This is my story line, the pdf I mentioned earlier.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Greek Myth
This is my story line, the pdf I mentioned earlier.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Sky Brothers, Mr. Green Jeans, & Low Light
Based on our reading from last night we had to take pictures in different types of lighting.. A lot like yesterday's assignment but in different types of light.
Sky brothers for blue; basically you meter your camera at the sky, and then use that exposure to create an image. It works especially well on things like landscapes (especially winter), black puppies, bright flowers.. There are also brother backlit, brother dusky blue sky, and brother reflecting sky..
Mr. Green Jeans helps expose the best of greens. (Hence the name I suppose?)
Low light photography is always a challenge to gain correct exposure. In my photographs, I increased the ISO on my camera to gain better exposure in the available light I had.
Sky brothers for blue; basically you meter your camera at the sky, and then use that exposure to create an image. It works especially well on things like landscapes (especially winter), black puppies, bright flowers.. There are also brother backlit, brother dusky blue sky, and brother reflecting sky..
Mr. Green Jeans helps expose the best of greens. (Hence the name I suppose?)
Low light photography is always a challenge to gain correct exposure. In my photographs, I increased the ISO on my camera to gain better exposure in the available light I had.
Aperture 5.6
Shutter Speed 1/10
ISO 100
Aperture 20
Shutter Speed 1/200
ISO 500
Aperture 6.3
Shutter Speed 1/1600
ISO 100
Aperture 5.6
Shutter Speed 1/200
ISO 400
Aperture 5.6
Shutter Speed 1/15
ISO 400
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Light Assignment
Today's reading/assignment was based on a few different types of light used for shooting photos; Front light, Back light, Side light, and Overcast lighting. We were asked to use the different types of light with our pictures. They seem like pretty simple concepts and they are! I don't do the methods enough justice... as soon as you're done reading this.. Google the different types and I bet you'll get a MUCH better idea as to how they can "make" a photograph in its own story.
:)
:)
Front Light
Aperture 5.6
Shutter Speed 1/500
ISO 100
Front Light
Aperture 5.6
Shutter Speed 1/50
ISO 100
Front Light; Reading Notes Option 1:
Peterson says, "Imagine for a moment that your camera lens is a giant spotlight. Everywhere you point the lens you would light the subject in front of you." Simple right? Very. With front light, we are able to light almost all of the subject evenly; In turn, making correct exposure fairly easy for any photographer. This photo gives a good example of that. The dogs entire face is almost evenly lit, along with his (white) belly. Front light, as in this photo, also gives off a warm color tone if done at the best parts of the day; early mornings or later hours of the day before the sun goes down. Our furry friend here, was photographed early in the morning. It gives him a warm look, one that (hopefully) creates a warm response and enhances his highlights and different hair colors.
As for the other photos in this assignment, the lighting is meant to compliment the subject as well as helping make the photograph unique to view. Sidelight proves viewers with both light and shadows to create a strong photo and response. Back light helps create silhouettes--which can become very strong pictures.
Why are these important? Well for one, they produce entirely different photos; even of the same subject. They help create different emotions and perspectives. And, they enhance the response(s).
What makes them important? Creative exposure! Correctly exposing what you want exposed, in order to create the emotion via your type light.
Side Light
Aperture 5.6
Shutter Speed 1/320
ISO 100
Side Light
Aperture 5.6
Shutter Speed 1/60
ISO 100
Back Light
Aperture 5.6
Shutter Speed 1/320
ISO 100
Monday, May 27, 2013
Shelter Trip :)
Today we took a morning trip to the SAWA dog shelter here in Santorini. They currently house approximately 95 dogs of all sizes. Its actually really cute..they have pens where they are kept; the A-team, TerrorVille, MiniClub, and Pointers. :)
After learning a bit about the shelter we were able to visit each ville/club, a donkey/mule/horse area, and then able to walk dogs down to the beach!
We each got to choose our size dog, (I chose a little guy, so he wasn't dragging me the whole way!) and we were able to spend about an hour or so walking with them to the beach. There was a group of 30+ of us so I'm sure you can imagine a large group of kids/dogs walking along!
Anyway, there is SO much more to tell you about. The shelter is brand new. In fact, its one of the only in Greece and the only on the island of Santorini.
