These days, when I’m not busy recalibrating my circadian rhythm, I’ve been spending my time missing Athens in every way. I miss my dear friends, the weather, the Acropolis, and the Greek people. I have spent time thinking about how the semester has shaped my views and my temperament, and what characteristics I adopted there that will inevitably carry over here (sitting at restaurants for four straight hours is the first that comes to mind…). At home I’ve been enjoying many unexpected things, including understanding conversations around me, going outside without shoes on, and regularly eating chocolate chip cookies.
One of the biggest challenges I faced in my last days in Athens was mastering the art of saying goodbye; it is certainly not something at which I excel. I did my best, by spending my last few days with friends I had made throughout the semester at places we learned to love along the way. I went to my favorite cafe for iced coffee with my roommate, visited a favorite restaurant with my neighbors, and had one last spinach pie with my field trip buddies.
There were many tears at the end, as I said goodbye to friends from California, Oregon, and, oh yeah, Greece, whom I will not see again for some time. I don’t feel I can prescribe any advice on how to properly say goodbye, as I am still saying it even now. But I will give you the advice I received from my roommate Kalya when I texted her in a frenzy when I noticed one of my friends on the verge of tears, (okay actually I do have some advice: Don’t be on your phone when one of your friends is on the verge of tears…). Anyway, Kalya said, “Uh oh. Madison it’s okay. Be emotional. Feel feelings in your goodbye!” So there you have it folks, the best advice I can give, for now.
So to Greece I say, one last time, Goodbye, see you later. I will miss your laid back attitude, your bluest sea, and your blazing sun. And to Michigan I say Hello! I have missed your greenery, your familiarity, and your wide open spaces.
Until next time, Greece! And to you, my faithful reader! Αντίο!