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As promised, I will be uploading pictures of my trip. This first one was taken by the outrageously fun Nic "Short for Monica" Grogan. It was taken at Naousa, a short drive away from Parikia (my township of residence). Beautiful, right?







I'm having internet related problems. Sit tight, more to come.

Love.
Ash

They should make Drain-O for people's brains.

And here I am, once again sitting at my computer lost for the words I am supposed to be writing, but filled with plenty for the purpose of blogging, chatting, and altogether distracting myself from the task at hand.

I was really hoping to avoid that this time.

The truth is that even though I'm starting to settle into my surroundings, my mind is still buzzing with all of the information I'm attempting absorb. There are millions of thoughts and ideas soaring at an astounding speed through my brain. For the record, espresso doesn't help. I'm hoping this entry will.

It kills me that I don't have any of my own pictures to post. My words on an empty white web page do little to stir the imagination. Though I'm glad to know that I do have a small readership. It's intimidating, yet welcome.

So far not much has changed on the island. No adventures to speak of. Last night at Saloon D'or it was "Cuban Night". I'm not sure what I was expecting, but an endless sea of Che Guavera shirts didn't feel so wrong.

Treatments for screenplays. Not such a daunting task, but tedious enough to warrant procrastination.

IDEA.
must run.

love.
Ash

Well Rested.

What a beautiful Sunday. A little chilly, but beautiful nonetheless.

I can't remember the last Saturday night when an entire group of friends unanimously decided to stay in and rest. I don't think that it has ever happened on a Greek Island. What can I say, we're breaking barriers....? Instead of hitting the town we hosted a wonderful pot luck dinner. A sort of get-to-know-you event, where we could all just be comfortable.

I have to say, my addition to the dinner (a bottle of half decent red wine) was a hit. I barely made it through the door. That may be becasue after a day like yesterday, everyone could use a little vino.

We did a safari tour of the island. It was beautiful. We drove up to Nasous, and climbed the acropolis there. It was a moderately tough climb, but well worth it. Once at the top, we got a magnificent view of the sea. Perched on a rock, we all sat in relative silence overlooking the Aegean. I couldn't dream a better picture.

While the view from the Acropolis was beautiful, I have to say I really enjoyed Lefkes. Lefkes is a quiet old town, what you'd expect from an undisturbed Greek island. At its heart sits a grand old Cathedral that is as intimidating as it is beautiful. The whole trip was wonderful, and gave us some appreciated insight.

So after a day filled with walking, climbing, and having our minds pretty much blown. A night in filled with home cooking was in order, despite the fact is was our first Saturday on the island.
....

I've finally figured out Skype by the way. Not that it was difficult, but I was just lazy abut downloading it. It's a magnificent invention, and I'm glad to have a way to communicate with everyone back home for next to nothing, cost wise.

Today everyone is continuing to relax. There is homework and procrastination to be contended with. The tone of the day.

As soon as my camera charger comes in the mail, you can expect a fair amount of pictures. Until then you'll have to duke it out with my words.

Love.
Ash

And here you have it.

I'm attempting to call from their hiding places, the right words to describe my experience here on Paros. None readily come to mind.

In the chaos that has been my initiation to the island, there have been many emotions. All felt to the tenth power, and all welcome.

I had my first class today, which reminded me that I'm on this island to learn about truth and art, and to broaden my perspective regarding the world around me. I am not on this island to determine if I prefer white wines to red wines, although I'm sure that will have its place.

My coursework is daunting, but welcome.

I feel like the instructors here will really dive into my work, and properly rip my ego to shreds. They will teach me structure and function, and give shape to the free-style writing habits I've adapted.

As for island life, it's a bit unreal to be constantly surrounded by a sea so unfamiliar, that has shaped thousands of stories.

The very first scribes may have wandered these shores, and I don't quite know what has been here before. But the sand at my feet, and my need to strike truth will keep me asleep if this is all just a dream.

