Hello, Hello, Hello to All,

What can I say about this week? Only one thing comes to mind.

Last Thursday night, my flatmate George, took Dan, Arthur, and I, along with a few of his Greek friends, to Christos, a restaurant that calls itself "Aberdeen's own little corner of Greece."

We grabbed a bus into town, walked a few blocks through streets I wasn't familiar with, and when we arrived at the place, I was somewhat shocked to see that the entrance looked squished between two large buildings, as if Aberdeen had reluctantly handed over a piece of its land to the enemy. We entered, walked down a flight of stairs, and stepped into what seemed a different country! What a difference between the dark, damp city and the bright, cheerful aspect of the restaurant! I can see it now. The walls slathered in Mediterranean blue, the fake Greek statues, the cheerful music, the Christmas lights and decorations; it was indeed a genuine slice of Greek culture. Tyler, if you're reading, how lucky you are to be about to experience the reality of all this!

It was around 7:30 when we arrived, and the place was about half-full with friendly-looking people (not all Greeks, I'm sure). George knew and shook hands with every employee, and showed us to our table. Also, his sister Lena is a waitress there, and was working that night.

I think I ate as much food in that one night, as I have this entire trip put together. What a feast! Multiple plates of appetizers with unpronouncable names: bread, sausages, vegetables, different sorts of dips; and the main course! - skewered lamb and potatoes on a slice of baked pita bread; and of course dessert: sponge cake and ice cream.

Throughout the meal, at various points in time, -- I assume when all the customers were happy -- the music would suddenly grow loud, and the waitresses would dance in the center area, as well as any other daring individual. George of course did. The Greeks in general are a very unself-conscious race, and love to dance! and that well. I can see Lena, holding up her head and smiling, and gracefully moving, stepping here and there, like a bird. It's a zest for life that I have rarely experienced. The English say, "Give me knowledge!" The Greeks say, "Give me pleasure!" Both have their faults, as I learned in a conversation I had with George on the lack of education, and the lack of a desire for education, in Greece.

The night on the whole added a bit of color to a rather dull life I am currently living. But no matter. In two weeks time, I'll have finished my two essay-exams -- which presently consume most of my life -- and be on a plane home!

I do not plan for this to be my last post, so I'll see you once more in Scotland next week.

Cheers!