Musings of a Wanderlust

The statement is often said that nothing is accomplished without connections. This certainly was the case regarding my trip to Athens, Greece. One of my dear friends worked for an organization funded by the European Union that planned youth exchanges throughout Europe. Basically, it was 1-2 weeks with 3-5 teams from different countries, coming together to discuss relevant cultural topics, accented with games, intercultural food, tourist excursions, and team bonding activities. What does this = in lainey’s book? AMAZING!!!!! (Add to the fact that my friend finangled it so that I only paid 30% of trip costs!)

The vague and over-arching topic in Greece was immigration and second-country citizens, planned and hosted by a rehabilitation center and youth center in Athens. There were four countries represented: Greece, Hungary, Netherlands, and Italy. English was the program language, although I was the only native speaker there,  all speaking levels were represented. The Hungary team, comprised young adults of Norwegian, American, Ethiopian, and Romanian descent, rode in a cozy van for the 22 hour drive. We drove through Serbia, Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Greece while trying to entertain ourselves in any way possible. This included shenanigans at border crossings, lots of cookies and soda (with the occasional palinka shot thrown in there), reading, sleep, and karaoke. Border crossings provoked the boys into a flurry of teasing as my passport was always pulled to the side, being American and not in the European Union. They joked I was a spy, drug dealer, and a myriad of other titles.  I have to admit, though, karaoke at 3 AM was my favorite …… the mountains of Bulgaria flashing by while the guys sang in Hungarian at the TOP of their voices.

On arrival, the group set out on a mad, busy week of events. From early in the morning until the wee hours of the morning, there were programs and just general hanging out. Everything from workshops on stereotypes and how to make real Italian Tiramisu, immigration lectures, touring the Parthenon, Acropolis, and Sounio, wandering the streets of Athens, a music presentation, dancing, and sampling LOTS of Greek and ethnic food …….. it was chock full of cultural exploration, learning, and laughing. The entire program made me giddy with happines, which was the energy that fueled me through the crazy schedule. Unfortunately, a ‘bug’ swept its way through our ranks, so at any given point there were people down with illness. On the flip side, we were all well by the time we had to make our journey BACK to Hungary!

Athens is a very multicultural city, a fusion of East and West, with a lot of MiddleEastern influences. It had a deep underbelly beat, sparked by Greek vivacity and hospitality, with many entertainment options. The countryside, sprawling green hills framed by sparkling blue seas, outdoor verandas just waiting for a bottle of fresh wine and cheese, white rock — all fits the stereotypical image. I couldn’t get past the beating pulse of history EVERYWHERE I went . . . imagining stories and history and Greek mythology. It was wondrous! My favorite site was sounio, old temples of Poseidon and Athena set upon a rocky outcropping above the sea. I wandered among the ruins a LONG time, snapping photos, musing, and enjoying the beauty. Truly a dream come true.

Nations observing Parthenon ruins