But get this; they don't have animals as companions here. Animals are work animals, not play mates, or friends, or...anything like what we have our animals for back home. Think about your pet? You don't stray them because they become useless for you do you? Well, here...they do. It baffles me!!
It makes me sad thinking about it, so I better just go ahead and show you my photos.
After learning a bit about the shelter we were able to visit each ville/club, a donkey/mule/horse area, and then able to walk dogs down to the beach!
We each got to choose our size dog, (I chose a little guy, so he wasn't dragging me the whole way!) and we were able to spend about an hour or so walking with them to the beach. There was a group of 30+ of us so I'm sure you can imagine a large group of kids/dogs walking along!
Anyway, there is SO much more to tell you about. The shelter is brand new. In fact, its one of the only in Greece and the only on the island of Santorini.
But get this; they don't have animals as companions here. Animals are work animals, not play mates, or friends, or...anything like what we have our animals for back home. Think about your pet? You don't stray them because they become useless for you do you? Well, here...they do. It baffles me!!
It makes me sad thinking about it, so I better just go ahead and show you my photos.
Aperture 5.6
Shutter Speed 1/25
ISO 100
Aperture 5.6
Shutter Speed 1/250
ISO 100
Aperture 5.6
Shutter Speed 1/125
ISO 100
Aperture 5.6
Shutter Speed 1/125
ISO 100
Aperture 5.6
Shutter Speed 1/100
ISO 100
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Weekend Life :)
Another, much needed weekend off after a long week of homework :)
Its only Saturday but I've had such an amazing weekend already that I thought I would share now!
Last night we had another one of our famous Friday night feasts and boy was it good! We once again started with appetizers; Greek salad, fried feta cheese, bread and dips, and a delicious pork sausage with green peppers and a red sauce, and then finally after a few hours of wining and pre-dining, we enjoyed our full course meals. I decided on the Gyros this week. They were SO yummy. Marios told us we are going to schedule another feast for us because our group enjoys them so much ;) ha
Anyway, this morning I got up and took a walk down the boardwalk for coffee; the waves were small and quite relaxing. I found myself picking out books at one of the bookstores along the beach, luckily (? or not so lucky)..we have a nine hour flight from Paris to condone my much to large euro exchange with the bookstore lady!
From there, I started one of them next to the pool with Hilary :) we snacked, talked, read, and just enjoyed the sunshine!
For those of you that don't know, I really dislike ferry rides and small boats. BUT, a group of the girls (plus Tanner and Andrew) magically talked me into taking a "like five minute ride", according to Julie (more like 20 minutes in a really small board with 2 large non-English speaking Greek men) to Perissa. It's only just around the mountain point and has a beautiful black sanded beach. We sipped on ice cold drinks, laid in the sun... swam, walked the boardwalk. Some played volleyball.. and made the much faster (thanks to the waves) trip back to our home stretch of Kamari Beach. A really wonderful and relaxing day.
It's almost dinner time for us now, I'm sure most of us will enjoy a little something from our favorite spot; Navy's. (I featured it in one of my earlier assignment posts.)
Tomorrow I plan to spend my day shopping in Fira. I still need to find Adyson and Stella something fun to bring home. Another nice day in the city might just cap off the weekend :)
Miss you all. In exactly TWO weeks I'll be landing in Fargo. Love you!
Peace & Blessings!
Aims
Its only Saturday but I've had such an amazing weekend already that I thought I would share now!
Last night we had another one of our famous Friday night feasts and boy was it good! We once again started with appetizers; Greek salad, fried feta cheese, bread and dips, and a delicious pork sausage with green peppers and a red sauce, and then finally after a few hours of wining and pre-dining, we enjoyed our full course meals. I decided on the Gyros this week. They were SO yummy. Marios told us we are going to schedule another feast for us because our group enjoys them so much ;) ha
Anyway, this morning I got up and took a walk down the boardwalk for coffee; the waves were small and quite relaxing. I found myself picking out books at one of the bookstores along the beach, luckily (? or not so lucky)..we have a nine hour flight from Paris to condone my much to large euro exchange with the bookstore lady!
From there, I started one of them next to the pool with Hilary :) we snacked, talked, read, and just enjoyed the sunshine!
