Preparing for Israel!

It's been a few days since I've blogged. All the days sort of run together so it is difficult to recall what I haven't told you about or what events have happened! This past week has been mostly consisting of classes, homework, and taking it easy in Porto Rafti. Today Bonnie and I went into Athens to shop in the Plaka. Verses going in on a weekday we had a lot more time to just take our time and really absorb the atmosphere. A lot more people were out and about today - a great time for observing European fashions! Some moments we convinced ourselves that we blended in with the groups as we said, "Yasas!" to store owners we passed by, however we were quickly brought back to reality when a couple approached us by a shop and asked if we were American. They were very exciting to see fellow Americans so we had a nice chat with them. We also visited a shop with a woman who Bonnie had visited a pervious day. Stella, was very excited to see her again and meet me. She and the store owner enjoyed helping us learn a few extra greek words and phrases. Tonight I will be packing for our 10-day excursion to Israel. We leave bright and early tomorrow morning and will return to "home" the day after Valentine's. Knowing we are leaving for a time and being able to look forward to returning to the Artemis really does make it feel like "home", which is very comforting. With little to zero internet in Israel, you won't hear from me till I am back, so I hope you are looking forward to hearing all about my experience in Israel as I am to discover it! Who would have thought I'd ever have this opportunity? Not me. I am blessed beyond words to be here and to be seeing and learning so much. I only expect much more to come :) Until I return ... S'agapo!