My ferry, waiting to leave. I never quite realize just how big they are til I look at the semis that look like little toys sitting there :~)
Sitting on a boat on my way to Lesvos, and realized I should probably get a little caught up on blogs. First things first...I'm going to Lesvos. Yeah...I suppose I could have written about that before actually leaving...
Leaving just at Sunset. Wish we'd left a little earlier. By the time we started out, sunset was nearly over.
It was up in the air a bit whether I was going to go at all, due to the Turkey-EU deal that you've probably heard about. Though, if you're in the States, there's no guarantee that you've heard about it, because if it's not about politicians, the news stations don't seem to think it's important. Good thing the rest of the world goes on hold while the US has our elections...
Ok...Sarcasm aside...
One of the groups I have been talking to was still looking for volunteers. Actually, there are still several groups in need of volunteers, but this is the group I'd connected with previously. They're in the midst of converting a hotel to a shelter, and need help with that. According to their facebook page, a lot of volunteers left with the announcement of the Turkey-EU deal, but there is still work to be done. Who knows what will happen when I'm there. I've given up planning (in case you couldn't tell from my trip so far...).
Blue Star ferries
The plan is to type a few blogs, and then post them every couple of days when I don't feel like writing. Or don't have the time to write. However, there may be a slight glitch to that plan...I always forget how sleepy vehicles make me. Not so much cars, but airplanes, buses, trains...Boats are apparently included in that. Oh man...give me a hammock right now, and I'd be out in 2 minutes...
Ready for bed with Mr Greenfeather
It's funny, because as much as I've been ready to leave Athens these last few days (I like it, but it's too city...Too many people, so I feel like I always have to be paying attention), I had a bit of sadness upon actually getting ready to leave. Wandered around, took a ton of pictures, etc. I don't know why I felt so weird about it. I guess it happens with any place where you get comfortable. Which I was starting to do. I recognize places, and I can make my way around, often without a map. I can use the public transportation system, even when it's messed up and I have to find a new stop. I like it, though I don't think it's somewhere I'll be desperate to return to (though I may be back there for a few days at the end of the month, and a few more mid-June...).
A view of Athens a few hours before I left
Anyway, super duper sleepy, but I'm gonna work on some blogs. By the time you read this, I'll be on Lesvos (because I don't have internet on the ferry, so I can't post it til Lesvos...).
Trying to not lose my hood in the freezing cold wind this morning.
I love art. Well, I love art that appeals to me. I know nothing about art. I visited a few art museums while I was in Australia, and it basically made no sense to me.
But I like to find random paintings and whatnot. I was super excited to find a bunch of original paintings at Salvation Army one night. One day, I am going to have to live in a house with a lot of wall space so that I have room for all of the art that I have. I guess I could just have the walls of my tiny home covered with art. That would work :~)
Anyway, on that topic, I was near the Acropolis today, and there was an artist there with a variety of his paintings. There was one that I really liked, but I was debating because of the price. It was actually pretty fairly priced for a piece of art, but bear in mind, a lot of the art I own came from Salvation Army or garage sales, and therefore, has been really inexpensive. I looked at it for a little while, and almost walked away, but knew it was something I wanted. So I bought it.
The artist was so happy to sell me the painting. He excitedly offered to write my name on the back in Greek, then wrote the date as well. He was explaining the different bird paintings, and how one kind cost more because the birds were more plump, and it takes so much more work to get the rounded shape. He talked about the type of paint used.
Then a woman came from the apartments behind him, and started talking to me about what a spectacular painter he is, and how good it was that I was buying a painting from him. She told me about her apartment, and that she is happy with a small apartment, because she wanted a view of the "eternal beauty" (meaning the Acropolis, which is directly in front of her apartment). I said that I was jealous of her view, and she said it was ok, because I am a person who has to keep moving around. I thought that was an interesting way to look at it. You can handle a place with a ho-hum view or whatever when you know that you won't be there long. But when you plan to remain somewhere, you want beauty, and a place that will bring you joy.
I walked away with my painting, thinking that I got so much more for my money than just a painting (though I love the painting, and would have been happy with just it). Those random experiences that you don't expect are what make life fun.
Some of you are probably wondering why on earth I don't seem to be doing much here in Athens. Aside from taking pictures of cats...Yeah...I wonder that too. It has been a little disappointing to find that there are a lot of challenges with volunteering. Mostly due to people wanting to hold on too tight to their programs. I understand that you start something, and you want to be sure that it goes well, but sometimes, holding on too tight can prevent good from happening. I've seen this way too much in recent years. And now I've experienced it on 3 continents.
I'm usually excited to say, "oh, I've done so-and-so on 3 different continents." For example, I've ridden horses on 3 continents (hopefully 4 after this trip...). I've taken Les Mis to 5 continents (so far only lost it on one, but I got it back...). Things like that, that aren't really that major, but are kinda fun to keep track of.
But this whole thing of dealing with egos on multiple continents is not so cool. It really sucks to be poised to do something, and have someone throw a monkey wrench into the whole thing because they don't want to let go of it.
