The PreparationThe original plans were for my family to visit my sister, Siena, in Europe in June after the American schools got out. And by 'my family', I mean my mom, stepdad, baby sister, aunt, grandparents, and me. However, some things changed and now it's just my immediate family. Then, things changed again, and another option came about: What if I went earlier than everyone else and traveled with Siena in Europe for a week?
That sounded like a great idea! The next thing I knew, plane ticket options were being arranged and purchased (thanks to my mom!) and my departure date is Friday, May 1st for Athens, Greece!
I'll be meeting Siena there, and we'll be there for a week. We will be visiting Elini my mother's high school pen pal, and her daugher, Despina. Siena and I met Despina and Elini when we were very young (I was 4, and Siena was 1). Back then, I spoke no Greek and Despini spoke no English. We didn't care! My parents took pictures of the two of us trying to communicate with our hands and pointing at stuff; it was quite a sight!
I still speak no Greek, but Despina has since learned a great deal of English, and thanks to the marvels of Facebook, we have reconnected and now we are able to have real conversations!
Siena, Despina, and I are currently emailing and messaging back and forth about what we would like to do while we're in Athens. I just picked up a couple of maps and a small book about Athens to take with me... It all still seems so surreal, but I'm getting excited!