For those of you that don't know, I really dislike ferry rides and small boats. BUT, a group of the girls (plus Tanner and Andrew) magically talked me into taking a "like five minute ride", according to Julie (more like 20 minutes in a really small board with 2 large non-English speaking Greek men) to Perissa. It's only just around the mountain point and has a beautiful black sanded beach. We sipped on ice cold drinks, laid in the sun... swam, walked the boardwalk. Some played volleyball.. and made the much faster (thanks to the waves) trip back to our home stretch of Kamari Beach. A really wonderful and relaxing day.
It's almost dinner time for us now, I'm sure most of us will enjoy a little something from our favorite spot; Navy's. (I featured it in one of my earlier assignment posts.)
Tomorrow I plan to spend my day shopping in Fira. I still need to find Adyson and Stella something fun to bring home. Another nice day in the city might just cap off the weekend :)
Miss you all. In exactly TWO weeks I'll be landing in Fargo. Love you!
Peace & Blessings!
Aims
Levi, Andrew, & Spencer singing while Sydney plays "Wagon Wheel.." at Friday's feast :)
Bri, Courtney, Myself and Kristi on our ferry ride to Perissa :)
Kristi and I enjoying beach time in Perissa!
Black sand beach in Perissa! Lady shot!
Julie, Megan, Colleen, Myself, Kristi, Courtney, & Bri on the beach of Perissa. Only a few of girls went so we figured a good lady photo was in order! :) (Thanks Andrew!!)
Portrait Photography
Thursday's assignment was to take portraits of our assigned partners... We were to take them in a sort of secrecy. :) They weren't allowed to know what we wanted to portray--which was how we see them. Not as they see themselves; they weren't allowed to have input in the way we photographed them. It was a fun experience--to be paired with someone in the class.
I was able to spend my time with Julie. She's a very fun, kind, smart, and sassy 22 year old. And not sassy in the teenage drama queen way. More like, outgoing, clever, witty, humorous, and likable way! Taking in a couple hours of the Kamari live with Julie was really nice. Not only did we talk about our experience here and the very different lives we live back home, we were able to learn a lot about each other. Just like everyone else I have met and spent this wonderful experience with, I consider her a very good friend.
Oh and...She's beautiful!
I was able to spend my time with Julie. She's a very fun, kind, smart, and sassy 22 year old. And not sassy in the teenage drama queen way. More like, outgoing, clever, witty, humorous, and likable way! Taking in a couple hours of the Kamari live with Julie was really nice. Not only did we talk about our experience here and the very different lives we live back home, we were able to learn a lot about each other. Just like everyone else I have met and spent this wonderful experience with, I consider her a very good friend.
Oh and...She's beautiful!
Aperture 5
Shutter Speed 1/250
ISO 100
Aperture 5.6
Shutter Speed 1/250
ISO 100
Aperture 4
Shutter Speed 1/400
ISO 100
Aperture 5.6
Shutter Speed 1/60
ISO 100
Aperture 5
Shutter Speed 1/50
ISO 100
Thursday, May 23, 2013
The Decisive Moment
"Instinctively knowing the split second to press the shutter provides the opportunity to 'fix' eternity in a moment.." Cartier-Bresson
Our second major assignment was to capture a moment in time...sounds hard right? I really can't explain it but, I hope the photographs will be able to.
Our second major assignment was to capture a moment in time...sounds hard right? I really can't explain it but, I hope the photographs will be able to.
Strangers
Aperture 8
Shutter Speed 1/50
ISO 100
Dedicated
Aperture 6.3
Shutter Speed 1/50
ISO 100
Young at Heart
Aperture 8
Shutter Speed 1/50
ISO 100
Forever & Always
Aperture 5.6
Shutter Speed 1/400
ISO 100
Mommy & Me
Aperture 5.6
Shutter Speed 1/500
ISO 100
Work or Play
Aperture 5.6
Shutter Speed 1/125
ISO 100
A life of Laughter
Aperture 4.5
Shutter Speed 1/1000
ISO 100
Sweet Serenade
Aperture 5.6
Shutter Speed 1/1000
ISO 100
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Street Portraiture
Today our assignment was called Street Portraiture. (Very different from yesterday's assignment..;) We were told to introduce and create a rapport with 4 total strangers. After we felt comfortable, we were asked to ask them...to take their portrait. :)
NOT EASY! Not even for someone like me...who loooooves to talk! I had a tough time starting, but once I got going it also got easier.
