Post-Study-Abroad-Culture-Shock-Syndrome

“In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on.” 
― Robert Frost

Pay close attention to the "real feel" temperature."

I've officially been home for one month now and it's been a whirlwind of transition. At this moment, as South Dakota's temperatures have met near record lows (note the "real feel" temperature in the photo to the left), I'm missing sunny Greece more than ever.

The month before leaving Greece, I started to get really hyped up about dealing with the post-abroad-culture-shock. I tried to prepare myself in every way possible: telling myself what it would be like, talking about it, scheduling future coffee dates with friends, researching coping strategies, and reading other blogs. But in the end, it was simultaneously smoother and more shocking than I could have expected.

On the one hand, South Dakota has been my home my entire life. My body knows what it is like to live here. The cold was not much of an adjustment for me. The culture here is everything I have grown up with. My first trip back to Walmart was just like my last trip to Walmart. Whatever. But on the other hand, everything has a slight different color. The taste in my mouth is off.

My second day home, I stopped at a friend's house for a cup of coffee and to see a couple people. Everyone was very sweet, asking me to teach them a few Greek words and what it was like being back. But it wasn't long until our faces became glued to a Facebook newsfeed. Conversation turned to everything I've missed since I've been gone. It suddenly overwhelmingly felt like I never went to Greece, but like I had rather been in a coma for 4 months. I began to grasp what this particular brand culture shock would be like and I actually started to cry a little bit. We didn't talk about it though - I couldn't unscramble what was going on in my head. The next day, I went home to my parent's house for Christmas where I got wrapped up in preparing for the holidays and didn't really touch the subject of Greece again. Every other coffee date following felt like an investigation on my part to discover what all had happened since I'd been in my abroad adventures/undead coma. My friends aren't the same and I'm not the same. I dyed my hair blonde to try mirror my internal changes. Probably a horrible decision on my part, but whatever. It could be a limb.

Family Christmas. :)
Me - Matt - Liz

I had my first day back at school today and though I'm super stoked to see my friends, there is a part of me that still feels a little lost. I keep wanting to ask people how their summer was - as though Fall semester at USF didn't happen. But it definitely happened. Without me. Which is ok. Probably the best and worst way in which I changed from my time in Greece was the realization of how incredibly small I am. In my perspective, in my endeavors, even in my size (if we're looking at like, the universe I mean). I say the "worst" not because it is a bad thing, but only because it is hard, you know - letting go of one's ego. Even though it's for the better. The only negative result is that I'm finding it a little more difficult to relate to people at the moment. But I'm sure that will pass soon, once everything gets back in full swing. My roommate tells me I'm much more mature than I used to be. Another friend said I'm much more "Zen." Perhaps the two go hand in hand.

Anna and I on our last plane home.

But I'm all settled in my new lovely little apartment in which I have a comfortable bed (FINALLY) and lots of personal space, kitchen utensils, and quiet time. After living out of a suitcase for three and a half months, I've been learning a lot more about how much we actually need. TIP: It's not a whole lot. And makes moving/cleaning/organizing much easier then it has been in the past. However, I'm still struggling to simplify my daily life quite as much. I forgot how scheduled everything in the States is! Even on days when I only have a couple of errands to run, the pressure of time still makes me grind my teeth and that "Zen" quality is slowly being chipped away. No idea why that is, but I've started doing Yoga. Thanks, America.

*twenty four hours later*

First day touring with University Singers and it was great! Though it was weird to walk around campus later and not be recognized or know who people were. Trust me - it's a very small school to not recognize others in... though I'm sure the new hair color doesn't help much. People assume I'm a transfer student. :) However, in general, things are going much more in the up and up. But I still think it's important to share what I wrote yesterday as a resource for what post-study-abroad-culture-shock-syndrome can feel like. TIP: I'm told the best way of coping is by writing about it and talking about it. Again, I thank you all so much for reading! Perhaps I'll get around to sharing my experiences from Turkey and Epidaurus someday - I really hope I do. But for now, I'm back in the theater and choir and preparing for KCACTF and the Spring Semester. Started a new book with my sibling book club and planning on going home to see my parents much more often this semester. Things are really looking quite good. :)

All my love,
Debbi

PS: My friend Mariah made a video collage of studying abroad from her perspective. She's got some gorgeous footage if you're interested!

London

“When it's three o'clock in New York, it's still 1938 in London.” 