There's a line from a Bright Eyes song that talks about taking a "detox walk." That's every day on the island, and is probably the best way to describe my time here. Detox is a strong word, but it's what I've needed for some time. My own thoughts, my own freedom, and my own adventure.

Everything about this place is beautiful, and I'm starting to know that to share my writing is not such a bad thing. Intimidating as all get out, but healthy and necessary.

I promise that later posts will contain pictures, video, and an ample amount to humor. Tonight it is late, and I just needed to get this blog up and running.

Trust me, if you will, that these posts were all made by a travel weary version of myself. Keep reading, and you may find yourself enjoying the good ol' sarcasm and wry humor you've come to love (or hate?).

I wish you well.

Comment at will.

Monday, March 3rd

After months of planning, and countless nights filled with anxious anticipation it is still unbelievable to be sailing through the Aegean, watching the Acropolis fade into the horizon. All roads lead here, right? It felt that way, and even during my journey when hope was fading, I still made it here. We all did.

It’s exciting to be able to share my excitement with other people. No one at home can really grasp the full reality of this trip. These girls understand. They worked just as hard, if not harder. They too spent countless hours bombarding anyone who would listen with details of the impending trip. It makes it easier.

This will be my first full length trip on a ferry. It is about 7 am , and the perfect time to be here. The sun has just come up over the mountains, illuminating a city rife with history.

I must say, I have never been more inspired by one city. Yesterday, when I stood before the temple of Zeus I was overwhelmed with such great emotion that I nearly fell to my knees. If I had thought to bring a journal with me it would have been a magnificent entry.

I can only imagine what it must have been like to wander amongst such great minds. It’s a sentiment that I have expressed before, but it really hits me every time I stand before an ancient (or modern) masterpiece. It reminds me that the excessive technology that we are bombarded with is interesting....but admittedly inhibiting. How often have we felt overcome with a detached paranoia when leaving our cell phones off or at home? How often have we opted to drive through a beautiful part of town instead of walking or riding our bikes? And how many Sundays have we sacrificed to watch football or the latest episodes of our favorite rom-com-drams? Know that I do not say these words perched on any sort of pedestal, but I have seen what analog players have done before our digital world, and I envy that. I carry my mind in a six pound box with a 13.5 inch screen. Their “mind boxes” stand hundreds of feet tall, and capture the spirit of an ancient world.

I think it is high time we all expand our boxes.


Ashley

Saturday, March 1st

I’ve spent my first night in Athens at a hostel named “Backpackers Inn”, it’s kind of trendy, reasonably priced, and filled with innumerable twenty somethings all eager to socialize and share travel stories.

The girls that I’ve met so far have all been fantastic. We’re all sharing the same room in the hostel, and they’re all very sweet. They’re visiting the Acropolis right now while I try and finish off this cold.

I should mention that the hostel does well providing fun activities for us to do. I arrived yesterday just in time for happy hour, which was a happy coincidence as it gave me the opportunity to meet a lot of people. Then there was a guided bar crawl, that landed us right in the heart of Athens. I would have stayed out so much later, but I felt like i had put in enough time that I shouldn’t feel guilty about going home to sleep.

Athens itself is an interesting city. The Acropolis WILL astound you with its incredible beauty, and I’m telling you that there is no picture in this world that does it justice. You just can’t grasp its size or splendor until you’re standing beneath it.

Be warned though, a lot of the roads in Athens are made of a marble-like material and are VERY slippery- I have a nice decent sized raspberry on my knee and on my ankle to prove it.

To be honest with you, I would leave the hostel and venture out on my own (The city is very safe) but I have no idea where I would go! It all looks pretty much the same (If any amongst you just verbalized the phrase, “It’s all Greek to me!”, We’re no longer friends) and I don’t want to risk getting lost and wandering into a bad neighborhood

I think for now I’m going to sit out on the balcony and enjoy the scenery without a 13 inch screen blocking my view.


-ash

Saturday, March 1st

I’ve spent my first night in Athens at a hostel named “Backpackers Inn”, it’s kind of trendy, reasonably priced, and filled with innumerable twenty somethings all eager to socialize and share travel stories.