The overall task for us was to take a portrait that made a statement about them; not just what they do but find something powerful about them/their features, tell a story about their personality.
We also had a lot of work on our next major assignment that we have due tomorrow... which you'll see soon enough!
Love ya'll.
Aims
Aperture 5.6
Shutter Speed 1/125
ISO 100
Aperture 4.5
Shutter Speed 1/1000
ISO 100
Aperture 5.6
Shutter Speed 1/640
ISO 100
Aperture 4
Shutter Speed 1/1000
ISO 100
Aperture 5.6
Shutter Speed 1/1000
ISO 100
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Street Photography & Panning
Today's assignment took us on an field trip back to Fira. :) Despite the exciting city bus ride and long mid-morning/early afternoon journey through the city, this assignment was hard.
I can't quite explain what street photography means for you, but I will tell you it has everything to do with people; catching moments, capturing stories, creating stories...
We were also asked to try panning--a technique used in motion photography. I had a hard time with this, BUT I tried. And will continue to try in order to provide you with a better photo than the one I have for you below. This was my first try, so I hope that you can cut me a little slack. ;)
I can't quite explain what street photography means for you, but I will tell you it has everything to do with people; catching moments, capturing stories, creating stories...
We were also asked to try panning--a technique used in motion photography. I had a hard time with this, BUT I tried. And will continue to try in order to provide you with a better photo than the one I have for you below. This was my first try, so I hope that you can cut me a little slack. ;)
My attempt at the panning technique...
Aperture 16
Shutter Speed 1/60
ISO 100
Aperture 6.3
Shutter Speed 1/400
ISO 100
Aperture 8
Shutter Speed 1/13
ISO 100
Aperture 6.3
Shutter Speed 1/80
ISO 100
Aperture 8
Shutter Speed 1/200
ISO 100
Monday, May 20, 2013
Set Sail for Kamari Dining
This assignment was quite difficult. It wasn't what I expected for a Monday, that's for sure. Especially starting a new topic. However, Tamara must have had some strong faith in us as she gave us our "options" to approach our five daily photos.
Today, unlike our previous week where we learned to use our cameras and its features, we did things a bit differently. We were given 4 magazine options and their websites. The concept was that with our five photos we had to "illustrate" an article. :) We imagined that we were taking the photos for a written article that was being published to their website. Our options were; Wine Spectator, Bon Appetit, Conde Nest Traveler, and Architectural Digest.
Based on the URL, we were to research the site; find out its purpose, its ideas, topics, audience, things like that. Stuff that we would need to know if we really were writing/photographing for them--things that would help our photos succeed in the eyes of their viewers.
I chose the www.cntraveler.com and my imaginary article was one of those "secret spot", "hidden treasures" "must try this" type writings. I'm sure you've all read something like that; the "can't pass this place up while (here)" things.
Anyway, I chose to photograph one of our favorite places here in Kamari--Navy's. :) A local restaurant, cafe/bar. After very politely asking the owner (who knows Peter pretty well) for permission to shoot his treasure, I began to wonder around and take in all the nook the little place had. It was quite tough, figuring out what "stood" out, what would draw me to the article if I was scrolling through the webpage.
After quite a bit of frustration (and a very large, delicious, piece of chocolate cake), I settled on a few photos.
Today, unlike our previous week where we learned to use our cameras and its features, we did things a bit differently. We were given 4 magazine options and their websites. The concept was that with our five photos we had to "illustrate" an article. :) We imagined that we were taking the photos for a written article that was being published to their website. Our options were; Wine Spectator, Bon Appetit, Conde Nest Traveler, and Architectural Digest.
Based on the URL, we were to research the site; find out its purpose, its ideas, topics, audience, things like that. Stuff that we would need to know if we really were writing/photographing for them--things that would help our photos succeed in the eyes of their viewers.
I chose the www.cntraveler.com and my imaginary article was one of those "secret spot", "hidden treasures" "must try this" type writings. I'm sure you've all read something like that; the "can't pass this place up while (here)" things.
