Orientation Commences

My Room In September

September 13th-15th: The three days we were in Thessaloníki before orientation, we were exploring, going to IKEA to set up my "apartment", etc. Just unpacking everything we brought from home took an entire day! It was intense, but the result was fabulous, if I do say so myself.
During those three days, I managed to meet most of the kids that live in Kalis Elpidos with me. I also discovered that I was the only freshman in the two buildings...good or bad thing, I still don't know (and it's mid-November when I'm typing this!).

September 16th: The day that Orientation started, Mom and Tucker headed off to see Delphi (spelled Δελφοί, pronounced Delfee). It was new sleeping away from Mom and Tucker, but, hey, I'm here to grow up, right? Gotta branch off at some point!

My Balcony When It's Warm Outside

Orientation is exactly the same, no matter where you go in the world - meet and greet, get to know the campus, what we'll allow you to/to not do, etc. At least I learned a little bit about the culture - for example: pouring wine only halfway to 3/4 of the cup is acceptable. A full cup makes you unclassy (because it looks like you're trying to get drunk and not to drink as part of a social event). People prefer you to, at the very least, try their language - it's not that difficult, from what I found going through "Survival Greek". Please and thank you will get you anywhere. Oh and never, NEVER accept a free drink if a Greek male offers it to you! He's essentially asking for sex.
The first night of orientation is really where I made my first friends - Tim, Jesse, Justin and Victoria. Justin, for helping me to adjust to the party environment (and giving me my first beer (Miller Light), even if it was nasty). Victoria, for making me relax a little, even though we were at a bar and I was SUPPOSED to be relaxed. Time and Jesse, for getting me out of the bar when it started to get crazy and proceeding to get lost with me. Hey, it was an adventure finding our way back - we even met a native Greek and had a conversation with her (with the limited Greek that we shared). Fun night!

September 17th: The second day of Orientation was practically a repeat of the first day. However, Friday, we went to IKEA and had an interesting time (although, having gone there earlier in the week, I more acted as an advisor - "Go to the end of the store. That's where you'll find the merchandise"). I learned about the VAT tax from Victoria (it's evil, trust me). The second night to party, we went to a nice restaurant and everyone had some type of alcohol - ouzo was a popular choice. It tastes horrible unless you like licorice.
Anyway, we had dinner, then some of us, including me, went to a Greek street-party. They gave us, in a sense, rubbing alcohol (ewwww). You're supposed to take small sips of it and eat cheese cubes (I found this out later from Amanda G). I found that I love rum refreshers, though (one of many "girly drinks"). By the end of the night, Tim, Amanda B. and I left early. We had a fun time finding our way back, just like the previous night (except without the bus ride). Amanda was drunk, so it made the situation funnier than it already was. I guess Lauren (my sister) was right about drunk people. Amusing, truly.