Galery

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This is the story of a young American girl in Greece. It takes place amid social and economic turmoil, during the worst crisis the country has had for the last 30 years. Whitney Praiz is a sophomore in archeology and environmental science in Oregon, specializing in geo-archeology. She is currently pursuing her career in science at the American University in Athens, where she fell in love more than a year ago. Whitney shares with GRReporter’s  readers her views and impressions of the Balkan state.

Greek myth becomes reality 

One of my professors had lived and worked in Greece for about four years. He recommended that I apply for the students exchange program. I've always been interested in the Mediterranean region and the archaeological treasures of Greece, so for me coming to Athens was a step forward. When I took this decision I felt really excited but at the same time quite scared. The language and the environment where completely unknown to me. Although my parents were quite worried themselves, I received their complete support. Furthermore, the program began right after the major 2008 unrest.

First Impressions 

Warmth. My program began in January. The winter here is really strange. I was walking around in shorts, since for me the weather was pretty warm, while people around me were freezing, covered in winter jackets and scarves. 

In Greece, however, there is this other warmth. During my first day in here I got lost on my way to the university. It was obvious to everyone that I was a foreigner and even more so that I was lost. People in the street would stop and ask me where I wanted to go and offered their help, even though I hadn’t even asked them. It was really nice, there are countries where people would hardly stop to help you even if you ask them. I have to say that during my stay in Greece, all the people I had the chance to meet were always really nice to me. People here are warm.

Greek protests as a reality show

In the news, arson and riots in Athens looked really disturbing. But I also heard the point of view of people who have already lived in Greece. My professor warned me that during his four-year stay in Athens protests on all sorts of occasions took place at least once a week. This sounded strange to me but now I know it is true. The December protests in 2008 were indeed more violent and lasted longer than usual, but generally such manifestations are not an event in Greece.

Home in a whole new world

Every six months at least 100 American students from all around the country arrive in Athens to take part in various archeological programs and practices, so when I came here I used to spend most of the time in the company of Americans. I started ancient  Greek classes which is perhaps the most complex thing in the world (laughing). I mean, not the classes per se but the process of learning. However, it was a very interesting program. We went on different educational trips and followed various training courses, we had laboratory work, and so on.

Love and cycling

I am a passionate cyclist. I started looking for a bike with a friend of mine so I could move around in Athens. After we have been to numerous stores, we finally found ourselves in the fateful store where Vangelis works. Every Tuesday evening after classes, we organized meetings with other cycling-lovers and we would plan our routes for the weekend. There was attraction between me and Vangelis. We fell in love and started spending a lot of time together. On our first official date we went to see a movie. It was very romantic, but while getting ready I had forgotten the keys to my apartment. As a real gentleman he walked me back home and right when he was about to leave I realized that I have left my keys inside. He climbed over the neighbors’ balcony and opened the door from inside.Then he left. It was like in the movies, very romantic. So that’s how it all started between us.

All roads lead to Athens

Last summer was wonderful. I saw a brand new world, very different from the one I knew. When I left Greece, I went to Italy to visit an old aunt, who has been living there for years. Then I took part in a two-week archaeological program. Vangelis came to visit me while I was there. We got attached to each other. We kept in contact, in the winter he came to visit me in the States and I was trying to arrange training or practice in Athens. So, I came back in Greece for two reasons. One, to pursue my academic career, and the second- well the second is personal, as we already found out.

Greece –the  unknown land

At a first glance Greece is not much different from what I have already seen in other countries. What really impressed me though is how people here say things as they come to their mind. Apparently, nobody worries about what the others would think. Everyone is very spontaneous and that’s what strikes the first-time visitors. You get used to that.

Something else I find contrasting to the American culture is the close connection that exists between children and parents which lasts until older age. Back home, it is not very popular to live with your parents after college, while here people literally live with them until they get married, and sometimes even after that. Where I come from, it’s frowned upon if you live with Mom and Dad after a certain age.

I must admit, it's slightly disturbing to know that all of Vangelis’ family lives across the street. On the other hand, everyone is so close to each other, it creates a feeling of warmth and love. When we meet for dinner the whole family is very kind to me, but most of the time I don’t understand what they say to me. I am taking Greek lessons right now, but it will take a while before I begin to understand them. What I do understand, however, is how nice they are being towards me, and of course things always come down to: "Come on, eat some more!" or "You should also try and this dish!”