Anyway, I chose to photograph one of our favorite places here in Kamari--Navy's. :) A local restaurant, cafe/bar. After very politely asking the owner (who knows Peter pretty well) for permission to shoot his treasure, I began to wonder around and take in all the nook the little place had. It was quite tough, figuring out what "stood" out, what would draw me to the article if I was scrolling through the webpage.
After quite a bit of frustration (and a very large, delicious, piece of chocolate cake), I settled on a few photos.
Set Sail for Kamari Dining: Navy's Restaurant, Cafe, & Bar.
To Die For Chocolate Cake
Aperture 4.5
Shutter Speed 1/20
ISO 200
Greek Salad
Aperture 4.5
Shutter Speed 1/40
ISO 100
Wine Selection
Aperture 5.6
Shutter Speed 1/2
ISO 200
Reading Notes Option 1: The Importance of Shutter Speed
First, to introduce you to my reason behind choosing these photos I want to remind you that I chose to "write/photograph" for Conde Nest Traveler. I was drawn to Navy's because of its delicious food, dessert, drinks, and its welcoming/exciting atmosphere. I wanted to illustrate to my "readers" what intrigued me; why I like it so much. Now, this might seem silly because the general demographics of Conde Nest Traveler are as follows: Median Age 42.6, Median HHI $93,259, Gender - Male/Female 47% / 53%.
Yet, I believe that because of these numbers I was able to choose photos that were mature, appealing, sophisticated, classy, and interesting; while trying to convey my "secret spot, must try, hidden treasure" idea.
As mentioned before, shutter speed is important in gaining the correct exposure because it allows for light to hit the media/film for a certain amount of time. Peterson states that shutter speed should be made a priority for photographers because of its ability in working with low light shooting when a tripod is missing. This is significant because all of the photos from this post were taken inside Navy's dining area--not a very well lit place at that time. There were some light fixtures, but to set the tone/mood of evening dining, it was more of a romantic light; dim and more sepia-like. All of which adds to the ideals listed earlier; mature, classy, sophisticated, unique, etc. (And I didn't have a tripod...)
In order to capture the already dark bottles, (without a flash and its ugly glare) I had to increase my ISO (but not too high because if I ever wanted to blow this baby up and place it a wall somewhere, I would want a clear photo) and my shutter speed; allowing what light I did have onto my digital media for a longer period of time. Notice the shutter speed for the wine photo was one 1/2 of a second. This means that my camera allowed what provided light there was to hit my media for one half of a second--a slow shutter speed. I was able to "lighten" my photo by manipulating the camera rather than flicking on a bright florescent light and avoiding an ugly flash reflection in the glass bottles.
How did I do this without causing a dramatic amount of blur to my photos? (Which is what usually happens to photos if the shutter speed is quite slow and a tripod is absent.) With the low light, I was able to lower my shutter speed, but also creating a tripod/stand with my arms, my table, the floor--a solid surface under my arms. Don't think I'm a expert yet though, I did have countless blurry photos to go along with these ones. And, my camera has an IS--image stabilizer to help me out.
:)
Like The Comfort Of Your Own Home
Aperture 8
Shutter Speed 1/8
ISO 100
Sit, Dine, Drink, Enjoy.
Aperture 4.5
Shutter Speed 1/50
ISO 100
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Just for Funsies :D
This is our first free weekend in Greece! So, I wanted to take a few minutes to show you all a few things that we've done--things that aren't really homework related. I figured some of you would appreciate a bit more "fun" reading over all my boring homework stuff ;)
When we first arrived to Santorini, (like...a little over a week ago already!?) we started our classes right away. However, this weekend has been completely different! Marios hosted a pool party for us! He cleaned the pool area, brought in his friends, played music, and provided us with a wonderful afternoon here at Studios Marios. After a long week of classes, hiking, homework, and a few cloudy days, this is was JUST what we needed. ;)
When we first arrived to Santorini, (like...a little over a week ago already!?) we started our classes right away. However, this weekend has been completely different! Marios hosted a pool party for us! He cleaned the pool area, brought in his friends, played music, and provided us with a wonderful afternoon here at Studios Marios. After a long week of classes, hiking, homework, and a few cloudy days, this is was JUST what we needed. ;)
But before I tell you about our most recent weekend adventures, I'll fill you in on a little bit more--from the beginning.
