New phases

Transitions are always both exciting and daunting. For instance, my transition from semi-comfortable Greek skills to pseudo-babbling Turkish is a chance to both expand my field of communication and to discover new ways to feel incompetent and useless.

Changing environments has been another double edged sword. Ankara has functional sidewalks, snow, and everything is so much cheaper than Europe.

View from my room during a snowstorm

On the other hand, I shipped all my winter clothes home, the buses don't tell you where they're going, and did I mention I don't speak Turkish? (Actually, this last thing is good for you, since it will be a while before I start peppering my entries with pretentious, italicized Turkish terms that "simply can't be translated or explained" because "you really have to be here to understand")

But I'm not the only one transitioning these days. Inspired by my tattoo, Tracey got a snazzy new haircut and learned how to tame it. Toby...ok Toby never changes, she's boring, what can I say? We still love her though.



But we did discover the greatest band in Greece, possibly the world (and I'm actually not being sarcastic). Seriously, you can't even comprehend what a great idea Balkan Post-Gypsy Punk is:


If you check them (Darnakes) out on Myspace, note that their live sound is 100 times better. So come to Thessaloniki this summer!

Ode to Athens

I sit here, my last day in Athens before heading to East. What better way to pay homage to my time here than...

Spinach pies and creepy stares
Thick exhaust and flaccid dares
Haughty gazes make me laugh
Opposite effect: tear gas

Crossing streets, a life at risk
Fear alone makes my pace brisk
Solid refuge: Flocafe
Best hot chocolate on Sunday

Hooded hopefuls, broken glass
Eager journalism staff
Police make nice with little boys
Let them play with dang'rous toys

Fatted mammals grunt and groan
And try to win another loan
Whilst rival livestock raise a stink
So they can take us o'er the brink

The night begins a little late
Later still will it abate
Empassioned outings that can last
Daylight's death brings next night fast

The forced exchange of body parts
On metro, bus, and trolley carts
Your bicicyle a double threat:
Emphazema, concussed head

What once was genuine complaint
Of ire-arousing day to day
Now, on the verge of sacrifice,
I think: three more months would be nice