The Whirlwind that was Day 1

Yesterday was absolute madness. The plane ride was extremely uncomfortable but I expected that, especially when one considers the cheap price I paid for the ticket. I couldn't maintain a successful sleep on the 10 hour flight but I did continuously doze off enough that my contacts gave me a killer migraine. Anyway, we landed in Athens at about 10 AM (3 AM EST). To say I was feeling jet lagged would be an understatement. Thus, I went to a Cafe and succumbed to one of my addictions; Iced Coffee. Now the Greek's version, called φραπέ (or Frape using the English letters), is much stronger than its American counterpart, so I almost instantly was wired and ready to tackle Athens. After meeting with the others in the program, we took a bus back to our own apartments. I'm living with three other guys in a suite-like style apartment amongst locals that overlooks the street called Χρεμωνίδου, which is in the Pangrati District of Athens, south of the government building and the eastern part of the city. At this point, we dropped off our stuff and went out exploring. Quickly, we found ourselves lost in the winding streets of Pangrati. So we decided to christen our new experience together the Greek way; with a large glass of Ouzo, which is a licorice-flavored liquor that is a common element amongst Greek meals. Later that evening, we had an orientation dinner at the Arcadia center, the place where my classes will be held. Here, the entire group met for the first time and exchanged pleasantries over one of my favorite Greek entrees; the Pita Gyro, a flatbread Pita stuffed with either pork, lamb or chicken with tzatziki sauce, tomatoes and french fries. After dinner, I was tired but not yet ready to call it a night, so I decided to head east and view the 2004 Olympic stadium. The stands were made out of stone, harping back on Athens ancient roots. Much to my disappointment, there currently is construction going on, so alas, I was unable to walk inside the stadium. A picture from the outside will have to suffice. It was truly a beautiful stadium. Getting back to the apartment was quite an adventure. I'm not sure if three weeks is long enough to get me completely comfortable with my surroundings. Thus, I had to succumb to the number one tourist tip-off; a map. Hopefully, tomorrow will better my ability not to get lost! If not, well I will have to take solace with the fact that man's natural state is one of confusion, where their greatest achievements derive.