The girls that I’ve met so far have all been fantastic. We’re all sharing the same room in the hostel, and they’re all very sweet. They’re visiting the Acropolis right now while I try and finish off this cold.

I should mention that the hostel does well providing fun activities for us to do. I arrived yesterday just in time for happy hour, which was a happy coincidence as it gave me the opportunity to meet a lot of people. Then there was a guided bar crawl, that landed us right in the heart of Athens. I would have stayed out so much later, but I felt like i had put in enough time that I shouldn’t feel guilty about going home to sleep.

Athens itself is an interesting city. The Acropolis WILL astound you with its incredible beauty, and I’m telling you that there is no picture in this world that does it justice. You just can’t grasp its size or splendor until you’re standing beneath it.

Be warned though, a lot of the roads in Athens are made of a marble-like material and are VERY slippery- I have a nice decent sized raspberry on my knee and on my ankle to prove it.

To be honest with you, I would leave the hostel and venture out on my own (The city is very safe) but I have no idea where I would go! It all looks pretty much the same (If any amongst you just verbalized the phrase, “It’s all Greek to me!”, We’re no longer friends) and I don’t want to risk getting lost and wandering into a bad neighborhood

I think for now I’m going to sit out on the balcony and enjoy the scenery without a 13 inch screen blocking my view.


-ash

Feb. 29th; Part Deux

I just want to say, Europeans have absolutely no regard for rules. I haven’t decided if it bothers me or not.

At this moment in time I am sitting in seat C-15 departing from Paris, France, arriving in Athens, Greece around 5:30pm. Thankfully, there is no one sitting in the seat next to me, so I have plenty of room.

It’s one of those rare moments when I can appreciate the language barrier. If I can’t speak Greek or French then I don’t have to make conversation with the people around me. That’s a bit rude, but I’m trying to savor my last few hours of solitude. I’m also in the process of nursing myself back to full health, which requires rest and medications- NOT pointless chit-chat.

In getting back to my original point, it seems as though Europeans live by their own rules. When you’re on a flight that has already begun to taxi from the gate, you DO NOT get up and wander around the cabin and open overhead bins. The flight attendants didn’t seem to mind either, it’s so lax. I don’t think I like that. I feel like there’s a certain efficiency that comes with the rules. Of course, I don’t live a pious, by-the-book life on a daily basis, however I do try and maintain a certain level of respect towards them. It’s just disconcerting is all.

I’m fairly certain that the next time I travel, unless I’m actually traveling to France I do not wish to have a layover in Charles De Gaul. What an unorganized and altogether confusing place to be. Was it built in a circle, as a labyrinth, With function and utility as an afterthought? I took the entirety of my three hour layover to figure out where to go. Once I did find my gate, I found a little stand that made great espresso and sold sandwiches that consisted of either ham...or bologna...or hamogna, cheese, and light mayo. It was fairly tasty, but it did little to compensate for the rest of the airport. I’d also like to try and only fly British Airways if I can, they are absolutely the best....so far. U.S. Airways is such a joke, and Olympic Airlines isn’t much better.

I’m excited to land*. Regarding my earlier sentiments, I’m not sure if I should go right to sleep, or try and explore Athens for a little bit. I’ll see when I get to Backpacker’s Inn.

I should mention that I’m slightly worried that the Airlines will lose my luggage. In fact, it’s a very real possibility....which is not something I’m looking forward to seeing as I’ve now been wearing the same outfit for two days. Although, it would give me a perfect excuse to create a new (and completely fabulous) Grecian wardrobe. We shall see. I hope it’s still early enough when I get into town so that I can find a sweet little outdoor cafe and write a little.

I should have thought to bring school supplies. They’ll laugh me off the island if I don’t show up with pens and paper, I’m a writer! It’s shameful enough to have left home without them in the first place.

