CYA – Page 2 – GW Blogs from Abroad

Rome wasn’t built in a day

AdminFebruary 13, 2017December 14, 2018

Here's a fun fact for you: Rome wasn't built in a day, but I saw it in one. Okay, well two. One of the many perks of studying abroad in Europe is the close proximity of other countries. For example, my flight to Rome took only two hours and cost about 60 euros round trip.

60 euros!!!

It was an opportunity I couldn't miss. So when a few people in my program brought up the idea of taking a weekend trip to Rome, I immediately hopped on board. And I'm so thankful I did because the Eternal City stole my heart (and budget).

Thursday night was filled with bubbling excitement and strategic packing. Our flight left at 9:15 pm- which meant there would still be enough time to explore the city at night. Which is exactly what we did.

We randomly strolled through the cobblestoned streets and under tall palm trees when I noticed a familiar face on the other side of the street. He was another GW student named Lucas. My mouth dropped as we waved at each other and spoke about our semesters and mutual friends and random chances. He spoke about a few places we should visit and then we said our goodbyes.

But not ten minutes later I ran into another friend, Audrey. We screamed girlish screams and hugged a lot until I had to leave with my other friends. I'm currently 5,000 miles away from GW on the other side of the world and yet it's just so small.

...continue reading "Rome wasn’t built in a day"

Meet Chris

AdminFebruary 6, 2017December 14, 2018

By emilycreighton

It has become extremely evident that Greeks are extraordinarily welcoming and friendly. In every bakery and cafe I enter, I receive a free pastry or drink or some other traditional Greek food. The giver eagerly waits for me to taste the new delectable dish- smiling the entire time.

I must admit there hasn't been a single thing I haven't liked. From the 2 euro souvlaki (gyro for you Americans) to homemade tzatziki to baklava- the list is endless. But it's not the food that unveils the iridescence of Greek culture, it's the willingness to give and chat and make friends with a stranger.

Take Chris, for example.

My friends and I met Chris at a local restaurant a few nights ago. He was out waiter- our extremely friendly waiter. After chatting for several minutes we learned some things about him.

...continue reading "Meet Chris"

I’m from….Canada?

AdminJanuary 27, 2017December 14, 2018

By emilycreighton

When telling people about my study abroad plans, without fail, someone would always say, "Make sure you tell them you're from Canada."

I nodded and laughed but dismissed the thought in my mind.

But when strolling through the Athenian streets or trying to purchase something from the grocery store or even attempting to read a sign- I feel like a huge burden. I'm learning a little Greek- just the basics. But let's be real for a second...how annoying would it be for some random tourist coming into your shop not speaking your language, not familiar with your money expecting service?

This experience is all the more reason to fully immerse myself in Greece. I want to learn the language and the culture. I want to stop being a tourist.

On Tuesday night I learned how to say 'what's your name?' For those curious, it's 'Πώς σας λένε;' pronounced pos se lene. I decided to try it out on the grocer who lives down the street from me. I spoke English with my friend as we entered but when we got to the cash register I tried to speak Greek. The complete visible difference in the man's face was incredible. He perked up; he smiled. He served us with a totally different attitude than when we entered the store.

...continue reading "I’m from….Canada?"

Five hours left

AdminJanuary 26, 2017December 14, 2018

By emilycreighton

Well, this is it. I have five hours before my flight to Greece. Two hours before I leave for the airport. And every single minute freaking out. When I looked around my bedroom after sealing the final zipper there is one and only one thing left to do- make my bed.

But instead I crawled under the covers and wrote this blog post. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to feel exactly. Everyone keeps asking me if I'm excited (and of course I am) but all I can think about is the language I don't know, the people I don't know, the holidays and weekends I'll miss spending time with my family. It's very- overwhelming.

Not to mention the horrible week I had before my departure. Let's just say it included Norovirus and a sprained ankle- I'll save you the gory details. But I just kept thinking, "Don't they say if the play has a bad dress rehearsal, the opening night will be perfect?" That's how I'm hoping my semester abroad goes.

...continue reading "Five hours left"