Hyrda and the Hospital - not the same day.

...I apologize for the lack of blogs first and foremost. I know that all of you have been losing sleep over it - wondering where I am, what I'm doing, and having withdrawals from my excellent sense of humor. To be honest, however, I haven't had much to say. School, I have learned, is the same boring concept regardless if you're in one of the most beautiful places on Earth or not. So, consider this post a present to you in that I will not be blogging about my past two weeks of school, home, pool... rinse, lather, repeat. Rough life, huh?

RATHER... I will be telling you about two recent excursions that were ... interesting, to say the least.

First, Hydra Island. Deree (my school here in Aghia Paraskevi - in case I didn't mention that earlier) sponsors 1 day weekend trips for the study abroad students. This past Saturday was our first trip to Hydra. We took a nice little ferry ride to the island and by nice I mean slight motion sickness on my part - great. The hour 1/2, however, went by fairly quickly compliments of a cat nap and Ms. iPod. We stepped off the ferry and all of our eyes looked like 4 year old children seeing their Christmas presents under the tree. Hydra confirmed all my reasons for why I chose to study in Greece. To say the view was breathtaking is an understatement... you know exactly what I'm talking about - everyone has been somewhere, taken pictures, came home and realize they do no justice for what you saw. Hydra is indescribable beauty at it's finest - how can anyone doubt that there is a God when you see a place like this? The Aegean Sea is so blue you can truly see to the bottom. Transportation comes in 1 form and 1 form only - donkeys. Life here just seems simpler.



View after we got off the ferry







Hydra's version of bell-hops, cars, etc.



After a quick tour/ historical background session (zzzzz) we were left up to our own devices. We collectively had one goal in mind - FIND THE BEACH. However, slick-as-snot- rocks protruding some not-so-smooth edges down a large hill and several Europeans sporting Speedos and/or no bathing suit tops was not exactly what I had envisioned a "beach" on a beautiful island to look like. However, I commandeered someones camera and embraced the beautiful view. Successful trip to the beach overall. 

Before lunch we took it upon ourselves to be real tourist and explore the island. I found the cutest lil Greek man and his wife selling beautiful, authentic (or so they say) jewelry - and was easily swooned into making a purchase. Thanks Mom for the love of shopping and the lack of self-control for a good bargain. We wandered the streets taking in all the scenery for a few hours - wondering how I could afford to retire here...maybe I should graduate, get a job, & THEN think about this stuff. A girl can dream, right?

--here are some photos from our exploration of the island... the number of pictures may be an overkill, but hey I'm in Greece you CAN'T take too many pictures.

  

My roommates and I.
Jessica, Me, Janine, Alicia, & Jessi



Hydra has been one of my favorite things I have been able to do thus far. We all describe this experience (study abroad in general) as our semester vacation. It doesn't seem right that we are going to school and getting to experience all of these things! I'm truly blessed.

Experience #2 - the Hospital.

Drop the paper bags, no hyperventilating.. I was not in the hospital for life-threatening reasons - with the exception of the slight anxiety attack and brief crying session. In order to "live" in Greece you must obtain a student visa. However, these are only valid for 90 days..we are staying 106 - cut us slack government, jeeze. Anyway, we have to get a resident permit as to not be deported so we are going through that process at the moment. It is required of us to get a chest x-ray and a TB shot/test for health approval in the country - does my doctor's note not clarify enough that I am in good health? Redundant? I think so. 

So here I am coming off my Hydra high and our study abroad advisor tells us that my roommates and I will be gracing the hospital a beautiful Monday morning visit - fan-freakin'-tastic. Exactly how I wanted to start my week. How did you know? So Monday arrives and we all head to the cluster-f*** of a hospital. It's like a freakin' carnival in this place. Free-for-all is the best descriptor that comes to mind. In the hospital there are people everyone where - most seem to just be wandering or sitting like they have nothing better to do. George (our study abroad advisor) tells us that people have to make appointments weeks in advance! However, this place is far from organized - it leans heavier on the side of dysfunctional and chaotic. So anyway, there are random rooms/ what look to be offices that random "Dr.'s" will be posted up in. Regardless of how many people are in the waiting room or if there is an absurd line of people outside the door - people will just walk up, knock on the door, and waltz on in. Maybe the method to the madness would make more sense if I spoke Greek. Seeing as how I don't, however, I am just going to say that this place was outrageous. Sorry if this section of my blog was a slight bore, but this was an adventure worth noting.

Another fun tid-bit about my life. I will be leaving this Friday night to spend the weekend in Santorini...think white houses, blue roofs, & Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - then go ahead a be jealous :) I will be sure to share all the details of this trip with you. No worries - you will be able to live vicariously through me! Tid-bit 2 - it's official I will be spending Halloween weekend in Paris, France. I will have my first experience staying in a hostel and at trying my mediocre French speaking skills. I'm ECSTATIC!! Last tid-bit I will be spending the Thanksgiving holiday in Rome! AHHHH I plan to have the best pasta coma Thanksgiving feast of my life :) Many many many many pictures will be taken here as well.

You are now up-to-date on my life abroad. I hope you are enjoying reading about my experiences. Keep checking in - each day's a new day.

Ο Θεός είναι αγάπη - God is love.

Till next time,
     Taylar.