The day to day...

Okay, so I haven't been as faithful to my blog updates as I should...so here goes. My schedule is as follows: 6:45 get up and go downstairs to eat breakfast 730 we leave to go to the apotheke 7:30 to 11:00 we work on our individual projects. I have been working on the database. I check the pot notes (the pottery specialists complete forms that describe the who, what, where, when, and why of a specific piece). I also spent time checking the excavation notes. My job is to make sure everything is entered correctly. 11:00 to 11:30 Callatazo (I know I misspelled that) we eat a snack of cheese and bread 11:30 to 3:30 work, work, work 3:45 lunch...the food is so good. A nice Greek woman cooks us lunch and dinner each day. Until 8:30 we often hang out by the sea at the little taverns there. Then dinner! Bedtime is usually around 11:30ish. Basically, it is whenever I get tired. That's the average day at Tragana. I've met and made some good friends from all over the globe. You will hear more in upcoming blogs!!!

Ok, so far I have had a hard time trying to get my luggage. Everything in Greece is very laid back or slow as some people might say. I arrived here on Thursday and won't be able to get my luggage until Monday. It's ok since the people I have been working with have been more than willingly to share their stuff with me. Ok, so the Greeks don't flush toilet paper. It doesn't matter what number you use you have to place it in a trashcan. It's kind of unpleasant. Today, Hannah and I hiked a mountain. It was so cool. We sat at the top and watched a herd of goats graze for a good 15 minutes. Last night we had the most delicious dinner. After we finished eating an appetizer, main course of cheese and meat and ice cream and great Greek wine, I only had to spend three euros. It was pretty darn awesome. At work that day, I spent my time cleaning excess dirt from shells. Why is this is this important? Well, based on the type and number of shells, we can determine what food people ate, if they used the shells as jewelry, or they had a dye industry. It was pretty darn cool. Since today was our day off, we went to a Greek tavern and tried to order and speak in Greek. The Greeks are so kind and patient. We probably butchered their language, but they appreciate that we tried. Lunch was awesome btw. We ate octopus and the Greek men bought us some of the local beer which was vey tasty!

Gearing up for Greece!!!

I realized today that I will be leaving for Greece in a week, and I still have a lot to do.  Including starting this blog!!!

The past couple of weeks have been a bit of a blur.  As soon as I finished work last Friday, I had to pack up my things and fly to Oregon for John and Cristin's wedding. (Insert Kermit the Frog Clap here :)  We had such a great time, and I am stoked that Cristin is now a member of the Kersey Clan.

Anyhoo, this trip gave me a practice run for my trek to Greece.  It had been awhile since I had flown, so this was quite a good warm up.  

(Note to self...take full advantage of in flight refreshments.  When traveling you are never quite sure when you will get to eat a real meal.)

So, back to getting ready for Greece.  I believe I have covered most of my bases.  I've registered with the U.S. Embassy in Greece, got my traveler's medical insurance, my passport is up to date, taken care of the bills...There are quite a few things to consider when you will be living in another country for 6 weeks!

The problem with packing for this trip is that I'm not 100% positive about what I need to bring.  Travel for a week?  Sure, I know what to bring in that case.  Live and work there?  Not so sure... The first thing I had to do was buy outdoor clothes.  I owe a lot to Andrea in this department.  She was kind enough to help me find the appropriate "apparel."  She also taught me some "common sense" things that never occurred to me.  For example, did you know that you can get a sunburn through your clothes?  I had no idea.    I don't do outdoor activities, so this was a whole new experience for me.  Also, I was quite shocked to say that there were some cute clothes to buy.  (You will see me modeling all of these fashions in upcoming photos).   

Other than that, it's just been a matter of assembling the little travel doodads and extra stuff that I will need to make my travels and living conditions much easier. 

Am I nervous?  You bet?  Am I excited?  Oh yeah!  

So, do you think I fit all of this, my clothes, shoes, and toiletries for 6 weeks in these two bags?  Sure I can!

I have been doing my homework.  I don't want to get over there and have no clue what's going on, so I've gotten out some history books and my notebook from my class on this stuff and have started studying.  Also, I'm trying to teach myself some Greek phrases.  So far, that's the most challenging part of this process!

Hektor and I had to sit down and have a long talk about my trip.  Needless to say, he is bummed that I'm going to be gone.  I'll miss him something awful too.  Little does he know, that he'll get to spend his time with Ali instead :)

I have to say that they hardest part is trying to get as much quality time in with my loved ones as I possibly can.  I know I won't be gone long, but I'll miss them all the same.   I'll make sure to write lots of postcards and hunt for souvenirs. :)

Well, folks that's it for now.   Until Greece!!!