done the trick... haha so far.
Today I have begun my regular schedule. I will work in the mornings, have a few meeting peppered throughout my day, monitor lunch, help some students with essays they've written and fix their English, naptime (it's a Greek thing), coffee (again- a Greek thing), go on a nice run around campus while the sun is about to set and get in a good work out and vent all of my frustration and confusion, get a lovely cold shower- which makes my face not so red from a workout, then go to lunch and talk with students.
Yay for having a schedule eigh? Scheduled naptime and coffee time isn't to bad :) It's literally internationally enforced! If a construction worker is using a jack hammer during the hours of 3-5 pm he could be sued. Haha- many things are confusing but I love this country- not their construction but almost everything else.
Take care all you sweet American friends- schedule time in the afternoon for a 2 hour nap/coffee break... I think it's healhier and definetly relaxing.
So happy that you're starting to get settled into your schedule! I'm sure the confusion will ease up sooner than later. The older I get the more I like the idea of the afternoon nap. I just wish the phone wouldn't ring during that precious 45 minutes. Ha Ha We Americans are definitely not accustomed to "stopping to smell the roses!" We are entirely too consumed by the pursuit of the almighty dollar!
ReplyDeleteYou enjoy yourself, and try to keep finding time to keep the rest of us back home glued to your words. Although I'm sure that the week of the 22-30th, we won't hear much from you as you will be thoroughly busy with your visiting "tourist!!' Enjoy!