― Bette Midler

Some of my friends from Midwest Ambassadors of Music
Zermatt, Switzerland 2007

The first (and only other) time I've been in London was on the 2007 Midwest Ambassadors of Music European Tour. Approximately 200 of we young musicians hit up seven European countries and performed in all sorts of spaces from gorgeous cathedrals, to serene parks, to town squares, to assembly halls. An incredible experience that has changed my life and for which I am eternally grateful. And London was our first stop. After the tour, despite everywhere we had gone and everything we had seen, my (to this day) best friend and I couldn't get London off our minds. We immediately began plans to spend a post-graduate year abroad together in London.  But as time went by and the real world became, well - real - this plan sort of faded away. The last few years, I couldn't even remember why we had made that plan anyway. What was so great about London?

BFF and I at Windsor Castle 2007

TRUST ME I REMEMBERED. 

Guys. I love London. I love the culture, I love the history, I love the theater, I love the accents, I love the public transportation, I LOVE THE ARCHITECTURE, I love the breakfast, I love tea time, I love the free art museums, I love the churches, I love the cider. I could totally live in London.

When all of the study abroad students first arrived in Athens, a major topic of conversation was heritage. Funny how important your ancestors become when you are outside of the States. I'm very German, a little Irish, a smidgen of Black Dutch, and am somehow related to some sort of royalty somewhere in the Whales. But I often find myself forgetting about those things, looking right back to the Mayflower, and thinking I'm English. 

Anyway. About our trip. A HUGE shout out and thank you to Anna's sister, Amy, who studied abroad in London a few years back and practically planned our entire tour for us. You're the best! We arrived in London late at night, and took a bus and a train from Luton Airport to Kings Cross Station where Anna and I wandered the area in search of our hostel. This is actually the first time we have had to stay in a real hostel. For some reason, I've always pictured hostels as looking something like the hospital room in Harry Potter, but more like a big gym-type room, several little beds, curtains around them...

Expectation...

Reality

Now, add the bags, garbage, and other various belongings of nine girls to the second image. Anna and I arrived at our new home well past midnight, trying our best to squeeze through the rubbish, unpack a little bit, and climb into the bunks making as little noise as possible. It was a place to sleep and occasionally shower (when I was feeling brave enough) and was super conveniently located. But, the few occasions we did spend time (again, squeezing) in the community room to use the internet, we had a fascinating opportunity to observe many other travelers from all over the world - Spain, France, Denmark, USA, Japan, etc. So cool! What was weird, however, was that it seemed like a lot of the residents never really left the building.... ever. Morning and night, the hostel was full of the same people eating, drinking, watching movies, sleeping, etc. I regret never getting a chance to ask anyone what they were up to in London in the first place - something I'll just have to be curious about.

Anyway. London is amazing. Right.

Day 1 (Saturday)
First thing in the morning (maybe 5 hours of sleep?) we grabbed some pb&j's (HEAVEN), purchased Oyster cards and hopped on the tube headed towards Covent Gardens to stand in line at Cambridge Theater for £5 student rush tickets to Matilda the Musical. TIP: If you're planning on spending a few days in London, buy an Oyster card for the tube. They cost £5 and are a super convenient way to get around. AND at the end of your stay, you can sell the Oyster card back! At the theater, we stood in line behind two girls who are studying abroad in Dublin. So fun to talk to them and compare experiences! One girl is from Pennsylvania and the other from Norway. Heritage played a big part in this conversation also as Anna is SUPER Norwegian. Did you know they have three more letters in their alphabet? After a two hour's freezing wait in line, we were extra lucky and got 2 of the last 3 tickets to that nights performance - with excellent seats. Thank you, God.

Then, we hopped back on the tube and headed to Victoria Station to meet my cousin Hillary! I haven't seen her in a few years - what a blessing.

FUN FACT: London is only one square mile. We spent most of the rest of our weekend walking. From Victoria, we headed up the road toward Buckingham Palace (you know... the Queen's house) where a huge crowd was beginning to gather. Have you heard of Group Psychology? It's a real thing. We had no idea what was going on, but thinking it MUST be cool, we joined the crowd. As more and more people began to join, we started to overhear many people asking the same questions we were thinking. Somehow, the rumor began and the group decided it MUST be that the Queen was going to do something. We got excited, and spent maybe 30 minutes in anticipation.

It was the changing of the guards. Every other day during the low season from 11:30-12, the guards parade from their barracks down the road and enter the palace, one group at a time. Cool.... but not worth the crowds. It took us another 30 minutes to simply get across the street. Oofta.

