2nd day!

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Hey everyone,
So things are looking up...I got to tragana yesterday by bus, which was a little terrifying especially not speaking any greek at all..but I got to the town and couldn't find the archaeologists...that was scary! so a very nice lady took me in, and thankfully she turned out to be our cook and den mother. She's really great!
And we moved into our houses..and am staying in a sweet apartement with 7 people wiht only one bathroom. but the house is beautiful, with crazy garage doors that are automatic over our windows (such a novelty!!!).it sould be lots of fun. I'm living with the other mortuary students and our supervisor and two other senior staff.
last night we went ot zoes, a local bar with really cheap beer, and we got to meet everyone and relax. We stayed up way too late, but it was worth it! I'm happy to say that the people here seem really cool and it will be a great summer...the stress of the trip totally went away once I got to meet these people and settle into this town.
Today we got up and headed to our site. it's on an island full of olive groves. it's very beautiful, we started by clearing all the over growth around our trenches, and we will probably be doing that for the rest of the week...but it's all good. I'm so happy to be back doing this again. I basically was on wheel barrow duty taking trips to the backdirt pile. sweet! and now we're off from 2-6 and then we have a lecture and dinner at 8. It's great. we're sitting at a beach cafe and it's beautiful. last year they founr 15 graves, and we're hoping to find that many or more...yeah!

On a sad note, I still do not have my luggage and I've been calling the airport frequently and they don't know where it is...so peole have been nice and lending me clothes, and I"m learning how to wash things by hand.....argh not fun....but i'm surviving
Mom and dad if you're reading this can you look into what the insurance is on the flight/baggage because my prof lost his luggage and was allowed to spend up to 1300 euro! that's like what not to wear goodness! so hopefully I have a sweet deal like that so i can charge the airline that.hahhaha i can dream can't i!!!!

I've learned a few greek words already and will hopefully learn more as the summer goes on. it's a great language..but SOOOOO different and very difficult to communicate with people...

Well I have to go because there is a line up for the 2 computers...and I'm sorry that this was a very random posting...I'll ry to compose my thoughts better next time, but my time is slowly ticking away and i wanted to get all this down...

So as a last thought, even though I only have 3 changes of clothes at the moment I'm loving greece and this beautiful town. i will try to post some pictures next time I'm at the computer.
i hope everyone is great and having a great summer!
I miss you all!
Hillary

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Comments

[Alan Sparkes]

hello
Hi cutie We will lookinto the baggage insurance. Sounds like you will have too much fun. But you are in the right job for your whole career. Pushing a wheel barrow around. love !!!

[Smoe]

Hey Hill, So glad to hear that you got there safe and sound after all that craziness! I know that you're going to have a blast there not to mention have a wicked tan at the end of the summer... haha or millions of freckles in your case:) I hope you get your luggage soon... can't wait for the next update... miss you tons!

[Alan]

Hey Hillary!
Hillary! This blog is the coolest thing ever! It sounds like you're having a great time, except for the whole luggage crap which sucks. I went to Greece for a family vacation when I was going into Gr. 10 and I can honestly say that Greece is one of the most beautiful places I've even been. The large dry Meditteranean landscape with Olive trees everywhere and the big, beautiful sky. Just incredible. We travelled around Athens and out to Olympia and Epidavros, and then we visited the islands. We went to Rhodes, where I celebrated my birthday, Crete and Santorini. I remember Greek being a very hard language to learn as well, the only word I remember is "efaristo" (sorry). Hope everything is going well and enjoy the sun!