OPA!!!

Me and my Greek dance teacher

Today was “Carnival” in Greece. We were invited by Theoni, my Greek dancing teacher (I’ve been taking Greek dance classes once a week at the embassy), to a little village (about 1.5 hrs outside of Athens) for a carnival celebration. She wanted her dance students to see how Greek dancing was supposed to look...when it is done by real Greeks out on the plateia (village square) rather than by a bunch of rhythm-less Americans in a conference room in the embassy! So...me, Barb and 2 of my friends from the greek dancing class headed out there, having no idea what to expect but excited to see our dance teacher in action - she was going to be in costume, dancing at the carnival. (And it turns out she was being modest because she was actually the MC and kind of leading much of the festivities). When we got there she was dancing but she saw us and waved and got a big smile on her face. Next thing we knew, someone came over to us, confirmed that we were the ones from the American embassy and led us into the middle of the square, right up in front by the dancers and sat us at a big long table with the village mayor and other important people!! Then Theoni announced to the whole village over the loud speaker that her students from the American embassy were here and they all clapped and welcomed us. Everyone was so nice to us. They served us tons of wine, bread, feta cheese and huge chunks of lamb that came out in big dishes, with no plates or silverware – we just picked it up and ate it, it was great! After the “official” dancing was over, all the local people joined in dancing and it was just a big party. They all made us get up and dance with them and before I knew it, I was arm in arm with little old Greek ladies doing the dances that Theoni has been teaching us for the past two months. We were all up there (even Barb joined in although she’s never taken any Greek dancing classes) dancing with the locals. It was SO much fun. By the end, we totally blended in, and looked liked we belonged there. So, as many of you know, I was really upset earlier this week when we found out we had to cancel our trip to Rhodes because Barb had to work this weekend. But I’m so happy for the silver lining – that we got to experience this totally unforgettable day!
Check out my video of me dancing with the greeks. One of these things is not like the other! :)