Next, we explored Picadilly Circus, had some traditional English Breakfast (AMAZING), and checked out an adorable Christmas store called Fortnum and Masons. Seriously... it felt like Harry Potter. Then, Hillary bid us farewell at the British Museum. It was incredible to get to see her and learn about her experiences in England! There, we checked out some more amazing Renaissance paintings and statues and even some marble remnants from the Acropolis. The coolest thing we saw was the Rosetta Stone. Then, we checked out the National Gallery. So much beautiful art and most of the museums are free - how cool is that?! On a side note, I love going to museums with an art minor! Before the play, we explored Covent Gardens and the market - SO CUTE (and SUPER Christmasy... I love it). There were new street performing acts going on every half hour.

Matilda was freaking amazing. It felt SO GOOD to be back in the theater again (and have it be in English). Anna and I felt so at home. This entire study abroad experience has been a definite reinforcement of my calling in the theater.

Day 2 (Sunday)

Look! It's Big Ben!

On Sundays, London theaters normally either take a day off, or the show is so good that they've been sold out for weeks. So today was a day of exploring London. First things first, we checked out "Platform 9 3/4"... which was not actually filmed between Platforms 9 and 10 as they are not even adjacent to each other. However, there is a cute monument to 9 3/4 where you can take a picture pushing a cart through the brick wall for free. Then, we headed to Parliament Square, home of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Parliament.

Then, we crossed the bridge by the London Eye and stumbled upon a charming (CHRITSMASY) riverside market. Sooo many fun markets. Another reason I love London.

After some tasty street brats, we crossed back over and nature watched in St. James Park (home of pelicans, swans and other fancy birds). Then, we relaxed some more over a nice hot cup of tea, bread pudding and scones before Evensong. TIP: Getting into Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's Cathedral is spendy. If you want to see the inside for free AND get an incredible spiritual experience WHILE listening to a choir sing beautifully, attend the Evensong services - daily and only maybe an hour long.

We finished the night by walking the Tower Bridge, watching people skate at the Tower of London, and enjoying some delicious cider ale and fish and chips. We stopped back by Picadilly Circus to see if we maybe wanted to catch a movie, but decided to call it a night.

Day 3 (Monday) 

Globe Theater Stage

We started our day at St. Paul's Cathedral and then crossed the famous Millennial Bridge toward the Tate Modern Art Museum (FREE!) and the Globe Theater and exhibition. Apparently, it was also national field trip day - so many little school children everywhere. The Globe was the only tour we paid for and was worth every pence (ha). To our total disappointment however, we were not allowed to climb up onto the stage and recite. Boo. Fun fact: The Globe Theater and the Royal Shakespeare Company are actually RIVAL theater companies. Some day, I'll get to see both groups perform...

Note to Self: NEVER forget to pack granola bars EVER. Seriously, hangry is a real thing and sometimes, not even the English eating schedule can stop it. We headed over to Borough Market for lunch (at the recommendation of my dear friend Lizzie, who studied in London this summer) which is a more eclectic market. However, being the off season in London, it was limited mostly to fresh produce rather then food food. So, we hit up a delicious Indian restaurant around the corner. London is well known for its fabulous Indian dining. YUM.

Afterwards, it was time for the Evensong Service at Saint Paul's. Absolutely gorgeous. Then, we took the tube across town to try and check out the V&A (free) before it closed, but didn't get much time. We headed back to Victoria Station to relax over Cornish Pasties and coffee before tonight's show, Billy Elliot. It was also fantastic... I may have cried a little bit.

Outside Saint Paul's Cathedral

Victoria Palace Theater

The entire trip was so surreal. I forgot all about school in Athens... we were totally in the moment the entire time. 19 days left of study abroad. Thanks for keeping up with my experiences! 

The Hot Bods of Greek Gods

Yia sas! I've been here for almost six weeks. And we've only just made it to the Parthenon. TIP: Though the night life in Athens is typically very late, check the hours for tourist sites and grocery stores. They aren't open as late as you'd think! Markets tend to close at 9 pm and the tourist sites vary. A simple tip that I'm still somehow figuring out. However, one of the plus sides of Athens is that there's always an ancient ruin somewhere to be admired from afar.

Some of the adventures and events of this past week:

October 3rd. Our roommate Steph got hit by a car while she was out running in preparation for the Marathon. (You know, like the MARATHON Marathon - whoa.) This affirms the craziness of traffic conditions here. Narrow roads, little traffic enforcement, and most sidewalks are often blocked from pedestrians by planted trees, parked cars and dumpsters. There is even a group here in Athens trying to fight for pedestrian rights. Pedestrian rights.... something I've always taken advantage of, I guess! Send out your prayers and positive thoughts to this super sweet trooper!