I really have to think of a better way to stay hydrated when I fly. I’ve been guzzling water, and my throat still feels so dry and uncomfortable.

***Random side note**
Apparently if you don’t accept the in-flight meal, you don’t get a cup for hot tea. BULL. That’s the stupidest rule I’ve ever heard. So.....we’re allowed to wander around the cabin whenever we feel like it, but NO TEA FOR YOU IF YOU TURN DOWN THE OVERCOOKED MYSTERY MEAT AND SOGGY VEGGIES. Bite me Olympic Airways.
***End of Rant***

So far this has been a bumpy trip, so I’m crossing my fingers in hopes that it will pick up in the next few days.

***Random side-note: Part Dexu***
Everyone on this flight smells like Chanel #5
***Ciao***

***RSN 3***
WHY DO PEOPLE LOVE INVADING MY PERSONAL SPACE? IT’S MADNESS!
***Fin***

Oh man, I’m going to be in Greece way too soon. In fact, I bet we’re already in the country at this point.

Much love from the sky,

A. A. S.

Parisian Treason (Feb. 29, 2008)

Have you ever been on a trip where everything runs smoothly, according to plan? Where you’re comfortable the whole time, and the journey to your final destination almost overshadows your trip because of its seamless execution?

Me Neither.

For starters I have been feeling quite under the weather for the past few days. Under normal circumstances I would be filled to the brim with NyQuil, and lost under my comforter until I felt better. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the opportunity to do that. There has been packing, and pre-flight preparation. So instead I have spent the past 10 or so hours sleeping sitting up on a very crowded plane, next to people who have no respect for personal space.

In retrospect this will all be humorous, as for now it’s nothing but frustratingly miserable.

I do have someone to thank for the uneven start to my trip, and I’d just feel awful if I didn’t take the time to give credit where credit is due.

Cheapoair.com: This thank you goes to the brainless monkey who decided to mark my ticket as a direct flight from Orlando to Paris, FAILING TO MENTION that I would have to stop in Philadelphia for 3 hours. THAT is NOT a direct flight. Also, thank you for entering my first name into the computer as “Amissashley Sather”, making me just that much more difficult to locate. Upon my return, you will be receiving many phone calls from a customer that is the very definition of the word, “disgruntled.”

As frustrated as I became with said booking site, there has never been anyone more completely annoying than, “The Guy Who Sat Next to Me.” He started out by saying, “Don’t worry about me, ‘ll be asleep in about 20 minutes.”

LIAR. You sir, are the antithesis of what a good traveler should be.

It is perfectly fine to try and initiate conversation with your flight mate early on, but if they drop subtle hints like, “I’m going to sleep the whole way there” or “I’m ready to just zone out for a while”, RESPECT THAT. It is not an open invitation for you to observe and comment on their actions for the next seven hours. Also, you are allotted ONE seat, do not invade the personal space of the person sitting next to you. I do not know you sir, nor do I like you very much. Elbows down, legs closed. Do not look to see what movie I am watching, do not comment on it if you do see it. Do not tell me that my coffee is bad for me while you stuff your face with a donut. Do not comment on the fact that there is no view of Paris from 30,000 feet, do not comment on the lack of trees when you do see Paris. When someone asks you if you speak French, DO NOT respond by saying, “Heck, I barely speak English”-you have just embarrassed your country. This man should be banned from all flights international or otherwise.

Let’s keep him in North Carolina where he belongs.

On a lighter note, I did eventually tune him out. I’m now sitting in Charles De Gaul Airport, and am feeling completely out of place. For one, I have never encountered a more confusing airport. The language barrier gives you that “fish out of water” feeling, and you hope that those French lessons you were semi-awake for will help you at all for the three hours you will spend here.

It makes me a tad nervous to get to Athens. I certainly speak more French than I do Greek...which is less than comforting. I’m ready to get a full nights sleep in a warm bed though. Maybe I’ll skip meeting anyone tonight so I can hopefully dump this cold and make a healthy first impression.

Time to fly.

peace, from a French catastrophe