In case you didn't know, we left Fargo on the morning of Tuesday, May 7th. I was staying in Moorhead since school got out a few days before and was spending much of my time visiting my Gramps at the hospital. Wishing, hoping, and praying he would come around before I had to leave. Honestly, those few days before I left I kept telling myself I couldn't go. Not under those circumstances. And let me tell you, leaving that morning was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I almost dreaded leaving. I was really sad; one because I was leaving my family when I felt that not only did they need me, but I really needed them. And two, because I really did want to be excited about taking off, yet I couldn't be. But I knew that Gramps would be really upset with me if I didn't go. And I was really scared that when he woke up, he wouldn't even remember me being there and would be asking where I was.
BUT, I did. I gave hugs to Mom and Rob and said my goodbyes and I love you's at 9:00 am outside the Fargo airport. Lucky for me, one of my closest friends (and roommates) Hilary was getting dropped off at the exact same time.
We made the short flight from Fargo to MPLS and ended up having a 3:30 hour layover there. Making the most of it, Hilary, myself and few new friends enjoyed our last "American" meal--cheeseburgers. After anxiously awaiting our 8 hour international flight to Amsterdam, we boarded. To pass the time I watched a few movies, read, ate, took a nap, and never seized thinking of my mom, granny and gramps at Essentia on 32nd Ave in Fargo.
We finally arrived to Amsterdam where we had another long layover. 5 hours to be exact. We made our way to the gate, ate, walked around, shopped, ate some more ;), drank coffee...and sat around until we FINALLY boarded for Athens. It was disappointing that the longest flight was followed by an excessive layover; if it hadn't maybe the trip might not have seemed to take forever. Oh well...
Once we arrived in Athens, we picked up our baggage and made our way to an extremely large bus that took us through the city to our hotel.
We only had an hour to settle in before meeting Peter and the rest of our professors for a scavenger hunt in the city. We split up into groups and were given a list of places to go before arriving at our final destination where they would be waiting for us. From there we would head to our first Greek feast.
The scavenger hunt was scary and stressful. I really disliked Peter for a while that night. However, after hours of walking, asking for directions, nearing tears, and a trip back to the hotel for advice, we found Peter and others from our group waiting at our designated spot.
Our first feast was wonderful! We had (fresh) Greek salad, fried cheese, Tzatziki, bread, stuffed grape leaves, and then our main course. We didn't eat until around 9:00 so it was a late night. We all headed back to the hotel to get some rest for our busy next day.
Waking up early for breakfast we then set out for a museum and tour of the Ancient Agora in Athens. Peter's friend David accompanied us. The Acropolis and Parthenon were next, along with a visit to the Acropolis museum. Then it was back to the hotel for another quite night with an early departure for Santorini the following morning. :)
As I mentioned before, when we first arrived to the island we began our course work right away. However, after arriving and settling into our new home, we did another (less stressful) scavenger hunt to explore our new neighborhood. All the people were very nice and helpful. We then hiked on our first day there :) It was tough and I slept extremely well that night.
The next day we started what would continue as our routine. Breakfast, Greek lesson with Peter, classes with our other professors, lunch, hike, and an evening off for dinner and pleasure.
Our hikes have been pretty hard, but the views are amazing. I have tried to take a few photos, but hiking up the mountain with a heavy camera isn't quite comfortable.We hike twice a week, with scattered field trips in between. We have snorkeling, a volcano excursion, ceramics studio, dance lessons, feasts, and other island activities to keep us busy throughout the week.
Yesterday, as sort of a kick off to our weekend, we took a day field trip to Ancient Thira, Ancient Akrotiri, and then into the capital city of Fira. Everything was amazing. I wish you could all be here to actually see these things because my (very unprofessional ) pictures will never be able to do them justice. Yet, I'll try for you. Forgive my poor pictures, I promise to do better as I continue to tour the island for you :)
In case you didn't know, we left Fargo on the morning of Tuesday, May 7th. I was staying in Moorhead since school got out a few days before and was spending much of my time visiting my Gramps at the hospital. Wishing, hoping, and praying he would come around before I had to leave. Honestly, those few days before I left I kept telling myself I couldn't go. Not under those circumstances. And let me tell you, leaving that morning was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I almost dreaded leaving. I was really sad; one because I was leaving my family when I felt that not only did they need me, but I really needed them. And two, because I really did want to be excited about taking off, yet I couldn't be. But I knew that Gramps would be really upset with me if I didn't go. And I was really scared that when he woke up, he wouldn't even remember me being there and would be asking where I was.
