Ivory the Greek

Anonymous

Walking in the streets of Greece, I know I am an outsider. I do not know the language, the customs, or their way of life. I am just trying to fit in as best as I can, but that only goes so far. My dark hair my disguise me at a quick glace but as soon as I open my mouth or travel in our group of 21, I again, have a bright red arrow that points to at me screaming, “Not from here! Not from here!”

I have been trying my best to “fit in”. Using the Greek words we have learned, being very welcoming and grateful of being here in Greece with the people, in their restaurants and cafes, on the streets, everywhere. When I walk up and down the streets, I smile and say “Yia sis” to people we pass. We try not to do the “obnoxious American” thing either when we are out, we try to do as the Greeks do in everyway. Eat, drink, talk and laugh to mimic them so we do not offend or stand out. We do it so we can learn and be molded from our experience. Greeks are very gracious people, their hospitality is known around the world, and I am just trying to preserve the gift that they give outsiders, as I try to become more of an insider in their community.

I know that there are certain aspects that will always hold me back, from not completely understanding their culture yet, and definitely not understanding their language, I will forever be on the outskirts of their community in the long term. But now, being a guest and a visitor who is willing to try by best to merge into a world where I am not familiar, I feel as though the barrier between outsider and insiders is minimized even in just the slightest bit and that when I come back to this beautiful place, I will desire to be more if an insider, and will take the steps necessary to do so. Greece has made me want to learn a new language, get a deeper understanding of the worlds history, gain more knowledge of the past, present, and future of the places I visit, and if anything else, travel more…way more. I want to see it all; from across the pond to the other side of the world and everywhere in between, I want to be able to experience it all. But next time, I will not be in between the world of the outsiders for long, for from this trip, my list of things I need to do before I leave just got longer, however the best part is, is that it is only going to bring more happiness and acceptance to me and the community I visit. I will still be an outsider, although from now on, I will be one with all the tools in my belt to break down that barrier and creep into the world in the insiders to a place where I once didn’t belong.