Keep on Keeping On

So, Greece is in *a bit* of a financial crisis and I am currently here in the middle of it.

This is really an interesting time to be living here, but quite a tense time as well. While I don’t understand the language, I can tell wherever I am (bus, café, or walking down the street) that the heated conversations taking place around me are about Greece’s financial situation. The never ending lines at the ATMs, the empty shops, and the increased presence of police in the squares has really created an eerie feeling in Thessaloniki.

As for me, for those who are concerned, because I am a foreigner with a U.S. bank account, I am able to draw out as much money as I want (not only the 60 euros per day that Greek citizens are allotted). The catch is, some of the ATMs are empty. But for now, I have a safety net and am not in danger of running out of means to live for the rest of my stay. Thank you to everyone who has messaged, emailed, texted, even Snapchatted me with questions of how I am doing, I really appreciate the support and concern! The most I have been effected is the fact that my landlord was evicted leading to me have to find a new living arrangement for the duration of my summer. So after a week of scampering around and trying to find another option, I have secured a room in a flat in a perfect location downtown with a couple of Greek girls! So maybe it was a good thing in the end because I get to make new friends.

While the country is in a crisis, depending on who you talk to, it is hard to tell. I have met some really great people here who have great positive attitudes and in light of the situation still able to enjoy themselves. So being around them has helped calm the nerves that I had!

And the really positive side? I am going to ROCK my International Economics class next semester!