Procession

Yesterday there was a procession for the Head of the Greek Orthodox church. It was quite a moving ceremony. After walking past the Olympic Stadium (used in the 1989 Games) we arrived on the main street where the procession was occurring. Near the front of the procession a band was playing. The song played set the tone for the 2-3 battalions of solders that followed; the atmosphere was somber but not depressing. After the soldiers passed, 3 more large groups of orthodox priests passed. You would think that they would be the ones that would show the most respect, but surprisingly they were the ones that seemed to be the most distracted today - during the parade we saw one priest answer his cell phone and later we saw many priests at restaurants having a good time. Following the priests, came the coffin containing the fallen minister. It was located on a trailer that was pulled by a military truck that held 15 or so seated soldiers. While passing the crowd began clapping; it was a really moving experience.



After the procession ended a group of us headed to the Plaka, or the Greek tourist area. Under the impression that the Plaka would be an area where we would best fit in, we were suddenly barraged by restaurant owners as we passed their tavernas. The experience made me feel as though I was back in Tijuana. We decided to settle for some tourist-type greek food (psudo-gyros filled with chicken) and quickly headed back to our apartments.

After a brief nap in an-open air room located on the top of the center, a different group of us headed to the top of Laktivos (sp) hill. The hill is the highest point in the center of Athens and at the top there is a beautiful white church. After a grueling 45 minute hike filled with steep inclines and stairs, we reached the top. Planning on staying until sunset, we took pictures and waited in the cold for the sun to fall. Someone on the trip brought wine so shouting, "Yakas" (cheers in Greek), we toasted to the sunset.



We soon left the hilltop and headed back down to our apartments. On our way down we again saw the changing of the guards outside of some government building. It's a beautiful little dance they do, but I'm not going to lie, it's somewhat intimidating. Although the guards wear skirts that make them appear to being wearing costumes, I was blocking their exit path when they were trying to leave. Generally greeks don't make eye contact with you, but the eyes of these soldiers definitely let me know I was in there way. I promptly scurried off of their path and trekked back to my palace of safety.

Later in the night we ate at Murphy's. My friends and I enjoyed this restaurant because it lets you point at the food (located under heat lamps behind a glass case) before you order it. This way there are no surprises. We had an authentic greek dinner (meaning that it lasted for a good 3 hours of delicious food and interesting conversation among friends) and headed back to our apartments.

Tomorrow I have to get my TB test-shot checked and I leave for a school-sponsored group weekend in Filolow. Filolow is a town that is located on the coast, so I plan on eating some delicious seafood.

I still haven't found out why those bells were ringing (they continued to ring today), but I'll let you know asap; I'm thinking they're coming from the church (below).



I am slowly adjusting to the culture. The greeks are very accommodating and they make it far to easy to speak english with them when I'm tring to speak greek! The dollar-euro conversion rate is also really annoying! Never have I been so cost consciouses - I feel like I'm bleeding money!

I hope everything is going well with all of you. More stories to follow!