Up the Mountain We Go

So Last night we got an email inviting us on a hike up a local mountain (heck yes!), but the catch is, we had to get up at 5 in the morning…that’s really early! Especially for someone who is still trying to get used to the 7 hour time change.

As a group we made the 5 mile hike up and down the mountain in just under 3 and a half hours! The first part of our trek upwards was easy peasy and mainly on paved road, but things started getting interesting the higher we got. We decided to no longer follow the road up the mountain, but instead we scaled up the side of it! It took us quite a while to get up the mountain and at times I had caught myself asking a typical traveling question, “Are we there yet?!” The best part of the hike up would have to be watching the sun come up and shine over Athens(so cool!). By the time we reached the top the sun was shining over the most breathtaking view of Athens. I would say we spent a good 30 minutes just in awe of the landscape (and relief that we finally made it to the top!). After taking many pictures (including silly ones), we started our descent. I was kind worried at first (walking downhill on a bunch of rocks isn’t easy), but it was actually one of my favorite parts of the hike (and I didn’t fall :P)

After arriving home and taking a nap (I did get up at 5 in the morning ya know), I was able to do some exploring with some other members of our group, Becca and Maddie. We originally planned on scoping out good bakery close by and then picking up some things at a local grocery store. Unfortunately when we got to our anticipated destination (the bakery) they were closing up. Like I mentioned before, in Greece most places close for a few hours every afternoon (and they don’t always reopen till the next day) because this is when they have what I sometimes refer to it as “designated nap time” (I wish I had one of those!) where everyone usually returns to their families to gather for lunch take a nap.

Since we were already out and about we decided to continue exploring and take a look around town. At times we would stumble upon some random stores that we went inside to check out, but we didn’t stay for long. It’s hard enough not to get approached while shopping in the US where you can easily tell them to go away, but it’s even more difficult when approached by someone who speaks a completely different language (this is where the confused/I have no idea what you’re saying face comes into handy).

When visiting the local grocery store I feel very out of my element. Everything feels kind of rushed and I feel as if I’m just in the way (possibly because it’s kind of obvious that I have no idea what I’m doing…).  So, I’m hoping with frequent visits and some shopping confidence, I will eventually get better at this and be able to go into the store with a smile instead of a worrisome face.

Overall I had a pretty awesome day, a 5 mile hike up a mountain with a mind blowing view, a nap, oh, and did I mention that we went out for ice cream?! I forgot to take my camera with me this time L, but! we found out that they have an ice cream happy hour from 7-8 every day soo, I definitely foresee another visit (make that plural) in the near future J (I got cookie flavored ice cream by the way…you would think that it would be similar to cookies and cream but it tastes more like a baked cookie, so just as good!). So for now, I’m a happy camper, in Greece, eatin some scrumptious ice cream!