Athens
“That’s what makes Athens so special, you are not struck by
its beauty when you arrive, but you are enchanted by the daily small discoveries
you make walking through its streets. “
It has been an enchanting several days in Athens after
arriving by way of Copenhagen, Denmark on Monday. The reality of Athens and Greece
is a country facing a severe crisis with over 27% unemployment including almost
6 out of 10 youth unable to find jobs.
You see this on the streets, with many shops closed and a general,
constant worry about a very uncertain future.
Yet, the city truly does enchant—it is warm, welcoming, relaxed and
friendly. It is also loud, dirty, and feels smaller than you think until you
climb up to the Acropolis and see the nearly millions of people who live here.
Our meetings have included several presentations to better
help us understand the economic crisis and the difficult immigration
circumstances. Their immigration,
drastically different than the US’s relationship with Mexico, includes
immigrants that come by sea and land with no intention to settle in Greece. But, Afghanistan and Syrian immigrants find
that making a transition into another country in the EU is nearly
impossible. In essence, they are trapped
in a country that they only intended to be a transition point .With a lack of
NGO’s or educators with similar backgrounds, they struggle incredibly to
integrate or find a way in this new place.
We’ve had a chance to have meals with several MMF alumni who
have been wonderful and a highlight of all of our visits so far. And, today we tackled the Acropolis. The rock on the hill delivered and provided
an incredible lesson in Ancient Greek Civilization. Our tour guide did a great job weaving in the
stories of ancient God’s and Goddesses along with some more current information
regarding the Acropolis’ role in WWII and in the most recent Olympics.
Sadly, we’ve only got one more day here and then we head to
Prague on Friday. Looking forward to Prague
but very sad to leave this incredible place. Hope to post more about the education
appointments that I’ve had in the city soon.
My camera batter died so pictures to follow when I can get
them uploaded.
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