Hi! My name is Paige, and my time in Athens has been a whirlwind! Although I was only at CYA for half a semester, I was able to visit the Cape of Sounion, Delphi, Peloponnese, and the island of Milos despite the pandemic. After my amazing time in Greece, I took a required COVID test two days before my flight back to the U.S. and tested positive. I was in utter disbelief because I have been very cautious about the virus, and my flatmates both tested negative. Now in isolation, I had the entire apartment to myself for 10 days. I was anxious about developing symptoms, stressed about whether or not I was able to travel back to the US after isolation and nervous about being alone in a foreign country. 

Despite my difficulties, I was able to enjoy some of my unforeseen, extended stay in Athens. The CYA administrators and professors were very helpful and thoughtful about my situation. They surprised me with mini ice cream cones and an ice cream cake from Kekkos which definitely cheered me up! Jennifer Holland, the Student Affairs Advisor, even let me borrow some painting equipment to pass the time. It was quite nice to paint the view from my apartment balcony while soaking up some sunshine and all of the street noises below me. With all of the time on my hands, I decided to make fresh-squeezed orange juice, greek salads with massive blocks of feta cheese, and frozen mini spanakopitas! Yum! After my time in isolation, I savored my last day in Athens so much more. On my last day, I grabbed my last spanakopita from Kekkos and said a bittersweet goodbye to my home for the past 2 months!

Thanks CYA for such an amazing experience in Greece and for their support during my difficult situation! Γεια σας Αθήνα!!

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Article submitted by Paige Gee, Wellesley College ’24