Exploring the Greeks

I had a more 'Greek' weekend the past couple of days. Working with refugees doesn't give you the chance to learn a ton about the Greeks, but that's what going out to eat is for!

After tea house on Saturday I rode home with my friend Abigail (from Tennessee) who is staying with the Holdsambeck's, a missionary couple working with Entrust. We went out to eat at very Greek family restaurant and got the whole experience. During the summer, Greeks don't eat until around 10:00 at night, so leaving at 9:30 meant we were the first ones there. After ordering a dish of a variety of delicious food, a wedding reception joined us! Complete with firework candles on the cake, loads of champagne and flaming fish, the dancing then began. There was live music...two men playing guitar, singing (not as beautiful as their playing) and smoking a cigarette all at the same time. It's customary for each guest at the wedding to lead a train of a traditional Greek dance...a simple two step grapevine. If the leader leads well, they will pour you a glass of champagne. So much fun!

The next day (Sunday) was Abigail's birthday so we packed a lunch and headed to the beach. Greek beaches, at least off the mainland, aren't the white sand you'd picture in the Caribbean or otherwise (oh, the days of Magen's Bay, sigh). Basically, there are no garbage cans so you lay in sand full of baby diapers, cigarette butts, beer cans and rocks then walk through dried seaweed and tiptoe through large stones before reaching what is very beautiful blue water. The sun is wonderful and makes up for a beach that needs a makeover. After the beach we got some amazing ice cream/gelato. I ordered chocolate banana on a waffle. Delicious.

This weekend was good and I'm looking forward to my third week here in Athens. We've got kid's camp on Friday...the kids were thrilled to get their invitation which makes me very excited. I'm getting the hang of things and always look forward to a day spent at the ARC. Please pray for my continued perseverance and motivation! And thanks again for all your support! And pray for cool evenings...the days are still roasting! :)