So I am still trying to get some things moving. I want to do good while I am here, and I want to do good with the groups I came to work with. But while I am waiting for things to happen (because we're just waiting now, for the permits to come in and whatnot), I am going to enjoy being in Greece.
First day in Greece. And yes, it was very eventful. Started out sleeping in a bit. Not all that long though, all things considered. That's one good thing about having a random sleep schedule...it isn't as hard to get on a new schedule. It's weird, because I still deal with jet lag, and the exhaustion from that, but not so much the problem of being away at 4 am. How can it be a problem when that it's pretty normal for me?
I had a meeting with the people of the Melissa network at 4, so decided to explore a bit before that. The Acropolis is in the complete opposite direction, but didn't seem too far. However, I was not counting on the fact that many streets don't have signs visible, and often, the signs that are there are only in Greek. I would say that, even with a map (yes, I have learned to read a map. Kind of. For those of you who know my previous map reading skills, kind of is a huge deal for me.) I would say that I only spent about 70% of my time having no idea where the heck I was. Though, I was pretty sure the whole time that I was still in Athens. And I managed to make it to my meeting only 10 minutes late, despite the fact that I had hardly any idea where I was going.
We were discussing all of the knitting plans, and I happened to mention my background with jewelry design, and teaching jewelry making in India. That got some attention. It turns out that the Melissa Network has a small grant to start a program like that, but didn't have anyone to get it started. So here we are. I can source the materials, and I know how to teach jewelry making.
So I was dropped of in Omonia Square, and told to just look down side streets to see if I could find wholesale shops where I could get an idea on prices. And I found quite a few that looked promising. The prices are pretty high compared to shops in India, but going by Greek prices, they seem reasonable.
That was an interesting turn of events. I was not planning to do anything of the sort, but that's how it happened...Kind of the story of my life. I had no plans to do anything with jewelry when I was in India either...
I spent the rest of the evening wandering around over by the Acropolis. There are so many cats here. They even have postcards and t-shirts and whatnot talking about all of the cats of Greece. So there I was, literally in the shadow of the Acropolis, taking pictures of cats. Yeah...
On my way back, I got totally turned around. Got very annoyed with myself that I couldn't find my way, then realized it is only my first day, and I need to just chill and give myself a little time to figure out the town. Still managed to get back without asking for help or hiring a taxi. I'm gradually learning to read a map :~)
Since it's now my 3rd day, I suppose I should post this. I'll try to get something more detailed posted soon.
Not the best photo, but I was in the 2nd seat in the middle row (so there were 3 seats and and aisle between the window and me...This was my first look at Istanbul.
Writing this in the Istanbul airport, though, due to sucky internet, it won't be posted til sometime in Greece. 10 hours and 10 minutes from Chicago to Istanbul. And that was after we sat there for half an hour, waiting while they dealt with technical issues with the plane's toilets. Not something you want to lose on a 10 hr flight... Though...better to lose toilets than wings...it's all about perspective. The trip has been fairly uneventful. The highlight was sampling Turkish Delight at one of the gift shops, and internally debating whether I'd sell out my siblings for it. Steve I would. Heck...I'd sell him for a stale tootsie role. Carla...yeah, for the most part I wouldn't, but there was one flavour that might make me at least think twice :~)
Started the flight sitting between 2 Pakistani men. They kept talking over me, and the one seemed to be spoiling for a fight. Kept gesturing in my face (gesturing at the other guy, but nearly slapping me...) til I put a hand up to block him. Luckily, he moved soon after, and it was an old Pakistani lady on one side, then me, an empty seat, and then her husband. Guess they both wanted aisle seats. They kept taking over me, but as I could only understand maybe one word in ten, it was easy to block out. They did chat with me a little, and they apologized for talking over me, but I told them it was like watching a tennis match, so I didn't mind. Second leg of the trip (this part I am typing in the hostel before going to sleep...) was pretty easy. Though really, I am of the opinion that if you're gonna go through all of the hassle of getting on the plane, you may as well be on there longer than 50 minutes. So I watched half a movie.
Then I had to decide if I was going to do a taxi or the metro. Taxi is, of course, easier. But it is also a lot more expensive. So I took the metro. It was nice, because I had about 40 minutes on one train, then switched to another, and that was it. I didn't have 50 changes. And I kinda felt like I'd accomplished something :~) Of course, I also felt like the people on the Metro thought I was crazy with my bags. Already had someone ask about my amount of luggage. They don't think I'm so crazy when they find out that the one bag is donations, and I will be leaving it behind. And I will be so glad to be rid of it. It's a pain in the butt. But I am here. I'm gonna go to sleep, because even though my body is saying it's nearly 5 pm, my watch says it's nearly 1 am. And I have not slept much at all over the last few days. So there will of course be more later. Stay tuned :~)
I still don't feel like I'm in Greece. Maybe after I sleep and when I start exploring in the daylight :~)
Don't worry...My life isn't that bad...I chose that as the title for my adventures in Greece, because I love the movie, and it's about Greece. If you haven't seen it, check it out. Honestly, I'd probably jump off of a bridge if I was stuck with that group, but it's a fun movie :~)
I leave tomorrow. In less than 24 hrs, I will be in the air, on the way to Athens. Probably thinking, "Oh crap...I forgot my toothpaste." or some such thing. It happens...
