My First Week in Athens: Navigating Daily Life and Unexpected Adventures

Picture this: a 38-year-old researcher navigating the whirlwind of adaptation during the first week in Athens. Jet-lagged and rising at 2, 4, and 6 am, I found comfort in the warm smiles and hospitality that greeted me each day. Bus rides became a joyous experience, marked by genuine smiles and gratitude shared between passengers and drivers.

 

Among the friendly atmosphere, there were, of course, a few bumps in the road. Of course, I am Carina from the Californians...One morning it was raining cats and dogs. Without an umbrella, Uber came to my rescue. Then, there was the day I decided to explore the campus on foot, following the squirrels, only to find myself without internet. I then, go back to the place that I knew. Athens, however, has an incredible bus app, but no bus in sight. Uber, again come to my rescue.

 

Learning the ropes came with its own set of challenges. One day, determined not to miss the bus, I left in a hurry, and I left my purse in the laboratory with my room key. I took my phone and my computer but not even remember the purse. I have nothing interesting there besides my identification, credit cards, room key…I asked the bus driver if that was the last bus, and while it was, she graciously took me back to the campus. Crisis averted, thanks to the kindness of strangers but again I need to call an Uber because it was dark and I did not know yet how to get to the other bus station, a 20-minute walking.

 

In the midst of these experiences, I stumbled upon unexpected lessons. An Uber driver humorously connecting my name to a soap opera character got me pondering life's dramatic twists. Interestingly, soap operas, or novellas, were initially sponsored by soap producers, hence the name.

 

I delved into the intricacies of American life, navigating the distinctions between cash and money, and unraveling the nuances of American coffee. The term "cash" originates from the French "casse", meaning “money box”, which itself is derived from the Italian “cassa” and, ultimately, from the Latin “capsa”, meaning “box”. In the realm of beverages, a large cup of coffee is more common than George Clooney's espresso.

 

The diversity within supermarkets fascinated me, though the abundance of choices occasionally resulted in only a handful of items gracing my cart. Turning to online shopping, particularly through the Instacart app, proved to be a more controlled and enjoyable venture.

 

Adaptation also involved mastering American electric plugs, navigating the intricacies of washing machines, acquainting myself with the imperial system, cooking in Fahrenheit, and pondering the fact that all dollar bills share the same shade of green (a detail I had only recently considered!). Although the coffee machine may not dispense espresso, I found comfort in the realisation that my adaptability exceeded even my own expectations.

So, here's to the first week, to the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the unexpected joys embraced. The adventure in Athens is just beginning, and I'm ready for whatever comes my way. My next post will be about the research in the USA.