October 4th. Cheered on the Deree women's soccer team. Our cheers were so inspiring that our friend Carissa actually knocked one of the opponents out!

October 5th. Anna, Jess and I checked out the National Archeological Museum here in Athens (€3 with student ID). It was beeeeauuutiful. The museum is near the area in Athens known as Exarchia and next door to Athens Polytechnic (aka the National Technical University of Athens). Exarchia is a popular area for college students, anarchists and demonstrations with many cool shops, restaurants and clubs. When we arrived in the area, there was a peaceful demonstration beginning across the street from the metro - its the first one I have seen during my stay in Athens. The area is very eclectic in appearance and is covered entirely in very artistic graffiti (while most of Athens is covered in very boring, gross, sad, and inartistic graffiti). At night time, in Exarchia Square, it is apparently common to see many people doing drugs out in the open. Needless to say, it is a unique community and made the sparkling beautiful building and grounds of the museum very easy to find.

The exhibits were crazy cool. Pieces were from the Archaic and Classical Periods, Bronze Age, Byzantine Empire, Egypt, and even a shipwreck (though don't quote me on the details here). However, many of the statues and monuments were taken from people's gravestones. They were of course very cool and artistic all the same, but it was still weird... I dunno how I would feel if I knew someone took the monument marking my grave to display in a museum somewhere. However, we did also see a few mummies and skeletons, so I guess all's fair in love, war, and historical preservation! Side note, all the statues of Greek gods had totally hot bods. Here's a couple (non-naked statue) pictures from our adventure:

Check out the detail on his arms - you can see his VEINS.

Anna and Jess. And Mr. Dead Guy.

Zeus' arm. And a statue of an arm. 

Later that night, some of my Greek friends from class took Carissa and I out for a night on the town; specifically, in the Gazi District. This area is also a very cool collegiate area with many cool looking clubs, bars, coffee shops and stores. We relaxed and talked for a while and then they took us dancing (to prove that Greeks DO dance)! TIP: If you plan on going to a club on the weekend in Athens, arrive relatively "early" - maybe around 11 pm, before the place packs up and the lines start. After about 2 am, you can't really go into any other places because of the lines. The club played everything from Britney Spears to the Rocky theme to Gangsta's Paradise. The dancing here is more subdued then back in the States though. As in, you don't really see people grinding - which is definitely cool by me. :) We called it an early night at 3 am - after the metro had closed at 2 am - and our friends continued to prove Greek hospitality by giving us a ride all the way back to our dorm. However, TIP: Do not ask a Greek boy what hair product he uses for his stylish and gravity-defiant hairstyles. According to them, they do not use product. But then again, that does go along with Anna's theory that all Greeks have beautiful hair.

October 11th. We finally made it out to the Acropolis (which is the name of a mountain, not a monument)! (€6 with USF student ID.) Atop this mountain sits the Parthenon and a couple other temples for the worship of Athena, the Goddess of War and protector of Athens. We were in total awe of these monuments. Can you imagine building such structures? And climbing a mountain every day to do it? 

The Parthenon

Odeon of Herodes Atticus - Just like we studied in Theater History!
Photo credit to Anna Thvedt

My favorite - The Theater of Dionysus

Afterward, we explored the Acropolis Museum (free with Greek student ID)- a beautiful building dedicated to the archeological discoveries of the Acropolis. I feel so incredibly blessed to be surrounded by so much history! When I get home, I am definitely going to take better advantage of the museums in Sioux Falls. However, something I have found most interesting historically is Greece's more modern history. I feel like I am not alone when I say that, really, the only modern European history I've studied in America involves WWII. I'm not proud to say that I was even pretty ignorant of the Greek Revolution before my Modern Greek History class. You see, contrary to popular belief, modern Greece isn't the "Classical Greece" of theater and philosophy and science that one might expect before coming here. Some Greek historians actually go so far to describe their Classical inheritance as a burden. Much has happened and changed in this country since Aristotle's time - the religion, the boundaries, the language, the government, and the people. Which makes Greece's culture all the more rich, dynamic and fascinating to be a part of this semester!

Our Odyssey and The Iliad

“No man or woman born, 

coward or brave, 

can shun his destiny.” 

― Homer, The Iliad

We've been here a little over three weeks. I can hardly believe it! It continues to baffle me that I am actually in Greece of all places. It's a beautiful country with an exciting history, a charming culture, and delicious food. I'm in an olive, tomato, and wine lover's heaven. However, I've never been away from South Dakota this long before. This week, I found myself hit with a small bout of homesickness. Perhaps this is what culture shock feels like. The following is a passage is from a message I sent Bobby, when I was feeling particularly melodramatically helpless:

"I miss having a home in the states and I miss my sweatshirt and I miss taco bell. I miss watching tv with you and being able to read directions on the back of packages. I miss my bed and my clothes and my car and my books. I miss being able to see plays in english. I miss the theater department and not being judged for eating a burger with my hands."  

