Thanksgiving here at the school was surprisingly very festive. The American interns were invited to both the staff Thanksgiving lunch and the donor dinner. The two delicious meals consisted of the most unique stuffing with chestnuts I've ever tasted, yummy turkey and cranberry. Aside from being a world away from family and familiar faces it felt very much like home. It was nice to be able to speak to so many people in unbroken English but still Greek words could be heard.
This past weekend the Christmas festival took place in downtown Thessaloniki. An enormous Christmas tree was lit in Aristotle's square near the water. I never feel as foreign as I do when I stand surrounded by Greeks who speak primarily Greek but it was still really cool. Hearing Greek Christmas carols was a pretty cool feeling standing in the middle of so many native Greeks was really cool.
When we were (the American interns) weaved our way out of the crowd to leave for the night I saw three Greek guys trying to take a picture of themselves awkwardly using one arm outstretched. I asked if they needed help "do you want me to take a picture of you all?" After I watched these three Greek boys with their dark eyes look me up and down checking if I looked too sketch to hold their camera (I assume) one said "no thanks! we don't need help!" His tone completely explained the situation- they had no idea what I asked them. These little scenes happen pretty often when I am out and about exploring the city.
Right now I am sitting in my office (which is like a glass box) watching 6 greek girls wrap lights and beads around a Christmas tree. Between Mariah Carey echoing out of a laptop and the spurts of laughter some are directing where such tree decorations should be placed. It's sweet to see this event happen, even though it perfectly sums up what I think Greek culture is like. In this room next to my office (another giant glass room) there is a tv where 7 Greek boys are sprawled out on the couches intently watching the soccer game. While the girls actively work hard at making the building more Christmas-ey the boys are focused only on one thing- "futbol." While some of the girls get upset about the placement of ornaments the boys jump up and get upset about some call the referee made on tv. Understanding this about Greek (and I believe all of Balkan culture) is important. When walking by cafe's downtown the first time I didn't understand why on some nights all of life seemed to stop and on every tv anywhere I could see the same futbol game on. When I first applied for this internship my friend Gea who told me about it explained what Balkan culture is really like. "It is like the national sport is drinking coffee and watching soccer" she said. I thought this was just a joke but it is very true. I know this is foreign to hear coming from the United States but everything is just very very different. Some things about the culture are difficult to accept but I really believe this "xallarah" (chill or calm) attitude about life is really beneficial.
The tree outside my office now has blinking lights, is wrapped in green shiny garland and has garnet and gold ornaments hanging from its limbs... Merry Christmas y'all!
Garnet & Gold Ornaments !! How did they know?
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