GREECE!

I arrived in Athens and realized right away how much I disliked not knowing a single word of the language. I felt bad speaking completely in English, but there really wasn't much I could do about it. I made my way into the city from the airport, but had a hard time finding my hostel. I hadn't written down directions from the subway because I thought a map would suffice. However, my hostel was too far north from the center of the city to be on the map! I finally got there using my iPhone. It was getting dark by the time I got settled, so I only ventured out to the grocery store to get my dinner. I didn't feel like getting lost alone in a city I didn't know. The next day I spent 7 straight hours outside walking around the ancient ruins. I found out afterwards that it was about 93 degrees. I drank more water than I have this entire trip! The Acropolis was amazing. You could see the entire city circling it. In the Ancient Agora I made friends with a tortoise and then ate my apple while looking at the ruins. I lead a pretty interesting life, I must say. On the way home I did some shopping in a nice, air-conditioned store.
The next day I went to the archaeological museum. They had some amazing things. One of the rooms had artifacts from 2500-2300 BC! The Greeks have been producing beautiful art for longer than I had imagined possible. After getting my fill of ancient culture for the day, I went out to get some from the modern Greece. I went to a leather sandal-maker and bought a pair that I love. While I was there, a woman bought 7 pairs! And they aren't exactly cheap! I also found an english bookstore. I bougt Robinson Crusoe because I too was on a solo adventure which at one point involved a boat. Being alone in a foreign country wasn't as strange as I had anticipated. I didn't feel sad or alone at all. The only thing that was different was that I didn't feel safe being by myself after dark. I'm glad I decided to go despite my reservations.

Athens, Greece