Well, its been a week!

So it has officially been one week since I came to Cyprus! For some reason, it feels like its been a lot longer. I've gotten really close with a lot of different people and it makes me feel like we have all come here for the same reason. And while, yes, it can be hard at times, it has been a truly incredible week and I can't wait for the 15 more that I will be spending here.

So for the past few days, this is whats been happening:

On Wednesday, they took the entire group to the Cyprus archaeological museum and it was really interesting! We learned a lot about the history and the first inhabitats of Cyprus. Another name for Cyprus is "Aphrodite's Cyprus" because it is the mythological birthplace of this goddess of love. There are many sculptures in the museum dedicated in her honor. The oldest remains date back to over 8000 years ago. We then went on a scavengar hunt to learn more about the city where we are staying. Needless to say, it was very intense! 3.5hrs of running around all over the city trying to find very random things.

museum

getting serenaded on the streets...

One thing we have learned, is that Wednesday's are now the new Thursday nights. EVERYONE goes out, so we all decided to partake in this to see what this whole thing was about. It was a very fun night.

On Thursday, as part of our orientation, we all took part in a cooking class! It was so cool to see them cook right in front of us and the food was amazing! The chef taught us how to make Ravolli with Hallomi cheese, grilled cheese on pita bread with tomatoes and cucumbers and Keftedes (fried meatballs). I can truly say, I have been in food heaven every since I came here! In Greek families, it is considered rude if you do not finish all the given to you. For some reason, I don't think I will have a problem with that.

We then had yet another lecture on the "Cyprus Problem". The separation between the Greeks and Turks is very evident here and neithier side will let go because of thier country's pride. In order to cross the border into the Turkish side, you need to bring your passport (even though the Turkish side of Cyprus is an unrecognized area). Nicosia is the only divided city in the world which makes it a great place to learn about culture.  That night, we had the guy's apartment next door over for dinner (I feel like I'm living in a friends episode). Jeana and Tylar did the cooking again and it was so incredible! I was then finally able to have my first skype session with my parents, since they have now mastered the art of technology!

So, today. We were supposed to go to the Troodos mountains but that was postponed due to weather. So, we had advising meetings to go over our classes and clubs we can get involved in while we are here. I was able to talk to Thanos more about internships which seems really cool! I cant wait till my European cultures class starts so I can talk to the professor more about it! Then, I went over to my friend Kendall's room and started planning trips!!

Since I have just found out that my program is the only program here that does not have a spring break, I am making my own! As of now, there are 7 of us going on this trip (Matt, Scott, Jake, Kenall, Jenallee, Jessica and myself) and I could not be more excited for it!! I haven't officially booked my flights yet because I am waiting until Tuesday for the prices to go down. But we have the entire trip planned for England, Scotland and Ireland! During this time, I would absolutely love to visit my  family in England if time permits.

Tonight, the entire group went over to the international house to meet a bunch of the international students. They all seem so nice; I made two new friends from Lithuania and England already! Bekah and I then went back to Zorbas bakery; the third time I have been there in one week. This could get highly dangerous.

During my week, I have now officially learned three Greek words! "Efharisto" means thank you (i cant tell you the amount of times I say that in one day!), "poli kalo" means "the food was good" and "Yiassas" which I think means good morning! I deffinitely have a long way to go.

I have also learned that Cyprians should not be drivers. Speed limits are merely suggestions and crosswalks dont mean anything. There have been plently of times where accidents could have happened in a blink of an eye.

Also. There will be more pictures soon, I have not yet gotten the right camera charger, so my camera is kinda dead at the moment.