Eimai eva kalo paidi

So my final days in Athens drew to a close ten hours ago. Maura and Manos, in their infinite generosity, have tolerated my constant presence for about a week now. Not only was I welcomed into their home, but I was also fed in a very Greek fashion. mmmmm bugatsa

I said my goodbyes to the Family and received possibly one of the best comments ever. Katerina said, "Eisai eva kalo paidi." meaning "You are a good child." which Manos translated to "You're good peeps." Yiayia recognized me every time I stopped by. I gave her kisses on the cheeks, she shook my hand and smiled. As soon as I'm home, I'll hyperlink those photos to you.

I'll miss yiayia. She's a beautiful woman. I'll miss Rosa, who is the fastest worker I've ever encountered, only to be outdone by the speed of her Georgian (the language). I'll miss Katerina who never failed to make me feel welcome. I'll miss Adonis who practiced his English with the line, "Good morning girls" then reverted back to Greek for the rest of the day. He still owes me an autographed photo! I'll miss Maria who is one of the most independent Greek women I've met, dancing the zebekiko. I'll even miss Alex, especially because I never got to hear him yell, "Manolis! Manolis! (Get my hat)" to which Manos whispered to Maura, "Pretend you don't hear him." I'll miss Manos' endless supply of nicknames for me, two of which are: The Little One and Noelle Baggins. I'll miss Maura's advice and will always remember the look on her face when she burned rubber throughout Athens.

I was incredibly lucky to have stumbled upon the Kalaitzakis doorstep in January.

Thus ends another academic year

I am officially finished with classes. I must say that I quite enjoyed the course material even though the actual classes themselves could be a drag at times. I was most surprised by my Byzantine Art & Architecture class. Registering for this course, I had only the vaguest idea what I was signing up for. My knowledge of Byzantine history has improved exponentially (though still remedial at best) and my appreciation for the art of that period has as well. I not only learned about art, architecture, and history throughout this area of the world, but also acquired a better understanding of the Eastern Orthodox church.

1204 AD

That date is known universally in Greece. All orthodox members know this year and continue to carry a grudge against the "West" for sacking and looting Constantinople. It occurred after the Eastern patriarch hired mercenaries from Venice, yet failed to pay them. These Venetians took what was owed to them from The City in the form of relics, sacred objects, and anything portable. The Greek Orthodox have never forgiven the desecration of their beloved city. Even today, Istanbul is referred to as "Constantinople" on street signs, maps, and the monitors in the airport.

...and I'm back!

So, after experiencing Greek Easter and the beauty of Santorini, I'm back. However, I'm also in-the middle of finals, so there won't be any in depth posting until after Tuesday.