This week was our midterm break, a chance for us to take time away from school and explore other parts of Greece. Two of my good friends and I went to Loutra Elenis, a small town outside of Corinth for a few nights. We spent out time between the infinity pool and the beach.
I then went back to Athens to spend the rest of the break with my family. My dad is from Greece so I have family here that I haven’t seen too much in my life. It was great to meet all of them, although I didn’t necessarily understand them talking. When I saw my dad in his natural element I realized all the cultural differences that I thought were just normal. First, they are much louder (at least the men). Sometimes it almost seems as if they’re shouting at each other, but really its just passionate speech. They talk very quick too, with dramatic hand gestures. It’s very communal. I think that’s one of the biggest differences in the US. I imagine the average Greek views his/her neighbor more affectionately than Americans do in the US. Going along with my dad to stores he would just become best friends with whoever owner he was talking to (although this may say more about my dad than Greeks).
As for the easter celebrations, on Friday there was this long procession:
Each church does one, and they march around the blocks and then meet up with other churches to form mega-processions. On Saturday there was a church service, that was very dark and almost horror-like:
Then everyone gathered outside of the church, each holding candles (that were all lit starting with the priests torches). They waited until 12 when the bells rang and fireworks went off. Then everyone starting kissing each other, as if the new year had just started. It was amazing to see such religious unity. All types of people, from all over the community gathered. The week then culminated with a delicious Greek easter meal with my friends and family:
Everything was great and my favorite dish was a Greek orange pie
Wonderful week with family and friends, looking forward to the trip next week!