Anonymous Today marked one week that we have been in Athens. It's hard to believe that it's only been such a short period of time - it feels like an entire month has passed since we were having class back at PLU. However, when days include everything from lecture to walks around town to museum trips to homework, it's easy to see how time appears to have stretched out. As I sit here writing this entry, I can hardly believe that it was only this morning that I was walking through the National Archaeological Museum fawning over artwork I recognized from my studies.

For me, this blog has been an excellent way of winding down and reflecting on all the things I have seen. Without this downtime to pause and consider all of the experiences I've had each day, I think it would have been easy to leave this trip without any lasting impact. That being said, some days like today are really hard to tie together. But maybe that's the beauty of a trip like this. Between 9:30 am and midnight today, I visited a museum with artwork that left me awestruck, witnessed a flash mob while waiting for the tram, watched the sunset over the Mediterranean, and ate several delicious meals in the company of friends. Not only has this trip been filled with educational opportunities, but it has also been a lesson for me about taking the time to experience life instead of just going through the motions. I've always been the ultra responsible or practical type that constantly sacrifices socializing in favor of work, but I'm starting to see the benefits of taking time to relax and enjoy life with a group of friends. Yes, we do have reading to do on this trip - but it'll get done. Being in Greece has made me realize that there is more to life than just getting the best grades, and that there is much more to learn than just what is taught in the classroom. So maybe I can wrap this all together with the realization that I need more balance in my life, and I hope I can transfer some of the lessons I've learned to life back in the states.