BUT, I did. I gave hugs to Mom and Rob and said my goodbyes and I love you's at 9:00 am outside the Fargo airport. Lucky for me, one of my closest friends (and roommates) Hilary was getting dropped off at the exact same time.
We made the short flight from Fargo to MPLS and ended up having a 3:30 hour layover there. Making the most of it, Hilary, myself and few new friends enjoyed our last "American" meal--cheeseburgers. After anxiously awaiting our 8 hour international flight to Amsterdam, we boarded. To pass the time I watched a few movies, read, ate, took a nap, and never seized thinking of my mom, granny and gramps at Essentia on 32nd Ave in Fargo.
We finally arrived to Amsterdam where we had another long layover. 5 hours to be exact. We made our way to the gate, ate, walked around, shopped, ate some more ;), drank coffee...and sat around until we FINALLY boarded for Athens. It was disappointing that the longest flight was followed by an excessive layover; if it hadn't maybe the trip might not have seemed to take forever. Oh well...
Once we arrived in Athens, we picked up our baggage and made our way to an extremely large bus that took us through the city to our hotel.
We only had an hour to settle in before meeting Peter and the rest of our professors for a scavenger hunt in the city. We split up into groups and were given a list of places to go before arriving at our final destination where they would be waiting for us. From there we would head to our first Greek feast.
The scavenger hunt was scary and stressful. I really disliked Peter for a while that night. However, after hours of walking, asking for directions, nearing tears, and a trip back to the hotel for advice, we found Peter and others from our group waiting at our designated spot.
Our first feast was wonderful! We had (fresh) Greek salad, fried cheese, Tzatziki, bread, stuffed grape leaves, and then our main course. We didn't eat until around 9:00 so it was a late night. We all headed back to the hotel to get some rest for our busy next day.
Waking up early for breakfast we then set out for a museum and tour of the Ancient Agora in Athens. Peter's friend David accompanied us. The Acropolis and Parthenon were next, along with a visit to the Acropolis museum. Then it was back to the hotel for another quite night with an early departure for Santorini the following morning. :)
As I mentioned before, when we first arrived to the island we began our course work right away. However, after arriving and settling into our new home, we did another (less stressful) scavenger hunt to explore our new neighborhood. All the people were very nice and helpful. We then hiked on our first day there :) It was tough and I slept extremely well that night.
The next day we started what would continue as our routine. Breakfast, Greek lesson with Peter, classes with our other professors, lunch, hike, and an evening off for dinner and pleasure.
Our hikes have been pretty hard, but the views are amazing. I have tried to take a few photos, but hiking up the mountain with a heavy camera isn't quite comfortable.We hike twice a week, with scattered field trips in between. We have snorkeling, a volcano excursion, ceramics studio, dance lessons, feasts, and other island activities to keep us busy throughout the week.
Yesterday, as sort of a kick off to our weekend, we took a day field trip to Ancient Thira, Ancient Akrotiri, and then into the capital city of Fira. Everything was amazing. I wish you could all be here to actually see these things because my (very unprofessional ) pictures will never be able to do them justice. Yet, I'll try for you. Forgive my poor pictures, I promise to do better as I continue to tour the island for you :)
Our Greek Home :)
Hilary & I overlooking the Ancient Agora in Athens, Greece.
Looking up at the Acropolis and its ancient buildings.
Pork Souvlaki (my dinner choice!)
A view of Kamari (where we are staying) from the Ancient City of Thira.
Greek Donkies!! :) you can actually ride them! But they smell.. :(
A view of/from the capital city of Fira.
A beautiful church near our hotel in Kamari.
Our beach!! Sandless :( It's actually black lava rock. But, we will be visiting the red beach (lava rock) and an actual white sand beach as well :)
That's all I have for you right now. I'll try to keep posting things like this along with my homework assignments for you to see. I hope I was able to entertain you for a little while anyway.
I miss everyone, especially you mom! I love you :)
See you in a few weeks.
Until next time,
Aims.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)