Sitting with Marius right now, listening to someone walking across our roof. Not sure who, but Marius doesn't seem too concerned. My hero...
I've been stressing a little today, doing last minute stuff. My jerk of a host on couchsurfing canceled on me, so I guess I'll be doing airbnb to find a cheap place to stay. The hazards of travelling on a budget :~) At least I don't have to deal with someone who is willing to host me and a cat this time...that was a challenge. Though I wouldn't give Marius up for easier to find lodging.
I just got a bunch of yarn and needles donated today. It went from 'yeah...I'm gonna be able to teach 1 person to make one scarf" to "oh my good gracious, how am I going to pack all of this?" Not a bad problem to have...
I also started packing my own stuff today. That's right...STARTED. I've always been bad about packing in a decent time frame, and it's grown worse. I can't imagine what it'll be like in 20 years :~) Maybe I'll be wealthy by then, and I'll just hire someone to take care of my packing. Stop laughing...I can dream...
I've been in touch a little but today with the group I'll be working with in Athens, but I don't have any details from them. I'm supposed to meet with them when I arrive to sort everything, but I'm not really sure where they are located. This could be interesting. Maybe one day I will actually plan a trip a bit more ahead of time. But, seeing as I bought my ticket about 3 1/2 weeks ago...yeah, I probably won't start planning ahead. I mean, look at what happened to my parents when they tried to plan ahead... :~)
I'll be trying to update as often as I can, but I have no clue what sort of internet I'll have. Feel free to email me, or send messages or whatever. I'll do my best to answer in a timely fashion. And hopefully my updates will be a little less rambly than this. No guarantees though.
If you know of anyone who may be interested in supporting this venture, my youcaring page will still be active. Feel free to share it.
This is a list of 12 songs I have been loving a lot lately. They're not in any particular order, and there's a good chance that if I would post another of these in 6 months, a lot of the songs would be different. I tend to listen to certain songs a lot for a few months, then move on to other songs. Thought I'd share what's been stuck in my brain lately. Hope you enjoy.
I'm not going into the meaning of any of the songs, or really even explaining the genre that they are. I am just showing songs that I like, and a little bit about why I like them. If you think they sound appealing, give them a listen.
Also...Pretty sure all of the songs and videos are clean, but I am not promising anything...
Jurassic Park End Credits, by Peter Hollens
You'll see a lot of Peter Hollens in this list. His videos are fun to watch, and I love the sound of his voice. This is really a fun one, and one I've been listening to a lot lately.
Don't Fear the Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult
This is one that was played on Supernatural. I already knew it, but started listening to it more, and I really like it for whatever reason. It's a fun song.
Zelda Medley by Lindsey Sterling
I played Zelda a little bit when I was younger, but wasn't much of a fan. I couldn't get very far. So the music definitely doesn't bring back childhood memories. But it's pretty anyway.
Into the West by Peter Hollens
This one is from Lord of the Rings. A little depressing, and when it popped up on my playlist the day we were taking Shadow to be put down, it made me bawl. But it is a beautiful song. And, while sad, is not depressing.
The Sound of Silence by Disturbed
Mom just showed me this song a few days ago. I like the original, and this one is even better. The guy singing is a little creepy, but that's ok. The video is cool, and the song is even better.
Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
This isn't the full song, but this video amuses me, and you probably are familiar with the song anyway. It's another one of those that I've kinda known for a while, but have been listening to more lately. I always tell myself that I need to find the lyrics and actually learn them, but then I don't. So the song ends up, "Lala lalala la laaaaaa...of the tiger!"
Battle on the Tower by Alan Menken
I love all of the Beauty and the Beast music. And the movie...But this song has been a favourite lately. It's one of the more intense songs in the soundtrack, but really, I like them all. Aside from those made for the remake. Just stick with the originals :~)
The Leaper by Deas Vail
Not usually a fan of guys trying to sing high. But for whatever reason, this band makes it sound good. I was listening to The Leaper this summer when I got my first speeding ticket, and I was worried the negative experience would ruin it. But it is so good that I still love it, in spite of everything else.
My Love Has Gone Across the Sea by Andrew and Skye Peterson
This is a song from the book The Monster in the Hollows, from The Wingfeather Saga. Andrew Peterson, the author, and his daughter Skye did this song together, and it is so good. That kid can sing...Another sad song...Are we sensing a theme?
Star Wars Medley by Peter Hollens and Lindsey Sterling
Another theme of this list? Peter Hollens. Along with Lindsey Sterling this time. These two should team up all the time. If you like this, look up the Skyrim theme done by Peter and Lindsey (there's a freebie for you :~) )
Dance With Dragons by BrunuhVille
Found this one super randomly while looking up medieval music. And I love it. It's a high-energy, fun song. No clue what it's actually from, but I don't really care.
I'll Make a Man Out of You from Mulan
Used to listen to this all the time in India while driving my motorcycle with Marius riding along. Pretty sure he hated it...But I loved it. And still do. It's fun to try to do all of the different voices :~)