I assure you, I am still incredibly grateful to be here, but since this is a major part of the study abroad process, I thought it important to share. But on to the adventures of last Saturday. I'm starting to actually have homework and projects now, so forgive me for the prolonged post.

Our Odyssey and The Iliad

Saturday was an adventurous day, 
An Odyssey, one girl might say!
We made some plans to hit the town,
The Athens Mall and a theater round.

The day began in quite a fuss

Amanda, Jess, Anna, Debbi

We couldn't seem to find the bus! 
But thankfully the Lord did see
And sent some helpers straight to me.

The first, a graduate of our school,
Sent us to the right bus - super cool!
The second, come from Cuban dance class,
Walked us from the train - how very badass!

Once in the mall, we were very shocked,
Been weeks since we so comfortably walked.
Felt like home with burgers in hand,
(Of knives and forks, Europeans are a fan).

JOY

Shopped a lot and spent a little too much,
Greeks are such a fashionable bunch!
Amanda gave us a ride back,
Of skills, this Brazilian does not lack.

Then back on the Metro, we felt so great,
We knew we'd make it to the Iliad by eight.
One stop here, a transfer there,
Public transportation can take you anywhere!

Getting to Kallithea. 

Giggling and chatting, we had such fun,
We could make friends with anyone!
But alas, very soon, the train got tense,
A man upset with his bike? It made no sense.


But all was fine, we got off at our stop,
Just in time - that man got hot!
The doors were closed, but we had a hunch
That we totally saw someone take a punch!

...That's the only time I have ever been 
Uneasy about my safety in Athens.

Alas! We were lost! And no one could care
How much we don't want to pay taxi cab fare. 
Nothing looks like it did on Google maps,
And in Greece we don't have any data or apps.

In Kallithea, but we were so lost,
We had to give in to that taxi cab cost.
We tried to fit five of us in one small car,
He kicked two of us out - we were not getting far.

We arrived at the theater! But all was in Greek.
And looking around, we caught not a peek
Of Ancient Greek set up. We followed in line
And finally we entered the warehouse on time.

Expectation...

Reality!

Yes, I said warehouse, but it was fantastic!
And trust me, I'm not being the least bit sarcastic.
But after three hours, my friends were so done
And in English told me they were suckers of fun.

So back in the streets of Kallithea we went
To a cab to a metro and home we were sent
We stopped for a gyro at the restaurant called "MILF" *
(I know. But chill out and mind away from such filth.)

It was the best Chicken Souvlaki we have yet had.
But the fact that our big day was ending was sad.
Two girls got seconds, then we bid our goodbyes.
Our Odyssey was epic and nobody died. 

Jess, Amanda, Anna, Carissa: sucking fun.

The End. 

(tumultuous applause)










In Other News: Anna and I have still been incapable of locating some ground beef. However, we are super satisfied by the excellent fresh produce selection at the weekly farmer's market and we don't think we'll ever be able to go back to American Greek yogurt. Classes have really started to kick off for me! My favorite is Voice and Speech, though I love all the others as well. Graduation date is officially being pushed to December 2014. 

We have also booked flights to England and Italy in November. We are seeing Matilda and Billy Elliot in London and then we plan on checking out Bath, Stratford-upon-Avon and the famous Royal Shakespeare Company, possibly Stonehenge, and Canterbury (I just finished reading the tales in English class!). We also hope to hook up with my dear cousin Hillary who's been attending graduate school in England because she's ridiculously cool. In Italy, we will land in Milan and head over to Cinque Terre and then we are not sure where else. As far as flights go, here is a TIP: Easyjet.com is an excellent source for booking cheap flights in Europe! However, do it early early early early. Hence, why we are going in November. 

However, to those of you who have already traveled through Greece, England, and Italy, please post your advice for things and places Anna and I need to see! We are still lost and learning about this whole adventuring thing - we are currently facing the challenge of coordinating things like activities and hostels. I'm also slowly learning what it is like to be poor. Sending many gratitude prayers toward my parents and their support of this journey! 

Thanks so much for taking the time to read about our adventures!

Σας αγαπάμε! (Sas agapáme: We love you!)
*MILF: Meat I Live For. Yeah, I know it's not much better....