School is in session...

I'm not gonna lie. Greece is hot! And I experienced it today as I dragged my two suitcases through the metro station and up the hill to the American School. So far, I've met and talked with a number of my classmates and we have already been on a couple exploring trips. A group of us walked around after lunch and planned to 'get lost', but I miraculously remembered exactly where everything was from my summer stay here six years ago. I navigated us to a little grocery store and to Koloniki Square, which is a little plaza in the middle of the business district of Athens. I must say, I'm pretty proud of myself. :) I know my way around pretty well... now if only I could speak modern Greek I'd be the best guide ever!

One of our first activities as a group was to walk up Likavitos Hill where we got to see all of the city of Athens from the view of this little church at the top. It was lovely (and sweaty... but I think I could add that remark to about everything I do here in Greece) - a nice treat to orient us on our first day of the program. It was so windy at the top, I almost got blown away. There is a fun little cafe there that I may have to go back and visit some other time. I've heard some people like to run up and down the hill to exercise, so if I'm ambitious...

The people here are nice and friendly and I've been really too busy doing so many things (mostly eating!) to feel too home sick. Tomorrow we start exploring the area around the Acropolis, so I am extremely excited. My next quest is to have a gyro! It's been a long time coming, so I can't wait!! Eating my first gyro in Athens this year is THE most important thing about this trip, so I'll be sure to keep you updated! ;)